Knight who fall in love with a monter girl

must make the choice to let her go. The choice is always hard, but it's not an easy one for a knight who has fallen head over heels for a woman he hasn't even laid eyes upon yet.

"I'm sure you're aware of how I feel about you," he said and looked at me as if he were trying to convince himself. "You've been so kind to me that I can only be grateful. But I don't want to hurt you."

"Oh..."

It was clear she'd had no idea what he felt toward her. She paled from the revelation. If she hadn't known, she would have been able to take him into her arms right then and there and ask nothing more than his happiness. It was obvious that he loved her but didn't mean to hurt her—he wanted to marry someone else, but if she chose to stay with him, the marriage would be annulled. He wasn't just going through the motions; he truly cared for this girl. A man in love could never use his feelings against a woman.

The girl smiled softly after hearing his confession. Her smile was such that it made my heart ache. It was lovely beyond words, like something straight out of a storybook. I wished I could see her face again, but I knew I wouldn't get another chance. When I turned away, she followed me without hesitation.

"Can we talk?"

"Sure."

We walked along the path leading away from the garden, where we could speak freely. It was still quite early, but the day was bright enough for us to walk outside without a hood or other covering.

"I'll go first—"

She began speaking before I could finish. "Is it true? Is it really okay for me to come here with you?"

"Yes, of course."

That was all she needed to hear. She smiled happily. I tried to do the same, but my expression was stiffer than hers.

"I know I'm not much to look at, but I promise, I won't let you down...I swear it on my honor."

"Yeah..."

There was no way I could tell her that she'd already exceeded my expectations. After all, I had absolutely no idea what she was capable of. That she was beautiful was simply a fact, but I couldn't say anything more. This was too soon after our introduction. We had never spoken before now, and I didn't know why she had chosen to follow me. Was she truly interested in me? Or did she simply need a place to hide? It was almost certainly the latter. Maybe she was embarrassed by her circumstances.

What should I do? What would be best for both of us?

"If you won't, then I'll stay with you forever."

Her words were honest, straightforward, and sincere. They were full of hope and light, but they also contained a hint of desperation.

"But if you really want to keep me here, I can't do that. You have to choose for yourself."

"Choose?"

"When knights are ready to wed, they usually pick their bride from among the women in the castle. In that case, I suppose you need to decide whether to stay with me or to leave."

"I don't understand."

"Let's start with your name."

"My name is...Alice," she replied hesitantly.

"Your real name?"

She nodded vigorously, as though she was afraid I might change my mind.

"Well, Alice, do you think you can marry a man like me?"

"I...don't know..."

"Why don't I show you what a happy married life looks like? Are you willing to give that a try?"

"Yes, please!" She clapped her hands together eagerly.

I put my arm around her shoulders, pulling her to my side. She leaned her head on my shoulder.

"We're gonna be husband and wife, huh?"

"I'm looking forward to it."