83 The Lady Faces Forward with the Black Knight 6

Gilbert stayed by until Sofia slept that night. Gilbert will be tired too, but I think he has become quite selfish to be happy with the kindness that is directed at him.

And the next time Gilbert came back, Sofia was making it finished. The same patterns and similar colors as when you were a child. But the cypress is entangled in a beautiful curve, and the flowers seem to be blooming in fine gradients. I was relieved to be satisfied. Two identical pieces were made and one was sewn into a pouch.

Sofia cleared the excess cloth and thread and waited for Gilbert's return.

─ ─ Welcome back, Master Gilbert

Gilbert sighed relieved at Sofia, who greeted the footsteps. I am aware that I have been depressed for a while. I'm sorry if I thought you were worried.

"Hi, Sofia. You haven't eaten yet? I was hoping we could do this together today."

Sofia nodded with a smile at Gilbert's invitation.

Go upstairs with changed Gilbert. Alma, who had gotten along perfectly well, smiled joyfully at Sofia with Gilbert. Sit face to face and start eating. After several deliveries, Sofia never opened her mouth.

─ ─ Master Gilbert

Gilbert raised his gaze when he was called by his name.

"What's wrong?

The question is too short. But Sofia knew Gilbert had nothing against it. Still, I tend to talk a little reluctantly.

"Um, I want to go to my parents' grave. Maybe from here, I can't go alone....."

Baron Lannish's tomb is situated on a hill surrounded by nature. I had heard that the first baron wanted to be in a place with a wide view of the territory, but in fact, it was not a place where Sofia could go alone. I once tried to get out of the Baron's Mansion. But he didn't make it, he got lost and turned around. How long will it take from this place?

"─ ─ Well then, let's go before we leave the territory. I'd like to say hello too. It is convenient. Can I come with you?

"Are you sure?

Gilbert's words were beyond Sofia's expectations. Gilbert wanted to see me, too.

"Yeah. Either way, I've been working around the clock all day. Though it was work, I wanted to see Sofia and the territory before going home."

As a matter of course, Gilbert proceeds with his meal. In response, Sofia said another wish.

"And if you don't mind ─ ─"

It was a pleasant day. The sky is blue and clear, and the lawn that keeps its green even in winter is shaking in the cold wind.

"Thank you for coming with me."

Sofia held the bouquet back and lay her hands on Gilbert's hand. Relying on that hand, he slowly stepped out of Baron Lannish's carriage.

In the last few days, Baron and Baron Lannish's arrest drama has come to light. The newspapers have done a lot of writing, but the rumors seem to be gaining momentum. Especially with regard to the murder of the ancestral Baron and his wife, Sofia was treated as more sentimental information than about the production of illegal goods, and with the virtues of the ancestral Baron, Sofia was said to be like a heroin of tragedy. In various places in town, I was whispered about what the one daughter of my ancestors was doing, and even though I knew that it was Sofia, I couldn't go out calmly.

"No, I'm glad I'm here with you."

Still, the use of Baron Rainish's carriage today was a testament to Sofia's readiness. This carriage has been witnessed by many people until we arrived here.

When I was pulled up, I climbed the hill, where it was on a high ground and the view of the old memory stretched out. I wonder if someone had taken care of it, and the area around the tomb was well organized. I'm sure it's someone who took care of someone from the previous lord. Sofia spreads the embroidery she sewed up yesterday in front of her grave, offering a bouquet of flowers she held on her chest.

"─ ─ Father, mother. Finally... I'm here to see you."

Lie on your knees and close your eyes by placing your forehead on a prayer hand. Among the thoughts that kept flowing was the smile of the parents and the appearance of the people. The embroidery offered was Sofia's childish desire for approval as her two daughters. Parents who were not very wealthy when it came to barons and who always flew around for the territory and the people. Both of you were always kind to Sofia.

"Mr. Gilbert, please."

Sofia raised her face and looked at Gilbert. I've made up my mind. There is no way to regret it. If it bothers you, even if you're alone.

"Let me - let me succeed Baron Lannish. My father and mother loved me... please let me protect this place."

When I thought it would belong to someone I didn't know, I didn't like it. There are only Sophia and Bianca, apart from my uncle and aunt, who now draw the blood of Baron Lannish. But Bianca is not prepared for that. Baron Lannish's territory today is nothing but a debt. For Gilbert, it would only be a nuisance.

Gilbert leaned silently on one knee beside Sofia and placed the sword he had raised on his hips on the ground. It's a formal knight's thank-you that doesn't resemble before the grave.

"Greetings are late. My name is Gilbert Forster. Please forgive me for marrying Miss Sofia. I will protect her thoughts, too. ─ ─ Both the territory and her..."

The calm voice was sucked into the shadowless hills besides the two. I couldn't understand what it meant, but I fell in love with Gilbert.

"Sofia"

Soon Gilbert's hand touched Sofia's cheek. I glanced at it, but I stuck my neck against the cold wind that blew immediately afterwards.

"─ ─ Take over from Baron Lannish and marry me. Don't give up on anything important."

It was like a lump of heat. You can see that your mind, which has been gradually consolidated by saying "ready", spreads softly and quickly.

"But...."

"Sofia."

Gilbert's hand did not allow Sofia to lean. Its blue eyes shine more beautifully and strongly under the dazzling sun than the polished blue crystal stone. I wanted to believe it.

"Please... please forgive yourself. I'm very happy to hear that from Mr Gilbert. I'm really happy."

Gilbert's expression seeped with tears. It was a word of unmatched love for Sofia, who was also about to give up one unconsciously.

"─ ─ Yes. I won't give up anymore..."

When she wiped her tears and opened her eyes, Gilbert had an embroidered handkerchief that Sofia gave her one day. Sofia inadvertently loosens her mouth.

Even though the winter was supposed to last, the wind that made them feel spring somewhere raised their hair.