Chapter 320 My Way Of Life Is Decided By Me
Sophia mounted her horse from the merchant guild and began her journey alone to Maiden's Tower. She thought about using her non-attribute magic to shortcut the route, but decided to avoid it this time because there was a chance someone might see her. It seemed she would need to consider a more efficient way to use it soon.
The season had turned from late autumn to early winter, and the nights were getting really cold. Sophia noticed that her breath and her horse's breath were turning white, reminding her of what Alicia had said about how it could snow any day now.
Looking up, the sky was filled with twinkling stars, and a larger moon than in her previous life was floating above. The full moon was bright enough to light the path, so she didn't need any lamps.
'This might be the first time I'm traveling alone at this hour. Everyone is so overprotective.'
As she walked her horse at a steady pace, Sophia thought about Daniel, whom she had coldly pushed away earlier.
'Still, today I really realized again that Daniel is a knight. He had to quit the knight order because of his injury, but that injury has already healed, right?'
Sophia had made Daniel go to Jeffrey after treating him coldly to give him a chance to return to the knight order. Even though Daniel had left the order, his spirit remained that of a knight, always striving to be noble. Sophia had sensed this for a while.
'Daniel's sword is meant to protect the weak. That's not a bad thing. In fact, I think it's a virtue, but it's tough when I'm expected to have that same nobility.'
Sophia understands that Daniel has feelings for her. However, she can't see him as a romantic interest. It's not because of her real age as Sara, but she just can't feel anything more than friendship or trust for him.
From an objective point of view, Daniel is a great catch. He looks a bit tough, but he's relatively good-looking. He's kind, loyal to his job, and when he's on a guard duty, he will do everything he can to protect the person he's guarding. Because of this, there was a time when a young widow from a merchant family fell for him. He may not be a noble, but if he goes back to the Grandchester Knights, he could have a decent position. Knights earn good salaries and get pensions after they retire.
'Hmm. I think it would be happier for him to go back to being a knight and marry a normal wife instead of dealing with someone like me, who looks like a fraud. But, if he disappears from my side, it might be a little... no, it would be really lonely.'
Even though she doesn't have romantic feelings, Sophia does care for Daniel. They work well together when they fight with swords. If Daniel were to leave, she knows she would feel lonely.
While Sophia was lost in these thoughts, she heard a different sound of hooves that wasn't from her horse. It seemed like someone was approaching quickly from behind. She thought about making her horse, Durandal, run to get away, but since she wasn't used to the horse from the Sophia Merchant Guild, she didn't want to push it too hard.
Sophia used magic to strengthen her body and kept her horse walking, ready to draw her sword at any moment.
"Please wait, Lady Sophia. It's me."
It was Daniel, coming up from behind.
"Oh, weren't you heading to the knight's headquarters?"
"I couldn't help but worry, so I turned back. By the time I got here, Lady Sophia had already left the main store, so I asked No. 28 to deliver a message to the knights and came after you. You really shouldn't travel alone."
"I'm really fine, you know."
"The one who's not fine is my heart. Are you planning to just leave me behind like this?"
"Hey! That's a terrible way to put it. It sounds like I'm just playing with you and then throwing you away!"
"But you're going to fire me because you don't need me anymore, right?"
"That's completely different! I just thought it might be better for you to go back to the knights if you could. You should be a knight who helps the weak."
"That's something I decide, not you, Lady Sophia. Of course, if you say I have to leave, then I have no choice but to obey, but if that's not the case, please don't decide my life for me."
Daniel raised his voice while on horseback, causing the two horses to twitch their ears in annoyance.
"Ah, sorry, I was too loud, wasn't I?"
Sophia lightly patted the horse's neck and continued at a steady pace toward Maiden's Tower, with Daniel following behind.
"I apologize if my earlier words upset you, Lady Sophia. As your guard, I shouldn't have interrupted like that."
"I don't want you to just obey me without question. But please don't force me to live like a kind saint. I'm true to my own desires, and I'm not so compassionate that I feel I have to help strangers."
Daniel smirked.
"I know that Lady Sophia has a very good personality. I just made a spoiled comment earlier."
"You were being spoiled?"
"I was faced with the possibility of a crisis that I couldn't handle, and I felt an unknown fear. You might find it surprising, but I'm actually a coward."
"You seem like a very brave knight, though."
"That's probably because I'm a knight. Those who boast that they fear nothing are not suited to be knights. The feeling of fear is very important. Of course, it's also necessary to have the strength to face that fear, but I feel I'm a bit lacking in that strength. Well, I guess it means I feel inadequate in my abilities."
"That's much better than being arrogant."
Sophia smoothly accepted Daniel's words.
"Of course, there are moments when you have to face danger without fearing death to protect something, but the true role of a bodyguard is to survive and protect until the end. In that sense, being a little cowardly might be just right."
"Surviving is definitely important."
"However, I selfishly relied on Lady Sophia, who I should be protecting, and made comments that put her in danger. I'm completely unqualified as a bodyguard."
"As long as you regret it and don't repeat it, it's fine. There are days when you just want to say those things. I think my own power is quite a cheat, too."
Sophia chuckled softly as she looked up at the big moon.
"However, the reason I'm thinking of removing Daniel from my guard isn't just that."
"Is it a problem that I admire Lady Sophia?"
"You say that without any hesitation."
"That's old news. I've said it many times."
"It's not that I dislike being admired by Daniel. But I can't return those feelings with the same intensity."
"I know that. Many men, including myself, admire you, but even the handsome and smart Mr. Thomas doesn't seem to catch your eye. You often express fondness for Sir Jeffrey, the captain of the knights, but it looks more like you care for him like a father or brother. Or maybe you only say it because you know he won't accept you."
"Is that really the case? I don't think I'm that aware of it."
As Sophia tilted her head, Daniel smiled wryly and moved his horse closer to her side. He spoke softly, almost whispering in her ear.
"I know Lady Sophia's real age, so I understand why it's hard to accept. By the time you're of the right age, I'll be an old man. I might already be considered one. But when I see Lady Sophia, I forget that completely. When we exchange words like this, those feelings only grow stronger. I can't help but be drawn to you. I tried to forget at one point, but it was all in vain. Now I've completely given in to it."
"Even if you've given in like that..."
"My feelings are not something Lady Sophia needs to worry about. You can just brush it off like it's nothing. Laugh and think of me as just one of the many who admire you. Oh, but if you ever want to accept me, you're always welcome."
"You should just ignore someone like me and go find a normal bride to be happy with."
"That's really none of your business. I decide my own happiness, and I choose how to live my life. Don't you think it's the same as you wanting to decide your own way of living? If my feelings are a bother, I can stop expressing them, but I hope you won't. At least have some pity for a man lost in love."
"I see. I understand what Daniel wants to say. I won't stop expressing my feelings, but please only do it when you're in the form of Sophia. If you do it in front of Sara, people might think you're a lolicon."
"As you wish, my beloved Lady Sophia."
With that, Daniel, feeling bold, continued to whisper sweet words until they reached Maiden's Tower. Sophia, feeling like she might burst with sweetness, hurried to switch back with the golem Sara as soon as they arrived.
The moment she returned to Sara's form, Daniel stopped whispering sweet words as promised. However, even with the golem Sophia right in front of him, he couldn't stop smiling widely at Sara and giving her meaningful looks.
'What is this... It feels like poking a bush and an anaconda came out. I just wanted Daniel to find a job he loves and live happily!'
But from Sara's perspective, Daniel looks happy right now, so she decided to leave him alone for the time being, hoping that he would change his mind eventually.
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