Farewell (9)

Take 1. Ertinez Castle Courtyard (Day/Outdoors). The hunting party lines up in the courtyard, the wind blowing, and the Ertinez family crest fluttering. Everyone in the castle gathers to wish the hunting party well.

The weather was perfect.

Though the wind was cool, the warmth of the sunlight pouring down from the cloudless sky tickled my cheeks, and I could feel it vividly. The horses, fully saddled, were tossing their heads, and the courtyard was bustling with a crowd. Vittorio and I stood among the people, checking the cargo on the carriage.

"This carriage is the one carrying Young Master Leonardo and the luggage of the two of you," the servant said, pointing to the wagon.

As the representative of the Ertinez family, it was natural for Leonardo to have a lot of luggage and use a whole carriage. 

But for us?

"We don't really have that much luggage."

"The Vernis Mountains are cold and harsh, so we packed extra clothing. As for the child's clothes, the Count instructed us to bring some of the outfits that the two young masters wore when they were younger. Also, there are bedding filled with duck down, waterproof boots, and—"

The servant endlessly listed the items. It was excessive. Vittorio, casually tapping the pom-pom on a fur hat that was sticking out of a clothing box, seemed to be imagining what Leonardo would have looked like wearing it. It was nice to have all the supplies, but for now, maintaining a humble attitude was the priority.

"I didn't expect this kind of special treatment…"

"Well, it's all because the Count was thinking of you three," the servant said, glancing around quickly before adding, "So if there's ever anything that might upset the young master, please, think of our good intentions and overlook it just this once…"

"Excuse me?"

Wait. Was this a bribe? Our child might have some rough edges, but please bear with them, was that what this was?

But the way the servant spoke made it sound as if they were asking for leniency, as though Leonardo had already done something wrong.

Ah, maybe it's that.

When Godric visited, Leonardo and I were mistakenly seen together in servant clothes, and the staff had misunderstood.

'Are they asking us to overlook that?'

The servant whispered quickly and then hurriedly left. Not far away, some of the other servants had gathered and were discussing something carefully.

"So, what about the bet?"

"What exactly was the bet about?"

"I remember clearly. Will the relationship be acknowledged and persist, or will they be kicked out because they can't stand the pressure?"

"This is tricky."

"Tricky? You actually saw them together every day and still say this?"

"No, I heard the young one still can't forget the kid's father. It's still not settled with the young master."

"What? Who is that? Wait, isn't the kid's father supposed to be him?"

"Anyway, since the result is that they're leaving the estate, it looks like the latter bet won."

"Stop talking nonsense!"

"Eh, it's out in the open now…"

I could hear everything. Though my hearing isn't as sharp as Leonardo's, the growing volume of their voices made it unnecessary to even try eavesdropping. For some reason, I had a feeling the subject being discussed in that conversation was me and Leonardo. 

'Can't forget the kid's father?' What does that mean? How far has the rumour spread?

[The persona shakes the coin purse excitedly.]

Why? Are you trying to join the bet? And where did you get the money?

As I watched the persona excitedly shaking the coin purse, a loud clearing of the throat, "Ahem!" silenced the commotion among the servants.

"Baron Roald."

It was Baron Roald, whose mustache had grown even more stylish since the last time I saw him. He strode over and handed me something. I could feel the weight of it.

"This is…"

"Since I heard you're skilled with a crossbow, young count had it retrieved from the storage."

The silver crossbow, engraved with the emblem of the Ertinez family — a lily with a swallow — felt much more refined and professional than the crossbow with iron bolts I had bought from the Sinistra forge. It felt like I was living through one of those weapon upgrade events you usually read about in fantasy novels.

"Kid, you have one too."

The baron handed Vittorio a sleek sword, explaining that it was "the first weapon the children of the Ertinez family wield." Vittorio looked startled and confused.

"This was the sword Lady Celestina used when she was younger. She gave it up, saying she wasn't fond of swords… but it's light and perfect for a nimble fencer. Use it well."

"Yes…"

Vittorio took the sword, carefully holding it by the scabbard. His cheeks turned a bright red as he ran his fingers over the small swallow-shaped ornament on the hilt. He looked thoroughly excited.

"We'll ask Leo to teach you how to take care of it later."

I ruffled his hair with a smile, and the boy nodded eagerly.

From a distance, the heavy footsteps of the Count of Ertinez could be heard, followed by his children. As they approached, I locked eyes with Leonardo, and gave a slight shake of my newly received crossbow as if to proudly show it off.

Having been summoned to the Rondine Tower early in the morning for the ceremony, it seemed they had taken the opportunity to prepare for the occasion as well. Leonardo, casually flipping his hair back, grinned widely.

As the noise naturally began to quiet down in the less strict atmosphere, the Count finally opened his mouth.

Count Ertinez: "May the warmth of your homeland become the light of your heart, and may all the evil you encounter outside be consumed by that flame. And until the day we meet again―"

"May the gods watch over you."

The Count, who recited a prayer for good fortune, gently patted Leonardo's shoulder.

Soon, the crowd became lively.

Everyone hurried to find their friends or family members who were part of the hunting party, exchanging greetings. Necklaces were placed around necks, handkerchiefs were handed over, and people embraced each other. The atmosphere was free-spirited.

When Leonardo, who had approached me without my noticing, stood beside me, I asked,

"Don't you have to be with the Ertinez family?"

"I already said my greetings before coming out of the tower, so it's fine."

Then Leonardo whispered, adding,

"I received my greetings properly."

I immediately understood what he meant. It seemed the original had briefly gathered his strength to greet his family. I smiled, thinking it worked out well, and Leonardo nodded in agreement.

At that moment, I caught Celestina's gaze from a distance. She was mouthing something, but the distance was too great for me to hear clearly. However, I could tell what she was trying to say.

Hmm. Well, I had already decided, so there was no reason to hesitate.

"Leo."

At my words, Leonardo turned his head. Today, for some reason, his forehead caught my eye more than usual. Maybe it was because he had pushed his bangs back. I gently cupped his cheek, and the man, who was docile as ever, blinked.

For a brief moment, I thought about where I could use his gentleness, but that thought passed quickly.

I kissed his left cheek.

And then, the right cheek.

"…"

"Stay still."

I stopped Leonardo from saying something as he parted his lips. This, too, seemed like some kind of symbolic or protective gesture. I couldn't let it be interrupted now.

I gently pressed my hand to his chin, and Leonardo obediently lowered his head. I pressed my lips to his forehead, almost as if leaving a stamp. And finally—

I placed a light kiss on the bridge of his nose.

Our eyes met, and I could see his eyelashes fluttering, feeling the direction of our breaths mixing in the air between us. With his gaze fixed on me, I smiled faintly and whispered.

"Celestina told me," I whispered, "that when close companions set out on a difficult journey together, it's customary to bless each other like this."

Well, as you go further back in history, there are some cases where physical contact was more open, so maybe this is just one of the more open traditions of this world.

Was I doing the right thing? I tried to catch Celestina's eye for some reassurance, peeking over Leonardo's shoulder, when suddenly, a loud crash sounded behind us.

"Ugh, the technical advisor collapsed!"

"Heatstroke?"

"But it's late autumn!"

If it's the technical advisor… it must be Raul? I turned to see what was going on, but just then, a familiar hand gently cupped my cheek.

Leonardo slowly approached, and a strange sensation touched my skin. It was soft, smooth, and a bit ticklish. The warmth lingered for a moment before moving to the other cheek. His rough hands gently cupped both of my cheeks, and my face was lifted naturally as petals seemed to fall lightly on my skin. 

And finally, a soft kiss on the bridge of my nose.

As I reflexively opened my eyes, Leonardo's face was right in front of mine. His face was shadowed from the angle, but he was so close I could feel his breath. He gently stroked my cheek and whispered.

"It's better to share the blessing, don't you think?"

"Hmm? Oh… well, I guess that's true."

I didn't expect to get it right back so quickly.

As I locked eyes with him, so close now, I felt like I was his target. The sensation creeping up my back was what someone might feel facing Leonardo as an enemy on the battlefield.

My spine tingled, and it felt like I should run away at any moment. Before I knew it, Leonardo's arm was firmly wrapped around my waist, and I realized I had no permission to break free.

"Ahem!"

A loud, deep cough cut through the silence. Baron Roald, clutching his throat, spoke in a hoarse voice.

"Take it easy… No. Hurry, hurry. Let's get moving."

Ah, did I linger too long?

I quickly gathered Vittorio and seated him on the coachman's perch. Leonardo also mounted his horse. Then, the sound of a horn rang out, booming across the air. The deep echo reverberated far and wide, drowning out all other noise.

Even the muttering of Count Ertinez, "He really is like me."

The confused question from Ferdinand, "Was that a new way of greeting?"

And the laughter of Celestina, shouting, "No need to thank me, Brother!"

The victorious cheer of the servant who had joined the betting game, snatching the loser's purse.

Baron Roald's hoarse voice asking, "Will drinking holy water heal my throat?"

The quiet whisper of Archbishop Butier, who, while murmuring a wish for good luck, gazed down at us from the Nidum Tower.

All of it.

It was a farewell to El Dante.