The Abandoned Baroness is one of the Black Knight's favorites

The earrings and decorations are removed by slowly removing Sofia's combined hands. I knew Gilbert was doing it, and Sofia, who couldn't move, continued to sweeten it.

"─ ─ Wait in the carriage. I'm going to clean this place up."

Gilbert hugs me and puts me on a carriage I used to call for my return. Once away, Gilbert returned immediately to deliver Sofia to the hotel.

Gilbert, who returned to Baron Rainish's Mansion with the intention of turning back, came back after it was completely dark and Sofia turned off the lights in the room.

Sofia slipped into the futon and closed her eyes. Today was a day of many things. Mother's ring and earrings were found, and Percy and several other servants were captured. The vigilante and territory investigation will also begin.

Sofia and the others are supposed to spend the remainder of the investigation in Baron Lannish's territory.

"Father, Mother...."

In the slight moonlight that plugs in through the window, I remember the voice of my parents that I heard today. The last voice, the scream, stays in your ears. In the darkness with closed eyes, voices overlap in your head even though you are not watching. I couldn't feel strangely resentful of my uncle and aunt, but the more I thought about it, the deeper my grief was, the more I tried to capture Sofia. A pillow wet with tears was cold on her crying and burning cheeks.

"─ ─ Sofia, are you still awake?

I knew Gilbert and the others were coming back from the footsteps I heard in the hallway. But I didn't dare to greet him because I couldn't show him such a face. It has been a while since then.

"Why..."

No one is listening to Sofia murmuring. I held my breath in the futon. If I don't hear back, Gilbert will definitely come back to his room.

However, contrary to Sofia's expectations, the door of the room was opened and the sound of stepping on the floor approached. The bedside is shattered. The futon was rolled up and the hidden face was revealed.

"Was he awake?"

When he opened his eyes, Gilbert sat on the edge of the bed. Have you finished sleeping yet? I have already changed to my room clothes.

"I'm sorry ─ ─"

He rushed to his hands and woke his torso. Gilbert's expression could not be seen in the darkness of the night and the backlight of the moon.

I'm sorry.

Gilbert told me to wear it in Sofia's words. Your fingertips stroke your cheeks. I found the trace of tears, and I lay down my eyes.

"I should have stopped him. ─ ─ I knew the details."

"Please don't apologize. I'm glad I could hear my father and... my mother."

If it had been recovered as evidence, Sofia might not have heard. I couldn't blame myself if I thought so. My aunt and uncle are already in custody, and there is nothing Sofia can do now. It's just that he's got a no-go mind.

"─ ─ I see. Sofia may rest until the day of her departure. You may go out, but don't leave this town."

"Yes, I understand."

When Gilbert responded with an expression in the form of a smile, Gilbert smiled slightly, but stroked his head as usual. The hand overlapped with the memory of my father on his younger days.

Good night, Sofia.

Sleeping is goodbye. My big back is about to leave.

It was unconscious to rely on that arm. I noticed my weakness after touching it. ─ ─ I loved her. He loved me. How ridiculous it would be to be afraid of losing again after years.

"Sofia....?

Surprised, of course. Sofia is holding Gilbert on her bedside right now. I still didn't want to let go.

"─ ─ Please. Stay here today... I'm afraid of sleeping alone. I don't want Gilbert to go anywhere...."

That night, Sofia was hugged by her father before she left. She stroked her head many times and waved her hand with a smile that Sofia had come too. There is little resemblance between Gilbert and Sofia's father. Not to mention Gilbert's just going back to the next room. Even though I understand it in my head, my red eyes lean against the warmth of my cold fingertips.

But ─ ─

Gilbert knew what Sophia was trying to say. Although engaged, it is not commonly accepted among nobles that two unmarried people spend the night together.

"I'm sorry...."

Sophia's hand fell off Gilbert's arm, losing power to the denial. It was the hand that should have let go that picked it up.

"─ ─ Okay. Okay... don't look at me like that."

Gilbert pulled Sofia's hand and slammed her close forehead. It seems like a little sound that only the two of you can hear is telling us that it's a secret, even if it's not in words.

"Dear Gilbert...."

Gilbert slipped his body into the futon and turned his arm around Sofia's back. When I was gently wrapped around my body as I was urged to lie down, a feeling that wasn't mine was conveyed overnight. Your body temperature is mixed and your heart is warming up. Gilbert's face is closer than I thought. I closed my eyes in a hurry.

"It's okay, Sofia. I'm here. So... rest assured and good night."

Sweet to the words, Sofia rubbed against her chest. There is a familiar scent of Gilbert and a sound of firm heartbeat. I was ashamed of myself as a child, but even the fever kept Sofia here.

"Dear Gilbert, I love you..."

The image in your imagination that was floating in such a terrifying darkness slowly disappeared with unknown anxiety. While holding Gilbert's shirt, Sofia fell asleep.

That night, my parents, who had been dreaming for a long time, encouraged Sofia with the same kind smile as before.