Chapter 14: Kind and Cruel
Since then, I’ve gotten somewhat closer to Sigren. I hope it’s not just my imagination. At least he didn’t ask me not to touch him like before, which I considered a positive development. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com. I now understood that Sigren’s sensitivity to any stranger’s touch was a result of the persistent abuse he had endured. It seemed he had been even more protective of his scars around me.
“It would hurt! I told you, don’t move!” I lightly slapped his shoulder, and Sigren looked at me with a hint of indignation.
“This is fine. I’m almost cured.”
“No, you don’t know when you’re well. Listen to your older sister.”
Sigren chuckled at my nagging.
“I’ve been wondering for a while…”
“Hm?”
“You keep calling yourself ‘older sister,’ but how old are you really?”
That question caught me off guard. I swallowed nervously. Physically, I was actually a year younger than Sigren.
I answered in a small voice, “Thirteen years old.”
To my surprise, Sigren didn’t get angry. On the contrary, he spoke in a subdued tone, as if he had expected this. “That’s older than I thought. I figured you were about ten.”
I stood up, incredulous. “What?!”
I sighed loudly. Abel kept telling me daily that I was too small and needed to eat more. Now this boy was saying I looked like a ten-year-old. Was I really that small? Well, I couldn’t help that my growth was stunted. I had spent years in the attic, unable to eat properly, which had likely affected my development. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“I’m a year older anyway.”
“Mentally, I’m older.”
Sigren snorted.
“You must be the only one who thinks that way. The Duke of Heilon feeds you well. What’s wrong with your body that it’s not growing?”
“That’s true…”
In fact, I had poor physical strength. Despite my strong magic, I couldn’t use it for extended periods. My endurance was lacking, similar to being good at short sprints but unable to run long distances. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“It’s okay. I’ll grow a lot more in the future.” I came to Heilon Castle at thirteen and now had three full meals every day. It was not too late. From now on, I would improve. Sigren laughed at my optimism.
“Yeah, grow up well.”
I glanced at his face. Sigren, whose condition had improved and whose demeanor was now more relaxed, looked like a shining tessera. He was my kid, but I was eagerly anticipating the man he would become in a few years. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com. I hoped he would use his radiant beauty to captivate the female lead!
“Have I got something on my face?”
“Huh? No.”
“Then why are you staring at me like that?”
“You’re so handsome. Oh! And also, later, make sure to keep good principles in your relationships!”
No matter how handsome you are, I won’t let you off the hook if you make the female lead cry.
“…..”
Sigren was silent for a moment. Then he said, “I always think this, but sometimes you really… No, forget it.”
“Why???”
Sigren laughed mischievously and ruffled my hair. “I don’t know who here is trying to claim higher mental age. You don’t even know how scary people can be.”
I looked at him, feeling it was unfair. I was genuinely older than him. “No, I’m not. I’m really—”
“Lady Fiona!!” Suddenly, the door burst open, and Sigren’s hand quickly fell from my head. It was Jeron, who had arrived in a hurry. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“It’s reported that a giant monster is approaching the wall. We need to gather all the soldiers immediately.”
“Alright. I’ll go right away.”
It seemed that the monsters had finally breached the castle walls, and it was on a massive scale.
I needed to get to work, so I hurried to stand up.
“What are you talking about? Why would you go there?” Sigren grabbed my wrist, looking urgently confused. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Ah, right. I hadn’t told him I was a magician fighting in the war yet.
“I’m a magician fighter here. My main role is to protect the second wall.” I answered his question and looked at him, hoping for his understanding. Yet, he still didn’t let go of his grip on me.
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