Chapter 33 – “For Me?” (Leo’s POV)
I just wanted to thank Sibel.
I wanted to see her smile.
So early that morning, I left the dorm alone and headed into town.
According to Yoti, the new cake shop everyone was talking about sold out really fast.
Thanks to lining up early, I managed to buy one whole cake.
I was planning to eat it together with Sibel.
It was a pretty big cake, so I thought I could share it with the other dorm mothers too.
But first—I wanted to share it with her.
I wanted to see her happy face, just the two of us.
Just imagining Sibel’s delighted expression filled my chest with warmth.
But at the same time, the thought of seeing that expression for real made me impatient, and before checking if anyone else was around, I went straight to talk to her.
I should’ve been more careful.
I should’ve waited until she was alone.
She’s too kind to ever eat the cake secretly by herself if others are around.
It was entirely my mistake.
But still, if Sibel and the other dorm mothers were happy, that should be enough for me.
I guess this was my punishment for wanting to keep her all to myself.
With that thought, I quietly returned to my office to get back to work.
***
That evening—
After dinner, I stayed behind in the office to finish up some paperwork.
“Leo-san, are you here?”
“Sibel?”
A knock came at the door—then her voice.
“Come in.”
I wondered what was going on, but at the same time, my heart started racing.
“Excuse me for interrupting your work.”
“It’s fine.”
“Um, here—if you’d like…”
“What’s this?”
I stood up and walked over to her. She pulled something out of the basket she was holding and showed it to me.
“This is…”
“Thank you for the delicious cake earlier today. It was really wonderful. But since you didn’t get to have any…”
“Eh?”
What she had brought was a cupcake.
A small one, with a little cream and chocolate on top.
“I couldn’t make it as delicious as the one you bought, but I thought maybe you actually wanted some cake too.”
“Sibel…”
Wait—she made this?
Even though she’s been busy?
She made this… for me?
Sibel… you really are the sweetest, kindest girl.
And the fact that she was thinking about me—
It made me so happy I could burst.
Could it be… maybe this means she feels the same way about me—?
“Thank you, Sibel. I’m really touched that you went out of your way to do this for me.”
“Oh no, it’s me who’s always grateful to all of you knights.”
To all the knights, huh…
…Well, fine.
Even so, she made it with her own hands, and brought it to me first.
She must be shy about it, that’s all.
“Really, thank you. I’ll make some tea—would you like to have it with me—”
But then I noticed something inside her basket.
And my words froze.
“…That’s quite a lot you’ve got there.”
“Yes! I was planning to bring some to Mirko-san and the others too.”
“…Ah, to Mirko and the others.”
“They’re always working so hard! I’m so glad you liked yours, Leo-san. I hope they’ll enjoy them too.”
“…”
Looking at her bright, innocent smile, I felt a strange mix of emotions welling up.
Of course. She’s kind to everyone. Why did I assume she made them just for me?
Don’t flatter yourself, Leo.
“Well then, sorry for interrupting your work.”
“Wait—I’ll come with you. It’s late, and it’s not safe for you to go around to men’s rooms alone.”
“Eh…?”
Of course, I knew none of the First Knight Order would ever harm her.
“Thank you, but I’ll be fine on my own. You’re busy, aren’t you?”
“No, I’m not. I’ve just finished my work.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
I knew it.
It wasn’t about safety—this was jealousy.
I just wanted everyone to see that she came to me first.
Ahh… how childish of me.
When she smiled at me again, saying, “Thank you so much!” with that pure, radiant face, my chest ached painfully.
That smile… so pure and kind.
I was wrong.
Trying to use cake as an excuse just to be alone with her—what a disgraceful thing to do.
I’m ashamed of myself.
“But you really did want that shop’s cake too, didn’t you?”
“No, it’s fine. I’ll buy another one next time. Enough for everyone.”
“Oh my! You really are so thoughtful and caring toward your comrades, Leo-san!”
“…Maybe so.”
Her angelic smile sparkled like light itself, and it only made my chest tighten even more.
