She is a woman in her forties who has raised her children as a single mother. However, inexplicably, she receives an abundance of care and attention from the younger Knight Commander.

 She is a woman in her forties who has raised her children as a single mother. However, inexplicably, she receives an abundance of care and attention from the younger Knight Commander.

 
Japanese Name : 子育てがひと段落したアラフォーシングルマザーですが、なぜか年下の騎士団長様に溺愛されています。
 

Author: Qisheng

 

Plot :  After her daughter's marriage, A single mother Find her happiness.

Read Japanese Historical Oneshot Translated in English 

___________________________________

 She is a woman in her forties who has raised her children as a single mother. However, inexplicably, she receives an abundance of care and attention from the younger Knight Commander.

"Aria, you look so beautiful."

"Thank you, Mama! Thank you for raising me all on your own. I will be happy."

Today is a joyous occasion for my daughter. Aria, adorned in a pristine white gown, radiates with happiness.

Aria, who had struggled to find satisfaction in her schooling, has finally secured a job at a garrison on the outskirts of town. It's hard to believe that one day a knight will fall in love with my daughter and have a wedding like this.

The groom, Knight-sama, possesses a youthful and robust physique, displaying his expertise in horseback riding as a promising member of the knight order.

It is said that Aria fell in love while secretly delivering late-night snacks to him.

And now, for the first time in twenty years, I will be living alone.

◆

"Claire-san, once you're done peeling, could you help me with the dishes?"

"Yes."

"And please bring me a plate as well."

"Yes, it's right over there."

"Oh, when did you do the laundry? When did you arrive... Having Claire-san around is such a great help."

"Well, I'm just getting older."

Read Japanese Villainess Romance Novels Translated in English.

"No no no~. You can always rely on me."

This is the garrison of the Knights situated on the outskirts of town.

Since Aria got married and left her job, I decided to take up work here instead.

Initially, the unfamiliar environment perplexed me, but I quickly adapted.

The tasks primarily involve household chores like cooking and washing. After being a single mother for nearly 20 years, it comes naturally to me.

"Claire, are you doing alright?"

"Yes, what is it?"

Today, for the first time, Daniel, the Knight Commander, called out to me. He is the eldest among the knights stationed here, but from my perspective, he still seems young. Being a year older than Krantz, who married my daughter, he must be in his late twenties.

"Actually, there's an available room in this garrison. The deputy commander, Krantz, has been chosen to join the Knights of the Imperial Guard. He will be heading to the royal capital with Aria."

"That's wonderful news. I'm sure Aria will be thrilled. When will the new deputy commander arrive?"

"I have no plans for a replacement."

In this garrison, the knights who are stationed here usually live together in four-person rooms. It's customary for married individuals to rent a house nearby. However, the commander and deputy commander are provided with separate private rooms.

"Then, we should clean the vacant deputy leader's room."

"Oh, no, that's..."

"Yes?"

The Knight Commander-sama is usually cheerful and composed, but today he seems a bit restless.

"...what is this?"

"Well, you see... Honestly, I would like Claire to live and work here with me, but I'm not sure if it's appropriate..."

"I understand."

"Huh? Really..."

"Yes, it's part of my job."

After all, it wouldn't be suitable for a single woman to live among young and strong men under the same roof. When it comes to having a live-in caretaker, it's unlikely that a woman like me in her early 40s would make any mistakes. Although I was aware that I was no longer seen as a woman, it was still a bit shocking to be faced with the reality. Knight Commander Daniel's face turns red with an apologetic expression. Even though it's his duty, it must have been difficult for him to bring it up.

"Don't worry about me."

"No, no, that's not true."

"I appreciate your concern."

And so, I made the decision to live and work in the deputy leader's room.

◆

After some time, strange occurrences began to take place. When I returned to my room after a day's work, I discovered a vase on the table filled with small flowers.

"Well, what could this mean?"

It was evident that someone had entered the room, yet there was no evidence of any searching being done—just the presence of the vase. Another day, a plate filled with pastries appeared.

"I don't know who it is, but this isn't good."

However, the girls who served meals denied having placed anything in my room.

"It wasn't me."

"Nor me."

Ultimately, the mysterious gifts continued to appear every few days, with no knowledge of their sender.

◆

"Claire, are you alright?"

On this particular day, the Knight Commander, Daniel, called out to me in a state of restlessness.

"Actually, I happened to be in town on a mission yesterday..."

"Yes?"

"There, I unexpectedly encountered a familiar merchant."

"Oh, I see."

According to him, it seemed that blue ornaments were currently popular in the capital.

"I wasn't aware of that."

Ever since I began working as a live-in staff member, I had ceased wearing any jewelry. There was no point in adorning myself since I was no longer seen as a woman. My makeup and hairstyle were kept to a minimum.

"Consequently, I ended up buying one, but as a single man, I have no woman to give it to."

"..."

"So, when I pondered on how to use this hair ornament, I happened to notice a woman nearby."

"...Eh?"

"Claire, could you accept this from me?"

Daniel uttered these words and carefully pulled out a small box from his pocket, revealing a tourmaline hair ornament. To my surprise, I instinctively waved my palms and declined, yet my heart was racing. How long had it been since I received a gift from a man?

"I think it would suit your beautiful hair, Claire..."

"I'm an older woman who has already surpassed the prime of her life as a woman."

"No, that's not true! From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I..."

"Don't tease me!"

It couldn't be true. I glared at Knight Commander Daniel, frustration evident on my face. But despite my anger, my heart continued to race.

"It is true. When I first saw you at the wedding venue, my heart was captivated by you, Claire. I wanted you by my side, so I arranged for you to work here."

"I-I can't believe it..."

"It's true. Please believe me!"

"In that case, the flowers and sweets..."

"I wanted to catch even a sliver of Claire's attention, but I was too embarrassed to say it."

"Such a thing..."

"Claire, would you consider dating me with the intention of marriage?"

"Are you truly okay with someone like me?"

"Absolutely. I love you. I don't want anyone else to take you away from me."

After those words, Daniel tightly embraced me.

◆

"Mama, you look beautiful."

"Thank you, Claire! Thank you for bringing happiness into my life. I will be as happy as Aria."

Clad in a pure white dress, I walk down the glittering aisle.

The happiness that Aria had bestowed upon me. I could hardly believe that the Commander would notice me for the first time.

"Claire, you 

look beautiful."

As Daniel-sama uttered those words, he enveloped me in his strong arms.

Then, as if cherishing me in his embrace, he tenderly kissed me.

End

Read Japanese Historical Romance Oneshot Translated in English.