Chapter 57: A Loyal Knight and an important realization

Chapter 57: A Loyal Knight and an important realization.

Kaela looked at him strangely for a moment, as if he were setting conditions like she might ask for his life or send him to infiltrate enemy territory.

It irritated her more than she expected. She knew he had spent his childhood in an environment where trusting others was nearly impossible, but she had hoped that by now, he’d put more faith in those around him. It saddened her that, even briefly, he thought she might harm him.

"Fine, young master Leon," she said, keeping her tone measured. "But you should try to trust people more—especially those who care deeply for you. Like my lady... or even me. I would never betray her, and certainly not someone she holds so dear." She paused, her voice softening. "I can say with confidence that my lady considers you family. She has no one else besides you. Please, don’t hurt her just because your past made it hard to trust. Try to give her a little more of your faith."

Her voice wasn’t commanding—it felt more like a plea. A heartfelt request from someone who genuinely cared.

Then Kaela did something unexpected. She bowed. It was something she reserved solely for Seraphine. But if it could bring her lady happiness, she would do anything to make it possible.

She knew just how kind her lady was, beneath that tough, distant exterior. Seraphine helped those in need not for recognition but because she couldn’t bear the idea of someone losing a loved one like she had. Despite her achievements, she led a lonely life, giving no time to herself. That only changed when Leon arrived. From a monotonous, cold existence, Seraphine had begun to smile—just a little—and Kaela had noticed the warmth that slowly returned to her.

As her knight, Kaela had believed that obeying every command and being willing to lay down her life was enough. But watching her lady change made her realize something else—being the perfect knight meant more than duty. It meant doing whatever it took to make her happy too, just like she’d done for others.

Leon stood silent, listening to every word. He had seen her bow—this woman he barely paid attention to before—and he couldn’t bring himself to speak.

’’

Do I trust Seraphine completely?’

He wanted to say yes. And maybe he did, in part. But deep down, caution had become second nature. No matter who it was. He felt guilty for lying to her so often, though he told himself it was for both their safety. Truthfully, it was fear. Habit. A defense mechanism he’d clung to for far too long.

He felt closer to her than anyone else in the world, but even then... the caution remained. Maybe it came from seven years of surviving the slums. Maybe from a life once lived on Earth. Maybe both.

’

Does it really matter now? Things aren’t the same anymore.’

Kaela noticed the distant look in his eyes. They had both stopped walking. Her next words might seem harsh, but she had to speak them. If it was for her lady, she couldn’t stay silent. Seraphine had found something like a new family, and Kaela wouldn’t let it fall apart just because someone failed to notice the cracks forming.

Her voice sharpened.

"You know, young master Leon, if you had set those same conditions with her directly—as part of a bet—it would’ve crushed her. Just the thought that you believe she might hurt you... it’s heartbreaking. For her, family means everything. More than you probably realize. And she’s more vulnerable than you think."

Kaela truly believed that. Seraphine would be devastated to hear it. And though Kaela knew she was being harsh with someone who was still, in many ways, a child, she told herself it was for the best.

Each word struck deeper than the last. The idea of Seraphine being heartbroken disturbed Leon more than he expected. Memories rushed back—her holding him after a nightmare, taking care of him when he was sick, even cooking for him once or twice. He’d always assumed it was just to make him more willing to join her command.

But yesterday, she revealed something that unsettled him. That those born in this world from people who can use magic had a natural advantage thanks to their ability to use mana. She didn’t know his secret—that his power came from the treasure. Compared to the girl he had seen in the dungeon before merging with the orb, he was still weaker.

She hadn’t been kind to him just because he was talented. He had realized it somewhere in his mind, but never truly accepted it.

Now it hit him hard. His personality—so cautious, so guarded—might actually end up hurting the people he had begun to care for. If he didn’t change, it would only get worse.

’

I don’t know how things will go from now on, but I have to start being more honest with the person who cares this much for me. I can’t let her get hurt because of me.’

He looked at Kaela—the knight he had never given much thought to until now—and spoke with sincerity.

"Thank you for making me realize all this, Kaela."

A genuine smile spread across her face. She pulled a coin from her pouch and placed it in his hand.

Leon looked down, surprised to see a gold coin. "Why are you giving me this, Kaela? I didn’t win the bet."

A smug little grin touched her lips. She felt satisfied with how things had turned out. The coin was a small price for what had been accomplished. Still, she answered.

"Just take it as my appreciation, young master. And forget the bet—it serves no purpose now."

’Serves no purpose? She might’ve just wanted to make me do something that brought me closer to Master. Kaela really does care about her.’

Leon didn’t argue. He slipped the coin into his pocket. He was poor, and turning down money wasn’t exactly an option. But more than that, he now felt Kaela was far more perceptive than he’d given her credit for. In hindsight, he probably would have lost that bet. Despite his logic, she had understood things he hadn’t.

Together, they resumed walking and entered the dining hall side by side.