Chapter 44: Heilon (2)
“I have something to say.” Sigren’s expression was serious. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“What?” Seeing his expression, Fiona felt a little nervous.
“Remember what you said before?”
Fiona’s brows furrowed. What had she said? She had said a lot to Sigren.
Sigren looked straight into Fiona’s bewildered eyes. “If I need help, you would always be there for me.”
“Oh… I did.”
Sigren raised the corners of his lips slightly. Instead of a sneer, it resembled a sad smile. “I think now is the time.”
Fiona recalled having said those words to Sigren. He had been sad at that time. “Why do you think so?”
Sigren glanced at Fiona. He had confessed his own birth to her two years ago. At that time, Fiona had listened quietly. He had feared she might change her attitude after hearing his story. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com. However, when he finally spoke frankly about his unresolved hatred for those who had killed his mother, Fiona had hugged him. There was no particular reaction from her; she remained kind and always assured him that he was precious. She had always made sure he was happy. Sigren had found serenity in her words and actions. Pain, anger, hatred, grief—all destructive emotions had faded. But if she were to disappear, could he continue to live? It was hard to even imagine.
“Sigren?”
Hearing Fiona’s concerned voice, Sigren slowly opened his mouth. “Fiona, I’m alone in this unfamiliar place now. There are enemies everywhere. Isn’t it natural to want an old friend with you?”
“What about the Duke?” Fiona asked, somewhat skeptical.
“The Duke?” Sigren raised an eyebrow in dissatisfaction. “You really don’t think Abel would offer me emotional comfort, do you?”
Fiona was at a loss for words. While Abel would provide practical help, she was doubtful about his ability to offer emotional support. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“He’d probably just tell me not to be weak.”
That seemed more likely.
While she was deep in thought, Fiona recalled someone else: Eunice. Sigren was about to meet Eunice, the heroine, and eventually fall in love. Of course, she couldn’t tell him this.
“You may have a close friend.”
“Who?”
“That… you’re going to meet a pretty and sweet girl soon. Someone you might fall in love with.”
Sigren looked at Fiona with a lukewarm expression. “Me?”
Fiona nodded and emphasized, “Yes, love.”
“I didn’t know you’d try to cheer me up with such a nice story,” Sigren said with a hint of dissatisfaction.
“A nice story…” Fiona glanced at Sigren. He wasn’t angry, but his tone was one of discouragement. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Yeah… from your point of view, I might seem annoying right now.”
“No way.” It would have been easier for her if he were angry, but his tone made her conscience feel oddly pricked.
“No, I understand, Fiona.” Sigren put on a smile that was more cynical than genuine. “Actually, most people see me that way.”
Fiona felt a pang of guilt. Did she unintentionally touch on his childhood trauma? Sigren had been abused as a child, but she hadn’t meant it that way.
Sigren gently stroked Fiona’s hair. “I suppose I made an unreasonable request. Just forget it.”
Despite the gentle gesture, his smile was bitter, and Fiona’s guilt deepened. Sigren still bore the scars of his childhood, and seeing them made her heartache. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
‘He’s just like a kid who’s just graduated from high school and is now living alone in a foreign country. It’s too harsh!’
Emotionally, he was the protagonist she had nurtured for five years. Seeing him like this made her feel weaker compared to how she felt about other characters.
Whether Fiona was confused or not, Sigren slowly turned around, seeming ready to leave the room. The atmosphere made his back look incredibly lonely.
Thump, thump.
The sound of footsteps was unusually heavy.
Fiona rolled her eyes and hurriedly grabbed his clothes. “Come on, wait a bit, Sigren.”
“What?”
Ah, forget it. They had a friendship spanning five years. “Then, I’ll stay.”
Sigren’s lips twitched. He turned around to look at her. “You don’t have to force yourself like that.”
“Force myself? I’m not.”
“Really?”
Fiona smiled as usual. “If my presence helps you, I will stay.”
The usual Sigren was a confident and dignified person. The fact that he was showing weakness in front of her meant that he was unusually troubled. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“What do you think friends are for? Besides, it’s nice to stay here. I can enjoy the capital and the employees of Heilon Mansion are all friendly. The food is to my taste.”
Yeah, she had nothing to lose… right?
Fiona then recalled an annoying matter: Arrendt.
Well, she decided to stay. If the original plot seemed to cause her harm, she could overturn it. Or maybe she could go to Abel. But since both Abel and Arrendt were not on good terms, she wasn’t sure if Abel would take the initiative to deal with Arrendt. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Fiona smiled happily and looked at Sigren.
“….”
Of course, Fiona didn’t notice, but Sigren, having achieved his own purpose, also smiled satisfactorily. She still cared for him; she yielded to the point of choosing to stay by his side.
The lonely appearance Sigren had before had disappeared. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
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