「I will not return to the Blaffer family.」
The words that left Claudia-san’s lips were a clear rejection.
The unexpected response left both Charlotte and Lawrence-san frozen, unable to move.
We, too, were stunned by the shock of her words, but it was Kiara who stepped forward to confront her.
「Wait! What do you mean you won’t return?」
The question on everyone’s minds, yet no one had managed to voice due to the sheer impact of her refusal, was delivered straight from Kiara’s lips.
「Kiara-sama… I’m sorry. I cannot give you a reason.」
「W-What? That’s… that’s not fair…」
Even now, Claudia-san’s words distanced her from us. But I didn’t miss it—her eyes darted nervously each time she spoke.
The usually composed and confident Claudia-san displayed a clear unease, a stark departure from her normal demeanor.
Charlotte and Lawrence-san must have noticed this as well. That’s why they couldn’t give up on her—they could sense something deeper at play.
However, not everyone present shared their patience.
「Ugh, enough already! She said she won’t return to you and that she’s coming with me, so why don’t you just leave!」
The woman who had been traveling with Claudia-san cut in, her tone sharp and irritated. Her agitated demeanor only added to the tension in the air.
And then I noticed—she was armed with a sword.
Was it for self-defense, or could she be a knight of some country?
…No, her appearance didn’t quite fit that of a knight.
Judging by her attire, she looked more like an adventurer. But if that’s the case, what’s her connection to Claudia-san?
Did they meet by chance and decide to travel together?
Somehow, it didn’t feel like that kind of relationship.
As I was piecing things together, Charlotte suddenly dashed forward and threw her arms around Claudia-san.
The unexpected gesture left Claudia-san visibly startled.
「O-ojousama?」
「Don’t go… Claudia…」
Few words, but they carried the raw weight of a plea from the depths of her heart.
And then Lawrence-san joined her.
「Claudia… I feel the same as Charlotte. If you still insist on hiding your true intentions, then I swear on the name of the Knights of the Krentz Kingdom that I will uncover them.」
As I stood there analyzing the situation, I couldn’t help but think, ‘Does the knights’ honor even have anything to do with this?’
But surprisingly, the woman with Claudia-san reacted to the mention of the Knights of the Krentz Kingdom.
「The… Knights of the Krentz Kingdom?」
Her reaction to the name was more than passing curiosity—it was as if something about it held significance for her.
Which brought me back to the question that had been gnawing at me: Who exactly is this woman?
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