Chapter Volume 4 18

Weak But Determined

The human looked as though he couldn't help the elf. All he could do was use humanity's medicines to temporarily treat the elf. We weren't sure if humanity's medicines would be helpful for elves. Nevertheless, since elven medications worked for us humans, I assumed it would work the other way around, as well.

Angelina's previous method was somewhat unorthodox, but it appeared effective. After the doctor checked the Queen, her broken leg had recovered; at least her bones were slowly coming together. We had changed the medicine for her eyes. We also gave her medication for her fever. Though we had yet to see any results from those attempts, it was better than leaving it all up to chance. Regardless of what the case was, I had done everything in my power. I administered the medications already; if the Queen couldn't make it, I wouldn't need to blame myself. In saying that, what I needed to feel guilty about wasn't the Elven Queen but myself.

I took in a deep breath then gently knocked on the door. I didn't wait for Angelina to respond before pushing the door open. As I thought, she didn't lock her door or sleep. She was still dressed in thin sleepwear. She was sitting on her bed. She turned her head to face me when she heard the door open. She wore a crafty smile on her face: "What, you done with things over there, so you've come back to comfort me, is that it?"

I didn't know what to say. As a matter of fact, I didn't even know what to say for my apology. That said, I just instinctively apologised, "Sorry."

I sat down to one side. It was the same bed; the Angelina I knew was still the same Angelina, and the air carried the same scent as before, but I was absolutely calm this time.

Angelina folded her arms. She didn't leap over to tease me this time. From behind me, she coldly asked, "What are you here for, then? Are you here, because you want to apologise? Why are you apologising? Why did you push me?"

"No." I shook my head then stopped to think. I hesitated before I explained, "I meant, I shouldn't have come here. I shouldn't have come here tonight… Now that I'm thinking with a level head, if I wasn't stopped, we would've done something. If we did something, I wouldn't know how to face Veirya, and how would you face her…? I don't know. I hurt you; and I ran away half-way through, so I hurt your feelings. I'm sorry."

Angelina listened to me, and then gently pursed her lips: "The most upsetting thing is your last reason. As for my relationship with Veirya, you don't need to concern yourself with that. What happens between us is our business, not yours. The two of us are just messing around; you don't need to mind it so much. Have you forgotten? I'm a much older woman than you are. It doesn't matter if we mess around a bit."

I shook my head, and then stood up: "No, I consider us messing around to be betraying Veirya. If I'm thinking of Veirya when I'm with you, I'd be tormenting you. I'm very sorry, Angelina. I won't do that again. I won't be so immature again. I won't do it again."

"Hehe." Angelina giggled as she came up behind me and gave me a light hug. Next, she whispered in my ear, "That's how love is, kiddo. You're still too young. It's precisely because you're so young that you keep talking about love. Look, you reacted to me before, didn't you? If Anna came back just one second later, you know well and truly what would've happened, don't you? Kiddo, you're fine with anyone. It's not betrayal or lack of determination. It's human nature. Humans have desires; there is no love in the face of desires. You can love Veirya; however, what you do with me isn't crossing the line."

I shook my head. In a soft, yet firm, voice, I responded, "No, I think there's a difference."

Angelina's hands began to travel south. This time, I caught her hand that began to head south to stop her from doing something. Neither of us spoke, not that I needed to. I had explicated my stance, and Angelina had proven what was on her mind. Given that we both proved our stances, there was no need for any more words. It wasn't a negotiation. There was no room for discussion. That was it. The two of us were at our bottom lines.

Angelina murmured next to my ear, "Do you know what I like most about you? You're very weak; you don't have any combat skills, nor do you have a strong body. You wouldn't last for one second on a battlefield. When I first saw you, I immediately knew how weak you were. However, you're resolute and fearless. You don't care about any danger. Despite being weak, you still stood before Veirya and me. You're weak, but the way you unwaveringly advance gives people confidence just as my husband once did. A mere soldier, who was inferior to me, stood in front of all of us. What's most important for a man isn't how much strength he possesses, but whether or not he possesses that determination."

I solemnly responded, "Right now, I'm very determined."

"Yes," Angelina responded with a smile then released me and took two steps back. "You know, that's what hurts people most about you. I like your determination most, but unfortunately, it's not for me. You’re going to break a lot of women's hearts in the future."

"No, I won't let that happen to other women; Veirya's my only one, after all."

"You have three elves upstairs; what are you on about? Leave. It won't be good if Veirya or Leah see you. You strongly resemble Veirya's father. No, not your appearance or identity, but your weakness and determination."

"I want to have some strength, too."

"Your determination and your intellect is your strength. Veirya is happy with you. I won't say too much, but remember, I won't give up. If you do that again to me, I'll have my way even if I have to knock you out."

Angelina said something shocking with a smile, thereby almost bringing me to my knees. However, Angelina then pushed me out of the room and shut the door.