Episode 61

My body jumped reflexively.

If it had been the old days, I would have probably been slapped hard next.

That Morgan didn’t act like that is probably because he’s a noble too.

He seems surprised by the change in my status, but he understands it.

Still, his shouting brought back old memories and my heart started pounding.

Alicia took my hand.

…Wrapped in her gentle warmth, my fear vanished at once.

Then I looked Morgan straight in the eyes and bowed my head slightly.

“I’m sorry, but I will not return to the court. I will live as Alicia’s husband, and as a blacksmith.”

“Y-you…!”

Morgan’s hand trembled.

To him I continued speaking.

“I don’t know what situation you’re in now… but even if you tell me to come back at this point, I don’t want to return to that hellish place.”

“H-how much do you think we’ve taken care of you…!”

Morgan reddened, raised his voice roughly, and tried to swing up a fist.

At that moment, Refy twisted Morgan’s wrist up.

“Y-you!? What do you think you’re doing, just a maid!?”

“You tried to harm my master. He is a member of the ducal house, don’t you know?”

When Refy said that, Morgan trembled.

Morgan should be of a count’s house. Even if it’s a neighboring country, laying hands on a member of the ducal house would be unwise.

Morgan probably still thinks of me as an insignificant trash blacksmith, but Refy and Alicia here treat me as a member of the ducal house.

The strength drained from Morgan and he dropped to his knees. It was when Refy let go of his hand.

Morgan slid his forehead along the floor. There was an unnatural tension in both his arms.

When he raised his face, he wore an expression as if forcing down his frustration.

“…P-please! R-recall what you said earlier! At this rate, the knights’ Enchantments will never be finished! A-and the Knight Commander has told me to bring back blacksmith Faik! If it’s known that these are impossible, I’ll lose my position at court! Y-you’d think it’d be perfect to have the ducal house’s son-in-law and the title of royal court blacksmith, wouldn’t you!?”

“I discussed that with my father, but he said the position of royal court blacksmith is unnecessary.”

Alicia smiled lightly.

I couldn’t leave all the talking to her. With the meaning of finality, I told him my feelings again.

“I already said it. I’m not going back. No matter what happens to this country, and certainly no matter what happens to you, it doesn’t concern me.”

At least, things were managed when I wasn’t around.

If things revert to the old ways, we should be able to live comfortably enough.

…Well, it was Morgan who increased the workload to gain favor from above, though.

Morgan raised his face, looking pale.

“P-please, Faik! Please! At this rate, I will…!”

“…Please leave.”

When I said that, Refy stood in front of Morgan.

“…If you continue to harm my master any further, I will have to consult those above.”

When Refy said that, Morgan trembled and then trudged out of the room.

Refy also left the room and closed the entrance door.

Left alone with Alicia, I let out a relieved breath.

About to collapse to my knees, Alicia gently hugged me.

Then she stroked my head.

“Are you okay?”

“Y-yeah… I’m fine.”

I felt embarrassed being treated like a child, but Alicia hugged me tightly.

“No, let me hold you like this for now.”

“……”

Alicia peered at my face and smiled gently.

…Seeing that smile, all the unnatural tension in my body melted away completely.

I had been tense, and frightened too. Pathetic as it was, it had probably become somewhat of a trauma.

Even so, this meant a perfect parting.

I will no longer return to the court as a blacksmith.

“…Thank you, Alicia.”

“Yeah, I love you.”

“…I love you too.”

We exchanged smiles.

…There will still be many difficulties ahead.

…But with such a lovely lover by my side, I can overcome anything.