Today, I practiced swordsmanship. At the very least, I needed to distract myself from everything that happened yesterday.'I'm so embarrassed.'
I sparred with one of Count Nerwine's security knights—Rajir. He's often the one who trains me, and the sword skills I have now mostly came from his teachings."You're distracted today, Keith. What's on your mind?"I wiped the sweat from my forehead, leaning on my wooden sword. He was right: I was unable to concentrate, as my thoughts were all over the place.
"Nothing, Rajir. I was just thinking about what I'll eat later."
"Are you trying to lie to me?"
"I'm not."
"Whatever it is, you can always talk to me." Rajir gave my shoulder a gentle pat.
'Could I really tell him? That I've remembered my first life?' No matter how much I thought about it, I just couldn't bring myself to say a word. I just wanted to live my days peacefully, but the thoughts of death kept haunting me.
Having finished training, I wiped myself down, changed my clothes, and returned to work. Usually, my duties as a knight involved accompanying Leyla, but today I just cursed myself.
"A tea party?"
"Yes, I'm planning on hosting one, and I'll invite Remy and the others."
"Is that why you were busy and didn't say hi to me this morning?"
"I made quite a scene at Remy's coming-of-age party, so... I thought this might be a way to make up for it."
"…"
"I also invited Cynthia." she said.
'Leyla, you actually invited the enemy into your own home. How bold of you.'
"Well then, I'll go get ready. You can help keep an eye on things later, Keith."
Leyla didn't waste a second and hurried away. Two hours passed, and she emerged, stunning in a gorgeous gown. A table, perfectly set, awaited her in the garden.
I stood a little ways off, watching her from behind as she welcomed the guests—starting with Remy and the others. Soon after, a luxurious carriage arrived. Epsilon stepped out and offered his hand to help Cynthia down. Of course, she arrived last—like the star of the show.
Her red dress was dazzling, accompanied by a fan in her hand and plenty of ornaments in her hair.
'Attention seeker.'
"I see you've made a wise decision, Leyla. A sign of maturity—hosting a tea party. Truly unpredictable."
"I just want to get to know people my age better. It's good to deepen our bonds. I'm glad you decided to come, Duchess."
Since when did my Leyla get this good at sweet-talking?
Meanwhile, I noticed Epsilon sneaking glances at me with sharp eyes. Today, he was dressed more modestly than usual—yet his hair still gleamed brighter than most of the ladies here. Damn handsome bastard.
Leyla escorted Cynthia to her seat, clapped her hands to summon the maids, and then instructed them to serve tea and a platter of delectable sweets. The cakes, a symphony of flavors that danced on their tongues clearly enchanted the ladies.
Epsilon pulled out a chair for Cynthia like a proper gentleman. Meanwhile, Leyla apologized, saying she didn't have any more chairs available.
"Shouldn't you socialize with men your age too, Epsilon?" Cynthia said softly, then glanced in my direction where I stood calmly behind the gathering.
"That's a great idea. Keith," Leyla waved toward me. "Take him for a walk" her lips mouthed the words.'What a hassle.'
"No need, I must remain close to Lady Cynthia at all times," Epsilon refused, his voice firm. "It's fine Epsilon, do as i say." The woman's hushed whisper brushed against the air. He glared, eyes narrowed.
'Hah… what's she whispering while glaring at me like that?' A puff of air escaped Epsilon's lips. "Huff… Very well, as you wish." He sighed, defeat in his shoulders, and walked over to me.
"So?"
"What?"
"Have you accepted your fate to walk through the garden with me, oh great and famous magician?"
"Hmph…"
He walked ahead of me, and I hurried to catch up. He clearly didn't want to do this.What's that cunning woman planning? Did she send me off with him on purpose, so I would be distracted, and she could then freely humiliate Leyla?
'She's the real villain here.'
"I can only accompany you for a short while. I must return to Miss Leyla's side."Epsilon stopped in his tracks, turned, and gave me a smile.
"Of course. Who'd want to spend that much time with you anyway?"
'Damn it, he's beautiful.'