Chapter 46
Joshua, though blushing and unable to look directly at her, did not forget his duty. Exhibiting the chivalry he had cultivated, he quickly removed his cloak and handed it to Rosen.
“Miss Rosen, please wear this.”
“Oh, thank you, Joshua!”
Feeling a bit guilty, Rosen accepted his kindness. Joshua felt like a younger brother to her, so there was no discomfort. Besides, it would take a long time to walk from the side gate to the main road. The temperature was much colder than she had anticipated, making it impractical to walk far in her current attire.
Joshua’s cloak was a bit long, but after folding the sleeves twice, it fit Rosen reasonably well. She was genuinely grateful and asked,
“Joshua, were you planning to go somewhere?”
“Yes. I couldn’t sleep, and my horse seemed restless from not running for a few days…”
“I see.”
Riding a horse would get her to her destination much faster. Rosen considered Joshua’s horse, which was pawing the ground impatiently. Her riding skills were quite decent. Her beloved pony had grown into a fine horse, but going to fetch it now was too risky. It would likely alert the stable master, and word would get back to Iscarion. Abandoning the idea of riding, she quickly thought of another plan.
“Today there’s no early morning training, so I thought I’d take a quick ride outside. With fewer duties lately, I have more free time…”
Joshua cautiously observed Rosen’s face, noticing her deep in thought.
“Miss, are you alright?”
“…Yes?”
To Joshua, Rosen was like a benefactor who had made it possible for him to become a knight. Though sworn to the Lutèce Order, he always considered Miss Rosen his true master. He wasn’t sure what had happened, but it was clear she was in a hurry. Perhaps there was trouble between her and the Grand Duke…
“I don’t know what’s going on, but may I give you a ride to wherever you’re going?”
“What? But…”
Though grateful for the unexpected offer, Rosen hesitated to respond. If it was discovered that Joshua helped her escape, he wouldn’t be safe. Despite the urgency, she couldn’t put him at such risk. As she pondered her situation without divulging too much, Joshua pressed on.
“Don’t worry about me, Miss. Please get on. The knight’s training was delayed by an hour since yesterday’s night training ended late. If we leave now, no one will notice.”
“Thank you so much, Joshua…”
“No need to thank me. You helped me regain my determination to become a knight when I almost gave up. I’m glad I can repay you in this way.”
“Then please take me to the main road.”
Rosen tried to mount the horse, but without proper riding attire, it was difficult. Her thin slippers kept slipping off the stirrups.
“Ah!”
“Miss, let me help you.”
As Joshua reached to assist her onto the horse, holding her slender waist, a sharp gaze from somewhere stopped him in his tracks.
Feeling the cold intensity of the stare, Rosen froze, about to mount with Joshua’s help.
“J-Joshua…”
“…Miss!”
Suddenly, someone grabbed Rosen from behind. She couldn’t even finish calling for her escort knight before a strong arm wrapped around her waist and a large hand covered her mouth, pulling her back.
Despite not sensing anyone approaching, she found herself face-to-face with Iscarion, standing right behind her.
“Rosie.”
“…!”
“If you leave without saying anything, I get worried.”
Speaking nonchalantly, he leaned in and lightly kissed her pale forehead. The burning sensation made Rosen shiver as if she’d been scalded.
“Ugh.”
“You didn’t even dress properly for the cold.”
Though his voice was calm as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, Rosen tensed up even more. As Iscarion’s gaze traveled over her body, covered by Joshua’s cloak, he seemed deep in thought. His usually calm blue eyes were now as dark and inscrutable as a deep lake. Seeing the turbulence beneath, Rosen trembled.
Joshua, unable to hide his confusion, finally snapped to attention and saluted.
“Your Highness!”
Sensing the tension between the two, Joshua didn’t know what to do. The Grand Duke appeared as composed as ever, but Miss Rosen seemed extremely frightened…
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