Chapter 68: The Aftermath of Victory 3

After Queen Andreas blatantly picked a quarrel and departed from before me, I looked at the two women seated across and apologetically said:

“Haa… I’m sorry you had to endure such an insult during your meal…”

“An insult? No, she was merely stating a fact from her perspective.”

“Calling us ‘lowly sorts’… Well, it’s not wrong. Strictly speaking, Cazeros and I are just commoners of unknown origin. From a noble family’s viewpoint, referring to us as such is only natural. You need not trouble yourself over it, my lord.”

Their nonchalant reactions were understandable, as such treatment was perhaps inevitable in this world of social classes.

Until recently, they had interacted with me freely as a fallen nobleman, essentially a commoner like themselves. That remained unchanged.

However, as they said, my status had dramatically shifted. Apart from Queen, few would view my current relationship with them favorably.

At least with Polena, our acquaintance was relatively short, and she had entered as my servant from the outset.

In private, she exhibited a degree of familiar closeness, but in public settings, she properly conducted herself as a maid. I was gradually growing accustomed to this, so there was little issue.

The real problem lay with Cazeros.

We had spent a considerable time together, starting not as master and servant, but as comrades on an equal footing – a dynamic that persisted until now.

More critically, I harbored significant affection for her, with no intention of redefining our relationship.

However, my unrestrained rapport with her, a commoner and former Holy Knight, inevitably drew sidelong glances and discomfort from others around us. I could sense Cazeros’s burden regarding this matter.

‘Really… why does this damned class system still exist…’

Having lived in a world where status was based on intrinsic ability rather than bloodline, I found the situation deeply dissatisfying.

Voicing that sentiment, I spoke with a tinge of discomfort:

“But… I truly believe what matters is our relationship, not differences in status. Do not the Church and our heretical forces alike preach that all humans are equal? In this light, debating nobility and commonality itself displeases me.”

My sincere words prompted Polena, sitting across from me, to respond with a hint of amusement and derision:

“Well, they certainly preach that. But matters of this world seldom proceed so theoretically. If that were the case, there would be no more starvation or injustice in this world, wouldn’t there?”

“That’s… true, but…”

“Doctrine merely espouses absolute ideals. Reality can never truly conform to it. As my mother often said, ‘Human greed is endless, and the same mistakes repeat.'”

“…I suppose your mother must be a remarkable person…”

Polena’s biting remark automatically brought a wry smile to my face.

Certainly, the stark contrast between theory and reality was evident in Bohemia’s very uprising, ostensibly in the name of religion.

Acknowledging that harsh reality, I finished my meal.

The two women across from me also set down their utensils, having seemingly lost their appetites as well.

After leaving the raucous banquet hall, Cazeros and I stepped outside, just the two of us.

Unlike the clamorous interior, the courtyard of the lord’s castle was utterly serene.

The weather was rather warm for the onset of winter.

The moon hung in the night sky as we strolled silently side by side through the courtyard, still affected by the minor commotion from earlier.

Then, at some point, Cazeros looked at me with a gentle smile and said:

“You need not trouble yourself on my account…”

“…Please, don’t say that. Why should you have to endure such discomfort, Cazeros?”

In response to her apologetic tone, I firmly replied. But Cazeros continued, her smile unwavering:

“I am truly fine. Just being able to remain by your noble side is already a great blessing for me.”

“But… you have endured such open insults more than once…”

“As one who has received immense grace, I must be able to withstand that much. Rather…”

“…Rather?”

Cazeros seemed about to say more, but then slowly shook her head and smiled at me again.

“…No, I will say it again – I am truly all right. As long as I can simply be by your side like this…”

“…Cazeros…”

Unable to continue, Cazeros averted her gaze slightly.

Watching her, I felt the affection I had long harbored for her quietly rekindle.

She lived expressing gratitude for even the smallest things, never complaining about her own suffering.

Maintaining an innocent purity in any situation, yet showing unparalleled resilience when needed.

The more I observed these qualities, the deeper my feelings for her grew.

‘I cannot keep subjecting Cazeros to such treatment forever… I must find a good solution…’

Though it may displease others, to be honest, if I had to name the most precious person to me in this world so far, it would undoubtedly be Cazeros.

The one I had spent the longest time with.

The one who willingly sacrificed everything for me…

The one I had sworn to protect no matter what.

And above all…

The one I harbored my deepest feelings for in this world…

What could be called love.

In this victorious, celebratory situation, the shadow on her face brought me profound discomfort.

So, as I pondered how to slightly improve Cazeros’s standing in the current circumstances…

My eyes suddenly fell upon her face clearly before me.

Her azure eyes sparkling in the moonlight, her porcelain skin gently radiant.

Beholding her, I instinctively felt my heart start to race.

‘Beautiful… Truly…’

Though we had been together for so long, seeing her face daily…

Still, her appearance never failed to fill me with profound excitement.

And that was no different in this very moment.

Her almost celestial radiance in the moonlight naturally, instinctively stirred an innate attraction within me.

Here, just the two of us.

So, yielding to the circumstances and my feelings, I slowly approached her by my side.

As if sensing something in that moment, she slightly raised her head, eyes closed.

Carefully, I embraced her slender, warmly petite frame with both arms.

Then, I gradually lowered my head, bringing our faces together.

And…

-Chup…-