Sigrid

The party shouldered the deer and bear and hurried back to where they had tied the snow sled, but the rope was cut and the sled was nowhere to be seen.

In the end, they had to carry the caught game all the way to the castle. As they approached, they met soldiers who had come out worried that they might have been stranded in the snowstorm. Only then could the three put down the bear and deer.

The soldiers cheered at the sight of the two large beasts.

“Amazing in this weather!”

“Who caught them?”

“We’ll feast on meat today. Bear meat, wow— it’s been so long.”

Everyone returned to the castle in high spirits, and cheers erupted again inside. The meat, immediately butchered by the soldiers, was taken to the kitchen. The three changed out of their clothes, which reeked of bear musk and blood.

“Ah, Lady Sigrid. This way!”

“Please sit here.”

As they entered the dining hall, soldiers quickly offered them seats at the head table. In that short time, Sigrid had gained considerable popularity. As she sat down, Sigrid made sure to look after Beramund.

She was still concerned about that incident earlier.

While being a colleague and friend was easy, being both a superior and a friend made it difficult to know how to act. She kept defaulting to her behavior as a subordinate.

After seating Beramund next to her, Sigrid apologized again for earlier.

“I’m sorry about what happened in the cave. I should have called you a friend, but I made a mistake.”

“It’s fine.”

Beramund replied curtly. Sigrid sighed in relief, saying, “I’m glad if you’re not upset.”

“Siri—”

Beramund rested his chin on his hand and looked at Sigrid. As she tilted her head quizzically, he just smiled.

“Grow up a bit faster.”

“I’d like to, but I’m not growing. It’s not that I don’t want to grow.”

Sigrid protested.

“If I were as tall as Beramund, I’d have nothing to wish for.”

Sigrid muttered with a sigh, looking at his long arms and legs. Beramund went “Hm?” and asked,

“What?”

“Your height.”

“What did you think I was talking about?” At Sigrid’s response, Beramund burst out laughing.

“Right, right.”

He reached out and lightly patted her head. She disliked when someone stroked her head. Yet somehow, it felt like something was pressing down on one side of her chest. Not unpleasantly.

Just then, a cook arrived carrying a large iron plate. As Beramund removed his hand from her head, Sigrid felt a momentary sense of disappointment. But that thought was soon pushed aside by hunger.

On the iron plate, bear meat steaks seasoned with spices sizzled. After days of meager meals, the smell of grilling raw meat made their mouths water involuntarily.

The cook set down the steaks, beautifully grilled to a deep brown, and said with a smile,

“A special meal for those who caught it.”

“Thanks.”

“We’ll enjoy it.”

The two responded in turn. The bear meat, sliced and put into their mouths, was surprisingly delicious. Or perhaps any meat would taste good in their current situation.

“It’s delicious!”

“Yeah, it’s my first time eating bear meat.”

“Mine too.”

“Central bumpkins.”

Utulu chided as he sat down across the table. Sigrid said,

“We rarely get to eat it. Bear hunting isn’t a knight’s job to begin with.”

“I heard bear meat is considered a delicacy?”

“Well, we don’t really have occasions to eat it… The bear meat that occasionally appears is expensive too.”

“What about goat?”

“I’ve eaten goat. It’s reasonably priced.”

Utulu turned his gaze to Beramund.

“Is the Imperial Guard’s salary low?”

“No way.”

“Knights don’t need to be extravagant, do we?”

Sigrid said. Still, she ate meat well these days. It was a much better diet compared to before.

“I used to survive on just potatoes before.”

Why on earth?!

The two looked at Sigrid with such eyes, but she remained nonchalant. Beramund cut a large piece of his steak and moved it to Sigrid’s plate.

“Eat a lot.”

“What? No, it’s fine.”

“No, eat, eat. You need to eat to grow well.”

Utulu also cut his steak into large pieces, but unable to pass it to Sigrid, he just chewed and swallowed it himself.

Two days later, the road became passable enough for snow sleds, and Sigrid and Beramund set off amid friendly farewells from the Dudain soldiers.

“The mission ended well.”

Sigrid said, wrapping her fur coat tighter. Beramund nodded. Then, grinning, he said to Sigrid,

“It’s thanks to you. You did excellently, Lady Ankertna. I’ll make sure to report your merits.”

At those words, Sigrid’s cheeks flushed red.

“It’s nothing.”

Being acknowledged, being praised always feels good.

“What do you mean, nothing? If I had come alone, it would have taken forever to take that thing down… By the way, regeneration, huh? I’ve only seen magical beasts with that ability in books, never in person.”

“It was my first time seeing one too.”

“We won thanks to that amazing technique. And you have a new technique too?”

“?!”

How?!

As Sigrid blinked in surprise, Beramund pointed to his eyes and said cheerfully,

“I have good eyes.”

He could ‘see’ how Utulu’s sword Aura moved.

“You momentarily absorbed Utulu’s sword Aura, didn’t you? I don’t know the trick, but.”

‘I’ve been found out,’ Sigrid thought, becoming dejected.

“It was supposed to be my secret trump card.”

“You want to beat me that badly?”

“Of course.”

Beramund chuckled and turned his gaze forward.

“Alright, then try harder. I’m always ready for a challenger.”

“I will.”

“Good, I don’t mind being chased.”

Beramund replied with a voice tinged with laughter.

⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱

The capital’s social circles were abuzz with news about one person.

A female knight Master.

Single-handedly slaying a giant magical beast.

Receiving a marriage proposal from Utulu Mihas.

And a beauty to boot.

Everywhere, people talked about nothing but Sigrid Ankertna. Heroic tales, martial prowess, and a love story—what could be more tantalizing gossip?

Everyone was desperate to see her in person. However, given the nature of high society, it was impossible to invite someone without an introduction.

So, most people who wanted to invite Sigrid to their salons or balls probed those around her. The more aggressive ones tried to engineer “chance” encounters with Sigrid inside the palace. Once they managed to establish even a slight acquaintance this way, the next invitation would be easy.

Of course, different stories also circulated in social clubs alongside such sensational gossip.

There was talk about whether the Western Nobles Alliance would join hands with the Crown Prince.

Anyone with eyes knew that Beramund Lunatil was close to the Crown Prince. Since he had gone down to the west himself to resolve the issue, a meeting between the Crown Prince and Duke Fienscha was said to be imminent.

Along with this, discussions about Sigrid Ankertna also surfaced.

Is she also close to the Crown Prince? Or not? Did she have any backing or sponsors? If not until now, what about in the future?

She’s also close to the young lady of the neutral Alsekidna ducal family, isn’t she?

Sigrid, who had somehow become the center of attention, found this situation far from welcome.

She had never been the focus of so much attention before. Well, attention was one thing. In fact, before her return, she had experienced both piercing gazes and whispers simultaneously.

But now, after returning from slaying the magical beast, things were different from the past.

She wasn’t used to people blocking her path under the guise of coincidence, trying to appeal to her, inviting her, and striving to become close.

“Haha, so that’s why I thought I’d like to hear about Lady Ankertna’s heroic deeds.”

Looking at the man laughing boisterously, Sigrid swallowed a sigh.

“Thank you, but I’m too busy these days to visit. I’m sorry.”

As she bowed, the man smacked his lips regretfully and repeatedly told her to think about it. As Sigrid passed him, she was certain he would send an invitation.

Kaul, who was walking with her, said indifferently,

“Your popularity is excessive. It would be good not to let it interfere with your duties.”

“I want that too.”

Sigrid spoke earnestly, making Kaul chuckle.

“It’s not good to refuse too much either.”

Kaul offered gentle advice.

Even within the 1st Imperial Guard, Sigrid was being warmly accepted. While there were those who envied her, Kaul wasn’t in that position.

He was also an Aura user and the heir to a noble family.

“Is that so?”

When Sigrid asked, he nodded.

“Refusing too much will only breed resentment.”

“I see.”

Sigrid sighed again.

‘I should consult Marie-Chez and Lowengrin about this.’

“My sister’s salon is quite nice—”

At Kaul’s casually dropped words, Sigrid lightly punched his side and said,

“I appreciate the thought, but I’ll pass.”

“Alright.”

Kaul nodded without regret.

After finishing her shift, Sigrid briefly stopped by the 2nd Knight Order before leaving the palace. As soon as she entered, the soldiers greeted her with admiring eyes and more discipline than ever. Sigrid returned the bow and hesitated in front of the knights’ room before knocking.

After all, now that she belonged to a different order, it felt awkward to just walk in.

“Who’s knocking— Siri?”

Fortunately, it was Marie-Chez who opened the door. Marie-Chez smiled and opened the door wide.

“What’s this? What brings you here?”

“Just thought I’d drop by to see your faces.”

“You’re always welcome.”

As Sigrid stepped inside, all the 2nd Knight Order members present stood up, startling her. Lowengrin rose from her seat with an “Oh?”

“Are Alkerto and Morris still at their estates?”

When Sigrid asked, Marie-Chez frowned and said,

“Alkerto is off duty, and Morris… Haven’t you heard the news?”

“News?”

“I heard Viscount Deforest passed away. He might not be able to come up due to mourning.”

“Really?!”

Sigrid exclaimed in surprise. Lowengrin approached and said,

“Let’s talk outside. You came to see us, right?”

“Huh? Yeah.”

Sigrid nodded. Marie-Chez, enjoying the envious glances at her closeness with Sigrid, smirked “Hmph~” and pushed her outside.

Pushed out by Marie-Chez, Lowengrin soon followed with her outer clothes. Lowengrin handed Marie-Chez a dark green fur cloak and put on a thick coat herself. The long coat that reached below her knees suited her well. Adding marten fur muffs, Lowengrin said,

“Let’s go somewhere we can talk.”

“Okay.”

Sigrid nodded, becoming anxious. Something had happened to Morris, and she had no idea. As a friend, she shouldn’t have been unaware of such an issue. Seeing her biting her lip, Lowengrin said,

“Let’s move. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, and we’re starting with bad news.”

Marie-Chez nodded and tugged at Sigrid’s arm.

“Let’s go to a place I found recently. You’ll like it too, Siri.”

“Okay……”

Sigrid nodded. Her chest swelled with worry and guilt. Leaving Marie-Chez’s attendant with the horses, Sigrid boarded Lowengrin’s carriage.

The café Marie-Chez had “discovered”—though it seemed too famous to call it that—was a greenhouse. The interior of the beautifully constructed glass conservatory maintained warmth even in this weather. As if they had entered a spring forest, the trees were tinged with green, and a long rectangular fountain in the center spouted water, creating a cheerful sound. It had been a long time since she had heard the sound of water.

Following the polite guidance, they sat on plush sofas under trees full of light green leaves, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. Lowengrin said,

“I’ll treat you to celebrate your safe return.”

“Yay—!”

Marie-Chez cheered, raising her hands in joy. Receiving the menu, Sigrid’s eyes widened to the point of tearing. The prices were terrifying.

Meanwhile, Marie-Chez had already swiftly ordered the most expensive item. Lowengrin asked Sigrid, who was struggling to choose from the menu,

“If you’re not sure, shall I order for you?”

“Yes, please.”

As Sigrid closed the menu and spoke, Lowengrin ordered the same thing for her as for herself. While waiting for the refreshments to arrive, Sigrid asked,

“What about Morris? Is he alright? Shouldn’t we go visit him?”

Marie-Chez furrowed her brow.

“But going all the way down to the estate seems a bit much……”

“Morris’s position is delicate too,” Lowengrin added, nodding.

“Still……”

Sigrid mumbled. She didn’t have parents herself, so she couldn’t fully grasp it, but she knew that losing a parent was a huge event.

“Morris will come back to the capital anyway, so you can visit him then,” Marie-Chez chimed in.

At their words, Sigrid closed her mouth with an “I see.” Marie-Chez asked,

“How was the west? Is it true you turned down Lord Mihas’s proposal? Hm? What kind of person is he? Is he a rough man, being from a barbarian tribe?”

“He was tall and taciturn. I really envied his body.”

Sigrid sighed and stretched her hand high to roughly indicate Utulu’s height.

“Standing side by side, he was this much taller than me.”

“He’s really tall~”

Marie-Chez marveled. Lowengrin also nodded, saying, “No wonder he has such a nickname.” Given that Sigrid herself was quite tall for a woman, such a difference meant he was truly huge.

“And sideways, he was like this.”

As Sigrid demonstrated his body size, both women looked surprised. Marie-Chez laughed and said,

“He’s totally a bear!”