Chapter 88 Their Respective Battles
As Sara opened her eyes, the soft morning sunlight was streaming through the window. Since Baron Walt's estate was smaller than Grandchester Castle, the faint sounds of the servants' morning work could be heard.
This area was higher in elevation than the capital, and even in early autumn, the mornings were quite chilly. Having gone to bed early the night before, Sara felt refreshed, but getting out of bed required a bit of motivation.
When Sara rang the bell on her bedside table, 3 maids arrived. One brought a washbasin, another brought a light meal that seemed like breakfast, and the third carried a set of clothes.
As Sara washed her face and finished her meal, the maids seated her in front of the mirror. They carefully brushed Sara's hair and styled it in a high ponytail, then quickly applied her makeup.
When Sara arrived at Baron Walt's estate, she was wearing a tea-brown wig, but the maids who changed her clothes while she slept didn't think it was a good idea to hide her beautiful silver hair with an unbecoming wig.
Her silver hair was already visible under yesterday's dress, so there was no need to hide it now. The ponytail sparkling in the morning sunlight was particularly eye-catching.
"Please put on this outfit, milady."
The maids showed her a knight-like uniform. Although it was inspired by the knight's attire, the design was slightly different, with a softer line at the waist to fit a woman's figure.
"Umm... this outfit is...?"
Sara hesitantly asked the maid for confirmation.
"Our milady said to Lady Sophia――."
"Huh?"
"When you arrived, Sophia was dressed as a man, so we prepared this in a hurry. We apologize for not being able to prepare it in time last night, and it ended up being a dress instead."
'You didn't have to go that far!'
And she decided to simply wear the prepared outfit. A soft, fabric corset was also provided, so she didn't have to worry about her ample chest getting in the way.
After changing into the outfit and standing in front of the mirror, Sara thought to herself.
'This is cosplay, isn't it?'
It's not a mistake.
* * *
As she left the room and headed towards the entrance, Marquis was just about to depart.
"Sophia, you're an incredibly beautiful knight, aren't you?"
"Thank you. It seems Baron Walt's daughter prepared this for me. She must have considered how I'd move more easily in men's clothing."
'I think there's more to it, but let's just leave it at that.'
"I see. Well, you'll have to do your best here too."
"Yes, I'll do my best, even if it's just a small contribution."
Marquis chuckled.
"Shall we get going then?"
"Your Excellency, may you have good luck."
"It's not like we're going to war."
"No, it's war. And our weapons might be our tongues, too."
"I see. You're quite the wit."
Robert also approached Marquis, bowing his head in a gesture reminiscent of a bow and scrape.
"Father, I'm looking forward to good news."
"It seems we'll be making a big show of things this time. The repercussions might even reach here. You'll have to protect everyone here."
"I understand."
From the entrance to the gate, the knights were lined up in formation. Outside the gate, several horses and knights were waiting, with Jeffrey standing beside them.
"Jeffrey, didn't I tell you not to see me off? You should focus on your own work."
"But..."
"Don't be ridiculous. Can't you just leave your uncle alone?"
Marquis smiled wryly at Jeffrey.
"I'm fine. I've left Grandchester's territory in your care."
"Yes, I'll protect it with my life."
"You're quite the drama queen."
Leaving behind a hearty laugh, Marquis rode his horse towards the capital.
'Grandfather will surely accomplish it. I'll do what I can.'
After seeing Marquis off, Jeffrey called out to Sara, who was about to return to the mansion.
"Lady Sophia, doesn't it feel off that you're not wearing a sword with that outfit? It's beautiful, but..."
"It's pointless to wear a sword I can't even use."
"Hmm... why don't you learn swordsmanship, then?"
"I don't think there's anyone who can teach a woman like me, so I've been thinking that way."
"It's true that there may not be many, but if that's the case, why don't you learn with that boy at my place? I'll teach you."
"Will Sir Jeffrey teach me directly?"
"It's like I'm guiding my own son. When I'm not around, someone from the knights' order will guide it."
Robert cut in at that point.
"Hey, Jeff, don't decide on something like that without a guardian's permission, okay?"
"You're not a guardian."
"It's like I'm entrusted to my father, so it's similar."
Jeffrey and Robert started glaring at each other, with Sara in between. Then, Rebecca, who had been quietly standing by, stepped forward to admonish the men.
"Both of you, please stop. Aren't the knights' order watching?"
"I apologize for the rudeness."
Jeffrey took a step back, and Robert closed his mouth.
"Sir Jeffrey, if I may speak from my position, can't you teach me swordsmanship instead of Ms. Sophia, no Ms. Sara? I'm also her governess."
"What? No, that's the same..."
Rebecca cut off Jeffrey's careless remark with a sharp gaze.
"If I can receive direct guidance from the knights' order, Ms. Sara will also be encouraged, won't she? Rob thinks so too, right?"
Of course, Rebecca didn't forget to glare at the other man as well.
"Yeah, that's right. If Sara says she wants to do it after we get back, I don't mind..."
Having silenced the 2 men, Rebecca muttered quietly.
"I've known Sir Jeffrey since I was a child, so why did everyone oppose me receiving guidance from him? Rob opposed it too, didn't he?"
"Back then, I was still young, so everyone was worried about Lady Rebecca. And there were also those annoying people who would get in the way if they got close to Lady Rebecca."
Jeffrey glanced at Robert.
'Heh heh. My uncle must have been jealous of Sir Jeffrey, huh?'
Robert scowled, but didn't say anything more and headed back to the mansion. The 3 people left behind exchanged glances, chuckled, and then returned to their respective tasks without exchanging any more small talk.
Of course, Sara went to the forest with Rebecca. Since her body had grown stronger, Sara was able to ride a horse on her own. Fortunately, she had experience with horseback riding during her Sarasa days, and after getting used to her body a bit, she was able to ride normally.
She couldn't gallop or jump over obstacles, but it was enough that she could ride normally this time. At first, Rebecca looked worried, but after seeing Sara ride a horse safely, she seemed relieved.
Then, Sara and the others headed to the hunting ground to recover, Jeffrey went to hunt down the remaining enemies, and Robert and Baron Walt stayed behind at the mansion to discuss the aftermath of this incident and their future countermeasures, each heading to their respective battlefields.
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