Bonus chapter thanks to @Kzeither and @Above Zeon from Ko-fi!
A few evenings later, as the day's training at the barracks was coming to an end, Laurie continued her usual tasks.
She was a servant responsible for miscellaneous chores within the barracks. With brown hair, freckled cheeks, and an unassuming face behind her glasses, she diligently tackled any task, making her a valuable asset and earning the respect of many.
The men of the barracks trained daily, resulting in mountains of sweat-soaked laundry. Laurie, with effort, lifted a pile of laundry much taller than herself and headed towards the washing area.
'With winter approaching, the knights' training seems to be getting more intense. I shouldn't get in their way.'
As she walked with the heavy laundry in her arms, a thought crossed her mind.
"Oh, it's, it's alright. It's my job."
"It's fine. I'm alright too."
A man with a strangely brazen tone stood beside Laurie. She briefly glanced at his face. Black hair like the Lord's, a peaceful and somewhat languid expression, and an air of elegance and refinement.
The second son of the Lord. Though it was their first encounter this winter, she had clearly remembered his face from the first day. With his striking aura and appearance, most people, not just Laurie, would have remembered him.
"Oh, you mustn't! For the Young Lord to do such a thing..."
"I'm not the Young Lord. Father would be furious if he heard you say that."
Frondier hardened his expression and looked at Laurie. She blinked for a moment.
"The title of Young Lord belongs to my brother. I'm just the second son, the youngest, with nothing special."
Frondier's eyes, as he spoke, held no trace of inferiority, but rather seemed to sparkle with pride for his brother.
'The Lord never brought Lord Frondier here before, so I thought they might not get along, but that doesn't seem to be the case.'
Laurie was momentarily speechless. The two walked in silence, carrying the laundry.
Frondier was the first to break the silence.
"Your name? We met the day I first arrived, right? Your face looks familiar."
"Laurie, right. I'll remember that."
He remembered my face.
That fact alone made her feel strangely ticklish under her arms.
"Um, why are you being so kind to me?"
"Ah, actually, I'm slacking off."
Frondier grinned. A playful smile that suited his languid face well.
"The training is so intense. I found a good excuse to escape."
"I, I see. Intense..."
Her tongue felt strangely stiff as she uttered the word "intense." It was a word Laurie rarely used.
They arrived at the laundry area and placed the laundry in the baskets.
Laurie wiped the sweat from her forehead. Even though they had shared the load, it was still quite heavy. Frondier had definitely been a help.
"Thank you, Lord Frondier. I'll take it from here."
"Sure. But before that..."
Frondier paused and looked around, seemingly checking if anyone was nearby.
A late evening, a man and a woman alone, sudden kindness, and now this behavior.
It was no wonder that a strange thought crossed Laurie's mind.
After confirming that no one was around, Frondier took a step closer. Laurie flinched and stepped back in surprise.
"Who told you to step back?"
In this world, the relationship between servants and masters wasn't one of absolute obedience. Above all, the power of nobles was no longer absolute.
However, Frondier's voice, expression, and the atmosphere he exuded did not allow for refusal.
'Th, this is bad...!'
You let your guard down, Laurie! Fooled by his handsome face and peaceful demeanor!
This is why Mother said nice men are worse than bad men! I should have listened to her!
Frondier drew closer to Laurie, his lips almost touching her ear.
To start from there?! Not the cheek, not the lips, but there?!
Frondier whispered into Laurie's ear.
"Don't answer anything I say from now on. Don't react at all."
"I'm gathering information in this barracks, or nearby lodgings and restaurants. You haven't been working here long, have you? That's why you perform various tasks without distinction. That makes you perfect. People who move around a lot tend to have a lot of information."
Laurie blinked at his words.
This was a secret conversation. The reason Frondier had suddenly approached her, the reason he had sought a secluded place, became clear.
"Father is in danger."
"....! Lo, Lord....!"
Frondier pulled his face away from her ear and placed a finger on his lips. He had told her not to react. Laurie, in her surprise, had momentarily disobeyed, but there was no anger in Frondier's eyes.
Just a calm gaze with a hint of warning, once again conveying his command to Laurie.
"There doesn't seem to be anyone around here, but someone out of sight might be watching or listening. For now, it will look like a frivolous noble hitting on a servant. We need to move while they're under that misconception."
Frondier had already decided how he would appear.
So that's why he approached me like that.
...I almost fell for his act of a frivolous noble.
"What do you think, Laurie? Is there a place where we can talk without the story getting out? Just nod."
Laurie swallowed and gave a small nod.
Seeing this, Frondier stepped back and smiled brightly.
"Then let's go on a date, Laurie."
Laurie briefly rolled her eyes. What should I do? Should I act too?
"Th, that is, if someone sees us..."
Laurie blushed as she spoke.
Frondier opened his eyes slightly. His smile deepened, seemingly pleased with Laurie's acting.
"It's okay, it's okay. I'm the son of the Roach family, who would dare say anything?"
Frondier put his arm around Laurie's shoulder and walked. His words and actions were truly light and carefree.
His acting was so natural that Laurie wondered if this was his true personality.