I made an effort to speak concisely, trying to keep my emotions in check as I recounted the circumstances.
“Goodness… I had heard about the Holy Knight and the Holy Maiden from the merchants passing through, but I never imagined there were such underlying issues. What kind of divine protection is that? It’s a story that leaves one dumbfounded.”
Ms. Barbara frowned and let out a sigh. Mr. Dolf wore a serious expression, gazing into the distance as if lost in thought.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gilbert suddenly looked dejected.
“I’m sorry, Miss Flora. I asked carelessly.”
“No, it’s pointless to keep it hidden… Besides, it’s only natural to be drawn to the Holy Maiden who supports you, rather than a useless wife who can only pray from a safe distance…”
Saying this myself felt self-deprecating and bitter, yet it was the truth. If it were to be spoken as mere gossip by some stranger, perhaps it would be better for me to voice it first. Is it too pessimistic to think that way?
“…It’s a shameful thing, but there are indeed those who stray when engaged in long expeditions. However, no matter how glorious their achievements, there’s no justification for being forgiven because of it.”
Mr. Gilbert spoke in a calm voice, then looked directly into my eyes as he continued.
“Moreover, you would want your loved ones to be in a safe place. Most knights wield their swords to protect others. And to have someone praying for your safety all the while should be the greatest honor for a knight. You bear no fault.”
His resolute words made my eyes well up with emotion.
Afterward, Mr. Gilbert sighed as he looked up at the ceiling, as if regretting something.
“If I were still active, I would have given him a good scolding before it came to this…”
—Not an active knight anymore?
I was taken aback, and Mr. Gilbert offered a wry smile.
“About two years ago, I lost the use of my dominant arm on the battlefield. The treatment was delayed, and I could no longer wield a sword, so I retired.”
He still looked young, and his physique suggested he was still in training, making it hard to believe he was retired. I imagined that losing the ability to wield a sword as a knight must be a painful past. Yet, Mr. Gilbert continued his story as if it were nothing, without showing any signs of that shadow.
“Even if I can no longer fight as a knight, I can still manage to hold my own to some extent. I was pretending to be a mercenary. However, just recently, my former superior, who was like a mentor to me, embarked on a rather reckless campaign. I wanted to lend my aid, so I came here seeking Mr. Dolf’s help.”
Mr. Dolf, who had been silent until now, raised an eyebrow and sighed with a troubled expression.
“Hey, Gilbert, it’s not as simple as saying you can use an axe instead of a sword.”
Mr. Gilbert made a playful face, trying to brush it off with a laugh, then turned serious again as he looked at me.
“I heard about the Holy Knight’s wife from that person… They prioritized the situation on the battlefield, turned a blind eye, and ended up making an innocent woman unhappy. Given their position, it’s not easy for them to apologize… No, I might be troubling you by saying this…”
I shook my head.
I understood that in the face of terrifying Undead Beasts on the battlefield, there were situations where mere niceties wouldn’t suffice. Perhaps I had also come to terms with it during my days in the Royal Capital.
“I no longer harbor any feelings of resentment toward anyone.”
I simply stated that.
Right now, rather—
With Mr. Gilbert having declared that I bore no fault, it felt as if the heaviest and most painful chains within me had been undone.
Ms. Barbara came over and embraced me, gently stroking my head.
“So, you came to show your face here because you’re leaving the Royal Capital, Flora-chan?”
After a brief pause, Mr. Dolf asked in a gentle voice.
“Yes. Although I have divorced him… I cannot erase the precious memories of the past.”
In those days, now distant memories, the sword that Mr. Dolf had forged for me was always present. Mr. Dolf smiled kindly, understanding the gratitude I held within, and nodded.
“By the way, Flora-chan, if you’re not in a hurry to travel, would you mind making Duck Soup for dinner? It’s been a while.”
“That’s a splendid idea!”
Both Ms. Barbara and Mr. Dolf looked at me with eager eyes. I was a bit surprised but nodded without hesitation.
Perhaps it was because I had been bound by the words that I could do nothing but pray, tormented by my own powerlessness for so long. Being sought after by others filled me with joy, and my spirits soared. It felt like a long-lost sensation.
“Oh, so we can finally have that Duck Soup!”
Even Mr. Gilbert’s eyes sparkled with excitement from behind.
…However, Mr. Dolf suddenly changed his expression to one of seriousness and turned to Mr. Gilbert.
“That aside, Gilbert, you just said something that I can’t let slide, did you not?”
Caught off guard, Mr. Gilbert looked awkwardly around.
“I let it slide earlier for Flora-chan’s sake… But you mentioned something about starting to chop wood alongside your mercenary work, didn’t you? What’s this? Were you planning to head to the battlefield in that condition?”
After fumbling with his words, Mr. Gilbert shrank back like a scolded child.