TRUE ABILITY Chapter 64

Someone to Rely On

As soon as I opened the door, a gaze as cold as if filled with murderous intent pierced through me.

"Good… morning."

I was surprised that I could even speak. I stood frozen at the entrance to Luna’s room.

I know that Luna Flame often maintains a composed expression. Some people might even perceive her as cold.

But today, her gaze was so icy that even goblins would cry and flee.

"M-My Lady?"

Look at this. My voice is faltering. I was acutely aware of my own nervousness in the face of Luna’s inexplicable intensity.

"What is it? Good morning. It’s a lovely morning."

Saying that, Luna gracefully passed by me with a poised gait.

"I feel like eating outside today."

She continued to walk elegantly down the hallway.

Was she in a bad mood? If so, it was probably my fault. Honestly, I had an idea why.

One of my duties as her knight is to wake Luna in the morning. But, as has been the case lately, she was already awake before I could wake her. I could be seen as late, but...

In reality, it was just after sunrise. If I were to wake her any earlier, it would have to be in the middle of the night.

No, but maybe I could shorten the time I spend admiring Kami-sama taking a morning stroll in the garden... I was lost in these thoughts when I realized Luna was staring at me.

"...?"

Luna tilted her head slightly in curiosity, then after a moment, chuckled as if she found something amusing.

"Come on. Follow me."

"Yes, my lady."

I felt like I had seen something rare. Luna’s smile was not something one saw every day.

Not understanding my feelings, I followed Luna.

A little later, we were sitting across from each other at a white table in the garden. The servants of the Flame estate busily arranged breakfast on the table.

As expected, it made me a bit uneasy. Officially, I’m also a servant, but whenever the breakfast was prepared for Luna, a portion was always set for me as we dined together.

I still wasn’t used to it. I even felt somewhat guilty. But whether she knew about my feelings or not, Luna elegantly sipped her tea.

The way she silently picked up the teacup and brought it to her lips was so graceful that it was almost mesmerizing. As expected of a duchess’s daughter, her actions were filled with refinement. Just as I was admiring her, Luna spoke up, puzzled.

"Is something the matter?"

She must have noticed my staring. Naturally, she would be curious.

"No, I just thought it was beautiful."

There was a soft clinking sound as the teacup touched the saucer. After a moment, Luna closed her eyes, seemingly deep in thought.

"...The teacup, you mean?"

She looked at the teacup in her hand. Decorated with golden flowers on a white surface like fresh snow, it was indeed beautiful.

"No, I mean your movements, my lady."

As soon as I said that, Luna exhaled softly and gave me a teasing smile with one eye closed.

"You’re not so bad yourself, you know?"

I was startled. Even though I knew it, Luna’s smile had a powerful effect. If she always smiled like that, she wouldn’t be called the "Solitary Moon."

After enjoying the breakfast prepared for us for a while, Luna finally spoke up.

"So, how did it go? Your nightly strolls?"

Again, I was taken aback. She was indirectly asking about something I needed to tell her today. Tonight, my activities with the Shadow Moon were set to begin. Many aspects of these activities needed to be kept secret. However, as a knight, it was my duty to inform Luna beforehand.

"...I plan to continue them for a while."

"I see."

And with that, the conversation abruptly stopped. All that could be heard was the wind rustling through the garden.

"Um, my lady..."

"Did you know?"

Luna cut me off, smiling adorably as if genuinely delighted.

"Winning the tournament and joining the student council. Your glorious achievements are indirectly my achievements as your master."

"My lady?"

"That’s why I believe you deserve a reward for those accomplishments. Even if you, as my knight, spend your nights out, I won’t reprimand you."

No, it’s not nightlife activities...

"But there’s something I think you must not forget."

She continued with a serious expression.

"You are my knight. That shouldn’t change, no matter what happens, okay?"

That mysterious question was the only genuine part. Luna’s talk of achievements felt out of character to me. But that simple question carried her earnestness. So I answered truthfully.

"Yes, my lady."

I only told Luna that much. Hearing my words, Luna nodded slightly in satisfaction and, with her usual composed expression, resumed sipping her tea.

We both fell silent. But in that silence, I felt a strange sense of comfort. Maybe it was because I saw Luna looking content. Or perhaps because I had informed her about my Shadow Moon activities.

"Take good care of it."

I clearly heard Luna's softly murmured words. I understood well that the dagger I kept hidden close to me was something precious to Luna.

"Yes. I will treasure it as if it’s you, my lady."

The soft clink of the teacup echoed gently.