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

The next morning, Gilbert arrived as soon as Sofia had finished dressing. Gilbert was wearing a familiar black when he came here yesterday, even though he wasn't supposed to be a knight. The expression is a little stiff, and I miss it a little.

"Sofia, are you ready?"

"Did I make you wait?

As Sofia lowered her eyebrows, Gilbert softened her expression slightly.

"No, that's not true. Let's go home."

Sofia nodded and held her right hand in Gilbert's left hand. Just for now, this hand belongs to Sofia alone.

The carriage that got in turns back the way it came yesterday. Sofia lost her sight and turned outside the window. The royal castle is getting smaller and smaller.

─ ─ I need a favor.

Gilbert opened his mouth after he lost sight of the royal castle. Sofia turns her face back to the front and looks straight at her.

"Master Gilbert?

Gilbert carved deep wrinkles between his eyebrows as Sofia asked. The tight mouth seems to indicate the seriousness of what we are going to talk about.

"I'll be busy for a while. When you're late, I want you to rest before you wait."

"I see. Don't overdo it...."

It was something I was prepared for. Sofia repeats what she said last night. Gilbert nodded silently and took Sofia's hand, sitting face-to-face. It's as if one day you're going to find out what it really is. The carriage seemed to have arrived at the Marquis Mansion, and the shaking to date subsided. Without the sound of the wheels, the two carriages are too quiet.

"Thank you ─ ─ and..."

You can squeeze your hand. When Sofia opened her eyes, she was hugged by Gilbert, who was floating her hips. Sofia leans on Gilbert's back with her free left hand, holding on to the strength of her arm.

"Don't leave this house for a while. I'm afraid I'm incapacitated, but... please."

Close to whispering, a squeezed voice stabs Sofia in the chest. It was a plea.

─ ─ Yes

Sophia whispered back. There were signs of people outside the door. I'm sure you and Hans will. I can see how it is inside. Gilbert nevertheless did not try to loosen his arms to hold Sofia.

"I'm sorry... but I have no other way to protect you. In a few days, I will also go to Burgan territory in the south. ─ ─ I can't protect you on the side."

Gilbert's lips, which touched his shoulders, trembled slightly. Could it be due to Sophia's hesitation to leave her alone? Sophia shook her head loosely and gripped her right hand back strongly to reassure her that she was still tied. I'm glad I can't see my face. I don't have the confidence to laugh beautifully right now.

"No, Miss Gilbert. You're always protecting me... us. That's why I'm fine. ─ ─ I'm here. I'll be waiting for you here..."

The hugged arms were unwrapped and Sofia's hands fell flat on the seat. Gilbert distracted himself from the door. Ignoring those outside, he opens the door and leaves the carriage without looking back.

"Milord, I was in trouble. Don't mess with your wife in your room."

"No ─ ─ I'm going back to the royal castle. Hans, tell Carina to rest Sofia. I don't think you slept very well last night."

"Yes, sir."

I can hear Gilbert and Hans outside the carriage. Sofia rolled up her hips and put her feet on the steps. Gilbert noticed and gave me a hand. Walk with me to the front of the mansion.

Sofia, I'm coming.

Gilbert let Sofia go in front of the front door.

"Welcome. Um...."

Sofia leaned down without a word. Last night's dream of my parents glittered in my head. I squeezed the hem of the dress with both hands. I do the same thing that I do one day without realizing it.

As Gilbert narrowed his distance, he put his hand on Sofia's head. The lips that touched you for a moment quickly moved away.

"I'll be back at night."

Gilbert, who smiled slightly and turned his heel back, rode the horse that the Emperor had prepared. Black-haired horses still succeed, and silver hair shines in the sunlight.

"I'm waiting for you...!

Gilbert answered with a slightly raised hand. Keep staring at your back as it gets smaller and smaller. It's okay, it's okay. Repeat in your mind to encourage yourself, even if there is no meaning in words. Sofia is in a safe place, and Gilbert is not yet on the battlefield. He said he'd be back here tonight. Nothing to worry about yet.

Sofia stayed there for a while, even though she couldn't see her back.

"─ ─ Ma'am, shall we go to your room? Have Carina set up the room. Your complexion doesn't look good. Get some rest today."

Hans carefreely calls Sofia with some of the luggage he received from Gilbert.

"That's right. ─ ─ Thank you, Mr. Hans."

Sofia nodded with a smile on her face. I don't want you to worry. Sofia is now the mistress of this Marquis of Forster. Gilbert's wife cannot be abandoned. Hans nodded with a little relief.

"Yes, it's an emergency, but I'm not going anywhere yet. Besides, Milord is strong, so it is okay if anything happens. Rest assured."

The maid who opened the door also smiled and went up the stairs. Let's go back to the room. Return to your room and wait for Gilbert's return as the embroidery continues. Sofia, who can only believe it, just decided to believe Gilbert.