Chapter 41: Weight

At this moment, Klos—no longer wearing her bunny girl uniform but dressed in a simple long dress—was hiding in the shadows, biting her finger as she watched Rita and Cecilia sitting on the bench.

The moment she was ordered by the Lady to kill Rita, she had already walked into a dead end.

If Klos refused, she would be killed on the spot by the Lady.

No, her fate might be even more miserable than death.

Of course, running away was out of the question as well.

She was under constant surveillance; any reckless move would bring consequences that were not far off.

So, she had absolutely no right to refuse.

But how could she possibly kill Rita? Just stab her with a single knife?

Rita was ranked fourth in the Sacred Knight trials.

Even if she got the chance to get close, Klos might not be able to defeat her.

Not to mention, she had no chance to approach her at all.

As for how to escape after killing Rita, or whether the Lady would protect her safety—those were not things Klos should be thinking about now.

All she knew was that the person currently guarding Cecilia—Rita—was someone she felt impossible to touch.

There was no choice but to wait patiently.

Eventually, she would find an opportunity.

Rita didn’t feel the malicious gaze at all.

Her attention was fully focused on the peach crepe in her hand.

The tartness of the peach combined with the sweet, fluffy cream and the crunchy chocolate flakes created a complex flavor that instantly captivated Rita, who had almost never tasted such desserts before.

So this was what sweets felt like.

No wonder girls liked these things so much.

While enjoying the crepe, Rita also stole glances at Cecilia beside her.

Cecilia remained calm and leisurely, occasionally scooping up a small spoonful of strawberry slices coated in cream and putting them into her mouth.

Following Cecilia’s gaze, Rita saw that the square was especially lively today—children running past, couples holding hands and leaning under the trees, vendors at their stalls occasionally shouting out.

Though noisy, it gave a peculiar sense of peace.

Looking at the scene, Rita found it hard to associate this city with the recent assassinations, monsters, and even the demonic threats.

Indeed, this was the Central Square where, just a few days ago during Cecilia’s speech, an attack by unknown rioters had taken place.

The horror of that moment was gone; the city had returned to tranquility.

“Such peace,” Rita whispered in awe.

“Do you like peace?” Cecilia softly asked, picking up on Rita’s comment.

Rita realized her voice was a bit loud and shifted awkwardly, answering quietly and seriously, “Peace is what every Sacred Knight yearns for and must protect.”

As soon as she spoke, Cecilia chided her gently, “Don’t use such official phrases. They don’t suit you. It’s rest time now, relax a bit.”

Rita thought for a moment. “Hmm, yes, I really like it.”

Cecilia closed her eyes contentedly. “But there are those who want to destroy this hard-won peace out of selfish desires. She is here in this city, watching our movements in the shadows.”

“Who?” Rita immediately glanced around, trying to spot the villain Cecilia mentioned lurking in the darkness.

Rita’s sudden movement startled Klos from afar.

She quickly covered her mouth and slipped into the corner.

Could her murderous intent really be sensed from such a distance?

The one chosen by the Fourth Princess was indeed extraordinary!

Over there, Cecilia sighed helplessly and put her wooden crepe spoon down.

“I was just giving an example.”

“Oh…” Rita shyly retracted back onto the bench and became more subdued.

“But your vigilance is commendable, and it makes me feel reassured. Keep it up.”

Cecilia actually praised someone?

Rita was surprised but mostly secretly delighted. “Hehe, Lady Cecilia, I’m not that amazing.”

Cecilia found Rita’s earnestness endearing and continued, “However, you still have many shortcomings. Improve your flaws and cultivate your strengths. That is how you become a qualified knight. You have a long road ahead, but I believe you can do it—and I will watch you do it with my own eyes.”

This sudden encouragement made Rita serious again. “Y-Yes, I will work hard!”

“But you’re right. Whether as a knight or a leader of the Nation, what you must protect is never just your master or the power you wield. It is the Nation, the people who uphold it, and the hard-earned peace. That’s why I cannot forgive those who attempt to destroy them.”

Cecilia gazed at the distant crowd. “Talking about these things might be a bit heavy. For now, just stay and finish this crepe with me.”

The two lingered in the square for quite a while longer.

By the time Cecilia finished the crepe, the shadows had grown long, and fewer people remained than at noon.

Cecilia neatly folded the crepe’s wrapping paper and handed it to Rita, then raised her palm.

Rita immediately took Cecilia’s hand, helping her up from the bench.

“Lady Cecilia, what’s your next move?”

“I’m a little tired. Accompany me to one last place.”

The final stretch didn’t seem suitable for leisurely strolling.

The scorching heat of molten metal made the whole street feel like the height of summer, with the sharp smells of leather and oil wafting through the air.

Rita had been here a few times before; it was near here that she had bought her best sword, worth five gold coins, the finest in the store.

But such a place, filled with fire and iron, was naturally at odds with someone like Cecilia.

Cecilia walked silently just ahead of Rita, stopping in front of a weapons shop.

With a glance, she signaled to Rita, who quickly opened the door for her.

Seeing Cecilia, the clerk behind the counter was slightly taken aback.

The sight of such an elegantly dressed young lady in a weapons store was unexpected, but her professional instinct kicked in and she greeted them.

“Hello, how may I assist you?”

Cecilia withdrew her hand from Rita’s grasp and stepped forward on her own. “I’m here to collect something reserved by Julius.”

“Miss Julius? One moment please…” The clerk hurriedly searched the ledger on the counter.

Her expression changed slightly as if realizing the significance of that surname, and she nearly knelt on the spot. “Y-Your Highness?!”

“Bring out my item.” Cecilia raised her hand to cut off the excessive formalities.

“Yes! Right away!”

The clerk rushed to the back, and shortly after returned holding a sword.

“Give it to me directly.” Cecilia said, silently stopping both Rita, who wanted to step forward, and the clerk, who intended to hand the sword to Rita.

The clerk had no choice but to comply, placing the sword respectfully in Cecilia’s hands.

The sword was large and heavy for Cecilia’s slight frame.

The moment she took it, her expression showed it was a struggle.

Even so, Cecilia turned back and, holding the sword with both hands, walked step by step to Rita’s side.

“Rita.” Cecilia strained to raise the sword high, “What happened last night was my failure as princess and master. But I have always seen your loyalty and worth.”

“Accept this. As my Shield and Blade, how could you not have a fitting weapon?”

Rita knelt on one knee, lifting the heavy weight from the young lady’s hands.