The Gap Between You and Me - Chapter 55
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A few days later, Herietta came to Edwin’s room. When he asked her what was going on, she held out a document she was holding.
Above the document was an inscription stating that Mackenzie’s eldest son, Hugo McKenzie, would be freed from military service because he did not meet the age requirements for conscription. In the lower right corner, the coat of arms of the Brimdel family was engraved in a large size.
Duon kept his promise. He was starting to get worried as it took quite a bit longer than expected to get things done. Edwin was relieved and overjoyed. But Herietta, on the other hand, only smiled vaguely.
“Aren’t you happy?”
“Of course I’m happy.”
Edwin was puzzled to see Herietta not as happy as he thought.
Was she startled by the sudden news? Or did her heart become dull after waiting too long? It was different from what he expected, but it was an understandable reaction if anyone tried to understand it.
“Edwin. I have a favor.”
Herrietta handed Edwin the second document. It was a document containing Hugo’s birth information.
“Could you bring these two documents to the military base stationed in Bangola? Show them to the person in charge there and they will send Hugo home.”
Most of the troops currently stationed in Bangola were under the command of the Knights of Demner. Edwin was also a member of the Knights of Demner in the past and had been in the northern region for over a year. Because of that, he knew quite well the area around Bangola village, and he also knew the Knights of Demner well.
Who is the current commander of the Knights of Demner? Edwin recalled the days when he was a member of the Knights of Demner.
“I’m sorry, Edwin. I know it’s quite a long way from here to Bangola. But I have no one to ask but you.”
“Is Miss Herietta going with me?”
Edwin asked. At that, Herietta quietly shook her head.
“Unfortunately, I don’t think I can go. This is where the two countries’ forces are fighting. My parents would never allow it.”
“I’m relieved. If you tell me that you are going, I am going to stop you.”
Edwin said with a faint smile on his lips. He rolled up the documents he had taken from her and put them in his hands.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be back soon. Perhaps, I will be able to come back within a fortnight.”
At Edwin’s words, Herietta put on a surprised expression.
“A fortnight? Doesn’t it usually take 10 days to get to Bangola? Then it would take twenty days to estimate.”
“Usually it is.”
Edwin nodded his head.
“I’m a fast rider, so maybe I can get to Bangola in five days.”
“Five days?”
“Yes. Oh, but it might be a little late on the way back. It will be with Mister Hugo then.”
Still, he could come back in a week. No matter how much Hugo whined that he was having a hard time, he wasn’t going to pay attention. [i don’t care kid, i’m going to see your sister asap XD]
The appearance of Edwin declaring that he would cut the travel time by as much as half was very calm. Had someone else said it, she would have laughed at it, thinking it was just an absurd bluff. Herietta looked at him with a bewildered look.
“Edwin. However, when you come, don’t be in a hurry and take it easy. No one is chasing you from behind, so there is no need to rush.”
“It’s fine. I am trained for this kind of thing.”
“But still, five days is too tight.”
Herietta frowned and said.
“If you drive a horse too hastily, you may have an accident. Edwin, you know how many people have been seriously injured by falling off horses, right? Besides, Hugo isn’t even very good at horseback riding yet…….”
“…….”
“Even if you come back a little late, I hope that both of you will return with your limbs intact. After all, protecting your health and safety is the most important thing.”
Herietta said with a serious expression on her face. As if to awaken a very important truth of the world for Edwin who was standing in front of her. (OH OH OH, is she going to leave when edwin is fetching hugo?)
Edwin blinked his eyes as he looked at Herietta.
Health and safety is the most important thing? Now, was that really the little master that he knew of?
After a while, he realized the situation and started laughing out loud.
“To be honest, I never imagined those words would come out of Miss Herietta’s mouth.”
His pleasant laughter echoed through the room.
“It feels like the roles have changed somehow. Health and safety. Isn’t that what I usually say to Miss Herietta?”
“…… I know. How paradoxical my words will sound to you now.”
Herietta made a stern expression and muttered a little. Embarrassed in her heart, her earlobes were dyed red.
“But it makes me feel uncomfortable. Even though I was sending Edwin to such a distant place, if you come back hurting yourself, I really…….”
Herietta blurred her words and bit her lower lip. When he looked at her at first glance, her complexion was noticeably darkened. Her eyes, looking at Edwin, were filled with a sense of worry and guilt that could not be hidden.
“Sorry. Edwin. I have to apologize to you.”
After thinking for a while, Herietta immediately apologized. Edwin narrowed his brow.
“Why are you saying that?”
“I heard that a lot of knights were dispatched to Bangola this time. Rumor has it that not only the Knights of Demner, but more than half of the Knights of Brimdel are stationed there. If that’s true, maybe someone you used to know might be there. Because you once joined the Knights Order.”
Hearing Herietta’s words, Edwin’s expression was slightly disturbed. As she said, he had once joined the Knights Order. It wasn’t just a Knights Order at that level, but Demner, who was known as the most elite Knights Order in the Kingdom.
But, apparently, Herietta was unaware of such specific facts. It was nothing surprising. Because she was here, in Philioche, while he served as vice-commander of the knights of Demner. And Philioche was so isolated that it was impossible to even know who the next king would be, unless there was a deliberate effort.
Edwin pondered for a moment whether he should let Herietta know about it. But he soon gave up. It wasn’t really something to hide from her, but that didn’t mean he didn’t see any reason to remind her of it.
Edwin looked down at Herietta. A look of guilt, insecurity.
Without saying more, he could guess what Herietta was worried about. She must have been worried that he would probably go through something bad when he went there.
He wanted to tell her it was okay, but he couldn’t. In fact, it was a very realistic and valid concern.
If he headed to Bangola now, so he went in search of the Knights of Demner, who would be garrisoning there, he would most likely run into someone he knew. No matter how many years have passed, the personnel change would not have been very big. Those who joined the Knights Order with him would still remain in the Knights Order.
If a man who was the heir of the most powerful family in the kingdom returns one day as a slave, the lowest rank in the kingdom, how will they react?
Surely there will be people who have the same attitude as in the past, but there are only a few. Edwin has come to know very well how much the attitude of the other person can change depending on the position and situation of the other person.
In the past, taking on this task might have been something he was reluctant of. No matter what anyone said, he was a person of high self-esteem and spirit.
But now it was different. It seemed that he would not care if he was given any sympathy or scorn because of someone who recognized him.
If only he could help Herietta. (no prefix here)
if only he could.
Before he knew it, his values and priorities changed. Focusing on a woman, he revolves around her helplessly.
“Miss Herietta. Do you remember?”
Edwin asked quietly, putting down the document he was holding in his hand.
“The oath I made to Miss Herietta in Lavant.”
‘You.’
‘acknowledge you as my only lord, and the reason for my existence. Please do not hesitate to wield me, your faithful sword and servant.’
“My oath that day was sincere, without a single lie.”
Edwin took a step closer to Herietta. His serious gaze, which had no joke at all, turned to her.
“It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it is to accomplish your will.”
“…….”
“I will gladly follow, I will.”
If allowed, I will be a knight just for you without hesitation.
Edwin slowly knelt down in front of Herietta. Then he gently brought her hand, which had been drooping weakly, toward him.
“Even if it breaks my body and sets it on fire.”
He lowered his head and kissed the back of her hand.
“All for my lord, Herietta Mackenzie.”
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