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nHowever, even with Noel’s touch, Elisha did not show a single pained reaction.

n“You’re okay, Elisha!”

nNoel was just overjoyed that Elisha had arrived safely in the duke’s residence.

nHe didn’t even realize that Rieta was looking at him strangely, for he had unknowingly pulled Elisha into a tight hug.

n“I’m so glad! I was really worried!”

n* * *

nTo be honest, Elisha wasn’t the only one who was unharmed.

nThe jealousy and hatred for Elisha that the bullies felt had been accumulating because Noel had been visiting for the past few days.

nYesterday evening, it became clear that Noel had not come.

n“It seems that the duchy’s young master has finally realized that you are not much, is that right?”

nHaving said this, they dared to enter Elisha’s room.

nAs usual, Elisha was determined to be kind to the Imperial peoples if possible.

nIt was the country that made Rieta happy. He wanted to repay the favor.

nBut the place he was most grateful for was Duchy Mayer.

nIs it because of that?

nNoel’s voice suddenly came to mind as he watched the cadets picking up a fight with him.

n“I will come here every day until you meet with Rieta.”

nIt must have been a kindness in order to somehow allow Elisha to meet Rieta in a normal way.

nYoung Lord Mayer was kind and had actually visited Elisha every day for the past few days.

nAlthough he hadn’t come today, it was probably because he was still young.

nBecause there may be situations where he was unable to leave the house freely.

nThen . . .

nElisha came to the conclusion quite simply.

n“Why are you standing so far away? Can’t you crawl out right now?”

nOne of the cadets reached out to grab Elisha by the collar.

nBut at that moment, Elisha smiled slightly without realizing it.

nSeeing that his head was slightly cleared, it seemed that he had built up his own resentment toward those fools.

nElisha grabbed the arm that approached him, twisted it around and was behind the cadet in an instant.

nIt was a pity that he was a little short in stature, but the small dagger he had pulled out was held at the nape of the cadet’s neck.

nIt was made of wood for practice, but in such darkness, it was difficult to see properly.

nEither way, the dagger was strong enough to forcefully crush and tear the fragile human flesh.

nElisha now lifted his head and looked around the other cadets.

nThey took a step back each time Elisha met their respective gazes.

nIt was obvious from their frightened faces that it was all over.

n* * *

n“I was surprised.”

nHearing the story, Rieta, who was sitting next to Noel, turned her head.

n“I had a vague idea that Noel seemed to like Elisha. But I never thought you would be happier than me.”

n“Who said I like him? Why is everyone sitting so close together?!”

nNoel yelled at Rieta and Elisha who were sitting next to him.

n“The weather is so hot, so why are you sitting like this! Get off me now!”

nOf course, it was Elisha who Noel wanted to leave off the couch immediately.

nInitially, this sofa was the sofa Noel and Rieta used to sit side by side all the time.

nBut now Elisha dared to sit here! He didn’t know grace!

n“Uh . . .”

nRieta looked at Noel, who glaring something fierce at Elisha, and then she cautiously got up from her seat.

nIt seemed as though she didn’t know what to do because he liked Elisha.

n“Why did the Princess stand up?”

nNoel then pulled Rieta by the arm and forced her to sit down.

nThe sofa was cramped again.

n“It’s so hot, I’m going to tie my hair back up and put on something lighter.”

nRieta now turned her head to Elisha.

nHe was wearing a suit that covered his neck and his long arms, even on such a hot day.

n“Elisha, do you want me to prepare more comfortable clothes? It’s a waste because it looks cool, but it’s hot.”

nRieta also spoke to Elisha in the Imperial language.

nHowever, she said it slowly, perhaps because she misunderstood that he was still in a learning stage.

n“Thank you. I am happy to be able to show the Princess a dignified image.”

n“Really? But it will be really hot.”

n“I’m used to the heat.”

n“If that’s the case, I’m glad . . . Then I’ll go to my room for a while.”

nAs Rieta left the parlor, Noel grunted with arms crossed.

n“Why are you pretending to speak poor Imperial language in front of the Princess?”

n“I never did.”

n“Don’t be ridiculous! You said it strangely and flatly a while ago. Even if you pronounce it like that, it’s not funny at all!”

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