“Pii?”
The golden rabbit immediately asked back. Judging by its expression, it seemed to be asking why would you be meeting Cassium?
But somehow, I didn’t want to talk about the marriage proposal myself.
If I said it out loud, it felt like it would suddenly become real.
“I’ll tell you later. After I meet them—tonight.”
So I had no choice but to delay my answer for now.
It was the day of the decisive battle.
Hedel adjusted the tie inside his black outing jacket and took a deep breath.
“Sir, what are you preparing for so seriously?”
Nervan peeked from behind him and asked curiously.
“I have something important to do.”
“What is it?”
Hedel slowly shook his head.
He had decided to keep quiet about the fact that his captain was currently a rabbit.
“Also… why aren’t you wearing your knight uniform and instead something black—”
“I’m heading out.”
Leaving Nervan behind, Hedel exited the Erne Knight Order headquarters.
For the sake of the other aides who worried about their captain day and night, he had to complete the mission Cassium had entrusted to him.
Hedel headed to the stables. A few knights from the Golden Lion Order were chatting there.
“Commander Lize said she has something to do this afternoon.”
“Do you think she’ll take Kimtoki with her if she goes home?”
“Yeah. It’d be better if she left Kimtoki behind.”
What’s Kimtoki?
Thinking that, Hedel quickly mounted his horse.
When he arrived in front of the Valtier ducal estate, he hid in the shadows and waited.
After a short while, the main gate opened.
A carriage with gold decorations on a navy body rolled out.
That’s it…!
Hedel began following the carriage—not too fast, not too slow.
At the right moment, I’ll cause a disturbance, make them stop, and take the proposal letter in the chaos.
That was his plan.
The carriage headed toward the plaza, and Hedel followed quietly.
So far, everything was going smoothly.
Until—
“Ah!”
Just as they entered the plaza, a middle-aged woman twisted her ankle and fell hard.
At that moment, Hedel scanned the area within a 50-meter radius.
“Ah…”
He realized he was at a crossroads.
There was no one nearby who could take her to a clinic.
“S-someone, please…!”
The woman cried out, trying to get up despite her injury.
Meanwhile, the Valtier carriage was slowly moving away.
If she doesn’t get treatment now, it could get worse. But if I help her… I’ll lose the carriage.
Between his superior’s request and his duty as a knight, Hedel hesitated.
“…Take my hand, ma’am.”
In the end, the pride of Erne chose chivalry.
Even if he helped her, it didn’t mean failure yet.
He just needed to act quickly afterward.
I just need to hurry…!
Helping the woman up, Hedel lifted her onto his horse with almost superhuman strength.
Then, glancing at the receding carriage, he rode toward the clinic.
Five minutes later—
“Thank you!”
After dropping her off and waving back, Hedel grabbed the reins again.
Using the riding skills that had once won him prizes in competitions, he spurred his horse forward.
The good thing is… I know a shortcut.
He steered into a forest path beside the road.
He didn’t know exactly which estate the Valtier family was heading to.
But he knew the carriage would definitely pass the point where this forest path led.
Commander, please wait just a little longer!
As he skillfully rode through the forest, thoughts filled his mind.
But why does Commander Artiela have Commander Cassium… as a rabbit?
Did she pick him up by chance?
Even then, why hadn’t he escaped?
Anyone who knew their relationship would find it strange.
They didn’t get along at all.
They were academy peers and had fought on battlefields together—yet their relationship was unusually bad.
Cassium would even go out of his way to arrange meetings just to provoke her.
“Commander, why did you call Commander Artiela? Just to see her get angry?”
“…Yes. I wanted to see it.”
When he had heard that, everyone had been shocked.
Creating situations just to provoke anger—what incredible hostility.
Anyway, those two being together?
Why was Commander Cassium staying quietly with her?
Could he be a hostage?
That thought made Hedel grit his teeth.
The more he thought about it, the more it made sense.
The Golden Lion side must have found a weakness of Cassium’s.
But what weakness could he possibly have…?
Cassium had nothing but strengths.
Unmatched swordsmanship, a prestigious family, immense wealth, and looks so dazzling they could outshine sunlight…
Hedel was honestly relieved his sisters were already married.
Otherwise, he might have begged Cassium to meet them.
But still—a weakness?
Could it be… us?
The Black Panther knights.
Was Cassium being held hostage to protect them?
At that thought, Hedel secretly swallowed tears.
Just then, the end of the forest path came into view.
The carriage!
He spotted the back of the Valtier carriage.
Good thing I took the shortcut.
As he exited the forest—
“A horse!”
A child’s voice rang out.
Hedel instinctively stopped and turned.
“Wow! A horse!”
“Horse!”
Small children stared at him with sparkling eyes.
“Is that a real horse?”
“Can I pet it just once?”
Hedel looked at them, then squeezed his eyes shut.
“…I’m sorry!”
“Mister Horse!”
He wanted to fulfill their innocent curiosity—
but he had something he absolutely had to do.
If he delayed any longer, his commander might actually get married.
“A request.”
He couldn’t betray that trust.
He urged his horse forward again.
Soon, he caught up with the carriage.
It climbed a hill and stopped in front of an estate.
Hedel also stopped, hiding behind nearby trees.
I just need to snatch the proposal document and leave.
He had heard that the head of the ducal family usually didn’t personally deliver such letters.
It was normally done by a representative, with documents certified by the temple.
Even if he stole it, it wouldn’t cancel the marriage—
but it would buy time.
Time for reports, for re-certification… and in that time, Cassium could act.
It would be best if he returned to normal during that time.
Strengthening his resolve, Hedel moved toward the carriage.
The door opened.
He prepared to grab the document the moment someone stepped out—
“…The Duke of Valtier?”
The one stepping out was Cassium’s father himself.
At his arrival, the estate gates opened, and the household came out to greet him.
“…!”
Hedel’s eyes widened when he saw the young lady who stepped forward.
A woman with neatly tied curly red hair.
Her cream chiffon dress suited her perfectly.
She was beautiful, with a presence that stood out under the blue sky.
Maybe Commander should just marry her…
That thought briefly crossed his mind.
“Wait… what?”
That was—before he realized who she was.
Commander Artiela…?!
