Chapter 11
The castle tour proceeded clockwise, starting from the outermost sections. Since they would return to the main castle eventually, it was saved for last.
“This building is entirely used for combat training. There’s an outdoor training field elsewhere, but here the floors are divided based on the type of training—dueling, for example.”
“I don’t see many knights around.”
“That’s because they had outdoor training today. Most of them are probably passed out in their quarters.”
Kaon pointed at the castle located directly behind the training building.
There was a separate residence within Ferdinand Castle solely for the knights. It had been fully renovated into lodgings, so compared to other territories, the usage rate was quite high.
It reflected the intentions of the previous Duke, who had wanted to provide the best possible environment for the knights.
“Did you also train outside today, Kaon?”
“Yes.”
“Training outside in this heat… It must be because everyone has such strong dedication. Knights are truly amazing.”
Kaon felt a bit awkward at her gentle compliment.
In truth, becoming a knight wasn’t his choice—it was more like a predetermined path. Born as the son of a prestigious knight family, what else could he become?
Even so, he wasn’t giving it his all. He believed that even if he did excel as a knight, it would only stir up more trouble for an already complicated household.
He had no desire or qualification to become the head of the Ferdinand family, so there was no point in trying. Supporting Leonidas moderately would suffice.
“Aren’t you tired, Kaon? Maybe I should’ve asked you to give the tour tomorrow. It’s not like it was urgent…”
Kaon, lost in thought, looked at Alessia at her words. Her drooping eyes looked even more downturned than usual, giving her a genuinely apologetic expression.
“This is nothing. It was a promise, so I must keep it. And I thought you might be bored staying in your room all day.”
He quickly shook his head.
He was, in fact, tired. Until just a moment ago, he had truly felt exhausted. He hadn’t slept well, his head was foggy, and his body heavy—he’d have liked nothing more than to collapse onto a bed.
But once he went outside with Alessia, those feelings washed away.
Alessia listened attentively even to mundane explanations and occasionally asked questions with sparkling eyes.
“In Ferdinand, children begin horseback riding at the age of seven. Even the young squires who come here dreaming of knighthood start learning to ride at that age.”
“At seven? Oh my! I still don’t know how to ride. That’s a little embarrassing.”
“It’s not that difficult. If you’d like, I can teach you later.”
“Really? Then I’ll definitely ask you sometime.”
In any activity, enthusiasm is key. When a student is eager to learn, the teacher gets excited too, wanting to teach more. Kaon felt the same—he wanted to share more.
It helped that Alessia, from Ingelloss of all places, showed curiosity. It made him pay closer attention and explain more carefully. The fact that someone from an enemy nation was showing genuine interest was fascinating—and her positive reactions, refreshing.
That was all. It wasn’t like he was enjoying his time with Alessia. He simply felt responsible for introducing Ferdinand and was mildly encouraged by her interest.
He wasn’t truly having fun or anything. Absolutely not. He swore. Probably. If asked to swear by the heavens, well… he’d have to think about it.
Kaon kept repeating the same excuses to himself, almost defensively.
“You know, I’ve noticed before, but Kaon is really kind.”
“That’s the first I’ve heard.”
“Maybe people know it so well that they don’t even bother saying it anymore?”
“…Let’s move on. There’s nothing more to see here.”
Flustered by such a simple compliment, Kaon picked up the pace. A now-familiar soft laugh followed behind him.
The tour continued after that. But exploring the entire castle in a single day was nearly impossible, and it would’ve been too exhausting. So after covering the essentials, they returned to the main castle.
Kaon led Alessia down an arched corridor. Along the long wall hung several portraits in a row—portraits of the successive Dukes and Duchesses of Ferdinand.
“Is this the former Duchess?”
As Alessia examined each portrait from the first Duke up to the previous ones who had passed away three years ago, she stopped before one and asked.
“Yes. That’s my mother.”
“She’s truly beautiful.”
Alessia stared at the portrait in admiration. It wasn’t so much a deliberate remark as an expression of quiet awe.
Kaon followed her gaze to his mother’s portrait. She had brilliant golden hair and soft sky-blue eyes—an undeniable beauty.
She had once been the adopted daughter of a tenant farmer, yet became the wife of a Duke. That said enough.
“I heard my father fell in love with her at first sight.”
Everyone in Ferdinand knew the story—it wasn’t exactly a secret. Alessia might have even heard of it already. The tale was famous, having spread even to the capital.
A simple story: The Duke, mingling with the people during a festival to observe public sentiment, was instantly smitten by a woman dancing in the square.
A woman with no notable background fell in love with the Duke in return. After overcoming all objections, they married—a clichéd but romantic tale.
But the reality of a tenant farmer’s daughter becoming a Duchess was neither simple nor ordinary. Identity fabrication was the easiest part.
Father really was something.
When Kaon learned the truth as he got older, he was astounded. To think someone could fall so hard after seeing someone only once—it was astonishing.
Still, in the end, Mother…
Dark memories clouded Kaon’s expression. He could never understand why his father had clung so desperately to the idea of love.
If there had been some great reason, he might have accepted it. But “love at first sight” just meant he was drawn to her appearance.
What was so grand about beauty that fades eventually?
“Huh.”
Kaon suddenly sucked in a breath.
Alessia had approached without him noticing and was now standing right in front of him, looking up. Kaon, startled, forgot to blink as their eyes met.
He hadn’t meant to focus on her face—but now that he did, it took over his attention.
Up close, her features were delicate and fine. Her long lashes fluttered gently, her kind, wide eyes glistened, and her dainty face had a faintly surprised expression.
She was undeniably beautiful, her small stature even giving off a cute impression. Even her slight head tilt seemed adorably curious.
Kaon already knew this. But seeing her up close like this was oddly striking. Her beauty left him momentarily dazed.
“Did I startle you? I didn’t mean to. You were so quiet, I wondered if you were feeling unwell.”
“No, not at all. I was just thinking about something else. I’m fine.”
Caught off guard, Kaon flinched and stepped back. He hurriedly made an excuse, but Alessia still blinked at him, puzzled.
“You don’t look well, though. Your ears have been red for a while… Did you overdo it today?”
Ears? Kaon quickly touched his ears—and understood immediately. His fingertips felt warm.
“I just… tend to have a bit more body heat than most. It’s nothing. Please don’t worry.”
“If you say so.”
Of course, that was nonsense. He was warm-blooded, but his ears weren’t usually this hot. What kind of person only gets heat in their ears, anyway? A teapot?
Still, he couldn’t think of a better excuse. And he didn’t want to. So he just decided to accept that he was a warm-eared person.
More than that, it was her gaze that was bothering him.
“Is there something on my face?”
“No. You just look so much like the Duchess.”
Her words were full of sincere admiration. Kaon had heard this countless times before.
Though I think we only share the eyes.
Their shape and color were somewhat similar—but while the Duchess had eyes like the clear sky, Kaon’s were tinged with pale gray. Not quite the same.
So Kaon never thought he resembled her much. Still, if everyone else said so, maybe it was true.
Not that it matters.
He didn’t particularly care. A handsome face wasn’t much use for a knight. If anything, he envied Leonidas, whose sharp, cool features were fitting for a knight.
That’s what he thought.
“So that’s why you’re so handsome.”
Why did those simple words hit so hard?
It wasn’t the first time he’d heard it. People had said it often enough, front and back, that he’d started to believe maybe he was a bit unusually good-looking.
But this time, her words stirred something in his chest.
“Shall we go back now? It’s almost time for dinner. I wonder what they’ll serve. Lunch was delicious.”
Alessia, unaware of the storm she had stirred, turned cheerfully and walked ahead. Her steps were light and quick.
Kaon, still staring blankly after her, suddenly spoke.
“Alessia.”
“Yes?”
She turned slowly upon hearing her name. Her bright silver hair caught the sunlight flooding through the corridor, creating a halo-like glow.
“Alessia… you’re beautiful too.”
As soon as he said it, Kaon strode past her in large steps.
He was certain she’d laugh. But even after a few more steps, he didn’t hear a sound.
Somehow, that silence made his heart pound even louder.
