Actually, I Was The Real One
Chapter 10
"...Pardon?"
Keira could only blush when she saw Joseph's facial expression.
"To be honest, I want to be a respected leader like you. I only got that position because of my blood. I'm taking it from you because I feel insecure because it's just a woman without any achievements and qualifications."
If he was in the past, he would never bring it up even if he were to die.
I want to be a perfect person, so I can't admit that I'm not good enough. I'll hide it.
In the past, he was the one who would never admit that he felt jealousy and inferiority towards his subordinates.
But Keira no longer needs to be a 'perfect person'. There was no need to hide his imperfections or make excuses to cover his flaws.
So there was no reason to be jealous of his subordinates anymore.
He acknowledged the dark feelings he had in the past, and felt free.
"No matter what the reason, what I did was wrong. I'm sorry for saying this so suddenly, but I think it's something I have to say one day, and take the opportunity to apologize."
"M-Mistress?"
"From now on, I won't argue or dispute anything. Finish work related to the Knight Order. You don't have to ask for my opinion."
He planned to immediately resign from his position as the Knight Captain. It's better to resign now than to wait for Cosette to find a way to make her step down.
Moreover, there was no particular reason for him to maintain the position. As a member of the Grand Duke, it was something he had to do, so he did not want to disappoint his father.
But now Keira knew it was useless.
Since it was all useless, there was no need to make others feel uncomfortable. He decided to return his position to the original owner.
"Then, I'll see you after lunch" he said, embarrassed, and left Joseph with his mouth open.
The fact that he doesn't have to be perfect makes him feel so free. Surprisingly, he felt good. His legs felt so light that it was as if he could fly.
-AIWTRO
The Knighthood test didn't end until the afternoon. Everyone who passed by jumped up and celebrated.
Looking at the new recruits, Keira asked, "There's a reception tonight, right?"
"Yes, but it's more like a drinking party than a reception."
"Eat and drink as much and put it under my name."
"YES!"
The recruits cheered and rejoiced.
"Th-"
On the other hand, the expressions of the knights changed subtly. That was because it meant the Knight Captain would attend the reception itself.
I can't believe the Captain will be there when we should enjoy eating and drinking!
The knights knew that she was the Duke's eldest daughter and was predicted to realize the power of Saintess.
The new recruits, unaware of the importance of their Captain, anticipate a joyous celebration of drinking, but it won't be long for them to know that it will be too difficult to drink in front of a respectable woman.
Keira coughed as she looked at the expressions of the knights, guessing well what caused it.
Keira in the past had no ill intentions.
The Grand Duke's eldest son's temporary appointment as Knight Captain was meant to help them make connections with high-ranking nobles, so Keira used it.
If there was a drinking party, he was present at all times to get a chance close to the knights. But as a member of one of the most prestigious families, Keira thought she shouldn't look drunk, so she ended up drinking only a few of the weakest sips of alcohol.
The harsh captain is there, so his drinking party won't be fun.
It was too late when he realized it would be better if he was not present.
"I'm not going to join you today, but please put the bill under my name."
The statement brightened the faces of the knights who looked uncomfortable. The change was so drastic that he almost wanted to laugh.
"..."
"..."
The joy did not last long. It was surreal to hear an apology from the esteemed Captain.
'What the hell is going on? What makes you regret?'
Their hearts are drowning.
"I attended a past drinking party without considering it would affect the atmosphere. It won't happen again, so please enjoy it with your colleagues."
The joy of drinking was almost extinguished.
"...?"
Keira tilted her head in confusion as she looked at the more miserable atmosphere of the knights.
Wondering if he had made a mistake, he continued to speak, "I don't mean to offend. I am only present because I want to be close to everyone. I didn't know you wouldn't be able to drink comfortably if I was there. I'm sorry I didn't realize it early."
Although he spoke in a soft voice, the atmosphere became even stranger. The knights looked more distracted than before.
'Oh no, what's my fault this time?'
He pretended to be calm but could not control the shy hue that crept on his face. He thought everyone would be happy if he said what he said, but instead the atmosphere became colder? Wh why?
He will resign as Knight Captain. He wanted to at least leave a good memory for the last time...
"Pulse... That'sthat's all. See you soon."
Keira hurriedly left the post because she thought she would be more embarrassed if she stayed longer.
Only a cold silence remained where he left.
What the knights understood from what their Captain said:
Now I know that you guys were scared when I joined the drinking party. I'm sorry for being negligent. Sorry, so I'll pay for all the drinks.
I'm joining you because I want to be close to you, but I don't know you'll feel uncomfortable. Excuse me...
"W-what are we doing?" Arthur, one of the youngest knights, muttered.
"I think he heard us complaining about it..."
"I hope he doesn't come... That's not an insult, is it??"
"That's true, but I'm not sure he thinks the same."
"Okay!"
The faces of the knights looked pale. Their captain, the duchess, heard them talking behind her!
In addition to that...
"I don't mean to offend. I am only present because I want to be close to everyone. I didn't know you wouldn't be able to drink comfortably if I was there. Sorry I didn't realize it early."
He just wants to be friends.
Unlike the knights, women like Keira did not share the training camp with them nor did they have the same daily routine. Really, the position of the Grand Duke's children in the Knight Order is just a name.
Furthermore, unlike the knights who were mostly men, Keira was a woman.
His only chance to get close to them was to go to a drinking party.
"But, if he really wants to be close to us, why is he so cold? I think that means we have to drink responsibly and end the party early."
"Isn't he there to make sure we don't drink too much and get back to where we live before we can embarrass their families?"
The knights made a similar complaint.
They believed that Keira, who was quietly sitting at the drinking party with a calm gaze, was not there to make friends.
In a speculative tone, a new recruit said, "The woman is known as a studious person. Maybe he doesn't know how to play."