Chapter 3: Kind and Cruel (3)
“This one time, allow me to go on the battlefield as a magician. I’ll prove that I can be a valuable asset. Please, trust me. I promise you won’t regret it.” Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
I looked at Abel with solemn sincerity, hoping he could sense the desperation behind my words. This was my only chance.
“….”
Abel shot a startled glance at Jeron, who had been standing beside the chair. The silence in the room was so profound that even a pin drop would have echoed.
I sneaked a glance at Abel’s expression, feeling the tension tighten around my chest. Did I say something wrong? A fleeting thought crossed my mind: What if I’d somehow offended him? The idea of him snapping, “What kind of nonsense is this? An arrogant little kid like you?!” made my stomach churn.
But then, unexpectedly, Abel chuckled. It started as a low rumble before building into full, hearty laughter. He bent over, clutching his head as his mirth echoed through the room.
“Alright, that’s the funniest thing I’ve heard lately. This cute kid… Hmm, not a bad idea.”
Cute? What did he mean by that? I hadn’t meant to be funny. I was dead serious about my suggestion.
Abel finally calmed down and continued, “I’ll give you a chance. Let’s see how you prove your worth.”
His face was twisted into a suspicious smile—a predator’s smirk, knowing more than he let on. Despite the mocking undertone, I felt a flicker of hope. His response was more favorable than I had expected.
“However, if you die, I won’t be responsible, kid.”
Ugh! I knew something was off. That smirk… How I wished I could wipe it off his face. Could I take back my words? That fake kindness—bullshit. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
As much as I wanted to retort, I forced myself to remain calm and indifferent. “…Thank you for your generosity.”
Abel turned back around without a second glance. “Jeron, give this kid a room.”
Jeron, who seemed relieved, quickly responded, “Yes, I understand.”
I noticed that Jeron’s personality was far more amicable than Abel’s. He smiled kindly as he met my gaze—the first friendly expression I’d seen since arriving in this world.
“Follow me, Lady Fiona,” he said, gesturing for me to follow.
I was stunned. He remembered my name—a first. Compared to Abel, who only addressed me with rude, impolite words like “this kid” and “that cute kid,” Jeron’s kindness was a welcome surprise.
As we walked down the long corridors, my eyes fixed on Jeron’s back. This was it—my new beginning, a chance to change my fate and avoid my death flags. Heilon Castle, compared to the Green Mansion, was a monstrosity. The endless arches, sky-high ceilings, and towering spires made me feel small and insignificant. Finally, we arrived at the room assigned to me. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Please use this room for the time being,” Jeron nodded, indicating for me to enter.
I was floored. The room was spacious and cozy—nothing like the cold, cramped attic I’d lived in at the Green Mansion. I hadn’t expected a decent room, let alone one so luxurious. Especially considering the cold treatment I’d received so far.
“Can I really use this room?” I couldn’t hide the excitement in my voice. My eyes sparkled with joy, momentarily forgetting to control my expression. How could I stay calm? This exceeded all my expectations, and Jeron noticed.
“Of course,” he said, smiling briefly as if speaking to a young child.
I quickly steadied my expression, embarrassed by my childish reaction. Stay calm, Fiona. I cleared my throat. “…Thank you for your help.”
Despite my efforts to appear mature, I knew my behavior left little impression on them. After all, I was just a thirteen-year-old pretending to be an adult. How could they take me seriously? But deep down, I feared that if I acted too much like a child, they might send me away.
Jeron glanced at me briefly before offering another warm smile. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“You must be tired. Please, get some rest.”
“Yes,” I replied, nodding curtly.
Once Jeron left and the door closed behind him, the tension I’d been holding in finally dissipated. Relief washed over me. Facing Abel had been no joke. I couldn’t believe how terrified I’d been of the character I’d created. Why had I made him so intimidating?
I had planned to think about my next steps upon arriving in my room, but exhaustion overwhelmed me. Today had drained every ounce of energy I had. My brain had been protesting for a while, and now it refused to cooperate any longer. Alright, no more for today.
“Let’s get some sleep first.”
The plush bed, with its soft mattress and inviting pillows, was too tempting to resist. I crawled in, letting the warmth envelop me. Decisions could wait. Sleep took over the moment I closed my eyes. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
***
When Jeron returned to the hall, Abel was still leaning against the chair, lost in thought. The distant window cast a beam of light across his sharp features. “How was the kid?” Abel asked.
“I’ve led her to her room.”
Abel chuckled softly. “I couldn’t tell if she was arrogant or daring.”
He thought of the little girl who had stood before him. Anyone with a keen eye could see she was frightened, yet she hadn’t wavered. Her eyes had locked onto his, and she had stood her ground with unexpected courage.
“I’ll prove my value… Ha. What an interesting phrase. But I don’t need incompetence in my castle. Jeron, what do you think of her?”
Abel’s voice held a trace of curiosity, as if genuinely interested in his companion’s opinion. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Jeron’s relaxed expression grew uneasy as he recalled Fiona’s awe and admiration at the small room she’d been given. It was as if she had never seen such luxury before. Her youthful spark and innocence stirred a feeling of pity within him. A child, sent to war—how tragic.
“Well, for her age, I admire her courage. She stood before you, intimidated yet firm. I think she’s quite bright. But… isn’t she just a mere child? Are you really planning to send her to the battlefield?” Jeron’s tone held a silent plea for Abel to reconsider.
“Absolutely. She asked for it. If she’s bluffing and runs away, I’ll personally drag her, sending her back..”
Despite his harsh words, Abel had little expectation. He had granted her request because he found it amusing. But deep down, he knew she was just a child—too young and too weak to be of any real use.
Hearing such cold words, Jeron cursed Abel silently. His boss’s lack of empathy was infuriating. A string of criticism almost escaped from the tip of his tongue. ‘You cruel, blood-less bastard. Never shed a tear of empathy.’ Jeron shot Abel a look of resentment whilst containing those thoughts.
“I can tell you’re cursing me,” Abel smirked.
Jeron coughed lightly, avoiding Abel’s gaze. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“In any case, she’s unusually calm for her age. It’s intriguing. Where did she come from? Being able to act so calmly and bravely, despite her opponent having the upper hand, she must have come from a rough place… Let’s investigate the Green family.”
Abel’s voice grew more serious as he leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other. “That house, those Green nobles—uncover everything. Don’t miss a single detail, even a single piece of jewellery they might be hiding in their warehouse.”
“Yes, sir,” Jeron complied immediately.
But he couldn’t resist asking cautiously, “Are you really sending her to the frontlines? Isn’t that too dangerous?”
“Two days later, at the second wall,” Abel replied.
Jeron’s face paled. The second wall was infamous for being the most dangerous area, overrun with monsters. How could Abel even consider sending her there? Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Abel noticed Jeron’s reaction and smirked. “Your eyes are calling me a piece of trash.”
‘Was I that obvious?’ Jeron quickly lowered his gaze.
Abel continued, “Don’t worry. I’ll be with her.”
Jeron’s shock was evident, though he quickly composed himself. “You will go, sir?”
“Yes.”
Even with Abel’s reassurance, Jeron felt uneasy. He could only hope for the best. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Abel Heilon was a merciless beast, defending the northern territory with unwavering resolve. He had no tolerance for the weak or useless.
“If she proves herself worthless,” Abel said, his voice cold, “I’ll personally feed her to the monsters.”
Jeron swallowed his anger, pushing down the frustration those words stirred within him. When he heard those vulgar, cruel words come out of Abel’s mouth so casually, Jeron felt his expectations shatter into pieces. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
This man… This piece of shit!
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