I Tried To Be Her Loyal Sword

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Three days had passed since I decided to become the commander of the Atara reinforcements.

As much as I wanted to inform those close to me on the set day, I had to hold back because the official announcement wouldn’t be made until three days later, for confidentiality’s sake.

“Ariadne… what… are you doing?”

After finishing my swordsmanship training and taking a shower, I stepped out with my still-damp hair, only to be greeted by a shocking sight.

Ariadne blinked a few times before sorrowfully closing her eyes.

“What’s the point of living like this?”

With her hands clasped over her heart, Ariadne lay sprawled on the ground while flames, conjured by her own magic, blazed fiercely around her.

If it hadn’t been for the white marble floor, the Duke’s Mansion, had it been made of wood, might have caught fire long ago.

“Why, why are you like this? Huh?”

I nervously pushed through the flames and gently picked Ariadne up. Her flames didn’t harm me.

Ariadne wrapped her arms around my neck and buried her face against me.

“I heard you’re going to Atara.”

“Oh.”

“I wanted to go too, but the medical department isn’t accepting any recruits.”

Her blue eyes were filled with melancholy. I felt a surge of guilt as I softly stroked her short hair.

“I’ll be back soon. Safe and sound, okay?”

“…I’m worried.”

Ariadne burrowed deeper into me. It was the first time in a while that I had seen her act like this. I felt sorry but, oddly enough, a bit happy and smiled softly.

Ariadne was still at an age where she could be childish. This was just right for her age.

“You’ll be fine. Your sister is strong.”

I reassured her, and still holding her, I entered my room. The sight before me made me catch my breath.

“…Kahl?”

A tall figure, over 180 cm, was sprawled on my desk like a corpse. I carefully set Ariadne down on the bed and poked the limp form.

“The mage… said they’re not accepting any support. Besides, having two noble family members accompanying the Second Prince and the deputy minister would be a waste of manpower and cause international image issues.”

His voice sounded depressed, but his eyes were fierce enough to kill a dozen people.

It looked like he had also volunteered for the Atara reinforcements but was rejected.

I felt like I was caught between two people who seemed almost desperate, as if I was about to be sold to the Demon King’s shrine tomorrow, so I carefully spoke up.

“Can we take some time as family… maybe go have tea together?”

“Ariadne will go.”

“I’ll go too.”

Just one word from them made them sit up straight.

They were still innocent and adorable.

It had been a long time since the three of us had gone out together.

Riding in a carriage adorned with the Duke’s crest, we headed towards the capital’s bustling district. Just watching Kahl and Ariadne, both unable to hide their excitement, made the travel time enjoyable.

“This tea house is mine.”

“Really?”

As our carriage stopped in front of a thriving tea house in the heart of the bustling district, Ariadne spoke up.

I widened my eyes and surveyed the tea house.

From the exterior alone, the vintage-style tea house radiated the skill of its designer.

The prices written on the wooden board visible through the glass window weren’t cheap enough for commoners, but they were reasonable for a special treat. It seemed accessible for both nobles and commoners.

‘I heard she’s investing in other businesses besides Harnes and Bodychain, but a tea house too?’

As I thought about Ariadne’s business acumen, I was struck anew by admiration when she scratched her cheek.

“Well, it’s been open for a while. I always wanted to come here with you, but you seemed very busy.”

I was momentarily speechless. Rather than her speaking bitterly with thorns, her straightforward statement made my heart ache.

No matter how brilliant and grown-up Ariadne was, she was still young. Kaisar might have made an effort, but it was hard for him to build the same affection we had for each other. I needed to give her as much love as our parents did.

“…I’m sorry.”

“Hmm… I didn’t say that to make you apologize.”

The coachman got down from the horse and opened the carriage door for us. Ariadne stood up gracefully, turning back to smile brightly at me.

“If I said I wasn’t a bit sad, that would be a lie, but the pride I feel is greater. You’ve flown so high, it’s almost envy-inducing. Watching you achieve things all on your own without the family’s aid has been inspiring.”

The bright blue eyes that had once looked lifeless when she came home after working as a mercenary now sparkled with vitality.

What could I compare that brightness to? It was clearer than the vast sky and more transparent than the wings of a mystical blue butterfly.

“I will work even harder to repay the money the Crisis family invested in me and continue my business solely with my own strength.”

I slightly furrowed my brow. It was certainly an age where help was acceptable, but wasn’t it too early to think like that?

Kahl, with a serious look on his face, gazed intently at Ariadne.

“You are not receiving an investment; you’re just getting the support you rightly deserve as a member of the family, Ariadne Crisis.”

The way he exaggerated the ‘Crisis’ name hinted at a certain kindness. Ariadne shook her head with sparkling eyes, letting out a soft laugh.

“You think I’m feeling out of place in the Duke’s household? I’m not feeling indebted. Once I clear everything and stand on my own, that’s when I believe I can truly become independent as an adult.”

Ariadne gazed out the window. Her eyes seemed to look at the tea house’s surroundings, yet it felt like she was looking into a distant future.

“I will become a stronger person than I am now. Strong enough that I won’t need anyone’s help.”

Her voice was firm like a carefully built stone tower, leaving no room for objections. That wasn’t just a proclamation of living alone; it was a vow to grow even more.

I silently respected Ariadne’s decision.

“You’re quite the interesting human.”

Kahl chuckled softly. His eyes, shining with curiosity, looked warmer than ever.

I was a bit taken aback.

‘Did they become much closer?’

They used to act like sworn enemies, but now they seemed rather familiar. Especially Kahl’s gaze toward Ariadne held much more depth than before.

‘What is it? It feels like I’m witnessing something lovely…’

As I narrowed my eyes, analyzing his gaze, Ariadne broke into a grin.

“What about it, pancake crust?”

“Forget it. You’re still annoying, Aloe.”

I must have misread the situation. They still didn’t get along well.

I casually slipped between the two of them and opened the tea house door. They stopped their squabble and followed me inside.

“Hello, huff, s-sir?”

The staff at the counter, who had greeted us warmly, turned pale upon spotting Ariadne. His black pupils dilated in surprise.

‘It’s understandable to be flustered when the boss suddenly shows up while you’re on the job.’

I nodded to myself, fully understanding.

Being thrown into a surprise inspection from the boss must have felt like a bolt from the blue. I suddenly felt a bit sorry for the staff as they rushed around.

“I’m not here for a work issue, so relax. I just came out for tea with my family today.”

With a business smile typically donned in the social circle, Ariadne approached the counter confidently.

The staff member at the counter looked tense. Ariadne exuded such a strong owner vibe that it felt quite unusual.

“What do you both want to drink?”

“Peppermint.”

“I want black tea.”

I would have preferred it with apple jam, but since we weren’t at home, I didn’t want to make a fuss.

Ariadne lifted her gaze and stared at the menu. The longer she took, the more sweat accumulated on the staff’s brow.

After quite a while, Ariadne finally spoke up.

“One peppermint tea, one black tea with apple jam, and…”

Knowing my preferences, I was pleased that Ariadne was considerate when suddenly,

“One milk tea with cinnamon, two lemon teas with iridescent citrus slices on top, oh, one should have half the lemon syrup. And one dessert set, the largest size. Replace the cheesecake with banana crepes and change all the hazelnut flavor to chocolate. And one ham and cheese sandwich with salami instead of ham.”

That was a test.

Listening to such a long and detailed order, I was sure.

Ariadne wouldn’t eat that much—she’d definitely expect me to eat whatever she ordered—and there was no way she’d have such a complicated taste; her preferences were simple and neat.

“We’ll prepare that right away!”

The staff, shaking from nerves, jotted down the order in a hurry. Ariadne’s eyebrows were knitting together.

“You said you’d pay attention?”

“Yes! I’ll make sure there are absolutely no mistakes…!”

“That’s not how it should be, Mister Felton.”

Her beautifully polished blue eyes glinted ominously.

“Our tea house always has to be perfect. You must give your best not only for my orders but for all orders.”

Ariadne’s canary-like voice was eerily soothing. Poor Mister Felton looked as though he might cry at any moment.

After lightly brushing her bangs back, Ariadne smiled glamorously.

“Just do what you do normally. I’ll be expecting it.”

Pale Felton nodded vigorously, looking as though he aged fifty years in that brief span.

I was relieved that Ariadne was not just a subordinate but a sister.

Kahl, Ariadne, and I settled by a sunlit window.

The tea house held a serene ambiance until the staff, trembling from nerves, nearly dropped a cake plate during a hiccup moment, necessitating my quick catch.

“Should I have them close the shop for the day?”

Ariadne studied me closely before casually asking. I chuckled and shook my head.

Of course, the piercing gazes from all directions were burdensome. With Kahl and Ariadne being such influential figures, everyone was glancing over here.

I found myself caught in that line of sight.

“Sometimes it’s nice to have a little bustling atmosphere. It’s good for people-watching.”

Used to the attention, I felt little sensation from it now. Taking a deep breath, Ariadne leaned over and offered a tart to me. I accepted it somewhat dazedly.

“Try this too.”

Kahl, who had been watching Ariadne and me, plucked a green grape and lightly poked my lips. I hurriedly swallowed what I was chewing and accepted the grape.

Kahl and Ariadne exchanged glances. The looks in their eyes didn’t convey warm friendship, but rather the gaze of a beast whose territory had been intruded upon.

From that moment on, like a grandmother feeding her long-lost grandchild, the two suddenly began to prod me with food.

“Ariadne Crisis has no sense; you don’t like sweet things that much. Eat more fruit.”

“No, sister. I like everything you give me! Just not the stuff from your filthy hands—eat what I give you.”

Food was coming from every direction, and I was left dizzy.

I couldn’t refuse any of it and meekly accepted everything until my cheeks were stuffed to the brim.

“Um, um…

I stumbled over my words while trying to intervene, and a slightly slurred sound slipped out, making the back of my neck feel hot.

At that moment, I felt a familiar aura from outside.

She always smelled like roses. In Deckardo’s rose garden, roses bloomed all year round, so even without any special perfume, the fragrance must have been embedded in her.

I turned to look outside, enchanted.

A woman approached, dressed in light riding clothes, her red hair tied high and swinging as she walked.

Her stride radiated confidence, as if she could never be on the wrong path.

As I watched her in a daze, she seemed to sense my gaze and turned her head.

Her green irises, reminiscent of rose petals, met my eyes.

My dear friend, Lewellin Deckardo.