Chapter 67
4. Three Steps (1)
Reconciliation really was a wonderful thing.
Felix was no longer ignoring him.
Not completely, at least. Every now and then, he still looked at Abel as though he were thoroughly exasperated with him. Even so, he responded whenever Abel spoke, and that alone made things far more enjoyable.
In high spirits, Abel was unusually generous during the audience with the faithful that resumed after the prayer assembly.
His generosity amounted to little more than asking people their names and giving them a nod, but even so.
Seeing the worshippers moved to tears was not so bad.
After all, Abel had learned through this incident just how pleasant it was when the other person actually responded to you.
He could not do it every day, but when he was in a good mood, perhaps he could manage this much.
The first to notice that Abel seemed livelier than usual were the priests attending him.
“Lord Abel, has something good happened?”
At least he had learned to be more careful. He did not blurt out that he had made up with Felix.
Strictly speaking, that was only because the moment he glanced at Felix, Felix was already telling him with his eyes, Absolutely not.
“Nothing in particular.”
It was hardly unusual for Abel to leave questions unanswered, so the priests did not press him further and simply continued with their report.
“The Commander of the Holy Knights asked whether, if it would not be an imposition, you might be willing to join him for tea.”
“Very well. Let him know when I’m free.”
At Abel’s permission, the priest bowed and stepped back.
Only then did Abel notice Felix standing nearby, looking as though he wanted to say something.
Abel lifted a hand and beckoned him over.
The moment he did, he realized his mistake. Yet instead of getting angry, Felix strode over without complaint.
“Yes, Lord Abel?”
Though his words made it sound as though he had merely answered Abel’s summons, it was obvious Felix had plenty he wanted to ask.
The moment Abel turned toward him, the priests tactfully retreated a considerable distance.
Once he was satisfied they were well out of earshot, Abel resumed walking and asked,
“What is it?”
“Are you planning to meet with the Commander?”
“You heard him, didn’t you?”
They had both listened to the report. Why ask again?
At Abel’s answer, Felix put on that familiar smile of his—the one that looked gentle only because he was forcing himself to suppress his irritation.
He was mindful of the people around them.
“I distinctly asked you not to.”
“You did.”
Abel nodded without hesitation.
“The Commander came to see me yesterday.”
“…Yesterday?”
The color drained from Felix’s face. The Commander had sought Abel out while he was away.
“I don’t think there’s anything to worry about.”
At Felix’s questioning look, Abel elaborated.
“He didn’t seem to have any ill intentions.”
“Why have you suddenly changed your opinion of him?”
Faced with Felix’s suspicious gaze, Abel recalled his conversation with the Commander the day before.
The man had certainly been rude. Even so, his concern for Felix had been genuine.
Felix probably wouldn’t appreciate any harsh words.
“The Commander…” Abel paused briefly before continuing. “He cares about you a great deal.”
Felix looked thoroughly bewildered.
Watching him, Abel made a suggestion.
“If you’re still worried, you can join us for tea.”
Abel had thought Felix might refuse, but Felix accepted his offer.
Whether it was because he feared Abel might make things difficult for the Commander, or because he still suspected the Commander himself, Abel could not tell.
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