Episode 119

He’s probably not glaring at me, but still I get the sense I’m being glared at—maybe it’s because of the aura he carries.

A cold pressure, as if absolute zero.

“Nice to meet you, Lord Rigard. Faik, at your service.”

“It’s Rigard. You don’t have to use the honorific.”

“B-but—”

“We’re going to be family, after all, right? Don’t be so formal, it’ll just be awkward.”

Lord Rigard’s words were gentle enough, but his expression was severe.

…That said, it’s still hard to call him nothing at all without an honorific.

At least I’ll add “Sir” when I call him.

Sir Rigard turned smoothly and faced the manor.

“You came straight from Barnast without resting, didn’t you? For now, let’s talk details after we go inside.”

Saying nothing more, Sir Rigard walked off.

The moment Sir Rigard entered the manor, the atmosphere seemed to soften.

It wasn’t just me—the soldiers who had accompanied us as guards also started chatting and putting down their luggage.

“Big Brother is the same as ever.”

I gave a wry smile at Alicia’s sighing words.

“…As expected of Lord Goral’s son.”

“…At least in front of others.”

Alicia muttered that quietly.

In front of others?

I tilted my head, not understanding what Alicia meant,

“Faik, let’s go inside.”

“Y-yeah.”

If we don’t go inside first, the soldiers and servants can’t enter either.

Apparently, when traveling, you’re not supposed to enter before your master or something like that.

Well, that rule apparently doesn’t strictly apply to the guards, though.

Together with Alicia, I headed to the manor and stepped inside.

A spacious interior came into view.

There was a staircase immediately leading to the second floor, and I saw Sir Rigard leaning on the banister waiting for us, so I hurried over to him.

Seeing that, Sir Rigard briskly walked off and we followed after him.

…I had no idea how I should act around him.

Not knowing the proper way to deal with him as his sister’s fiancé, I ended up saying nothing as Sir Rigard entered the room.

We followed after, and one of Sir Rigard’s servants quietly approached and closed the door.

This must be Sir Rigard’s study, I suppose.

In the room were only me, Alicia, Refy, two of Sir Rigard’s guards, and one maid.

Sir Rigard glanced around as if to confirm that, then his face contorted grotesquely.

“Aliciaaa! Big Brother doesn’t want to enter the dungeon!”

The cool, composed man from a moment ago was nowhere to be seen.

At the sight of Sir Rigard sobbing, Alicia wore a cold expression I had never seen before.