TL NOTE:
In this novel, the author uses the title “Lord” in reference to Penelope, although it would be more logical to refer to her as “Lady”. But:
In noble systems, the title of “Lord” can be used as a gender-neutral term to address someone in a position of governance or authority over a territory, regardless of their gender.
***
It was clear that Sain had copied the maids' behavior after watching them closely. The sight of him mimicking adults' actions was both endearing and slightly heart-wrenching.
“I’m not exactly your master,” Penelope said, smiling softly. “It feels a bit awkward to decide on a title right now, so how about calling me ‘Lord’ instead?”
“Uh... yes, Lord,” Sain replied, bowing deeply again.
Penelope couldn’t help but sigh and lower her head as well in response.
This caused Sain to look up at her in alarm, his face a picture of confusion.
Penelope smirked and said lightly, “I feel the same way you do. You don’t have to bow so deeply to me.”
“But... you’re the most important person in the castle, aren’t you?”
“And you’re an important person too, since you’re my protégé.”
Sain’s eyes spun with confusion, as if he didn’t understand her words at all. Penelope burst into laughter again.
Blushing furiously, Sain spoke in a small, timid voice that was still clear enough to understand.
“As your protégé... what am I supposed to do?”
He clenched his little fists tightly, clearly having thought about this late into the night before falling asleep.
Penelope raised her fingers and began to list.
“Well, first, you need to eat well, sleep well, and exercise regularly. For now, that’s all you need to focus on. Oh, and you should learn to read and write too.”
Sain swallowed hard, as though trying to digest her words. After a moment, he asked hesitantly, “Is... is that all?”
“Until you’ve grown up, yes. Once you’re older, I’ll have you take on some responsibilities, but that’ll depend on your abilities.”
Whatever thought came to his mind, Sain’s face quickly fell into a discouraged expression.
“What if... what if I don’t have any abilities?”
“Already worrying about that?” Penelope said with a chuckle. “I’ll be watching over you until you’re eighteen. Until then, why not give it your best shot?”
“Until I’m eighteen?”
Sain’s eyes rolled in thought before suddenly sparkling with hope. Penelope could guess exactly what he was thinking, and it nearly made her laugh again.
Since Sain was twelve, he still had six years until he turned eighteen. That was plenty of time. Penelope felt confident that with proper care and nourishment, Sain could grow into someone remarkable.
“Shall we have breakfast, then?”
“Yes!” Sain responded enthusiastically, his worries seemingly melting away with her reassurance.
Just then, a voice interrupted.
“Is the morning greeting over yet?”
“Oh, you’re here?”
Ahwin stood at the doorway, arms crossed, having entered unnoticed.
Sain looked at him in surprise and blurted out, “Wow, a prince...?”
“Pfft!” Penelope burst into laughter, louder than she had in years. It was possibly the funniest thing she’d ever heard.
Ahwin’s ears turned bright red as he watched her laugh before striding over to Sain. He leaned down to meet the boy’s gaze, his expression serious.
“Do I look like a prince to you?”
“...Yes,” Sain said after a hesitant glance at Penelope, nodding firmly. His answer only made Penelope laugh harder.
Ahwin shot her an annoyed glare before turning back to Sain.
“I’m Ahwin, not a prince. And you?”
“I... I’m Sain.”
“Good. Nice to meet you. Now, introductions are over. Go sit down.”
“O-okay!”
To Penelope’s surprise, Sain immediately obeyed, scampering to the table and sitting down quietly. She watched him, a bit stunned.
‘If he were a noble, he’d need to learn not to run in reception rooms. But that can wait,’ she thought.
When she turned back, she found Ahwin staring at her with a pointed look, as if it was now her turn to explain herself.
“Is calling me a prince really something to laugh about until you’re in tears?” he asked, his voice tinged with irritation.
“Oh, good morning to you too,” Penelope replied breezily, pretending not to notice his mood.
Ahwin’s gaze narrowed further, clearly unimpressed by her deflection.
“You found the idea of me being a prince that funny?”
“No, it’s not that. It’s just that Sain and I seem to think alike. I thought of you as a fairy, you know. Well, at first, I thought you were an angel.”
“...A fairy?”
Ahwin’s face turned even redder, much to Penelope’s amusement.
“Why are you so surprised? Don’t you realize how fairy-like you look? I’m sure you’ve heard it a million times.”
“You’re the first to ever say that to me.”
As soon as Ahwin finished speaking, the maids all let out quiet sighs, and Giselle even gasped softly. Laura, unable to contain herself, clamped her hands over her mouth, her eyes shining with suppressed laughter.
‘What kind of ridiculous conversation are we having right now?’ Penelope thought, suddenly feeling an odd wave of embarrassment. It hit her that she had been openly praising Ahwin’s appearance.
Judging by his reaction, it seemed that being called a fairy or angel was uncomfortable for him.
“Let’s stop this conversation here,” Ahwin muttered, clearly exasperated.
“Agreed,” Penelope replied with a sniffle, doing her best to regain her composure.
***
The feast of St. Recto had finally arrived.
It was also the day of Sir Lance’s knighting ceremony.
For the first time in a while, Penelope donned her formal attire as the lord of Halo Territory and made her way to the chapel. She had decided to confer the title of knight upon Sir Lance in the presence of her vassals.
The citizens, dressed in their finest, gathered at the chapel. As this was the new lord’s first public event, their faces were filled with anticipation.
“I hear someone extraordinary is being knighted by the lord today.”
“They say he’s a renowned swordsman even recognized in the capital.”
“That’s amazing! When I grow up, I want to be a swordsman who protects the lord too!”
Children’s eyes sparkled with excitement as they imagined themselves in knightly armor, while the adults couldn’t help but smile at the lively atmosphere.
At last, the arrival of Penelope and her knights silenced the murmuring crowd.
Penelope wore an elegant blue dress and carried a sword at her waist. Her dark brown hair was pinned up with pearls, lending her an air of grace and beauty.
This content is taken from freёwebnovel.com.
Behind her, knights with their swords at their sides followed in orderly formation, as if protecting their lord.
When Penelope ascended the podium, the knights came to a sharp halt in unison. The citizens held their breath, their eyes fixed on the scene.
At the same moment, Sir Lance crossed the chapel and knelt reverently before the podium. His posture was solemn and respectful.
Penelope spoke, her voice clear and steady.
“I, Penelope Ash Halo, bestow the title of knight upon Lance Arthur.”
Sir Lance responded with his hand over his heart.
“Lance Arthur, at the call of the lord of Halo, swears to devote his life to serving you until the day of his death.”
Penelope unsheathed her sword and lightly touched Lance’s shoulders with it, first one and then the other. Sunlight streamed through the chapel windows, illuminating the pair in radiant light.
With that, the ceremony concluded as Penelope handed the sword to Sir Lance.
“Long live the Lord!”
“Long live the Knight!”
The citizens erupted into cheers and applause.
Such a grand and solemn event had never been held in Halo Territory before, and the citizens felt their hearts swell with pride and emotion.
Amidst the enthusiastic cheers, Penelope made her way back across the chapel.
Then it happened.
“She’s a disgrace to the Halo name! You’re all being deceived!”
The sharp cry of a man’s voice stopped Penelope in her tracks, and the jubilant applause came to an abrupt halt.
Penelope narrowed her eyes, turning toward the source of the commotion. A man she had never seen before was shouting furiously.
“I know the truth! That woman drove Baron Halo to his death and stole the lordship for herself!”
“Arrest him!”
Sir Lance commanded, and the knights swiftly moved to restrain the man from both sides. Despite being seized, the man continued to struggle and yell defiantly.
The citizens watched the scene unfold with tense expressions.
‘Who sent him?’
The answer was obvious. It was undoubtedly one of the distant relatives vying for the lordship of Halo Territory. It could have been Daniel or even Fiora and her husband.
‘As if the position of lord wasn’t enticing enough, they stoop to this level of filth. What disgusting people.’
Internally fuming, Penelope resumed walking. Sir Lance approached her with concern.
“Are you all right, my lady?”
“Of course I am. I’ve never done anything to deserve such accusations, not even once,” Penelope replied firmly.
As she finished speaking, a voice, weathered yet strong, rang out from the crowd.
An elderly man with snow-white hair spoke up with surprising conviction.