“Th-that hasn’t been decided yet!”

I stammered in embarrassment, and Alex’s smile grew deeper.

“Well, last night, you didn’t seem to have any objections.”

I opened my mouth, unable to find a retort, even though I knew Alex was teasing me.

Of course, I hadn’t meant it that way last night.

But I also knew that the nuance could easily be interpreted that way by Alex.

Denying it now would only make me worry about the future.

Would he imprison me like he did with Miss Veronica in the original story?

“Last night… I was just thinking too far ahead. We still have three months left, and you never know what might happen.”

“It will be even more certain in three months.”

Alex spoke with conviction.

I wondered where his confidence came from.

Even if I developed feelings for Alex, there was no way I would abandon the Maynard estate, where I had spent 23 years.

According to the plan, there was no reason for me to stay by Alex’s side.

“Why? Don’t you think so?”

Alex asked.

If we continued this conversation, I feared I would end up discussing post-marriage plans under his influence. I felt a cold sweat and kept my mouth shut.

“We’ll see in three months. Anyway, I understand. I’ll call you Alex in front of the people.”

Alex seemed quite satisfied with my words. His face was so annoying that I wanted to pinch him.

“Why are you looking at me like that? It’s troublesome if you start falling for me already.”

“What?”

I blinked in surprise at Alex’s absurd words.

Alex looked at me with a pleased expression before continuing his meal as if nothing had happened.

But I couldn’t move for a while.

What? Was Alex always like this?

The difference between the Alex I imagined and the real Alex made my head feel like it was freezing.

I started eating belatedly.

Because I started eating late, Alex finished his meal first.

Alex waited for me patiently.

When we left the makeshift dining area, I saw people quickly packing up the tents.

Seeing their organized movements made me think I should help them.

It seemed I wasn’t suited to just standing around idly.

“Is there something bothering you?”

Alex’s question made me turn to him.

“No. It’s just that everyone is busy, and it feels awkward to stand around doing nothing. I feel a bit guilty.”

As I glanced at the busy people, Alex nodded in understanding.

“Don’t worry. You don’t have to think like that. You’re my guest, and as long as you’re my guest, you don’t need to do anything.”

“Yes.”

“If you feel uncomfortable, why not go back to the carriage?”

“No, it’s okay. We’ll be traveling in the carriage anyway. I want to stay outside a bit longer.”

“Then do as you wish.”

Just as Alex and I finished our conversation, a servant approached Alex.

“Your Grace, there’s something you need to check.”

Alex nodded to the servant and then turned to me.

“It’s cold, so don’t stay out too long.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t stay out long anyway.”

“Alright.”

Alex finished speaking and followed the servant.

I stood there, watching the busy people.

Then I felt someone watching me from a distance. It was Sir Kruger.

I remembered that Sir Kruger had been watching me last night too.

At first, I thought he was looking at Alex, but today I realized he was looking at me.

Why does he keep looking at me?

Maybe he was offended because I was surprised to learn he was the captain?

…That could be it.

From Sir Kruger’s perspective, it was understandable to feel offended.

I thought it would be best to apologize to him as soon as possible.

We would be seeing each other often for the next three months, and it would be problematic if our relationship got strained over such a trivial matter.

What if he was already too upset to forgive me?

While I was worrying, Sir Kruger started walking towards me.

His expression didn’t look bad, but I wasn’t ready, so I hesitated and stepped back.

But before I could move away, Sir Kruger reached me.

“Did you sleep well, Miss Claire?”

Sir Kruger greeted me with a smile.

“Yes, yes. I slept well. Did you sleep well, Sir Kruger?”

“Of course. Thanks to your concern.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“Did you enjoy your meal?”

“Yes. It was delicious.”

We exchanged polite greetings. It seemed like we would just keep smiling and chatting if I didn’t bring up the main topic.

“By the way, you were looking at me both yesterday and today. Do you have something to say?”

I asked cautiously, ready to apologize if he brought up the past incident.

“Um, yes.”

Sir Kruger answered after a short pause.

So it was that…

I bit my lower lip. Guilt pricked my conscience.

“I have a bold question. I hope you won’t find it offensive.”

“Yes, yes. Please go ahead.”

I gave him permission, and Sir Kruger scratched his cheek awkwardly.

“What do you think of the Duke?”

“What?”

I blinked at the unexpected question.

I had no idea how to answer.

It seemed best to understand why he was asking such a question first.

“May I ask why you’re asking that?”

Instead of answering, Sir Kruger looked away from me.

His gaze landed on Alex.

“The Duke is a lonely person.”

“……”

“Recently, a traitor was discovered among the Rose Knights, the Duke’s closest confidants. The Duke trusted the Rose Knights implicitly, but he was betrayed by the one he trusted most.”

I recalled the incident at the warehouse.

“You’re talking about the incident where the Duke was injured in the Maynard estate.”

“Yes, that’s right. Honestly, after Caleb’s betrayal, we thought the Duke would become even colder, but he didn’t. All the Rose Knights were surprised. And that’s probably because of…”

Sir Kruger turned his gaze back to me.

“I think it’s because of you, Miss Claire. That’s why I kept watching you out of curiosity. I apologize if it was rude.”

I remembered the tense Alex from our first meeting in the warehouse.

The difference between the eyes that glared at me and the eyes that looked at me kindly now was so vast that it was hard to believe they belonged to the same person.

Now I understood why Sir Kruger had been watching me.

I thought he was watching me because I had been rude to him, but that wasn’t the case.

I felt relieved and spoke up.

“I’m not sure. Sometimes he scares me, and sometimes he doesn’t. It’s hard to say.”

I didn’t know Alex well enough to give a definitive answer.

Moreover, the Alex I knew from the original story was a complete psycho. I couldn’t tell Sir Kruger, Alex’s subordinate, that.

“I see.”

Sir Kruger seemed to accept my vague answer.

Then he looked at me again.

I might have been imagining it, but his face seemed sad.

“I’m sorry if I disturbed your rest.”

“No, it’s okay. I had nothing to do anyway.”

“Thank you for saying that. I’ll take my leave now.”

Sir Kruger bowed politely to me.

“Wait, Sir Kruger.”

I hurriedly stopped him as he was about to leave.

Sir Kruger stopped and turned back to me.

“Yes, Miss?”

“Um… I’m really sorry for being surprised when you revealed you were the captain. It must have been offensive. I apologize for that.”

I apologized to him with difficulty. I didn’t want to keep it inside and wanted to admit my mistake and apologize honestly.

Sir Kruger stood still and looked at me. Then he slowly closed his eyes and opened them again.

He seemed to hesitate before speaking again, but then he smiled.

“You were worried about that.”

“Yes. I felt like I was rude.”

I answered in a small voice.

“It’s alright. You don’t need to worry about it. And…”

Sir Kruger paused.

Even though he said it was okay, I flinched reflexively.

Sir Kruger spoke to me.

“Thank you for apologizing.”

Sir Kruger finished speaking and bowed his head slightly. Then, just as he had come, he walked straight back to the others.

I watched his back for a moment before turning and climbing into the carriage.

The carriage, now cleared of the makeshift bed, was cozy and warm.