Chapter 6

Elise lifted her chin and approached the first knight with quiet determination, stopping just in front of him. But before she could even raise her hand, the knight's gaze shifted, turning away as if dismissing her without a word. Elise hesitated, her composure wavering for a brief moment, yet she forced herself onward, moving toward the next knight. Each step was heavier than the last, but she held her head high, refusing to show her hurt.

Moments later, Rou noticed a shift behind her. The first knight—the one she had approached—suddenly knelt in front of a young noble, based from the clothes, a child of a low ranking noble. Gasps spread through the hall, quickly followed by the all-too-familiar murmur of disdainful voices.

Noble 1:

[So, that knight would rather pledge himself to the child of a baron than to the cursed girl. Not surprising, is it?]

Noble 2:

[Anyone would choose the rank of a baron's household over her. I mean, who would entrust themselves to someone so… lacking?]

Noble 3: 

[Oh, don't be so harsh—though really, she must have known no knight would stoop that low.]

Their murmurs grew louder, mixed with low chuckles and even the occasional laugh. Rou glanced at Elise, watching as her mask of composure began to fracture. She looked toward her father, a silent plea in her eyes, a wordless cry for some kind of support, some reassurance that she wasn't as worthless as they all seemed to believe.

But Lord Alistair's expression was cold, his eyes hard as he gazed back at her with a look of pure disappointment. He turned his head away from her, as though she was barely worth his attention.

Rou clenched his fists, feeling a surge of frustration at the cruelty unfolding in front of him. He reminded himself he shouldn't interfere. This was her story—the game's story—and he had no place in it. If he wanted a peaceful life, he needed to ignore all of this.

He closed his eyes, fighting against the urge to act, willing himself to remain detached. Yet, amidst the laughter and mocking whispers, a sound broke through that shattered his resolve—a small, quiet sob.

Rou's eyes snapped open, his heart sinking as he saw her. Elise was clutching her hands tightly to her chest, her shoulders trembling as she fought to hold back her tears, her lips pressed together to keep herself from crying out loud. But it was too late—her despair had become obvious, her pain all too visible as the nobles around her continued to sneer.

For the first time, Rou saw her not as the character he'd admired, the strong and calculating villainess from his game. He saw her as she really was: a young girl, frail and vulnerable, facing an overwhelming tide of cruelty that no one, not even her own father, would help her resist. His image of Elise, the powerful antagonist, fractured as he realized the painful truth. She wasn't a villain. She was just a girl—alone, judged, and helpless.

---

After the event finally concluded, Elise was left standing alone, every knight having turned away from her. Only two knights remained, yet when Alistair stepped forward with a cold gaze and a deep sigh of disappointment, even they faltered. He was left with no choice but to ask one of them to serve his daughter—but both knights hesitated, casting wary glances at each other. Around them, murmurs and stifled laughs spread through the nobles, their expressions full of scorn.

Amid the rising waves of laughter, Elise stood frozen, her hands trembling at her sides. She closed her eyes, feeling the sharp sting of tears on her cheeks, and in a barely audible whisper, she breathed-

Elise:

[Help…]

At that moment, Rou appeared silently beside her, his voice low and steady as he whispered,

Rou:

[Raise your hand.]

Elise blinked, her vision blurred, and looked up at him in disbelief.

Elise:

[What?]

Rou offered a small, reassuring smile.

Rou:

[I accept… being your knight.]

The laughter ceased abruptly, giving way to a wave of confusion that swept over the crowd. All eyes turned to Rou, most of them filled with surprise, if not a bit of awe. Whispers broke out across the hall as nobles realized the figure standing before Elise—a demi-dragon. His presence was imposing, his scaled skin and sharp gaze unmistakable. It was a rare and formidable sight, one no one had expected, especially by Elise's side.

Noble 1:

[How… How did we not see him?]

Noble 2:

[That boy... He was… a part of her entourage!]

Noble 3:

[A demi-dragon… and with her?]

At the head of the hall, Alistair's gaze sharpened as his face grew cold, simmering with barely restrained fury. He stepped forward, voice as sharp as the edges of a blade. 

Alistair:

[Who is this creature that dares to interfere?]

His tone was laced with icy disdain.

Alistair:

[And on what grounds do you claim to stand beside my daughter?]

Rou met his gaze with unflinching resolve, bowing his head just slightly in respect before answering with a clear voice. 

Rou:

[I am her knight.]

His words rang through the hall with a finality that silenced even the smallest murmur. The room fell into a stunned silence, each noble struggling to comprehend the sudden turn of events as Rou took his place beside Elise with his head held high.