Chapter 41: Weight
A Hidden Threat
No longer in her bunny-girl uniform, but a plain dress, Kross hid in the shadows, biting her finger, watching Rita and Cecilia on the bench.
Ordered by the Lady to kill Rita, Kross faced a deadly dilemma.
Refusal meant death at the Lady’s hands—or worse.
Fleeing was no option either; constant surveillance ensured dire consequences for any rash move.
She had no choice but to comply.
Yet, how could she kill Rita? Stab her outright?
Rita, fourth in the Holy Knight exam, was formidable. Even given a chance, Kross doubted she could win, let alone get close.
Escape plans or the Lady’s protection were beyond her current concerns.
For now, guarding Cecilia, Rita seemed untouchable.
No choice but to wait for an opening.
A Sweet Distraction
Unaware of the malicious gaze, Rita focused entirely on her peach crepe.
Tart peaches, sweet creamy topping, and crunchy chocolate bits overwhelmed her, unaccustomed to such treats.
So this is why girls love desserts.
While savoring, Rita stole glances at Cecilia.
Calmly gazing ahead, Cecilia occasionally scooped a cream-covered strawberry slice into her mouth.
Following her gaze, Rita saw the lively square—children darting by, couples cuddling under trees, vendors shouting.
Noisy, yet oddly comforting.
This scene felt disconnected from the city’s recent assassinations, monsters, and demon threats.
Indeed, this was the same square where Cecilia’s speech was disrupted by rioters days ago. That terror was gone, the city peaceful again.
“So peaceful,” Rita murmured.
“Do you like peace?” Cecilia asked softly, catching her comment.
Realizing she’d spoken too loudly, Rita shifted awkwardly, answering seriously. “Peace is what every Holy Knight aspires to protect.”
Her words drew a rebuke from Cecilia. “Don’t use stiff platitudes. They don’t suit you. It’s a rest day—relax.”
Rita pondered. “Yeah, I like it.”
Satisfied, Cecilia closed her eyes. “Yet someone, driven by selfish desires, seeks to shatter this hard-won peace. They’re in this city, watching us from the shadows.”
“Who?” Alert, Rita scanned around, seeking the hidden threat Cecilia mentioned.
Her movement startled Kross, who muffled a gasp and ducked behind a corner.
Could Rita sense her intent from so far?
The Fourth Princess’s chosen one was no ordinary foe!
Cecilia sighed, setting down her crepe’s spoon. “Just an example.”
“Oh…” Rita shrank back onto the bench, settling down.
“Your vigilance is commendable, though. It reassures me. Keep it up.”
Cecilia praised her?
Surprised, Rita felt a spark of joy. “Heh, I’m not that great, Cecilia.”
Taking her polite praise seriously, Cecilia found Rita oddly endearing and continued. “You have flaws to fix and strengths to hone. That’s the path to becoming a true knight. It’s long, but I believe you’ll succeed, and I’ll see it happen.”
The sudden encouragement made Rita earnest. “Y-yes, I’ll work hard!”
“You’re right, though. Whether as a knight or a leader, we protect not our masters or power, but the nation, its people, and this fragile peace. That’s why I can’t forgive those who threaten it.”
Gazing at the crowd, Cecilia added, “This might be heavy for now. Just finish your crepe with me.”
A Gift of Trust
They lingered in the square until Cecilia polished off her crepe, the tree shadows lengthening as the crowd thinned.
Folding the crepe’s wrapper neatly, Cecilia handed it to Rita, then raised her palm.
Rita promptly took her hand, helping her up from the bench.
“Cecilia, what’s next?”
“I’m tired. One last stop.”
The final stretch wasn’t leisurely. Scorching heat from molten metal made the street feel like midsummer. The pungent smell of leather and oil wafted far.
Rita had visited this street before—her prized five-gold-coin sword came from here.
Such a place, filled with fire and iron, clashed with Cecilia’s refined demeanor.
Silent, Cecilia led slightly ahead, stopping at a weapon shop, signaling Rita with a glance to open the door.
Seeing Cecilia, the shop clerk froze, startled by the elegant girl in a weapon shop, but professionalism kicked in. “Hello, how can I help?”
Freeing her hand from Rita’s, Cecilia stepped forward. “I’m here to pick up something ordered by Julius.”
“Miss Julius? One moment…” The clerk checked a ledger, then paled, realizing the name’s weight, nearly dropping to her knees. “Y-Your Highness?!”
“Bring my item,” Cecilia cut off further formalities, raising a hand.
“Yes! Yes!”
The clerk hurried to the back, soon returning with a sword.
“Give it to me directly.” Cecilia stopped Rita and the clerk from handling it.
Obeying, the clerk placed the sword respectfully in Cecilia’s hands.
The blade looked large and heavy for Cecilia’s frame, her expression straining as she took it.
Yet she turned, holding the sword with both hands, and stepped toward Rita.
“Rita.” Struggling, Cecilia raised the sword. “Last night was my failure as a princess and your master, but your loyalty and worth I’ve always seen.”
“Take it. As my shield and blade, you need a worthy weapon.”
Kneeling on one knee, Rita accepted the heavy weight from the girl’s hands.