A Knight Who Protects His Enemies

“How is it?”

Vivian asked me, looking beautifully adorned.

She had also turned adult today.

Before welcoming guests for the celebration, a grand procession was prepared at Roktana.

This was to inform the local people that she had come of age.

Accordingly, Vivian had to dress beautifully from early morning.

Maids came to do her makeup and fit her with elegant attire.

The floral scent that usually surrounded her had intensified.

And during that time, the maids couldn’t look my way even once.

Though they were helping Vivian with straight faces, I could feel the tension they were experiencing.

“How do you think, Kylo?”

“…”

When I didn’t respond, Vivian showed a strangely disappointed expression.

However, she quickly masked it and approached me, sitting on the bed.

Vivian tried to kiss me.

I slightly turned my head.

“…”

Then Vivian forcefully grabbed my hair, turning my head and stealing a kiss.

I felt the frustration she was experiencing in that violent gesture.

After parting her lips, Vivian surveyed my face and smiled.

Using her thumb to trace my lips, she spoke.

“…Your lips have some color on them. It actually suits you, Kylo.”

She smudged the makeup down to my cheek with her thumb, enjoying the fact that I bore her mark.

As she signaled the maids, they rushed over to fix Vivian’s makeup.

“Lady Vivian. It’s time to go.”

Lady Linne spoke at the open door.

The old lady’s gaze briefly settled on me.

That grandmother had certainly aged a lot.

The strong presence she had shown when we first met was now gone. Her gaze towards me had softened considerably.

Perhaps it even held a hint of pity for me.

But now, she was completely overshadowed by Vivian.

She couldn’t express that pity outwardly.

I truly disliked that old woman.

The past was the past, but she had taught Vivian unnecessary skills, completely unaware of how much trouble it had caused me.

Vivian had used those skills on me without holding back.

“Kylo. Watch over here.”

Vivian said before leaving.

Turning my head to the window, the streets of Roktana came into view.

Pointing to that street, Vivian spoke.

“Watch me parade from over there. Observe how much the people love me. Maybe seeing that will help you… realize how great I am once again.”

****

“Vivian!! Vivian!! Vivian!!”

“Rondore!! Rondore!!”

The thunderous cheers shook the street.

Vivian could feel the growing love of the citizens day by day.

Despite facing the cold and snow, their passion burned even hotter.

From the moment when no one loved her before, now everyone adored her.

…Once, she wished for their love, but surprisingly, she felt no emotional tumult as she received it now.

In her eyes, everyone seemed pretentious.

The gazes of the citizens, who had once looked at her with doubt, were vivid in her memories.

Their change felt sudden to her.

Perhaps that was why, even amidst the pride and excitement of the soldiers, Vivian remained indifferent.

It was a bit bothersome.

Did she have to do things she didn’t want even on her birthday?

If she had her way, she would just spend time in the room with Kylo.

Of course, time with Kylo was painful.

It was difficult and tormenting.

…But it was also happy.

Just his presence brought her happiness.

Whenever she felt that vivid emotion… Vivian felt truly alive.

Whether in pain or happiness, it was only by being beside Kylo that she could feel that way.

Yet, it wasn’t the case during this procession.

It felt dry, her heart hardened.

There was no excitement, no emotion, and no fun.

She couldn’t even figure out why she had to go through this.

…If she had to pick a reason for enduring this…

“…”

Vivian waved from the carriage, turning to look back.

There, on the high hill, stood the grand Rondore Castle.

The first floor… the second floor.

The second window from the left.

…That one.

He would be looking down at her from there.

Vivian smiled at that window.

Just thinking of him made her smile light up.

Then, from afar, she waved at him painfully.

“…It would have been better if you were beside me.”

Vivian muttered unintentionally.

She closed her eyes tightly and steeled her resolve.

This year would be the last of this conflict.

Next year, things would surely improve.

Kylo still loved her; his stubbornness would eventually break.

Next year, they would definitely be together.

She still couldn’t understand how they could be separated.

How could she possibly part ways with someone she had been attached to for her entire life?

All it would take was a promise.

Kylo always kept his promises.

He just had to tell her he would stay by her side.

He just had to promise they would continue to be together.

Then she could send him back home, wherever that might be.

As long as he returned, she could do that anytime.

It had to happen; it would happen.

Vivian had to believe everything would work out.

This was the final hurdle.

****

The sun passed its zenith and began to tilt slowly toward the west.

The vibrant colors of the day, which had shone down during the procession, gradually shifted to a blue sky.

As the sun set, the air grew colder, but the atmosphere became more lively.

The procession of carriages entering Roktana showed no signs of stopping.

Various families, along with their knights and soldiers, lined up.

Guests from the Dubos family had arrived.

They checked the invitations they received and guided each one individually.

As it had been a year ago, the castle was filled with a noisy vigor.

This commotion was definitely larger than last year.

One change was that this year’s banquet would be held in the western hall instead of the eastern hall.

Vivian explained this reason to the guests in two parts.

One was the desire to show off the newly constructed western hall after a past fire.

The second was that the eastern hall had already hosted a banquet last year, so she wanted to introduce a new part of the castle.

However, both were mere outward excuses.

The truth was simple.

…The eastern hall held Kylo.

If he happened to shout and draw people’s attention, it could lead to trouble.

So, they decided to enjoy the banquet in a location where his voice wouldn’t escape.

Of course, even so, some might notice if Kylo acted up.

But Vivian was prepared to accept that much.

After all, no one had the strength to affect her.

She wasn’t afraid of the rumors that would circulate behind her back.

She was someone who usually didn’t pay much attention to her reputation.

“…That’s enough.”

-Swoosh.

Before encountering guests in the western banquet hall, Vivian placed a gag on Kylo.

The fabric gag wouldn’t be too uncomfortable, but it would definitely prevent sounds from escaping.

“Stay quietly, Kylo. I have some work to do.”

Kylo looked at Vivian with unchanging hostility in his eyes.

“…”

That unyielding demeanor made her resentful.

When she looked into those eyes, her heart would ache.

And Vivian didn’t know how to respond to his hostility.

When the opponent raises their thorns, all she could do was to raise hers sharper.

There was fear that showing any weakness might let him gain some advantage over her.

If she acted weak here, he might find it easier to leave.

“…Don’t expect to leave, even if you’re hoping.”

Vivian coldly said to Kylo’s eyes.

“I didn’t invite the Allen family.”

“…”

Vivian didn’t want to be like this with Kylo either.

It was more painful and difficult than any fight she had undertaken until now.

…Yet, beneath his cold gaze, there was still warmth hidden, allowing Vivian to endure.

He may not have intended it, but she could sense it.

And Vivian found that to be unbearably endearing.

Even now, despite the situation closing in, he was still worried about her.

Perhaps, as much as she was obsessed with him, he was obsessively concerned for her as well.

The difference being that Kylo could force himself to hide that, while Vivian could not.

Unconsciously, Vivian nestled gently into Kylo’s embrace again.

At first, her body, which had been stiff, slowly relaxed and softened.

“…Shall we just stay like this instead of you leaving?”

Vivian asked.

But naturally, Kylo didn’t respond.

“…I’ll be back, Kylo.”

Eventually, Vivian stood up without much fuss.

And she left the room.

-Thud.

As the door closed, she saw many guards around.

It was twice as strict as when she was originally protected.

“…Make sure no one gets in.”

Vivian ordered.

Kylo’s comrades nodded with troubled expressions.

She moved forward toward her birthday banquet.

****

Vivian walked around the banquet hall, leaving Nesto behind.

This was to gather information before meeting any of the families.

It might appear that various families were invited randomly, but there was intricate calculation behind that action.

She aimed to obtain information about every invited family, even secrets ordinary people wouldn’t know.

Leading this effort was Nesto, who continued to provide Vivian with favorable information behind the scenes.

“…‘Shane Marlon.’ The eldest son of the Marlon family from the East Kingdom. 29 years old. He’s the one who definitely proposed marriage to you, Lady Vivian, recently, isn’t he? He hasn’t given up and prepared a lot again this time. They’re a wealthy family.”

“…Does the Marlon family not regard the Allen family? They must be aware of our complicated relationship with them.”

“There’s a significant gap between the Allen and Marlon families. There’s no need to be cautious.”

As Nesto said, Shane Marlon kept casting glances at Vivian.

She didn’t intend to cause any issues today.

With a light smile, she nodded and greeted him.

This was to show appropriate courtesy and quickly move him along.

“…!”

However, it seemed Shane interpreted that as a signal; he approached Vivian with a bright expression.

Vivian let out a short sigh that no one would hear.

“Duke Rondore! It’s the first time seeing your face. You’re… incredibly beautiful, just like the rumors say… no, I think you’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.”

“…Thank you.”

“Oh, happy birthday! I’ve delivered a gift; please be sure to check it later. Now that you’re an adult, how does the world look different to you?”

“…Umm, it doesn’t feel that different.”

Vivian could sense the gazes directed at her from around.

How she treated Shane would plainly affect whether everyone else found the courage to act.

In the end, this too was a necessary process.

Even if it was annoying, Vivian decided to treat Shane as an example and looked him directly in the eye.

Shane’s expression brightened even more at that.

As if he were finally receiving interest from someone who had previously been indifferent to him.

“Thank you for congratulating me on my birthday. I hope you enjoy the banquet.”

“Just being here with you, Lady Vivian, is enjoyable. Hahaha!”

“…”

“…Ahem. I suppose it’s rude to keep the duke for long. I have just one last request, and I’ll take my leave. This banquet is indeed to celebrate the duke’s birthday, but it’s also an event for peace between the East Kingdom and Delum Kingdom, isn’t it?”

“Right!”

Someone from the Marlon family shouted, having agreed to help Shane.

Shane, encouraged by that, continued speaking.

“So, if you would dance with me… I believe that would convey that meaning, wouldn’t it? What do you think—”

“—I don’t like dancing.”

The cold interruption cut off his response.

Vivian raised her voice so that everyone could hear.

The expressions of the nearby men darkened even further.

-Tap, tap.

Nesto gave her a signal not to do that.

Vivian suppressed the growing irritation and ignored Nesto.

Shane was taken aback, but he didn’t give up.

“D-Don’t do that. Just give me the honor this once. I can dance. I’ll teach you how so that you might enjoy it.”

Vivian scrutinized Shane carefully.

…Smaller than Kylo, unattractive, dim-witted, weak, and twisted in his mindset.

It was apparent that he was greedily coveting the power Vivian possessed.

…How on earth did he muster the courage to come up to her?

It was disgusting.

“…Excuse me?”

Shane faltered in response.

“…Huh?”

Vivian asked back without understanding the situation.

Shane’s face darkened.

“W-Were you just saying it was disgusting…?”

“…Ah.”

Had she said it aloud?

“…”

“…”

An awkward silence settled between them.

Vivian took a deep breath and leaned toward Shane.

Well, she couldn’t take back what she had already let slip.

She whispered so that no one else could hear.

“…Don’t think I’m naive just because I’m young.”

“L-Lady Vivian?”

“…I’ve lived watching carefully. I can easily see the greed behind your eyes. I’m good at reading people’s hearts.”

“Oh, no…! It’s just that you’re beautiful—”

“—And I can see your filthy lust as well.”

“…Uh…”

Vivian flashed a friendly smile again.

“…So, why on earth should I dance with someone like you? You possess nothing worth boasting about. Go dance with someone your own age.”

“-That’s right. Duke Rondore has a dance partner already!”

At that moment, someone chimed in from the side.

It seemed someone heard her whisper.

Turning to see who had spoken, she recognized a familiar face.

Vivian’s heart sank heavily.

Standing there was Princess Reyana, Kylo’s original lord.

Beside her was Prince Thread.

She might be the most uncomfortable presence at this banquet.

“…”

“…”

Vivian held her head high and didn’t greet them.

Having now dominated the area around Roktana, she was not weak enough to bow her head to royalty.

The prince and princess seemed to recognize that and greeted her first.

Only after they had saluted did Vivian continue the conversation.

“Princess, Prince. Welcome.”

Reyana opened her mouth.

“Happy birthday! You’ve built such great achievements, and now you’re an adult.”

Vivian then asked.

“…But you say you have a dance partner already? I’ve made it clear that I don’t want to dance today.”

Princess Reyana looked surprised.

“Are you not going to dance with Kylo? Even if you bicker, surely some affection must have grown between you.”

“…”

Vivian’s face darkened as soon as Kylo’s name was mentioned.

It turned even darker than when addressing Shane.

Perhaps it was due to the sensitive fight with Kylo; hearing his name from another woman irritated her even more.

Reyana spoke.

“Oh, then may I dance with Kylo instead?”

“…You should dance with the prince, Princess.”

“…Why? If you’re not dancing with Kylo, wouldn’t it be fine for me to?”

“…”

…This girl.

Vivian suppressed the words in her mind.

What kind of woman would shamelessly wag her tail despite having a husband?

Vivian thought perhaps Reyana was the one more insane than herself.

Vivian was certain that if she could be with Kylo, she wouldn’t even glance at another man.

…No, she was already doing that.

Vivian unknowingly wore a disgusted expression.

But contrary to what she thought would be her weakness, Princess Reyana stood her ground under Vivian’s pressure, asking.

“…By the way, where is Kylo?”

As she scanned around, she smiled.

“I couldn’t find him anywhere.”

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