A Crusader with System in the Middle Ages

”I made this bottle myself last year. This year’s roses haven’t bloomed yet.”

She smiled, as if showing off, proud of some great accomplishment.

Then, Eleanor felt a hand cup the back of her neck.

Eric placed the palm of his right hand on the spot behind her left ear; Eleanor had just been rubbing the spot behind her right ear.

The sudden movement made her body stiffen slightly.

His touch grazed the corner of her mouth, then her pale neck, as light as a feather.

The unfamiliar sensation made her feel light, almost weightless.

The scent of roses was an aphrodisiac.

She closed her eyes tightly.

Then she felt herself being lifted. Her head spun a little as she was laid down on the bed.

She was only wearing a blue robe, a large one that could easily cover her body if she held it tight. Other than that, there was nothing underneath; she usually preferred it that way.

Unsurprisingly, the movement caused the robe to fall open, and a rush of cool air washed over her.

She tried to pull her robe closed, but her teeth were pried apart, and a completely different taste invaded her mouth.

The robe was tossed to the floor.

From her ankles to her thighs, and then...

’Huh?’ The weight of the quilt pressed down on her. It held no warmth, and she instinctively curled up.

Opening her eyes again, she found Eric’s face very close.

His breath ghosted across her face, and because of the cold, it felt warm.

This time, she could clearly see the color of his eyes—as blue as irises.

”What’s wrong?” she asked.

”This year’s roses will bloom in a few months. The roses in Elvis, in Frank, are the best. How about I take you in a few days?”

”Why are you suddenly talking about this?” Eleanor suddenly felt a little uncomfortable.

Even though she did, in fact, care deeply about roses.

”I just... I just suddenly wanted to mention it. What do you think?”

”That’s nice.”

Eleanor suddenly felt a bit agitated.

But this was a topic she was supposed to like.

”That’s good.”

Then her teeth were pried apart again, more fiercely this time.

Even the bed began to rock back and forth.

It went on until noon. Afterward, exhausted, they both slept in the bed until evening.

Strangely, however, not a single person came to knock on the door.

Eleanor opened her eyes. She had been thoroughly worn out, and her head was groggy.

A slight, stinging pain came from the reddened corners of her mouth, and she felt as if her lips were split, too.

It was a little damp under the quilt, a feeling mixed with a more distinct stinging sensation that was very uncomfortable.

In any case, she couldn’t sleep anymore.

She glanced at the window. The sky had clearly darkened. ’What time is it?’

’Thinking back on this whole day... how absurd.’

Eric’s soft snores reached her ears.

She jabbed her elbow back forcefully, trying to wake Eric, who was still holding her.

”Hmm?” Eric stirred and opened his eyes.

”Get up. Look at the time.” Eleanor felt his hold loosen, then she rolled over and kicked him with her foot.

Annoyed, Eric sat up and rubbed his forehead.

He pulled open the nearby curtain.

Light streamed directly into the room.

”What a bright sun,” Eric said, shielding his eyes. The light was uncomfortable.

”That’s the moon,” Eleanor said, exasperated, and gave him another push. ”Hurry up and get up.”

”It’s already night. What’s the point of getting up? Let’s deal with it tomorrow.” As he spoke, he started to lie back down.

”It’s not that late. You can get up and have some dinner. And then... and then go deal with them.”

”But I’m not hungry.”

”But I am.”

”Alright, then what would you like to eat, my lady?” Eric leaned in to kiss her lips.

But Eleanor saw his movement and covered her mouth in advance.

In the end, his lips only landed on the beautiful line of her throat.

Eric got out of bed.

Eleanor immediately scrambled over to Eric’s spot. It wasn’t damp there and would be more comfortable.

Eric put on his clothes and walked out of the room.

The castle was as dim as it had been when he first entered this room today. If he were to ignore Eleanor’s reminder just now, it would be as if time had stood still.

The torches in the castle hall were all extinguished; it seemed they had missed dinner time long ago.

’Eleanor just wanted to kick me out so she could get a more comfortable spot.’

Eric went to Jeanne’s room. He was a little worried about the little one.

’She isn’t out in that crooked tree outside the castle, is she?’

Just as he was about to push the door open, it opened from the inside. Eleanor’s maid, Ejiva, stepped out.

She had light brown hair and wore a red headscarf. A long, waist-length braid hung down her back, and her face had a somewhat childish look.

Ejiva was startled and nearly cried out, but she recognized him at the last moment.

Her face flushing slightly, she lifted the hem of her skirt and curtsied to Eric. ”Good evening, Lord Baron.”

”Good evening, Ejiva. Is the little girl still in the room?” Eric asked.

”Yes, my Lord. The Master had me watch her all day. She kept fussing about wanting to live in a tree. I only just managed to coax her to sleep.”

”Could I trouble you to sleep with her? The child lost her father not long ago. I promised I would take good care of her. There have been too many tragedies this year. I want to do what I can.”

”Her relationship to you is... surely not... Lady Eleanor is a good wife.” Ejiva frowned.

”She lingered in that dangerous village to bury her own father, and she was even threatened by bandits. The poor, admirable little fool.

As the Bible says, ’He will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death.’”

”Just like how the Baron saved me back then?” Ejiva tilted her head, looking at Eric, and stuck her tongue out playfully.

”Huh?” Eric froze for a moment.

”It’s nothing. It was a long time ago. I was only nine, so it’s normal for the Baron to have forgotten.” Ejiva stood on her tiptoes, but a flicker of disappointment still crossed her emerald eyes. She bit her lip. ”Anyway, I’ll take good care of Jeanne.”

”Thank you for your trouble.” Eric started to take some money from the purse at his waist.

”My Lord Baron, I don’t need money. The Lady... she doesn’t make me do much work.”

Ejiva waved her hand, but Eric pressed the coins into it anyway.

Then Eric turned to leave.

Ejiva called out to him.

”Yes?”

”My Lord Baron. The Lady may look like an adult, but she’s often hesitant about things. She’s also a bit of a soft touch and always thinks of others. So... My Lord Baron, there are some things... you shouldn’t force her.

Also, the Master said you two need to get up early tomorrow. You have to inspect the domain and let the people know their Lord has returned. So... you can’t be like you were today...”

Eric: ”...”