Queen Andreas had blatantly stirred up trouble and disappeared right before my eyes.

Right after that, I looked at the two people sitting in front of me and said apologetically.

“Haah… I’m sorry for making you listen to such insults during your meal…”

“Insult? Not at all. From that person’s perspective, they were just stating facts, weren’t they?”

“Calling us lowly women… Well, it’s not incorrect. Both Cazerose and I are technically commoners with undisclosed backgrounds. It’s only natural for the noble offspring to refer to us that way, so you don’t need to worry, Master.”

The two of them responded as if it was obvious.

Certainly, from their perspective, living in a world of class hierarchy, such treatment might be expected. Just recently, they had treated me as an equal even though I had fallen from noble status, and this hadn’t changed.

But now, with my status dramatically altered, few people, including the Queen, viewed our relationship positively.

At least with Polena, we hadn’t spent much time together, and she had initially entered as my maid. Thus, while she showed a slightly intimate side in private, she maintained a respectful demeanor as a maid in public, and I had grown accustomed to this dynamic, so there were no major issues.

However, the real problem was with Cazerose. We had shared a considerable amount of time together and had begun our relationship not as master and servant but as equals, which had continued to this day.

Ultimately, I had developed significant feelings for her and had no intention of redefining our relationship now.

However, our easygoing behavior as commoners, especially with Cazerose being a Paladin, inevitably drew disapproving glances from those around us. I was aware that this put a burden on Cazerose even now.

“Why does this damn class system still exist…”

From my perspective, someone who had lived in a world where class based on bloodlines did not exist, it was a very unsatisfactory situation.

With these feelings in mind, I spoke in an uncomfortable voice.

“But… I truly believe that what matters is the relationship between you and me, not the difference in status. More than anything, the church and our heretic forces teach that all humans are equal, don’t they? To argue about status in this situation doesn’t sit well with me.”

My sincere words were heard, and Polena, sitting across from me, replied with a mix of curiosity and slight mockery.

“Well, that’s certainly what they say, but the world doesn’t operate purely on theoretical principles. If that were the case, everyone starving or being wronged would have disappeared long ago, right?”

“That’s… but…”

“Doctrines merely speak of absolute ideals. The reality of the world flows differently; it’s practically impossible. My mother once said, ‘Human greed is endless, and they repeat the same mistakes.’”

“I can’t help but think that your mother is quite a remarkable person…”

Polena’s words hit me hard, and I couldn’t help but smirk.

Indeed, given the situation in Bohemia, where revolts were justified in the name of religion, there was a significant gap between theory and reality.

Feeling a pang of disappointment regarding the practicalities, I finished my meal.

I could sense that both of the people in front of me were losing their appetite too as they put down their utensils.

*

After leaving the noisy banquet hall behind, Cazerose and I stepped outside together.

Unlike the commotion inside the building, the Lord’s Castle courtyard was quiet.

The weather felt rather warm for a day entering winter.

The moon was shining above us, and under it, we strolled side by side in silence.

We maintained our silence, feeling the lingering effects of the ruckus from the banquet.

Then, at some point, Cazerose smiled quietly as she looked at me and said,

“There’s no need for you to worry about that… because of me…”

“…Don’t say that. Why should you endure such discomfort because of me, Cazerose?”

I replied firmly to her words of apology, but Cazerose continued with her smile intact.

“I’m truly fine. Just being near someone as noble as Mr. Santana is a tremendous blessing for me.”

“But… still, to be openly insulted like that…”

“As someone who has received such unmerited grace, enduring that much is necessary. Rather…”

“…Rather?”

It seemed like she was about to say something, but she gradually shook her head and smiled again as she said,

“…No, I’ll say it again, I’m really fine. Just to be by your side…”

“…Cazerose…”

She couldn’t continue, slightly averting her gaze.

Watching her like this, I began to feel the emotions I had harbored for so long…

The feeling of affection for the woman in front of me was quietly igniting.

She lived without ever expressing dissatisfaction about her own pain, holding gratitude for every little thing at each moment.

Maintaining a foolishly pure heart in every situation while at the same time showing a fierce spirit when necessary.

Every time I saw her like this, the feelings in my heart…

My feelings for her were only deepening.

“I can’t keep letting Cazerose suffer like this… I need to think of some good way to change things…”

I feel guilty saying this about other family members, but honestly, if I had to pick the most precious person in this world, it would undoubtedly be Cazerose.

She had been with me the longest,

the one who willingly sacrificed everything for me…

the person I had vowed to protect.

And above all…

the person in this world who held my greatest feelings of…

love.

In a situation where the war had ended in victory and everyone was smiling, the shadows cast over her face made me feel uncomfortable in many ways.

As I was contemplating any way to elevate Cazerose’s standing, suddenly…

her face back in front of me came into sharp focus.

Her sparkling blue eyes shining under the moonlight and her skin radiating like white jade.

Caught in her gaze, I felt my heart racing instinctively.

“Beautiful… absolutely…”

She was a person I had been with all along, seeing her face daily, yet…

her appearance never failed to bring me a rush of excitement.

And at this moment, it was the same.

Under the moonlight, shining like a goddess, she naturally stirred…

the instinctive pull within me began to awaken.

This moment was only for the two of us.

Thus, surrendering to the situation and feelings… I slowly began to approach her standing next to me.

She too seemed to sense something in this moment, raising her head slightly, her eyes closed.

I gently wrapped my arms around her delicate figure.

So warm, yet feeling so fragile…

Next, I lowered my head, bringing our faces closer together.

And then…

– smooch… –