Interlude: Doyle and Elina
While Justin and the villagers were busy renovating the patrol station, Elina, who had visited the Tryon family, was guided by the head maid, Marietta, to the office of Doyle Tryon, the head of the household.
"You must be Elina Bellows. I’ve already heard about you."
"Y-yes. It’s a pleasure to meet you."
For a moment, Elina couldn’t believe her eyes.
She had known the Tryon family’s name for some time, but she had never met them in public. The only information she had was that their territory was remote and that the head of the family was young.
However, the head of the family was much younger than she had anticipated—at least a decade younger. She had assumed he would be much older than her, but he looked like a teenager, no older than mid-teens. This left Elina so stunned that she struggled to find her words.
"Is something wrong?"
"Ah, n-no, I was just thinking how young you are for a lord…"
"Haha, I get that a lot."
Doyle’s cheerful smile still carried a hint of boyishness. He was clearly too young to be in the position of a lord, but there must have been unavoidable circumstances—Elina, though not a noble herself, was well-versed in such matters and quickly deduced as much, deciding not to press further.
"Still, Vice-Commander Bellows is quite bold, isn’t he? Sending his own daughter, who has a promising future, to follow the Holy Knight Justin here."
"It’s true that my assignment to the Abbott region was my father’s order, but even if it hadn’t been, I would have requested to be stationed here of my own accord."
Elina spoke these words while looking straight at Doyle.
Her earnest gaze met his, but Doyle’s smile never wavered.
"You seem to trust him a great deal."
"The Captain taught me the basics of being a knight. He’s wise, caring toward his subordinates… and even now, I believe there’s someone else behind that embezzlement incident."
"Hmm. I agree with you on that."
"Hm?"
Elina let out a surprised sound at the unexpected agreement.
"I’ve had doubts ever since I first met him… Why would he do something like embezzlement? He didn’t seem like the type at all."
"Th-that’s right! The Captain would never—"
Elina, having found a kindred spirit who believed in Justin’s innocence as much as she did, began speaking excitedly but quickly remembered her place and pulled back.
"My apologies."
"It’s fine. Knowing that he has such a passionate subordinate who believes in his innocence only strengthens my conviction about this matter."
"Lord Doyle…"
Elina felt relieved to find a lord who understood—but then Doyle’s expression suddenly darkened.
"What’s unfortunate is that I can’t do anything for him. Though I’m a noble, the Tryon family’s position is much weaker compared to others. Even if I were to issue a statement on my own, it wouldn’t change anything."
Doyle’s gaze shifted to a portrait hanging in the room.
It depicted a stout elderly gentleman.
"If only my father were still alive…"
The man in the portrait was Doyle’s father—the previous head of the Tryon family. Even during his time, the Tryon family had been weak as nobles, but he was known as a sharp and capable man, drawing much attention.
However, the previous lord had passed away suddenly due to illness.
Doyle had been thrust into the role of lord before he could learn everything from his father.
The sudden succession, combined with Doyle’s young age, led many to dismiss the Tryon family.
If the previous lord were still alive, he would have found the circumstances surrounding Justin suspicious and used his own connections to uncover the truth. Doyle, who had taken a liking to Justin, wanted to do the same, but his limited connections and resources made it difficult.
As Doyle struggled with his inability to act,
"It’s alright, Lord Doyle."
Elina’s bright voice dispelled his worries.
"Captain Justin isn’t the type to be discouraged by something like this. Even now, he’s happily working with the people of Curtis Village… And more importantly, the other knights who remained in the capital don’t think this situation is acceptable either."
"R-really?"
"Yes. Please wait a little longer. Something is bound to happen soon."
It seemed Elina had some kind of plan in mind.
"I’m glad you came here."
"You’re welcome."
Doyle and Elina shook hands, and together, they set off for Curtis Village.
What do you think about this chapter?
