Published: September 6, 2025
…Heisshitze knows. She knows that Lord Ferdinand was being harassed by Lady Veronica.
Noticing her reaction was different from everyone else's, I focused on Heisshitze. Considering Ferdinand’s personality, it seemed unlikely he would say he was being harassed himself. Perhaps he heard it from Justox, Eckhardt Brother, or someone like Hilsure. At the very least, Heisshitze must have been close enough to have access to information that only a few at Ehrenfest knew.
“I must support Lady Dietlinde in Arensbach, so I’m no longer in a position to manage you and Ditter. I cannot keep it forever. Here, I return this to you.”
With a smile still on his face, Ferdinand handed the blue cloak into Heisshitze’s hand.
“Lord Ferdinand, this is…”
Heisshitze looked stunned, comparing the blue cloak returned to her hand with Ferdinand himself. She must have realized the meaning behind him deliberately returning the cloak that wasn’t given back when entering the temple.
“You must be glad. Your important cloak has come back.”
“Your wife will surely be pleased too.”
The knights of Dunkelfelger laughed, patting Heisshitze on the shoulder. Those knights tapping her back probably didn’t notice the pale look on her face. Ferdinand smiled faintly at the stiffened Heisshitze, surrounded by voices saying “It’s good.”
“The precious cloak that was taken for so many years has finally returned. Why not be a bit happier, Heisshitze?”
His voice, cold and sharp despite his smile, sounded like an order: “Show your joy as if celebrating an engagement.” Heisshitze lowered her gaze, gripping the cloak tightly, then forced a stiff smile.
“I never thought I’d get this cloak back from you, Lord Ferdinand. My wife will be happy.”
Just as Heisshitze realized she had inadvertently helped push herself into a terrible situation and before she could apologize, Ferdinand forced her to smile instead. Then someone smoothly interrupted between them.
“Oh? Why was Lord Ferdinand holding that important cloak of yours?”
Dietlinde, completely oblivious to the tense atmosphere, looked up at Heisshitze with sparkling eyes in curiosity. The surrounding knights eagerly began to explain the origin of the matter.
“…So, since our days at the noble academy, Heisshitze has been challenging herself to reclaim the cloak.”
“Oh my! To take the cloak of the future lady—how terrible! I never imagined Lord Ferdinand could be so cruel.”
As the knights teased in a mocking tone, Dietlinde started to scold them seriously, causing the knights to exchange surprised looks and hold their breath.
“Ah, no, Lord Ferdinand said he would return it, but it was Heisshitze who insisted she wouldn’t give up until she won at Ditter.”
“Still, to have such a carefully embroidered cloak stolen…”
“It’s alright. The men of Dunkelfelger will keep trying no matter what.”
As if to leave the conversation with Dietlinde to the knights, Ferdinand subtly stepped back and turned, then returned to the table. He murmured “Sorry for the disturbance” to Foster Father, then greeted the First Lady of Dunkelfelger and Lady Hannelore.
“Lord Ferdinand, this way please.”
Following Brynhildr’s instruction, Ferdinand’s seat was quickly prepared, with tea and sweets served. Foster Father’s tea and sweets were also replaced simultaneously; he took a bite and sip.
“Ah, tastes like Ehrenfest.”
Ferdinand sipped the tea and spoke with a nostalgic tone. Apparently, the kinds of tea drunk daily in Arensbach are different. Although Ferdinand’s favorite quatre-quarts with tea leaves was prepared, after a few bites, it was handed over to Justox and Eckhardt Brother.
“Justox, Eckhardt. A taste of home after a long time. You both should try it.”
“Thank you very much.”
Probably to give them a brief rest while still within the safe space of Ehrenfest, Justox and Eckhardt Brother stepped back slightly with their plates.
With his guards from Arensbach standing behind him, Ferdinand slowly sipped his tea and turned his gaze to the First Lady.