Chapter 35
“…Are you all right?”
“Ah, yes. Cutting wood is a common part of our knight training.”
According to Julius, chopping wood was nothing special. But to Natalie, it was something she could never do herself, so she was honestly impressed. Still, since he seemed so used to the motion, Julius didn’t even look winded.
Realizing that he hadn’t strained himself, Natalie felt relieved.
“I see… I saw it for the first time, and I thought it was amazing.”
“R–Really…?”
When Natalie complimented him, he seemed to grow self-conscious — perhaps his face itched, for he raised a hand to his mouth and pretended to clear his throat, as if to hide it. Seeing that, Natalie wondered if he was feeling unwell, but before she could ask—
“Oh my goodness! Truly! That was incredible!”
“S-So he really did chop it down…?”
The innkeeper’s wife and her husband poked their heads out from the shop, their voices full of surprise. Their astonishment caught everyone’s attention — Julius’s, Natalie’s, and even the little boy’s.
After Julius’s display of swordsmanship came to an end, and once they had finished their milk tea, they decided to leave the shop. The couple stopped them on their way out, saying,
“As thanks for cutting that wood for us, today’s drinks are on the house.”
“We’ve been troubled by that log for so long… really, thank you so much.”
“It’s just a small token of gratitude, but please come again anytime.”
At first, Julius tried to decline politely — “It was nothing worth rewarding”— but the couple insisted so warmly that he and Natalie decided to accept their gesture.
“Big brother! I’ll become strong and cool like you one day!”
As they were leaving, the boy shouted after them. Natalie turned to see Julius smiling gently as he reached out to pat the boy’s head.
Then, after expressing their thanks and goodbyes, the two left the family behind and returned to the streets of town.
“…My lord, is there anywhere in particular that interests you?”
As they walked along the road, Natalie pointed out shops and features of the town. There was still time before sunset, so she asked about his plans.
“Well… I suppose I’d be fine just following you, my lady. To wherever you wish to go.”
“Eh?”
“Ah—no, I mean… don’t mind me. It’s just… well…”
Perhaps he had overheard her earlier conversation with her mother before they left the mansion. Or maybe he was simply being considerate. Either way, Julius thanked her for showing him around, and even added—
“If you don’t need a guard any longer… or if you’d rather go without one in this town, then perhaps I should return ahead.”
His humility made Natalie feel a twinge of guilt. Even if things between them were awkward, she’d accepted the role of guide — and she would see it through to the end.
“…In that case, there’s a hill overlooking the whole of Pettigrew. May I take you there?”
“Ah—yes, of course.”
The hill had been a beloved place since her childhood — a spot her parents often brought her to, and a popular scenic point among travelers. Walking through the familiar streets had stirred a sense of nostalgia, and she felt it was the perfect place to take him.
With his agreement, she smiled and said, “We’ll go this way, please follow me—” just as a rough, elderly voice called out to them.
“E–Excuse me… may I trouble you for a moment?”
Hearing the wavering tone, Natalie turned to see an old man wearing the plain clothes typical of the locals. He seemed to be approaching her, perhaps to ask for directions.
He looked old enough that she should have recognized him if he lived here long, yet his face was unfamiliar. Maybe he had moved in after the war.
“Ah, yes, how may I help you?”
“Well now, I was wondering… could you tell me where the lord’s mansion is?”
“My father’s mansion…? Pardon me, but do you have business with him?”
At the mention of “my father,” the man’s reaction was exaggerated — his eyes widened in surprise. “Oh my, so you’re the lord’s daughter! Forgive my rudeness…” he said, sounding apologetic, though he did not stop walking toward her.
When Natalie took a step back, the old man took one forward.
(Is this… some foreign custom? Even so…)
Though she reminded herself not to judge by appearances, there was something undeniably unsettling about him.
“I wished to pay my respects to the lord, you see… I only recently arrived here.”
“I-I see…”
“Ah, but I’m in luck today! I had a rough idea of where the place was, but now it’s coming back to me…”
Was he merely a polite subject who wanted to greet her father? Or could he be one of her father’s acquaintances?
As she pondered that—
She suddenly realized how close he had gotten. He stopped directly before her.
“Ah! That’s right! I should pay my respects to you as well, my lady—”
With a loud voice, the old man suddenly reached out to grab her hand—
“…Old man. Perhaps you don’t know the manners of this country, but you are being disrespectful to the lady.”
Julius’s strong hand shot out, seizing the man’s wrist before he could touch her. Thanks to that, Natalie remained untouched. The old man, seemingly noticing Julius for the first time, let out a frightened squeak.
“E–Eek!”
When his gaze met Julius’s, his eyes flew wide open in shock.
Then, with hurried words of apology, he stumbled back, trying to put distance between them. Julius did not stop him, simply releasing his grip.
“O–Oh dear, when you get old, you tend to forget yourself… Ahh—yes, yes, I remember the way now!”
Mumbling excuses, the man turned and left in a hurry, almost running away from them down a different street.
“You’re not hurt… are you?”
“N–No, I’m fine.”
“I sensed a faint trace of magic from him, so I stepped in. If you wanted to keep speaking with him… I apologize.”
“I–I see. No… actually, I was rather unsettled, so thank you.”
Julius frowned, worry creasing his brow as he checked on her. Natalie thanked him softly, exhaling.
Only then did she realize her heart was racing. It must have been from the fear she’d felt — the unexplainable unease that old man gave her.
And yet, when Julius intervened, she had felt… relieved.
…Relieved?
(If His Lordship is nearby, shouldn’t that make me uncomfortable…?)
She pressed her lips together tightly, silently scolding herself.
Perhaps misreading her silence, Julius asked gently, “If you’re feeling unwell from a spell or something, we can return to the mansion now—”
“No, I don’t feel any magic at all. I’m fine.”
“I see…”
“Besides, there’s still time before evening. Let’s go to the hill — I’ll show you the way.”
“Eh, are you sure you’re really—”
“I’m fine!”
Being fussed over by him was somehow irritating — and she hated feeling like someone who needed constant protection.
Guiding him properly felt like the least she could do in return — a sincere gesture that also strengthened her resolve.
So she raised her voice, full of determination, and continued walking ahead. Julius, a little flustered, simply replied, “R–Right… lead the way.”
