When it was time for the three of them to return, the old farmhouse was shining so brightly that it was a bit unrecognizable.
The party rode a carriage with Ludy and the children seeing them off.
Since it was a carriage without a roof, the conversation between Sigrid and Veramood, who were in the back seat could be heard by Arcana who was sitting in the driverâs seat.
âAh come to think of it,â Veramood, who was tired o playing with the children, continued, âArenât you in the same squad with the daughter of Marquis Alsekidna?â
âYes, Iâm friend with Rowen Green.â
âThen, were you invited to the Marquis Ball?â
âYes.â
âAre you coming?â
âThat is-â Sigrid frowned while crossing her arms.
âAh,â Veramood asked, âAre you perhaps someone who dislikes things like dance ball?â
Veramood had never seen her at any balls before. With that unique silver hair, it was impossible to forget her, even if she only were to come to one dance ball. So it was very likely she never attended a dance ball.
âIt used to be, but not anymore. It was justâŠ, Marisuez asked me to make a new dress for the dance ball. But these days, Iâve already been spending a lot of moneyâŠâ
âAh, right, youâve bought a house recently.â
âYes.â
âBut where did you get the money?â
âI didnât get the money all of a sudden. I just have been saving my salary steadily.â
âWould just saving be enough to buy you a house in District 2?â
âNo, it wouldnât. I could not afford it if it was a normal house. My current house was a crime scene of a murder case, so it is much cheaper.â
âItâs still a house in District 2, I donât think itâs that cheap that you could buy just by your saving unless you saved your entire salaryâŠâ
âWell, I did save everything.â
âHuh?â
Sigrid looked straight at Veramood. âSince the day Iâve been appointed as a knight, Iâve been saving about ninety-five percent of my calary.â
âWait, you mean youâve been living on five percent of your salary until now? No, thatâs too unreasonable, isnât it?â Veramood was startled. He even straightened his back.
âNo, itâs not unreasonable. I still could get a living place in District 3 with it. And I donât think I need to spend more than 3 kervs to eat for a day.â
â3 kervs?! What can you buy from it?â
âEnough potatoesââ
âWe canât just eat potatoes, can we? why did you do that?â
Arcana was also startled hearing the story. This was the first time he heard it.
âAlso, district 3 of the capital? Howâitâs not even safe thereââ
âI just thought that a knight should live frugally.â
Veramood opened his mouth then closed it. He was dumbfounded hearing that reply. He had thought about this before that she was really like a knight that came out 200 years ago. But, when he thought about it again, even the knights from 200 years ago would not live like this.
âIs she a spy?â Veramood was full of thoughts. However, having an honest knight as a spy was simply like a cat hiding with its tail outside.
Veramood then took a deep breath, and lightly make a sign language to Sigrid. It was a sign language that was used on the battlefield where shouts were rampant and used when doing covert operations. Not anyone could master this sign language, but he believed that Sigrid was proficient in it.
Sigren narrowed her eyes, looking at his message. She then replied with sign language, âi understandâ.
When they arrive in the capital, only Sigren and Veramood who got off the carriage. Arcana told them he would bring back the carriage theyâd rented.
âWhat do you want to talk about in private?â Sigren asked Veramood as soon as she let him go into the garden.
âSerios wants to see you.â
âThe Crown Prince?â
âYeah, youâre his life saver. Of course, he wants to see your face. When would you have time? Ah, he also wants to see you as quietly as possible.â
Sigren thought for a moment. She never thought that the crown prince would want to see her. Because she just did her job, nothing special that was worth being noticed. Or maybeâ
âHe must have considered me suspicious.â
âHmmââ Veramood let out a strange sound and awkwardly smiled.
Sigrid, who was certain about that possibility, nodded her head. âI see. Then, Please tell me his preferred time. I could meet him whenever he want. Itâs an imperial call, so it doesnât matter.â
âOkay. andââ
Veramood reached out to Sigridâs waist and hugged her lightly.
Sigrid was taken aback for a movement. âShould this be also called a sexual harrassment? Should I counterattack?â
âIâve been helping you all day, wonât you reward me?â Veramood smiled.
âDidnât you help because you wanted to be friends?â
âYeah, so am I a friend now?â Veramood looked at Sigrid.
âItâs up to Alkerto.â Sigren looked into his eyes.
âWhy is it up to him?â
âItâs Alkertoâs right whether youâre a friend or not.â
âUhâwait a minute.â Veramood speechless. âWait, did you just think that it is Alkerto that I want to be friends with?â
âIs not it?â Sigrid was also surprised.
Veramood said in frustration, âNo, Why should I befriend a guy who I donât even know? Of course, itâs you.â
âYou want to be friends with me?â Sigridâs eyes widened in surprise.
Veramood felt a bit of pleasure seeing those widened eyes. âSigrid, your eyes are so pretty.â
Sigrid blushed, feeling embarrassed. Friend? Did he just say he wanted to be her friend? Veramood Lunatil? Did he also compliment how pretty her eyes were?
âNow, can I be your friends?â
It was the first time Sigrid had ever heard someone ask her to be her friend. She didnât know why but she felt elated. But she quickly regained her composure.
âI would appreciate it if you let go of me first.â
Veramood gently released Sigridâs waist. Well, heâs gotten everything he needed.
âItâs my first time being asked to be someoneâs friends, so I donât know how to respond that. Could I think about it more before I decide?â Sigrid seriously responded.
âAll right, take it easy.â Veramood nodded.
Veramood chuckled as he left Sigridâs house. He didnât go straight to his house, but he stopped by the boutique.
You should prepare your clothes early if you want to properly go to the ball.
***
t/n: No, Iâm not dropping this novel. Sorry for the lack of updates.