I Will Protect You This Time

Episode 27

(Want Me To Come In?)

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It's been a few hours since we had continued the journey. And the Knights along with the rest of the group have stopped to take a break and to have lunch.

It's noon, I guess. Even though it was snowing the sky was pretty bright.

Knock* Knock*

"Princess, may I come in?"

It's Ella. She went outside the carriage to bring the meal. I guess she is back.

"Come in."

Ella came in with a tray. She then put down the tray and removed the cover. It was the usual soup and bread.

"Did you have your meal, Ella?"

"Oh, no. How can I eat before you, My lady?! I will have my meal after you are done."

"Come here. Have some of this."

I pointed at bread and said to Ella.

"But Princess! How can someone like me ha-"

Mmf-

I put a loaf of bread in her mouth.

"Shh~. You shouldn't speak while eating."

Ella's eyes were teary. She lowered her head and ate the bread.

After that, both Ella and Isabella finished the meal together.

After a while, when everyone was finished having their meal, the journey continued.

Rattle* Rattle*

Ella fell asleep in her seat. She must have been tired.

I wonder if Leonus had his meal. He hasn't come inside the carriage since the morning.

I hope he is okay.

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Neigh~

I woke up at the sound of horses. The carriage wasn't moving. I looked outside. It's already dark. How long have I been asleep? When did I even fall asleep!

Sigh~

"Good Evening, Princess. You are finally awake."

"Ella… Where are we?"

"In a forest of the Dedra Territory, Princess. His Highness ordered us to rest here for the night."

"I see. When?"

"It was an hour ago Princess. It has been an hour since we stopped here."

"Oh…"

"Princess, please excuse me for a moment."

Ella bowed and said.

"Ah- yes."

She then left the carriage.

I looked outside through the window. The camp was made in an open ground of the forest. Darkness gradually covered the whole forest announcing the arrival of night. The Speranza's fire was blazing as if rejecting that darkness. What a breathtaking sight!

Hahaha~

I can hear the laughter and chattering of the Knights.

Everyone was busy with their work. Some of the Knights were setting up the tent, some were carrying firewood, some knights were making bonfires and some were busy chatting and laughing among themselves. How lively! It was a warm atmosphere.

Although I can never be a part of it. Just like now, I will always be alone...

Knock* Knock*

"Princess. I am coming in."

His Highness?

He opened the carriage door and came inside the carriage. There was a shawl in his hand. He gently wrapped it around my shoulder.

"Princess. Let's go outside".

"Huh? Okay."

I wanted to ask why but didn't say anything in the end.

Leonus got down from the carriage first and forwarded his hand. He then helped me to get down from the carriage.

"Princess… You don't look so good."

Leonus said while swiping my hair.

"Huh? But I slept for almost half of the journey."

And I am eating well too. What is he saying?

"That's not what I meant."

"Huh?"

"Sigh~ Nevermind. Come with me."

Leonus then grabbed my hand and led me towards a tent. It looked more extravagant than the other tents.

"Get inside, Princess."

"You are not coming?"

Chuckle*

"If you still say that after getting inside the tent, I will definitely come running, my dear."

Leonus came close to my ear and whispered while smirking.

Why is he saying that? What is inside the tent?

"So hurry up and get inside, princess. Let me know if you want me to come."

"I-I am going."

I hurriedly went inside the tent.

This-

"Oh, princess. You are already here? We have prepared a warm bath for you."

There were 2 other maids beside Ella.

Ah-

A bath…

"Princess, What do you think now? Should I com-"

"No!"

No way! I had no idea that there could be a bath here.

Chuckle*

"Sure~ Let me know if you change your mind. Well then, I am going."

My face turned red. I can't believe he said that when others were around.

"Princess! Come this way."

After that Ella and the other maids took off my dress. They then wrapped a white piece of cloth around my chest. It was short and covered till my thigh.

Anyways after that, I got into the tub. The water was really warm.

Uhh~ This is so relaxing!

"I want to be alone now."

"As you wish, My Lady."

Ella and the maids then left the tent.

I leaned on the edge of the tub and closed my eyes. The warm water swept all my tiredness away.

Haa~

Did Leonus arrange this for me? Is that the reason he didn't come inside the carriage since the morning? I should thank him. Come to think of it, he did so many things for me. But I never thanked him.

Anyways, I feel a little thirsty. I looked around. There was water on a table that was a little bit away from the bath.

I got up to get the water to drink. But while walking I slipped on the ground.

Kyaa~

Ouch! My back hurts!

"Princess! Are you okay? Ah-"

Huh?!

Aahhh~

I screamed.

"G-get out!"

"Y-Yes. But you are-"

"Just get out!"

"Yes. Yes."

Leonus then hurriedly got out of the tent.

After a minute, Ella and one other maid came in.

"My Lady! What in the world just happened? Are you okay?"

"Yes."

Ella then helped me to get up.

After that, I got into the bath again. This time Ella and the other maid helped me clean up.

Ughh~ How shameful! What am I supposed to do! Good thing that Ella wrapped around that cloth.

But still-

How can he just burst in like that! I can never look at his face… Ever again.

Haa~

After the bath, Ella and the other maid helped me change into a light coloured dress.

"Princess."

"Yes?"

"The Knights have arranged a feast tonight."

"Oh?"

"So will you come to join us on that?"

"Huh?"

I don't want to. What if Leonus is there?

"Please, Princess."

"Ok-okay."

Ahh! This mouth of mine.

"Really?! Thank you so much, Princess!"

Sigh~

I just dug my own grave.... (T-T)