BKSL CH 19

Chapter 19 – They’re Teasing Me… (Leo’s POV)

After spending a month with Sibel, I’ve come to realize two things.

First—
The rumors that she acted arrogant because she was a saint, or that she bullied her younger sister, were complete lies.

If anything, she was the one who suffered.

She’s always bright, humble, hardworking, and earnest. There’s no way someone like her could ever hurt another person. Even when she’s given something as ordinary as a meal or a simple room—things a noble lady would normally take for granted—she reacts with genuine gratitude and joy.

I’ve even heard from Elga that she puts a lot of thought into the knights’ meals, suggesting menus that balance nutrition and stamina for our training.

Even on her days off, when she could be resting, she wakes up early to help prepare breakfast, smiling so cheerfully as she serves us.

That smile of hers—there’s no way it could be fake.

She’s always sincere and kind.

So yes, I’m certain now—the story that she tormented her sister must be a misunderstanding.

And the second thing I’ve realized is this—

I’m falling for her.

“Hey, Captain! You listening?”

“Huh? Oh… sorry. I wasn’t.”

That night, I was in my quarters with my vice-captain, Mirko, and one of the First Order’s young stars, Yoti, sharing a few drinks after work.

But my mind was elsewhere—back on the day I’d just spent with Sibel. I must’ve been staring off because Yoti tilted his head at me.

“What’s up, Captain? Something on your mind?”

“Not really…”

“Oh, I know that face! You’re in love, aren’t you?”

“Eh?”

“Bullseye. Want me to guess who? It’s Sibel, right?”

“Wha—! H-how did you—!?”

Yoti twirled a strand of his spiky blond hair around his finger and smirked mischievously, winking at me.

“I knew it! Sibel’s adorable, right? She’s full of energy but somehow has this gentle, easygoing aura. Her cooking’s amazing too, and she always looks out for us with such warmth.”

The way he described her—it made my heart pound uncomfortably.

“Yoti… do you like her?”

“Of course I do.”

“!”

He answered without hesitation, and I felt a strange jolt run through me.

“…I see.”

“Well, everyone likes her, right? What about you, Vice-Captain? You like Sibel too, don’t you?”

“Yeah. I do.”

“What…!?”

Even calm, stoic Mirko—who rarely shows any interest in women—nodded without a moment’s pause.

“So that’s… how it is…”

“I mean, come on,” Yoti laughed. “Is there anyone around here who doesn’t like her?”

“…Ah. So that’s what you meant.”

“Ohhh, so you meant it in a different way, huh, Captain?”

“…!!”

They were teasing me.

The five-years-younger Yoti grinned from ear to ear as he took another gulp of whiskey, clearly enjoying himself.

And honestly… he wasn’t wrong.

I had been watching Sibel more and more often, noticing her without realizing it—drawn to her warmth, her smile, her strength.

“Well, this is rare,” Mirko said with a faint smile. “Leo’s actually fallen for someone.”

“I—I haven’t said that’s what this is…”

…Or have I?

Mirko and I have known each other for years, and he knows me too well.

I’ve lived my whole life as a knight—training, fighting, and thinking only of the sword.

My father occasionally writes to pressure me about marriage, but I haven’t visited home in a long time.

After all, I’m not the legitimate heir. I’m the son of his mistress.

The heir is my half-brother, the son of his lawful wife.

That’s why I left home young and joined the knights—because there was no real place for me there.

I’ve never been one for women or romance. I’ve never been deeply involved with anyone.

And yet, she… she’s different.

There’s something about Sibel that pulls me in.

A part of me even wonders—if I ever did marry, I’d want my wife to be someone like her.

But…

What if Sibel is actually the true Saint?

As I absentmindedly touched the pendant she’d given me, the memory of that moment came back to me.

When she clasped the stone and prayed, her whole body had faintly glowed.

Could that have been… the light of divine power?

I’ve studied enough to recognize what I saw.

I’d never witnessed it myself before—but that light… I’m sure of it. It was the radiance of a saint’s prayer.

If that’s true, then it explains so much.

Ever since she came to this region, the monsters have grown noticeably quieter.

And since we started eating her food, the men have felt stronger and less fatigued.

All of it fits—if she truly is a saint.

I wanted to dismiss it as coincidence, but after that light… I can’t.

“Well, she’s a good girl,” Mirko said. “I think you’d suit each other.”

“Exactly,” Yoti grinned. “Go for it, Captain! But if you’re serious, you’d better make it official soon—otherwise, someone else might swoop in first.”

“What!?”

I couldn’t stop myself from reacting. The thought that she might already have someone made my chest tighten.

Yoti flinched a little at my glare. “Kidding, kidding! Just joking, Captain…”

Apparently my expression had gotten a bit too intense.

…Still, given my position, I’d have to be careful.

If I really intend to pursue Sibel—
I’ll have to do it properly.

And for the first time in my life, the thought of doing so didn’t scare me at all.