Chapter 10: Kind and Cruel

“For a little girl as small as a mouse like you, it’s still a hundred years too early to bring a man to her room.”

It was a voice that I knew. I was extremely familiar with its baritone and steady cadence.

“Come on, look at him. He’s not a man, he’s just a kid and an injured one at that.” I replied as I turned to level a skeptical look at the newcomer. Abel stood tall against the frame of the door with a mildly disgruntled face. Not only did Abel exude a dangerous aura on the best of days but in front of the frail and weak Sigren, he seemed positively predatory in comparison. The way he had stalked towards us earlier was reminiscent of a hunter shadowing its prey.

“It is exactly what I said it is. My eyes do not deceive me..”

Honestly, this man! The situation is completely different than what he thinks it is!!

Then for some reason I couldn’t quite decipher, Abel restrained himself from bothering me too much. It was a stroke of luck that was so rare that I’d blindly accept it for the gift it was. Honestly, what a relief.

“Anyway, what brings you here?”

“Why else do you think I’d be here? It’s because of him, of course.” Abel raised his index finger and pointed towards Sigren with that irritating expression still plastered across his face. “I heard there was a pebble that rolled into the fourth wall while I was away.”

Wait, did he talk about me? Was I the ‘pebble’?

“He was injured to such a severe degree that I had him treated in my room for a bit.”

Abel briefly glanced at Sigren, eyes peering down upon where he lay in my bed, sickly and pale.

“Where do you belong to? I don’t think you’re a child of our manor.”

What was he talking about? This was young Sigren. What did he mean ‘belong to’?

Then I remembered, of course Abel didn’t know. I had never thought about this matter seriously, so I never wrote this scene. When I quietly looked away, Sigren answered.

“Carl Mercenary.”

“Mercenary corps…?” Abel raised his eyebrow slightly, as if finding his response to be unexpected. “Is there a kid like this with the mercenaries these days?”

Tsk, that is not what we are supposed to talk about.

Anyway, I whispered softly to Sigren’s ear to help him understand the situation.

“He is the Duke of Heilon, Duke Abel Heilon.”

Sigren, hearing what I said, looked alert. Seeing this, I gently rubbed the frown forming between his brows to tell him to relax. However, Sigren quickly backed away with a stiff face.

“Don’t!”

I guess I would have a hard time facing my own main character, but I still think he’s so cute even with such a cold look.

At that time, Abel flicked my forehead. “Hey! Little kid! It’s still a hundred years too early!”

“He’s just..-! Aaaahh!!” Before I could finish my comment, Abel suddenly lifted me up. He was always like this. It was like he preferred this way to hug me. Many, no, I think all of the passersby laughed and said ‘You two look like father and daughter.’. The fact that we had the same silver hair made it seem all the more true, so it was understandable.

As he lifted me in his arms, I made eye contact with him and asked, “By the way, can he stay here until the wound heals?”

At my request, Abel had a complex look. “I don’t really like what you’re asking me to do, but… alright, I’ll give him a room so he can stay here until his wounds are healed.”

I clasped my hands in shock. Frankly speaking, I wasn’t expecting anything. “Wow, you’re giving him a separate room?”

“Then, you’re going to use the same room together?” Abel answered my question with a blank look on his face.

When I turned my head, Sigren’s face was a little red, but then….

“What?! You, do you think you are that fine?”

I was a little bit taken aback. His strong opposition caused my shoulders to droop down. He already hated me even though it was our first meeting. Well, I didn’t take it too much to heart. Afterall, I didn’t grow up to be a precious kid. Moreover, this way was even more acceptable. I didn’t need to explain word-by-word the reason why I was here with him. All he needed to do was grow up safely, love the female lead, and save the world.

Of course, I would watch all of that happen like a parent seeing their son. So I simply responded Abel in turn, “Thanks anyway. I will work harder from now on.”

Abel kicked his tongue lightly, “That’s fine. You’ve done enough.”

I tilted my head. Recently, Abel’s attitude had softened a lot, although his arrogant tone had not changed. However, because of his ambiguous behavior, I couldn’t tell whether it was a good thing or not. I hope it was not a sign that I would be kicked out.

Eventually, the room got quiet and I sighed.

“Another little sigh,” Abel grumbled seeing me.

I gave him a blank look.. Hey, I’ve got a problem too, and it’s really hard, very hard.

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