I Tried to Become a Worthless Scumbag to Break Our Engagement for His Happiness, but Instead I Was Hugged, Kissed, and Sworn Eternal Love by the Ice Knight (BL) - CHAPTER 31

Fleck’s overly obvious, un-noble expression seemed amusing, and Lord Rocca let out a joyful laugh.

“Fufu, don’t sulk.”

It was so beautiful that Fleck let out a strange “hahye” sound. That odd little voice also seemed funny, and Lord Rocca’s shoulders shook as he chuckled softly. Fleck wanted him to stop, yet at the same time didn’t want him to. In the end, he kept silent, finished his breakfast, and noticed something different.

“…Today your clothes look really simple.”

Lord Rocca, who had sat down beside him with his long legs crossed, wore a uniform with almost none of the decorations he had on yesterday. Calling it “simple” sounded nice, but if not for the magic knight corps tiepin catching the eye, he could easily be mistaken for a student of the general course.
Wouldn’t that cause trouble? Fleck worried, but Lord Rocca only smiled gently.

“Something terrible happened yesterday.”

Fleck choked on both his words and his food. Lord Rocca reached out and gently patted his back.

“I will never let you… be hurt again.”

Spoken like a knight, those words almost, almost made Fleck misunderstand. It would only cause Lord Rocca trouble if he did, Fleck told himself, forcing out a strained smile to get past the moment.

“Fleck.”

Maybe there was a bedhead. His head was patted. His eyepatch was touched. Fleck wrestled with his inner spoiled self.

“Yes.”

The victorious civil-officer Fleck shouted triumph inside, when—

“The uniform has arrived. I brought it with me.”

“…Eh?”

Even spoiled Fleck was shocked, and together they both stared at Lord Rocca, wide-eyed.

“In the academy, those not in uniform stand out. There is still time, isn’t there? Once you finish breakfast, change into it.”

“Yes… ah, thank you so much!”

It was really true. Fleck and spoiled Fleck joined hands and jumped for joy inside. Filled with deep gratitude, Fleck’s feelings were met with a soft smile from Lord Rocca, who seemed to respond to them.
As he smiled, he patted Fleck’s head again, so Fleck convinced himself, It must just be some stubborn bedhead.

“And this mantle too, use it as a lap blanket.”

“Eh, ah, y-yes.”

Drawn from spatial magic and handed over was a navy-blue mantle. It was a smaller version of the one Lord Rocca wore. There was no decoration at all, only the elegant embroidery of the “Six Flowers.”
It looked far too noble to be used as a mere lap blanket, though it could serve as proper winter wear if needed. But Lord Rocca was simply worried about his legs getting cold. Fleck swore in his heart that even if holes appeared, he would mend it again and again, and use it until the end.

“Thank you, Lord Rocca. I will treasure it.”

“…Ah.”

A flicker of sadness crossed Lord Rocca’s face before he lightly touched Fleck’s eyepatch. Being pitied is still a blessing, Fleck thought, quickly stuffed food into his mouth, only to choke and be gently scolded again.