# 15
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However, he couldn't help but admit it. In just a few days, Grace had succeeded in winning over the knights, whom Walter had only gained favor after years of advancing in the front ranks brandishing his sword. It is true that it did not amount to an oath of allegiance, but it was an undeniable achievement.
Perhaps the incident in which she saved Andrew until the last moment, even though her life itf was in danger, was the biggest spark.
But that wasn't all.
She knew when to smile, and when to thank, and she memorized the names of everyone with whom she exchanged greetings. This was not the artificial tenderness of a noble girl accustomed to being carried on the palms of hands, but rather a sincere friendliness and simplicity that did not resemble someone who grew up being spoiled in palaces.
Unlike the dark blue dress she used to wear, she was now wearing a cream-colored dress, simple and calm. Her hair, braided and carefully raised, must have been styled by Jessie, looked as tidy as a bride who had just left her ceremony. A woman who combines the essence of dignity and etiquette that nobles reverence, yet appears so delicate and fragile... who can warn her?
A sword hidden in a very beautiful sheath.
This was Walter's description of Grace. The problem is that even he himf repeatedly forgot that she was a person with a sword.
"my lord."
A soft call, as if she were addressing a lover. For some reason, he felt a slight itch in his neck.
Meanwhile, Grace had approached and looked down the mountain he was staring at. Walter followed her with his gaze. There, ancient and beautiful, stood the Duke of Richmond's palace. On its top, the eagle emblem was clearly flying on the flag. At the same moment, the features of the two cooled.
asked Grace, after staring at the palace for a while:
“Are you afraid?”
“Ha!”
Walter laughed sharply, and she laughed too.
"And you? Are you afraid?
His voice was low, with a special resonance; A voice that you feel you will recognize even if you hear it from afar with your eyes closed. With a bright smile, Grace replied:
“Impossible. But...I think it's time for us to speak clearly.”
Walter turned to her slowly, but she kept looking down the mountain.
“You cannot continue to treat me like this.”
“How much nicer do you want me to be?”
“Grace.”
I looked at him. Her eyes, soaked in sunlight, sparkled like stars.
“Call me Grace.”
«……»
“Walter.”
His name came out of her lips as sweet as her grape-green eyes, unbelievably sweet.
Since he became aware of existence, he has been living in a constant struggle for survival. One moment of inattention is enough to push him into the abyss. Kindness? love? Things so far away that he never dared to extend his hand towards them. So why does it seem so easy for this woman?
Grace furrowed her eyebrows in slight distress.
“If you say this is difficult too, it will be embarrassing.”
She shook her head slightly, her tilted look like the suspicious look of an unreliable person. To Walter, who was accustomed to doing everything with deadly perfection, it seemed as if his very competence was in doubt.
“At least try until we have Richmond in our hands. “And I also don’t intend to take anything lightly.”
Her calm voice clearly pierced his ear. After saying what she wanted, she turned towards the carriage. He followed her gaze unconsciously.
For the past ten days, he had been watching Grace incessantly.
“It is enough that you love me.”
He thought it wasn't difficult. But the closer they got to Richmond, the more mysterious it became.
How do I look like someone who loves you? If I really loved you, how would I treat you?
As the idea of love intertwined with Grace, the heat of the lips and the feel of the thin arms wrapped around his neck returned to his memory. His gaze sank into a dark depth.
Finally, as if he had made up his mind, he followed her. With long strides, he grabbed her wrist before she got into the carriage.
“?!”
He pulled her gently and she turned around in surprise, then he took her hand and led her forward. Before she could understand what he was doing, a huge war horse appeared in front of her. Her eyes widened in surprise, and Walter laughed unconsciously.
Grace asked him, staring at him in amazement:
“Do you mean for me to enter the palace into your arms?”
“Didn't you ask me to love you in front of everyone?”
«……»
“Or is this… difficult too?”
They were the same words she had said to him a moment ago. When Grace assumed her usual calm expression, he tilted his head and said:
“Then give me a moment.”
Despite his polite words, his action was decisive; He lifted her from her waist with amazing ease. In the blink of an eye, she found herf sitting on his horse, and then he climbed up behind her, surrounding her with his body. She felt a shiver run down her back and shoulders, which were close to his chest, and even to her ear. As if he felt her stiffness, he whispered:
“Relax. "It will be easier for us together."
The knights stared with their eyes almost bulging out of their sockets, then they quickly mounted their horses and followed him. As for Jessie, who was left alone with the carriage, she silently looked at Grace in Walter's arms. She expected to feel bitterness... but she was surprised by her coldness.
“At least, it's better than seeing her insulted by those little people.”
Her muttering faded into the cold air.
● ● ●
As time passed, Grace's stress gradually eased. The world from a horse looked very different from what was seen from inside the carriage.
After the dense forest, a vast land opened out. The palace of the Duke of Richmond, lord of the north-west, stood like an island in its heart. A deep and wide moat surrounds it like a river, and its pointed roofs resemble polished blades, as if it were a fortress endowed with natural immunity by God.
On the bridge that connects the palace to its surroundings, crowds lined up to welcome the return of the Duke.
However, the person standing in front did not bow, but rather looked at the incoming Walter with a tense neck and back. The woman next to him was in the same situation. A scene similar to the owner of the house welcoming his guest. A cold smile appeared on Grace and Walter's lips at the same time.
Interesting. That's how thieves can be... so shameless.
Grace whispered:
“They appear to be the Marquis Lencoux and his wife.”
Walter smiled coldly and asked her:
“Are you ready to fight, Grace?”
Instead of answering, she rested her head on his solid chest, while her eyes remained fixed on the couple on the bridge. Even from afar, the widening of their eyes was evident.
She smiled a little shyly, and said in a steady voice like a warrior before battle:
“Of course.”
I had been waiting for this day for a long time.