BKSL CH 24

Chapter 24 – Did My Feelings Reach Her? (Leo’s POV)

“Mmm, that’s good.”

“Well, of course. Sibel made it, after all.”

Just as I promised, I had brought the jar of honeyed lemons—Sibel’s gift for me and Mirko—to his quarters.

After finishing his training and taking a bath, Mirko was sitting in his room, dressed casually and biting into one of the lemon slices with a satisfied nod.

Across from him, I took a small sip of the brandy he’d poured for us—one that, of course, also had a slice of Sibel’s lemon in it.

…But as I sat there, I couldn’t stop wondering—

Was it strange of me to insist on delivering the lemons myself?

Maybe… she had actually wanted to bring them to Mirko personally?

“…”

I stared at Mirko as he chewed another lemon slice and drank his brandy, looking perfectly content.

Was I really helping Sibel the way I wanted to—or was I just doing something unnecessary?

“…”

“…What? Do I have something on my face?”

“Sharp eyes, a tall nose, and well-shaped lips.”

“…Huh?”

My mind flashed back to earlier, during the mock battle between Mirko and Yoti.

Sibel had been watching him—her face red, her expression dazed.

Could it be… could it be that Sibel likes Mirko!?

I froze, staring suspiciously at the handsome man sitting across from me.

“…Leo, please tell me that look doesn’t mean what I think it means.”

“That’s not it!!”

Mirko’s face twisted in disgust, and he leaned away exaggeratedly.

He’s always been popular with women.

But really—what’s so great about him?

Is it his face?

Or that solid, muscular build that stands out even among knights?

No… maybe it’s that cool, uninterested attitude—the kind that makes women chase him all the more.

“Hmmm.”

“…What’s with that look? Just say whatever’s on your mind.”

As I scanned him from head to toe, Mirko let out a long, annoyed sigh.

“During your match with Yoti earlier, Sibel was staring at you all dreamily.”

“…What?”

He blinked, clearly caught off guard.

“She was probably just moved, seeing a real sword fight up close for the first time.”

“Most girls like her would’ve been scared watching something like that.”

“Then maybe she’s just brave.”

“Mirko, you’ve always been the type to steal women’s hearts too easily.”

“…”

He gave a wordless, awkward smile, as if realizing what I was implying.

Even I had to admit it—I sounded like a jealous kid.

But Mirko and I have known each other since we were young, so I guess I just let myself act that way around him.

“If you were going to sulk about it later, you should’ve sparred too,” he teased. “Show her a bit of your own skill.”

“Then I’ll fight you next time.”

“…Oh, come on.”

When I said it half-jokingly, Mirko groaned and sighed again.

“Are you serious? Don’t get jealous. She wasn’t looking at me that way.”

“…You think so?”

“I know so. Besides, didn’t she come to you first with those lemons? That’s proof she thought of you before anyone else.”

Those words instantly lifted my spirits.

“…You’re right. When you put it like that, it makes sense.”

“Wait—don’t tell me. You’ve really fallen for her, haven’t you?”

“…”

I froze, unable to answer.

After acting all jealous just now, there was no way to deny it convincingly.

But still…

Even I was surprised at how I felt.

When she visited me earlier, I was so happy that I got carried away and ended up saying more than I meant to.

Once I said it out loud, my chest felt warm—too warm.

I want to help her.
I want to protect her smile.

Now that I think about it, I know exactly what that means.

I’m not a child anymore. I know these feelings for what they are.

I’m in love with her.

And yet, Sibel had smiled just as she always did—bright and kind—and even seemed worried about me.

She really is… such a wonderful girl.

“So, did you two talk about anything?”

“Yeah. I told her that if she’s ever struggling, she can come to me anytime.”

“And what did she say?”

“She smiled—such a sweet smile—and thanked me.”

“I see.”

“Do you think… my feelings reached her?”

“I think they did.”

I couldn’t help asking like some nervous teenager, my heart fluttering as I spoke.

Mirko downed his brandy with what looked like a halfhearted nod, but honestly—I barely noticed.

Because my heart was pounding too fast to care.

So, I guess that settles it.

I really am in love with Sibel.