Chapter 15: Kind and Cruel
“Sigren, let go of my hand.”
“It can’t be.”
“What?”
He looked at me as if I’d done something wrong, leaving me dumbfounded. I was just telling him the truth; why was he so angry? Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“What are you talking about? The second wall is the most dangerous place here. The mercenaries and knights who spent their entire lives on the battlefield were either killed or left. Even if you are a magician, a little girl like you should defend a place like that? Say something that makes sense!”
Sigren then turned to Jeron, who was standing at the door. “Aren’t there plenty of people in Heilon Castle? The strongest shield in the North?”
“Sigren.” I called his name, trying to hold him back. I worried about what he might do if Jeron decided to kick him out. However, I could understand why he was angry. Sigren had a strong sense of justice. He might be reluctant to let me go to war when I wasn’t even an adult.
“What?”
“I’m fine, don’t worry about me.”
“What? Aren’t you scared?”
“I have nowhere else to go unless I stay here.”
“…..”
“I need a place to live, and Heilon needs a mage. We’re just working together when needed.” I said it. He didn’t need to be angry. He didn’t have to judge their conscience by criticizing them for sending me to the battlefield. It was my decision to stay here in the first place. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
I needed a place to rely on until I was old enough, and Heilon needed a strong magician. That was the only fact that mattered. If I died fighting, it would be due to my own incompetence. There was no reason to blame anyone else.
“Then what about your family?”
I couldn’t avoid that question, and it was time to reveal the truth.
“I’m an illegitimate child. My father and brothers sent me here.” My voice turned cold as I spoke.
“I hope you never go back to that house again.” Sigren seemed to understand my situation well. We had both grown up with similar experiences.
In this world, no one can protect us, even though we’re just children. The reality is that we must pay the right price to protect ourselves. There’s no such thing as unprovoked goodwill.
I wasn’t sure if that was the right mindset, but Sigren’s grip on my wrist loosened.
“….. You could die. Aren’t you scared?”
“If I die, it means I wasn’t competent enough to survive the fight. Anyway, I’m here by my own choice, so don’t worry about me. I don’t care.”
Sigren’s gaze remained sharp. Despite my full explanation, I didn’t understand why he was so upset. He was always sarcastic about me being a precious lady, yet now he was angry that I was going to the battlefield. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Indeed, he really was a difficult male lead.
I stood up and grinned at him. “I’ll be right back. Be careful not to get hurt, and make sure to eat well too.”
Sigren looked at me, speechless.
“You… you’re so kind and worried about me. What’s the reason?”
I replied with curiosity, “Shouldn’t I be worried because you’re hurt?”
Sigren looked even more puzzled but finally let go of my wrist.
“….. Come back quickly.” He stared at me with a complicated expression.
I gave him a small wave.
When I stepped outside, I saw Abel standing in front of the room. When had he arrived?
“…..”
Had he heard our conversation? Abel looked at me with a firm gaze. Was he angry or annoyed that I was arguing with someone my age? We needed to hurry, and I really didn’t need any more nagging.
“I’m sorry. I’m late.”
“…..”
At my apology, Abel simply pressed his lips together, as if he wanted to say something but then gave up and lifted me up with a sigh. His blue eyes scrutinized me as though trying to see through me. I gave him an awkward smile. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Why? Is the situation really bad?”
“You… no, forget it. I’m not telling you now.”
“…..?”
“Fiona.”
I answered obediently. “Yeah?”
“When you arrive on the battlefield, you must not stray from me.”
This was something that didn’t need confirmation. Abel always kept close when we went to the battlefield.
“Okay.”
Satisfied with my response, Abel held me close and began walking briskly through the hall, his stride wide. Jeron followed us like a shadow. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
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