Chapter 106

"Wh—what brings you here, Your Highness?"

Friedrich's voice carried a note of genuine surprise. Which was at least a small comfort—it meant my own flustered state probably wasn't as visible.

But wait.

"Don't you have something to say to me?"

I narrowed my eyes at Friedrich. He startled—then looked away casually.

"...I'm not sure what you mean."

"I heard everything from Sir Hans. You were planning to swear a knight's oath to me."

"...Sir Hans."

The expression that crossed his face was one of mild betrayal—and I laughed despite myself.

"Did you honestly think you could keep it a secret? The moment the oath is performed, everyone present will know anyway."

"..."

"Why did you—actually, this isn't the moment for that conversation."

I shook my head and told him:

"Go finish your training. I'll watch from here."

At those words, something shifted quickly in Friedrich's eyes.

"Is that... strictly necessary?"…