BKSL CH 18

Chapter 18 – A Gift!

“How do I look…?”

Up until now, pretty colors like this had always been worn by my younger sister, Anika.

My stepmother used to tell me that such colors didn’t suit me, and she only ever gave me old, faded dresses in dull greens or muddy browns.

Even today—standing beside someone as wonderful as Leo-san—I couldn’t help but wonder if my outfit was still too plain.

“Just as I thought,” Leo-san said with a warm smile. “It looks perfect on you.”

“R-Really?”

“I’m not the kind of man who flatters people. See for yourself.”

At his urging, the shopkeeper held up a mirror for me.

“…Wow.”

“See? It suits you, doesn’t it?”

“…Yes.”

It really did. My face somehow looked brighter, more alive.

“The color matches your platinum-blonde hair beautifully,” he added, stepping up beside me.

The moment our reflections appeared together in the mirror, my heart gave a startled jump.

Just for an instant—it truly looked as though we were… a couple.

Of course, I knew it was just my imagination. Still, I couldn’t help but blush.

“I’ll take it,” Leo-san told the shopkeeper. “She’ll wear it home.”

“I’ll wrap up her old dress for you,” the shopkeeper replied.

“Leo-san… are you sure?”

“Of course. I’d be happy if you wore it again the next time we go out together.”

Go out… again?

Even if he only said that out of politeness, it made me so happy that my chest felt light.

“Thank you so much!”

“No, really—”

I couldn’t contain my excitement and smiled at him with all the joy I felt.

And then, suddenly, Leo-san looked away, his expression flustered as his gaze wandered.

…Oh no. Did I overdo it? Maybe I looked too giddy in front of everyone.

But… his cheeks looked faintly red.

Was that embarrassment—or… something else?

Either way, I should behave better next time. But still… I was so happy.

***

After leaving the boutique, we stopped by a street stall nearby and shared a light meal before strolling again.

“That was so delicious!”

“I’m glad you liked it.”

We’d eaten grilled venison and vegetables on skewers, along with freshly pressed apple juice—a local specialty.

The meat was tender and flavorful, the salt perfectly balanced, and the apple juice was the ideal mix of sweet and tangy.

Biting into warm food under the clear blue sky, laughing and talking beside this wonderful knight—it was one of the happiest, most delicious moments of my life.

I couldn’t help thinking: I never could have experienced something like this with Prince Marx.

“But really, you’ve treated me to so much already… I was supposed to be the one thanking you today, Leo-san.”

It was true.

I’d invited him out because I wanted to thank him for always helping me hang the laundry.

Yet somehow, I’d ended up with a new dress and a wonderful meal—all thanks to him.

“Haha, don’t worry about it. Let me treat you just this once. I’m having a great time too, so I’ve already received my thanks.”

“I’m having fun as well.”

“Then that makes me even happier.”

“Oh, Leo-san…”

He was the commander of the knights—far busier than I could ever imagine.

And yet, he was spending his precious day off with me.

Maybe… he often did this for new dorm mothers—to help them relax and feel welcome.

That would be so like him.

He really was such a wonderful person.

Honestly, I couldn’t help but think—he’d make a much better leader for this country than Prince Marx ever could.

“Leo-san, may we stop by that shop?”

“Of course.”

A small shop caught my eye as we walked.

From afar, I couldn’t tell what they sold, but for some reason, I felt drawn to it.

“Welcome,” said the shopkeeper—a man in a hooded cloak.

He looked a little suspicious… but that was rude of me to think.

“Oh, how pretty!”

Inside were rows of accessories—pendants, earrings, each with stones of different colors.

They weren’t jewels, but they sparkled beautifully and seemed to carry a quiet charm.

“If you see one you like, let me buy it for you,” Leo offered.

“No, no, that’s quite all right! I’ve just received my salary, after all!”

I glanced at the price tags. They were reasonable enough that even I could afford one.

They must not have been real gemstones, but they were still lovely.

Oddly enough, though, there weren’t any other customers around.

Maybe it was just a coincidence.

“Oh—this stone looks just like your eyes, Leo-san.”

My gaze landed on a pendant with a round blue stone, shining like a sapphire.

“All right, then I’ll buy—”

“I’ll take this one!”

Before Leo could finish his sentence, I quickly spoke up and handed the pendant to the shopkeeper.

***

“You have a good eye, young lady,” the man said with a grin. “That stone carries a strong protective power. It’ll ward off evil.”

“Really?”

“Aye. Say a little prayer before you wear it, and it’ll keep you safe from harm.”

“Wow, that’s amazing.”

I paid the price on the tag, then clasped the pendant gently between my hands, closing my eyes in prayer.

Please… protect us from monsters and danger.

“…Sibel?”

For just a moment, I thought I felt the stone grow warm in my hands.

Maybe it was only my imagination—but still.

“Here, Leo-san! This is for you!”

“Eh? For me?”

“Yes! I prayed that you’ll always come back safely from your missions and battles.”

It wasn’t much, but it came from the heart.

“…Thank you. That means a lot to me, Sibel. You’re very kind.”

He smiled softly, taking the pendant carefully as if it were something precious.

When he said, “I’ll treasure it,” my chest filled with warmth, and I couldn’t help but smile back.