The Abandoned Baroness is one of the Black Knight’s favorites

Surprised by Gilbert's words, Sofia watched.

"─ ─ Um, is that...?

I wanted to ask what it was, but the words didn't go on. In an unexpected confession, Sofia didn't know what to say.

"I had the opportunity to say hello at the royal castle party. ─ ─ It was a fragment, but I also saw Sofia."

Is it because I read the magic shake I heard earlier? I wonder what Sofia looked like in the memory of Alberto and Bianca. I am suddenly anxious because I am not confident.

"Is that so? So... did you know about me?

Tears stopped. How long has Gilbert known and seen Sofia? I was afraid I wouldn't know that.

"When I got engaged to Lord Alberto, I left the Baron's house. There are many things I don't know just by looking at them. Thank you for telling me."

"Yes...."

He remained puzzled, but somehow struck a gavel.

"─ ─ I'm sorry. You said you didn't want to know."

Gilbert had no expression on his face. The invisibility of verbal emotions disturbs Sofia's mind even more.

Still, Sofia herself decided to talk to Gilbert today. Take a deep breath and make up your mind.

"No ─ ─ it's the same thing after all.... I showed you something ugly."

There's only one thing that bothers me. Gilbert is not disappointed. I'm sure Sophia looked terrible in Bianca's memory. I just gave up on fear all the time.

"I never thought you were ugly. Besides, thank you for forgiving me. I'm glad you walked in."

Sofia held her chest with her free left hand. Gilbert's words are candid. It always resonates with your heart.

"─ ─ Dear Gilbert......"

When Sofia called out her name, Gilbert nodded lightly and looked up at the sky. Gilbert was the one who brought Sofia to this place, but he has barely seen the sky before. I've been looking at Sofia all my life. Sofia, who noticed it, looked up at the sky following her gaze. The night sky looks up alongside the two of you is somewhere warm.

"It's really beautiful."

I see.

Sofia talked out of agreement. I didn't think it was such a pleasure to be able to share the same impression with someone. I never thought I would be so calm when I told you about my past.

How long has it been? When I thought it was time to go back, Gilbert gradually got up and fell on one knee in front of Sofia. Regardless of the surprising Sofia, she holds her right hand and dedicates it as if it were an important treasure.

"Dear Gilbert, it's freezing away from the bench...!

It's almost forgotten when you're sitting, but the season is early winter and time is at night. It cools my body when I'm outside in the same clothes as during the day. Sofia shouted in a hurry, but Gilbert seemed to be completely fine.

"Sofia."

Quietly called by name, Gilbert and her gaze slightly together. The sincere blue eyes looked up at Sofia. Thanks to the beautiful knight, his cheeks dyed on their own.

"Give me the right to protect you."

With begging eyes, Sofia pulled back unintentionally. I don't know the truth, but Gilbert's expression conveys the seriousness. My face is hot.

What are you doing ─ ─

It was sudden for Sofia. Even so seriously, I don't remember the two of us being thanked for their official knights. Gilbert opens his mouth without changing his expression.

"─ ─ I feel better when you're by my side. I like the time we spend together."

"....."

He took an unexpected breath. Sofia, who is not accustomed to being liked straight, repeats the blink.

"I'm sure you'll have a lot of new encounters from now on. Never locked up in a room. I wish I could expand the world even more. ─ ─ If you're still with me, I want to protect you."

I'm sure Gilbert has no problem with that. But the word was sweet to Sofia's ears, and she felt as if it were a secret. I've never been asked to exist.

There was little hesitation. Sofia nodded slowly ─ ─ ─ Gilbert's lips, smiling, fell down as she saw them touch the back of her right hand.

─ ─ Thank you.

My heart was troubled. The cold, soft feeling you feel from the touch erodes Sofia's mind and body. You can only stare back, as if you were gone.

"─ ─... Sofia?

When he noticed, Gilbert returned to his position and stood up looking down at Sofia. Gilbert pulls his hand slightly to worry about Sofia being stuck. The feeling dragged me back to reality.

"Ah, well... I'm sorry! Um, um..."

I spun words out of my mouth in a hurry. Meaningless words make Sofia more restless.

"I'm sorry. Did I surprise you?"

Gilbert's voice turned out to be slower than usual, caring for Sofia. You can't regain your calm yet. Still, I thought I shouldn't stay like this, and I grabbed my free left hand. The readiness to spring from nature and the heart is a much stronger emotion than before. Sofia slowly opened her mouth so that her voice would not tremble.

"─ ─ Dear Gilbert. I... want to be strong."

To avoid defeating Bianca and Alberto, I want to be strong enough to be protected by Gilbert, and to be able to say something important ─ ─.

Once he blinked, Gilbert smiled sweetly and gently enough to melt Sofia.

"Ahh... I'm looking forward to it."

That was the happiest word for Sofia today. Hold Gilbert's hand with your right hand as you squeeze your courage. The definite feeling there illuminated Sofia's mind like a sign in the darkness of the night.