“Will you take me as your knight?”

His earnest voice brushed gently against her ears. Lila tightened her grip on the sword, fearing she might drop it otherwise. A rush of heat welled up in her chest, making her dizzy and causing her eyes to burn.

Why? Why do you always…

She swallowed the intense emotions rising in her throat. She had no idea how to repay someone who gave endlessly, as he did.

“As a descendant of the great mages and the star of the Esteban Empire…”

Lila slowly lifted the sword while gazing down at Grand Duke Eustace, who waited silently for her response. Her voice quivered uncontrollably, much to her frustration.

“I, Lila Brender Esteban, gladly accept the heart of Hubert Brandon Eustace and hereby recognize you as my loyal knight. Let heaven and earth bless our oath, and let the sun and moon be its witnesses.”

Like the moonlight gracing the night sky, the gleaming blade lightly touched the Grand Duke’s shoulders before withdrawing. Lila then set the sword down and knelt across from him, mirroring his position. Taking his hands, which still held hers, she enveloped them with her right hand and leaned forward to press a kiss upon them.

As her lips touched his trembling hands, Grand Duke Eustace gasped softly in delight. Overwhelmed by the sweet sensation coursing through her, Lila firmly pressed her lips to his hands before drawing back.

When she lifted her head, she saw his serene, azure eyes shimmering like ripples on a tranquil lake. For a moment, an indescribable impulse stirred within her.

“…I’ll protect you.”

Lila tightened her grip on the Grand Duke’s hands. Though still unsure about protecting others, she found herself wanting to safeguard him to the best of her ability—and to fulfill his wishes.

“Lady Lila?”

“I’ll stay by your side, just as you wish.”

At her unexpected words, Grand Duke Eustace’s eyes widened in surprise. Watching his startled expression, Lila smiled softly. Mimicking his earlier gesture, she rested her forehead against his hands. The warmth and faint trembling she felt were unexpectedly comforting.

‘What I wish for is for you to stay by my side.’

His words echoed in her mind. Since their childhood—a time she could barely remember—he had wanted to remain by her side, and now he still did.

If that’s what he wanted, she would grant it. With the sword he had given her, she would protect both herself and him.

There was no hesitation anymore. Lila had made up her mind completely. The determination swelling within her filled her chest with an indescribable emotion. Though she hadn’t trusted him at first, she now knew better. He was the only person in the world she could truly rely on.

To Lila, Grand Duke Eustace was the one who had created a place for her. Unlike the Emperor, who had confined her in a gilded cage, Eustace had given her a safe and comfortable haven.

“No matter what happens, I’ll protect you.”

Her dark eyes, reminiscent of a crow’s, gleamed like a starry night sky. To protect her nest, Lila realized, she was more than willing to take up the sword.

***

The grand hall of the Grand Duke’s estate was teeming with visitors from early morning. Typically, an investiture ceremony hosted by a noble family would involve only close relatives or associates. But this occasion was an exception.

Grand Duke Eustace had opened the gates of his estate wide for the first time in ages, sparing no expense for Lila Knox’s investiture. While it wasn’t uncommon for a lord to host a grand ceremony for a cherished retainer, the sheer scale of this event was unprecedented.

With the once-impenetrable gates now open, nobles, merchants, clergy, journalists, and even foreign diplomats swarmed in like bees. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that every noble in the capital—regardless of allegiance to the Emperor’s or nobles’ factions—was in attendance.

“Open the banquet hall connected to the main hall. Also, check with the kitchen to see how the preparations are coming along.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Hans, observing the seemingly endless procession of carriages, calmly issued instructions. The servants bustled about under his guidance, struggling to handle the unexpectedly large number of guests.

“Your Excellency.”

Chancellor Nike, who had just entered the hall, gestured for Count Neuss, who greeted him, to remain quiet. Despite the mixed attendance of factions, it would not look appropriate for the Emperor’s staunch supporter to attract attention.

“There are a lot of people.”

“Well, the subject of all the rumors is making her first appearance.”

“Any new information about Lila Knox?”

“I’ve searched high and low, but…”

Count Neuss trailed off, his words laced with frustration. As one of the top intelligence experts among the Emperor’s nobles, his pride had taken a hit over this affair.

“I apologize. My skills weren’t enough to penetrate the Grand Duke’s security.”

“It’s not your fault. Who could have predicted that the Grand Duke would control information this tightly?”

Chancellor Nike muttered bitterly. So far, the only details known about Lila Knox were that she hailed from the East, was a swordswoman, and was a teenage girl with black hair and golden eyes. Neither imperial spies nor the best informants of the underworld had uncovered anything further.

Scanning the faces of the nobles gathered in the hall, the Chancellor noted how they huddled in groups, calculating whether Lila Knox would benefit or harm them.

“Among the gossips, there’s talk that Lila Knox might become the Grand Duchess.”

“It’s not an unreasonable conclusion.”

Chancellor Nike nodded at Count Neuss’s remark. With little concrete information about Lila Knox, rumors had run wild. One of the more popular ones suggested that Grand Duke Eustace intended to marry her and was elevating her to the rank of baroness to make it possible.

“When someone has their eye on a partner of low birth, it’s not uncommon to elevate their status before marriage.”

“Indeed.”

Count Neuss agreed with a knowing nod.

“The Grand Duke has never been involved in any scandalous liaisons, so it’s a story that’s bound to gain traction.”

“You’re right.”

Chancellor Nike recalled how, earlier this year, Grand Duke Eustace had coldly rejected a noblewoman’s confession of affection at the imperial ball.

Renowned for his breathtaking beauty, the Grand Duke was admired by all, regardless of age or gender. Yet he showed no interest in romance. His recent actions regarding Lila Knox, however, were so out of character that it naturally fueled speculation. The Grand Duke’s preparations for the investiture made it clear to anyone that he was a man in love.

“His Grace, the Grand Duke, has arrived!”

At the herald’s announcement, the lively banquet hall instantly fell silent. Both Chancellor Nike and Count Neuss stopped their conversation to look at the central staircase where the Grand Duke appeared.

Dressed in ceremonial attire, Grand Duke Eustace looked more noble than ever. Gasps of admiration echoed through the room with each step he took.

“Thank you for coming, even with the weather being less than ideal.”

The Grand Duke, as always, was confident and composed. He smiled sweetly, seemingly unbothered by the countless eyes fixed upon him.

“Allow me to introduce the guest of honor—Dame Lila Knox.”

As soon as Grand Duke Eustace mentioned her name, every gaze turned in unison toward her.

“So that’s the girl everyone’s been talking about…”

“She seems younger than I expected.”

“Is this really His Grace’s type?”

Whispers broke out as Lila made her entrance. Just as the rumors described, she was a petite girl with black hair and golden eyes, exuding an enigmatic aura.

Descending the staircase with a calm expression, Lila’s heart raced beneath her composed exterior. It was her first time standing before so many people. She pressed her trembling lips firmly together, striving not to show her nervousness.

“Lady Lila.”

When she reached the Grand Duke, he smiled warmly, the corners of his eyes softening. In a quiet voice only she could hear, he said,

“Everything will be fine.”

Was this yet another one of the Grand Duke’s magical abilities? His reassurance melted the tension from her stiff shoulders, and suddenly, the countless stares no longer bothered her.

In a fluid, natural motion, Grand Duke Eustace escorted her down the staircase. As they descended hand in hand, the murmur of the nobles grew louder.

The two stopped before the crimson carpet at the center of the hall. Reluctantly, the Grand Duke released Lila’s hand and stepped forward onto the carpet.

“We will now commence the investiture ceremony for Dame Lila Knox.”

No sooner had Hans concluded his announcement than Evan, the commander of the Grand Duke’s knights, and Anseir, the head of his mages, flanked the Grand Duke on either side.

“His Grace, Hubert Brandon Eustace, Grand Duke of the Esteban Empire, hereby grants the name and title of Baroness to Lila Knox. As Baroness, she will serve as a knight of the House of Eustace and assume the duty of protecting His Grace.”

Evan’s solemn voice carried across the hall.

“Dame Lila Knox, kneel before your lord and swear your loyalty.”

Lila recalled the practices with Emma as she stepped onto the carpet and faced Grand Duke Eustace.

The investiture ceremony was simple. The recipient would kneel on one knee and pledge allegiance to their liege. The liege would then tap both shoulders lightly with a sword and accept the vow, marking the end of the ceremony.

“With my heart as collateral, I, Lila Knox, pledge unwavering loyalty to His Grace, Hubert Brandon Eustace, the pillar of the Esteban Empire. Please, accept me as your faithful servant.”

As Grand Duke Eustace had done earlier, Lila knelt before him and recited her oath.

“I, Hubert Brandon Eustace, gladly accept the heart of Lila Knox and hereby recognize you as my loyal knight. Let heaven and earth bless our oath, and let the sun and moon be its witnesses.”

Receiving the sword from Evan, the Grand Duke lightly tapped Lila’s small shoulders in turn. Holding the sword in one hand, he bent down and placed a kiss on Lila’s forehead. At that moment, golden magic radiated outward, enveloping both of them in a holy, resplendent glow.

The scene was so mystical and breathtaking that the audience couldn’t help but gasp in awe.

“Let us all welcome Baroness Lila Knox,” Grand Duke Eustace proclaimed, taking Lila’s hand and helping her rise.

As he declared her title, the hall erupted in thunderous applause.

“Congratulations, Lady Lila.”

“I look forward to working with you, Baroness Knox.”

Huon and Evan each offered their congratulations. Lila gave them a slight bow, then turned to see Emma, who was tearfully clapping with an overwhelmed expression.

“I’ve prepared a small gift for those who came despite the inclement weather,” Grand Duke Eustace said, raising a hand to quiet the crowd.

“Minerals from the Dwarven mines.”

At his words, servants stationed in the corners of the hall began distributing small boxes to the attendees.

“Minerals from the Dwarven mines…”

“Oh my, I’ve received an emerald!”

“This is… a diamond!”

The unexpected gifts brought visible delight to the attendees. Smiles lit their faces as they received something valuable enough to purchase an estate outside the capital.

“His Grace has gone to great lengths,” someone remarked.

“You can feel how much he cherishes Baroness Knox.”

Expressions of admiration for Grand Duke Eustace’s wealth and curiosity about Lila Knox, the recipient of his extraordinary affection, spread through the room.

“Now, please enjoy the banquet,” Grand Duke Eustace declared, raising his glass.

Hans quickly gestured to the orchestra at the edge of the hall. As the musicians began to play, the aroma of tantalizing dishes filled the air, and the grand feast brought smiles to everyone’s faces.

“Lady Lila.”

“Emma?”

“It might be a good time to change into your evening dress.”

With the atmosphere relaxed, Emma approached Lila. Glancing briefly at the Grand Duke, surrounded by a crowd, Lila began to head toward the stairs.

“Are you tired?”

“I’m fine.”

Clang!

As Lila was speaking with Emma and stepping onto the stairs, a sudden crash came from behind. The sharp sound of breaking glass drew everyone’s attention.

“…!”

Turning instinctively toward the noise, Lila froze. There, amidst the shards of shattered glass, stood the Crown Prince, his face stricken with shock, and his instructor, wearing a grim expression.