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

Sofia took a sip of the tea that Carina had brewed, pulling the paperwork from her hand to the edge. With a little cold tea, I feel that the feeling of tightness is slightly relieved.

While Gilbert was away on assignment, Sofia was focused on studying and reviewing territory management. Among the stable and less problematic Marquises of Forster, the recently annexed former Baron Lenish still has a lot to do with the bad governance of the former lords. Sofia is examining the effectiveness of tax cuts and the next policy under the guidance of Orel, the Marquis's decree sent by Elvin and others. Carina was worried about Sophia, who was packing her roots by herself, and took care of her.

"─ ─ Thanks. I knew Carina's brewed tea would calm me down."

Little by little, I became accustomed to the noble words. You'll get used to wearing dresses and dresses that are much more expensive than what you've been wearing, and if you've been living the same life for six months. But I've never been so far away from Gilbert. He unconsciously exhaled and left his body on the back of the chair.

"Sofia, why don't you take it a little slower? I've been doing that for the last few days."

Sofia smiles ambiguously back at Carina, who says she's stunned and worried. I knew Sofia couldn't do it. But it was most convenient to think about something in order to keep pretending to face forward so as not to be crushed by a weak self.

"Yes, but...."

Sofia clouds her words. I can't afford to think about Gilbert, but I don't want it now. I didn't want everyone in the Marquis to notice the anxiety, loneliness and love that would attack me at night. As Gilbert's wife, Sofia must trust Gilbert more than anyone. Even if the mission is dangerous.

"Stop it! It's a corner, and I'll bring you some sweets. Wait a minute."

Carina leaves the room with great momentum. They must have headed for the kitchen. Sofia placed her pen on the tray and slowly closed her eyes. I have a tingling and cramping sensation in my eyes. Maybe it's because I've been nervous for a long time.

What comes to mind behind the eyelids that shine through the sun is Gilbert's blue-eyed eyes that are clear enough to look inside that Sofia. Sofia pushes and kills her desire to see her again. I woke up and touched the magic equipment on my desk, asking for warmth that was not on my side now.

Carina, who came back after a while, was somehow clumsy. On the contrary, it seems to have panicked a little. Carina slightly dyed her cheeks and said to Sofia, who tilted her neck.

Kevin's visiting Sofia.

"─ ─ Huh?

Sofia was surprised at the name. One of the Kintetsu Knights I traveled with once. Gilbert and Tobias were together then. The journey that uncovered Baron Lannish's injustice and searched for the cause of Sophia's parents' death is unforgettable.

What's going on?

"Yes, but even if I ask you, you won't answer me with a serious face. What do we do, Sofia?

"I don't care what they say... they say, so I have to see them."

Sofia stood up in a bit of a hurry. Carina ran to the back closet as soon as she heard her answer. Sofia today is not a costume to meet visitors. Though I knew him, as the wife of the Marquis of Forster, I had to dress up as good as I could.

"Sofia, let's get dressed! If you're coming, I'll tell you to let me out first!

Carina said she was a little angry as she gathered the costume accessories one after the other. Sofia smiled bitterly and drank the remaining tea all at once, knowing that her manners were not good.

"Well, maybe something happened... and I hope nothing happened."

I can't think of a reason why Kevin from the same 2nd Platoon as Gilbert would visit us. Not to mention Gilbert's not here right now. Sofia takes off her skirt and blouse and wears Carina's underwear. The blue one-piece dress worn reminds me of a lady with a stuffed neck. It is elegantly tailored and at the same time hides evidence of spending the night with Gilbert, who is still alive.

"I don't think too badly. It's Kevin anyway. It's my usual courtesy, anyway."

Really?

Carina smiled to reassure Sofia and tied an indigo ribbon around her neck. Let him sit in front of the mirror stand and brush his hair, which was easily tied together to prevent it from falling apart. Loosely wrapped up in cingnon and fastened with silver hair ornaments previously received from Gilbert.

"That's right. Plus, dresses and hair accessories are Gilbert's color."

Sofia stares at herself in the mirror. Indigo dress and silver hair decoration. It seemed to insist on something in silence. Unexpectedly, Carina plays and taps Sofia lightly on the shoulder.

"That's good. I'm going to treat another man while he's away, so I won't hit the bee if I appeal this much."

"That might be true, but...!

But this is embarrassing. Sophia was still holding her head as if she were going to change clothes, and Carina turned around and shouted in a stubborn voice.

"Besides, Sofia. ─ ─ Sorry. Actually, I'm worried. I don't know how Kevin feels about me."

I mean, was this jealousy against Sofia? Of course Carina has nothing to worry about, and there's nothing between Sofia and Kevin. But the maiden mind is complicated. Sofia nodded with a little smile.

"Carina, please be there."

Sofia smiles naturally. Carina, whose face turned red, opened her mouth in an aggressive attempt to say something back. However, it does not become a word and is blocked by the sound of the door being knocked several times. Sofia's maid called out from behind the door.

"Ma'am, how are you feeling?"

"Yeah, I'll be right there."

Have I kept you waiting a long time? Sofia looked at Carina and left the room for the reception room downstairs.