We were outside the royal capital. Tomorrow will mark the end of this short-lived pilgrimage. While everyone was busily preparing the camp, I accompanied Lady Aria to the hill overlooking the surroundings, at her request.

  It was a lovely evening when the sun was about to set.

  When we reached the top of the hill, Lady Aria silently stood there looking at the sunset.

  I was standing a few steps behind her, as I did not want to disturb her.

  After a while, Lady Aria spoke.

  “Paul, I am just a little girl, a selfish girl.”

  A gentle breeze passed us. Her golden hair was softly waving with it.

  “I have many more things I want to do. I have many more places I want to visit. However, I have to put those on hold for now.”

  I sensed a strong sense of responsibility in her voice.

  “I am really grateful to you for being with me.”

  The wheat field reflected the golden light as it danced in the wind. Then, she turned to face me.

  “Although I know you are not my father’s people, I was wary of you.”

  She looked into my eyes.

  “Despite that, you still support me, look after me.”

  She lowered her head at me again.

  “I am sorry for my previous misconduct.”

  She continued without lifting her head while tightening her hands.

  “Many times, I placed you in danger. Many times, you were subjected to my whims.”

  She looked up at me again. Her eyes reflected the sunlight.

  “Although you kept complaining, at the end, you still allowed me to do it.”

  With the sunset as a background, I looked at her.

  “Without you, I could not achieve all those things.”

  I found that she shone brighter than the sun.

  “You know....”

  Her voice carried hesitation and uncertainty. It was different from her usual self.

  “I still have many more things I must do.”

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  Yet, she said that without moving her eyes from me.

  “There are many more obstacles I need to overcome.”

  Another gentle breeze ran past us.

  “There will be a time I might fail.”

  She grasped her robe as she said that.

  “It might place you in grave danger.”

  Her grip tightened more and more as she said that.

  “You will have to face my father’s wrath.”

  Her voice began to shake.

  “There will be times when your life is in danger.”

  Although the sun fell to her eye level, I could only look at her eyes. It was more beautiful. It was more divine.

  “Despite knowing this, I am still being selfish.”

  I was patiently waiting for her next word.

  “……”

  She hesitated, unsure whether she should say it.

  “... even just a little…”

  With an intense gale blowing past us, with the wheat field dancing with the wind, with dead leaves falling around us, with her hair flustered with the wind, reflecting golden light, with her eyes shining brighter than the sun, with her palm facing upward, she extended her trembling hand to me.

  That was her request. That was what I was waiting for. That was my fate.

  “I will pay you well…......................... so, will you accompany me for just a little longer?”

  I walked up to her. On that hill, at that time, I swore my oath of fealty to my liege. I knelt down in front of her. As I extended my left hand to hold her right hand, I swore.

  “………. Paul Avarice to Lady Aria.” From your loyal subject.

  “A Sellsword to his Gold.” My golden bird

  “You do not have to ask.” From the beginning

  “This sword is yours.” I have already become your sword.

  “This life is yours.” I am ready to give up this life for you any time.

  “For you are my Gold.” After all, you are my Gold.

  “I swore an oath of eternal loyalty to you.” I am eternally at your service.

  “Lady Aria.” I shall not tarnish your great name.

  “My liege.” My one and only master. I sealed my oath with a kiss on the back of her right hand.

  .

  Then, I looked up, and I could see water droplets gathered around her eyes.

  “……. You do not have to go this far.”

  That was my third time witnessing her crying. However, this time, I felt happy about it. Because I knew that was not the tear born from guilt. It was not the tear born from anguish. This tear was born from happiness.

  Thus, I earnestly convey my honest thought. “…. Only you can draw this sword. I decide so.”

  “…… Thank you. Thank you very much.” Tears began to fall from her eyes.

  “…… whichever future you envision……” I tighten my grip.

  “…… whichever future you desire……” I tried to convey my emotion to her.

  “………. Please, allow me to witness it closely with you.” I earnestly plead with her.

  “….. I will ensure the best future for you, for everyone.” She also stated her duty to me as my master.

  “I will.” She reconfirmed.

  “You have my eternal loyalty.” I, too, kissed the back of her left hand again.

  Even though the sun had set, the world did not turn dark. After all, our light still stood in front of us.

  You have my eternal loyalty, my golden bird.