BKSL CH 11

Chapter 11 – I Really Didn’t Mean to Touch Him!

It had been about two weeks since I started working at the knights’ dormitory.

One night, long after everyone had gone to bed, I felt thirsty.
So, as quietly as I could, I slipped out of my room and headed to the dining hall to get some water.

“—Leo-san?”

“Sibel?”

The lights in the dining hall were still on.
When I peeked inside to see who was there, I found Leo-san sitting alone at one of the tables.

“What brings you here at this hour?” he asked.

“I was just thirsty, so I came to get some water.”

“I see. Then, perfect timing—here.”

He poured water into a glass from the pitcher sitting in front of him.
There was also a bottle of whiskey and another glass beside it—he must’ve been having a quiet drink alone.

“Here you go.”

“Thank you so much!”

After setting down the glass of water, Leo-san pulled out the chair next to him.

Did that mean I could sit there?

“Excuse me,” I said, and sat down.

“Mm.”

So it was fine.

Usually, Leo-san looks wonderful in his crisp knight’s uniform—but tonight, seeing him in his casual clothes was something entirely different.

The thin fabric made it easy to see his physique—his strong build, the lines of his shoulders.

Knights really are incredible…

The collar of his shirt was slightly open, showing the line of his collarbone.

…This is a little too much stimulation for me, Leo-san.

But still—what a lucky coincidence! I’m glad I got thirsty tonight!

***

“Have you gotten used to life here?” he asked kindly.

“Yes!”

I answered after taking a sip of water, feeling my heart flutter just sitting beside him.

“Is there anything troubling you?”

“Not at all! Everyone’s been so kind to me, and I really enjoy working here.”

“I see.”

Leo-san smiled softly and looked at me with gentle eyes.

…?

Was it just me, or did he seem a little tipsy?

“Would you like some water too, Leo-san?”

“No… I’m fine. Actually, I think I’ll add a bit of honey to my whiskey. I feel like something sweet.”

“I’ll bring some right away!”

I quickly stood up, grabbed the jar of honey from the shelf, and returned to sit beside him again.

*

“Hmm—”

Huh…?

When I tried to twist the lid open, it wouldn’t budge—it must have been stuck tight.

“Ugh… mmph…”

“Here, let me try,” Leo-san said, chuckling softly as he took the jar from my hands.

He placed his large hand on the lid and gave it a firm twist.

I couldn’t help but notice his long, strong fingers—the veins visible on the back of his hand.

Wow…

“It’s open,” he said simply.

“Thank you so much!”

Amazing!

He opened that stubborn lid so easily!

If it had been Prince Marx, he probably would’ve complained that it hurt his hand and ordered a servant to do it for him.

…No, I shouldn’t compare them.

I cleared my throat softly to reset my thoughts and reached to take the jar back.
But as I did, my fingertips brushed against Leo-san’s hand.

“Ah…”

It wasn’t on purpose! Really!
It’s not like I wanted to touch the knight captain’s hand or anything—it just happened! Truly!!

I mean, touching a national-treasure-level knight without permission—
Even I wouldn’t do that!

“I’m so sorry,” I said quickly.

“No, I should apologize,” he replied.

But when our eyes met, I saw his cheeks tint slightly red.

…?

Leo-san… can make that kind of expression too?

His clear blue eyes reflected the soft light of the room—so pure and kind, just like his personality.

And his hair—black as night, rare in this country—made him look even more striking.

I wish I could paint this moment… but unfortunately, I’m terrible at drawing.
I really am hopeless with art.

What a shame. I’ll just have to burn this image into my memory instead.

As I kept gazing at him, I realized his face was turning even redder.

“…Is there something on my face?” he asked, confused.

“Ah—! No! I’m so sorry for staring! Um—spoon! Right, the spoon!”

Oh right, the honey!

Remembering what I was supposed to be doing, I quickly grabbed a spoon, scooped up a bit of honey, dropped it into his whiskey glass, and gently stirred.

“Thank you, Sibel.”

“You’re welcome.”

The honey took a while to melt into the drink.

Neither of us spoke during that time.
But the silence wasn’t awkward—
it was warm, calm, and strangely comforting.