My Ex-Girlfriend Was Appointed as a Knight Commander

Chapter 118

"The snow has really piled up."

The 1st Princess, Michelle Loire, smiled, delighted by the unexpected gift from the winter sky. What began as light flurries of the season's first snow had quickly transformed into a heavy snowfall, blanketing the capital in white. Even the once gray sky now seemed to reflect the brilliance of the snow it had poured down, creating a peaceful, post-storm stillness across the kingdom. Five days had passed since the incident at the Magic Tower, and the kingdom was basking in the calm after the storm.

"The first snow came rather late this year, didn't it?"

Michelle glanced over at a woman standing nearby, her face half-covered by a mask. With a calming smile, Marion nodded in agreement.

"Yes, usually the first snow falls by the end of November."

"It’s been bitterly cold, biting at the skin, but the snow only began falling now."

Michelle pulled the blanket around her shoulders a bit tighter. Small birds flitted to and from the terrace railing. Looking up at Marion, Michelle noticed that despite the chilly weather, her lady-in-waiting wore nothing more than her standard attire.

"You should take care not to catch a cold. I worry about you, wearing only that uniform in such cold weather."

"I appreciate Your Highness' concern," Marion responded with a polite nod.

Michelle thought to herself that, by now, they could at least relax a little more around each other. Her lady-in-waiting was always so formal. Deciding to ease the atmosphere, Michelle offered Marion a seat next to her.

"Sit down. I’ve got some time to spare, so why not keep me company for a while?"

"...It would be an honor, Your Highness," Marion replied hesitantly, placing the teapot down before awkwardly taking a seat beside the princess. While she appreciated Michelle's kindness, the grandeur of the royal palace still felt overwhelming to her.

"Am I that intimidating?" Michelle asked with a playful smirk. Marion, startled, quickly shook her head.

"N-No, not at all, Your Highness! It's just that I’m still adjusting. I’m not yet accustomed to all of this."

Michelle had realized some time ago that Marion was, in her own way, amusing to tease. At first, having a lady-in-waiting sent by Count Agon had felt burdensome, even worrisome. But now, she viewed Marion as a treasured companion. Whatever political intentions came with the knights who had accompanied Marion, those were matters for another time.

"When will you ever get used to it, I wonder? I told you days ago that you could be a little more at ease around me, but you still seem just as stiff as the day you first arrived at the palace."

"My apologies, Your Highness..."

Watching Marion's eyes flicker in confusion whenever she didn't know how to respond was one of the few pleasures Michelle had in these quiet moments. But sensing that any more teasing might make her cry, the princess decided to stop.

"Alright, alright, I’m sorry for teasing you. But do take my words to heart. You don't have to be so formal with me all the time."

Marion nodded, her face turning red, as she murmured her agreement. The fondness in Michelle’s gaze resembled that of an older sister looking out for her younger sibling. Whether Marion noticed this or not, she remained flustered, replying with a quiet “Yes,” as Michelle’s eyes drifted back out toward the window.

"I don't know what Count Agon asked you to do, but right now, whatever task he had for you doesn’t concern us."

Count Agon’s purpose was to align himself with her father, the king, in order to counter the influence of the powerful Duke of Bening, who supported her half-brother, the second prince. But Michelle had little interest in the bloody political battlefield that awaited them.

Yet, if her younger brother, Louis, were to spill blood, Michelle would willingly step into the fray herself, even if it meant entering a war of ghosts and demons.

"I..."

Marion spoke up then, her voice firm for the first time. Michelle, intrigued, turned her full attention to her. Gone was the timid expression, replaced by one of quiet strength.

"I was not sent here by Count Agon," Marion declared.

"Then?"

Marion’s eyes remained on Michelle, though her thoughts seemed far away, as if she were recalling something deeply personal.

"I came here to help someone important to me."

"That's new. Why tell me this now?"

Michelle, now fully engaged in the conversation, sat up straighter, her earlier boredom forgotten.

"Why reveal this to me?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

"Because I serve you now, Your Highness. As your lady-in-waiting, I believe it is only right to be honest with the one I serve."

Michelle chuckled at Marion’s words. "I don't know who taught you to speak so eloquently, but you’ve become quite skilled."

"Oh... hello," Christine stammered, her voice filled with surprise and tension. It seemed far too nervous for what should have been a simple hospital visit. Marion didn’t reply immediately. She only stared at Christine with dull, lifeless eyes.

Christine felt her skin prickle under Marion’s cold, unwavering gaze. Just as Marion recognized her, Christine also knew who this masked woman was: Maxime’s fiancée, Marion Borden. And as if things couldn’t get worse, Christine’s mind flashed back to that impulsive moment in the snow when she had kissed Maxime.

Could there be a worse time for this encounter? Christine swallowed hard, feeling a deep sense of dread. She had to make sure Marion didn’t learn what had happened just an hour earlier.

"Hello," Marion finally spoke, her voice as cold as steel. The chill in her tone sent a shiver down Christine’s spine. Maxime had described Marion as shy and quiet, but there was nothing shy about her presence now.

"May I ask what brings you to Maxime’s room?" Marion inquired, her voice polite yet icy.

Christine forced a stiff smile, trying to maintain her composure. Stay calm. Act natural.

"I came to check on him... see how he’s doing. It’s just a routine visit."

Marion’s gaze shifted past Christine to the man lying in the bed. Maxime, who had been watching from the doorway, seemed frozen in place, his hand trembling slightly. Marion’s voice grew even colder.

"This is our first time meeting, isn’t it?"

Christine nodded awkwardly. "Yes, it is. I’m Christine Watson, Maxime’s junior."

There was no need for handshakes in this introduction. Marion simply nodded in acknowledgment.

"Nice to meet you. I’m Marion Borden, Maxime’s fiancée."

The word fiancée landed heavily, causing Christine’s expression to falter even more. Blood-soaked paths? Marion was realizing that her battlefield wasn’t confined to a single front. Meanwhile, Christine felt like she was crumbling under Marion’s sharp gaze, unable to even think about seeking Maxime’s help. She knew that would only make things worse.

"Have you been taking good care of him?" Marion asked.

"O-Of course," Christine stammered.

Deciding her presence was only making things worse, Christine quickly moved toward the door. But just as she was about to step through, Marion casually shifted her body, blocking the way. Marion tilted her head slightly, her blue eyes locking onto Christine’s.

"Please continue to take good care of him."

Marion’s lips curved into a smile, though only her mouth showed any sign of warmth. Her eyes remained cold, sending a shiver down Christine’s spine. In a shaky voice, Christine replied.

"S-Sure... I will."

Only then did Marion step aside, allowing Christine to leave. Christine hurried out without looking back, leaving Maxime to face the inevitable. He awkwardly shifted in bed, sitting up as Marion approached.

"You... came early," he muttered.

Idiot. That was all you could say? Maxime cursed himself, wishing he could rip his tongue out. But Marion’s face was as calm and serene as ever, her smile soft and warm—too warm. Maxime found himself shaking his head, trying to clear his thoughts.

"I missed you," Marion said sweetly as she sat down beside him. But the warmth in her smile felt terrifying.

"Y-Yeah... I missed you too," Maxime replied, guilt weighing down on him.

As Marion sat down, she sniffed the air slightly, as if catching a faint scent.

"What’s wrong?" Maxime asked, his voice filled with nervous energy.

"Hold on a moment."

Thud.

Maxime felt Marion’s light weight on top of him as she leaned in, her head resting against his chest. Her soft, black hair brushed against his face, and he could feel her warm breath against his skin.

Sniff, sniff.

Marion seemed to be smelling him, as though trying to catch a particular scent. Maxime’s heart raced, but he didn’t move to stop her. He didn’t push her away or pull her closer. He just sat there, frozen.

"Maxime," Marion murmured, lifting her head slightly to meet his gaze. Her expression was not cold, but there was a hint of dissatisfaction. Beneath the slight tilt of her mask, her blue eyes gleamed with a knowing look.

"Can I stay like this for a little while?"

Marion’s voice was soft, almost pleading, as she buried her face back into his chest. Maxime, feeling a pang of guilt and helplessness, simply sighed and began to gently stroke her ebony hair, offering silent comfort in the only way he knew how.