Chapter 59: A “First” Meeting

“Hahahahahahaha!”

The sudden loud laughter makes me flinch.
Today’s match schedule had ended, and since we had some free time in the afternoon, Richard and I were walking through town together.

“That is… Lord ‘Robin,’ isn’t it?”

“It seems so.”

The masked knight was laughing loudly.
In the middle of town.
What on earth is that man doing?

“It looks like there was an arrest.”

“An arrest?”

Indeed, there was a man being restrained nearby.
There was no weapon in sight, and from the looks of it, he was probably just a drunk.
Even though the sun was still high, it would not be strange, considering the tournament had the atmosphere of a festival.

“As long as Robin’s eyes are blue, villains shall never run rampant in this world!”

“Kyaaah!”

What is that?
Some kind of hero show?
Children and women were cheering for Lord Robin.

“Should we try promoting you in that direction too, Richard?”

“That would be a bit…”

Right?
I mean, a Richard like that might also be wonderful.
But this town is surprisingly tolerant of suspicious masked men.
Perhaps it is because of the legends about the previous one.

“I wonder why he is still wearing the mask even after the matches.”

“I am curious about when he plans to take it off.”

Well, he seems to have guards with him, so it is probably fine.
Richard and I decided to enjoy our time together.

“Ah, Lady Ellen!
Sir Richard!”

—Or so I thought, but Lord ‘Robin’ called out to us.
In this situation?
Right after finishing an arrest and drawing attention?

“…Lord Robin.”

“Well now, to think I would meet you here.”

He is talking so casually.
Do you realize you are wearing a mask right now?

“Ahaha…”

Even Richard is giving a wry smile.

“Are the two of you heading out now?”

“Yes.
Today’s schedule ended early.
We were busy until the tournament began, but once it started, things became fairly simple.
So we had some free time.”

Although there was a bit of trouble with the Famerson family, we left its handling entirely to the Ryuswell family.
There is nothing for me to gain by getting involved, and it is best to rely on our backing when we have it.

“Then I should not interrupt your time together.
I merely wished to greet you today.
Ah, but—Holy Knight?”

“…What is it, Lord Robin?”

“I have no intention of losing to you.
But at the same time, I do support your love.
Please do not misunderstand that.”

At those words, Richard and I looked at each other.

“Speaking of which, it seems there is a rumor going around that Lord Robin’s beloved is Ellen.”

“Oh?
So that is how it turned out.
I never expected such a misunderstanding, and it seems I have caused you trouble.”

“No, that is not your fault, Lord Robin.
Rather, are we not the ones causing your beloved to misunderstand your feelings?”

“Ah, on that point, there is no need to worry.
She does not know my true identity.”

She does not know?!

“…And you plan to confess without telling her?”

“Of course, I will reveal my identity.
In front of her.”

Is that really a good idea?
You are already drawing so much attention, and on top of that, you are the Crown Prince.

“If we both keep winning, then we will meet in the finals.”

“Yes.”

“At that time, with all our strength.
Holy Knight Richard.
I will give it everything I have.”

“I will gladly face you.
Lord Robin.
…Though unfortunately, I believe I will be the one to lose and then confess.”

Richard just declared war—so casually!
Lord Robin looked blank for a moment, at a loss for words.

“Hahahahaha!
You say bold things as well, Sir Richard!
Very well, then I shall strive so that does not come to pass.”

“Let us both do our best.
Fair and square.”

“Indeed!
Then, farewell!”

So refreshing.
People do not normally say “farewell,” but when he says it in that outfit, it somehow fits.

“Lord Robin really is something else.”

“He truly is.”

“Ellen, do you know who Lord Robin’s beloved is?”

“No, I have not heard.
It seems Lady Katarina knows, though.”

There were surprises, but we continued walking through town together.
Not for long, of course.
There were matches again tomorrow, so we could not stay out late.
We spent our own time, felt satisfied, and were just about to return to the inn to prepare for tomorrow.

That was when—

“Lady Electra!”

She came.
The person I had long thought might come someday.

“…Lady Livia.”

Golden hair.
Ruby-like eyes.
A woman of ducal blood.
And—

…the woman who took my husband from me.

Someone I had only spoken to in dreams.
Now standing before me in reality for the first time.

Saint Livia Carlson stepped up in front of me.