Chapter 12: Kind and Cruel
Recently, monster attacks had significantly decreased. Perhaps it was because of Sigren’s presence. Thanks to this, I was able to spend some leisurely time with him. However, that didn’t mean we had developed a friendly relationship. So far, all I knew about him was his name, which, of course, I already knew. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Are your wounds okay now?” I reached out to check his injuries.
“Don’t touch me,” he snapped, as usual.
I gave him a slightly disapproving look at his cold response. Indeed, it was really hard to be acquainted with him in the villain’s body.
“If you’re still in pain, you need to tell me, even if you don’t like me.”
Sigren looked at me as if he found me strange. Lately, he often gave me that look.
‘Am I that weird?’
He opened his mouth reluctantly. “You are weird.”
“What?”
Sigren continued in a sarcastic tone, “Why do you care so much about me? Is it the compassion of a young lady raised in the castle? Like the pity someone might feel for a stray dog or cat in the rain.”
“It’s not like that.”
I had recently learned that Sigren assumed Abel was my relative who was taking care of me. In other words, he saw me as just another aristocratic girl who lived in a castle. Perhaps my polite mannerisms, and the way people referred to me as “My Lady,” led to this misunderstanding. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
It seemed he was irritated by the fact that he had to rely on a girl of his age, who, unlike him, was perceived to have had a privileged upbringing and knew nothing of his hardships.
My pride was somewhat hurt.
“I don’t know what you think of me, but I didn’t come here with such a light heart.”
“Then what?”
Of course, I felt guilty for wanting us to grow closer for my future plans. However, there was also genuine affection for him. It was fortunate that we had met not as enemies but as potential friends. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Why not just because I wanted to save you?”
“Just after one meeting? With no reason?”
“Exactly. You might have thought the same.”
In the six years since then, Sigren had become well-defined in many ways. I had assumed it was a result of his childhood experiences. So, I was a bit disheartened to think that my intentions might have been so misunderstood.
“…..”
Unexpectedly, Sigren’s expression remained stern.
“I’ve never seen anyone like you who, despite growing up well, still thinks that way.”
At this point, I was starting to feel nauseous. I was definitely one of the fighters, not some sheltered girl from a castle.
“Wait. Sig—. I’m staying here because—”
“May I come in?” A voice interrupted from outside the door. It was the physician who had examined Sigren.
“Come in.”
A kindly-looking elderly man entered the room. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“You’re here today, Lady Fiona.”
“Yes, hello.”
The elderly man was responsible for the health of those in the castle. Because of his age, he treated me like his own granddaughter.
“You must be getting close quickly since you’re the same age. Hahaha.”
Sigren frowned at this. He looked at me and said coldly, “You should leave.”
“I just want to check if your wound is healing well. May I stay here?”
“You? I’m surprised you didn’t faint when you saw the wound.” Sigren was being cynical.
Ha, it wouldn’t be so. I’ve seen much worse on the battlefield—organs protruding, bodies cut in half. I’ve had monsters flee from me. An injury on his body wouldn’t shock me.
Sigren said again, “Get out quickly. I can’t change my bandage with you here.”
I was curious about his condition, but at this point, I couldn’t push it further. Sigren needed to remove his shirt to change his bandages, and he might feel embarrassed doing so in front of someone his age. He seemed to have a bit of shyness, which was endearing. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
So, I shrugged lightly and left the room. “Okay. I’m leaving.”
***
I didn’t plan to return to my room immediately. Changing bandages wouldn’t take long, so I waited outside Sigren’s room.
I wanted to tell him something, but the opportunity slipped away when the elderly physician arrived.
A fine young lady? I was working hard. Why does he dislike me so much? I wondered.
I had never thought about Sigren’s personality during his childhood, so I had no sense of it. I had only imagined what he might be like, and now I was struggling with how to deal with his cold demeanor.
Is it because my intentions are slightly impure?
Honestly, I wanted to get closer to Sigren because I felt sorry for him and wanted to give him the affection he missed out on in his childhood. Yet, he seemed overly wary for no apparent reason. I expected it would be difficult to get along with him due to his past, but I didn’t realize it would be this challenging. It felt like I had brought a kitten that was on high alert. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
But if I got too close and his opinion of me worsened, it could spell disaster for my future.
“Lady.”
At that moment, the elderly physician came out of the room. The treatment was evidently over.
“Is it done?”
“Yes, but…” The physician’s expression was somber.
Was Sigren in poor condition? Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Is there a problem?”
“No, the injury is healing well. But…” The physician hesitated.
I grabbed his sleeve urgently. “What is it? If it’s about Sigren, just tell me.”
I grabbed him by the sleeve of his clothes and hurried him. “What is it? If it’s about Sigren, just tell me.”
The physician glanced back at the door with a look of sympathy. “I heard he’s from the mercenary corps. I’m concerned about whether he’ll be able to return there once he’s recovered. He didn’t tell me much, but from the looks of his injuries…”
As I listened, my heart sank. It felt like I was hearing something I wasn’t supposed to. Shocked, I rushed back into Sigren’s room. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
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