Consolation Ceremony (11)

The girl's mother bowed deeply to Commander Cyril.

"Duke of Sutherland... Thank you for saving my daughter the other day. A-and yet, I treated you so rudely. I am truly, truly sorry!"

Commander Cyril looked at the mother who had apologized with apparent surprise, but then his expression softened, and he spoke in a gentle voice.

"Please don't worry about it. Anyone would lose their composure and act out of character if their precious child were in danger. I'm glad your daughter is safe."

At Commander Cyril's words, the mother began to tremble.

"Wh-what a noble and kind-hearted lord! And yet, I was so rude to you! It wasn't until I got home and heard from my daughter how brave and kind you were that I realized how foolish I'd been. I am truly sorry!!"

Commander Cyril smiled awkwardly and replied, "It was only natural for a knight to do," gently urging her to bring her apology to an end.

Then Commander Cyril looked at the girl. She let go of her mother's hand and trotted over to him.

As if by reflex, Commander Cyril bent down to meet the girl's eyes.

The girl stopped in front of him and pulled a yellow fruit, larger than his clenched fist, from her skirt pocket...