Chapter 288: The Curtain Falls
After hearing what Elizalina-sama wanted to tell me, I returned with her to the area right in front of the event venue.
Then Elizalina-sama spoke in a bright tone.
“…Well then! Lux! I might’ve confused you in all sorts of ways, but anyway, I really, really love you, so don’t forget that! And since it’s a special event, make sure you eat lots of delicious food and enjoy yourself!”
“Y-yes! Thank you very much!”
When I said that, Elizalina-sama waved at me and headed back toward the venue.
“…”
There are truly so many things I need to think about… but.
For now, just like Elizalina-sama said, it’s a special event.
Thinking it wouldn’t be very good to just stand here lost in thought, I decided to enjoy the event for the time being and returned to the table where I’d originally been.
“…Ah!”
Right after that, I heard a voice like that, and then.
“Rodwell-kun! Welcome back!”
It seemed Ashwell-san had noticed I’d returned, and she walked over to me.
“Ashwell-san… I’m back.”
“…! I just exchanged a welcome back and an I’m back with Rodwell-kun…!!”
Ashwell-san let out a small, indistinct sound, then quickly shook her head and spoke.
“When I looked around after some time passed, both you and Elizalina-sama were gone, so I was a little worried. Did the two of you go somewhere else together after that?”
“Yes, we talked a little over there.”
“For Elizalina-sama to take an interest in you, Rodwell-kun, you really are amazing!”
“Th-that’s not really…”
As I was struggling over how to respond.
“Might you be Count Rodwell?”
“…Huh?”
Since a man I didn’t know had spoken to me, I turned around, and he nodded once before speaking.
“As I thought. Count Rodwell, and Duke Ashwell as well, your swordsmanship at the previous tournament was truly splendid.”
“!? Uh, th-thank you very much!”
Even though I was surprised by the sudden praise, I expressed my thanks, and Ashwell-san spoke up.
“You really know your stuff! Rodwell-kun’s swordsmanship was incredible, wasn’t it!”
“Indeed. To think there was such a young man who could handle a sword so skillfully aside from Duke Florence and Duke Ashwell was quite a surprise.”
“Right, right!? And the real charm of Rodwell-kun’s sword is…”
After that, Ashwell-san started talking about the appeal of my swordsmanship… but.
After about two minutes, I became too embarrassed, so I bowed to the man and moved to another spot together with Ashwell-san.
Then, turning to the now calmer Ashwell-san, I spoke.
“…Even among the people invited to Elizalina-sama’s event, there are those who know about someone like me.”
“Of course there are! The swordsmanship tournament is an event hosted by Rezamiliana-sama, and the whole country pays attention to it! From the audience seats, a lot of people probably couldn’t clearly see your face, but I think quite a lot of people already know your name, Rodwell-kun.”
“They know… about me…”
Hearing Ashwell-san’s words, I felt a strange sensation I’d never experienced before, and at the same time.
While many things I need to think about drifted through the back of my mind.
I spent the time eating food and enjoying the music together with Ashwell-san.
When Elizalina-sama’s event came to an end, I parted ways with Ashwell-san, got into a carriage, and returned home.
Siana’s Side
…While Lux was talking with Elizalina, and even after they finished talking, Lux’s behavior was somehow strange.
Wanting to directly confirm the reason for that with Elizalina herself,
right after Elizalina’s event ended.
Siana entrusted Lux’s protection to Violet, boarded a carriage alone, and headed straight for the royal castle.