CH 62

Chapter 62: Alliance (5)

After taking ample rest and maintaining a healthy diet, I could visibly observe my body healing by the ninth day. While a few areas still required more time to fully recover, they were minimal, and I didn't experience much discomfort.

It seemed there would be no issue in meeting Grandma. I felt confident that there wouldn't be any lasting aftereffects either.

"I'm alright now."

I spoke, surveying my body. 

Reflecting on the perilous battle, I considered myself incredibly fortunate to have sustained only minor injuries. Undoubtedly, my well-honed abilities and rigorous training played a significant role in evading fatal strikes.

"I owe it to you guys," I expressed my gratitude, gently stroking Keirsey's cheek, who sat beside me.

Recently, Keirsey and Asena had taken care of me with unwavering sincerity.

They were there when I woke up and left when I fell asleep. These days reaffirmed their affection for me, dispelling any lingering doubts or uncertainties.

Of course, the times when they showed villainous traits like in the novel could not be ignored... But having twins with such tendencies looking after me brought undeniable happiness.

I once again realized that their personal feelings toward me remained unaffected. And their actions behind my back were driven by family circumstances. 

Although it didn't excuse everything, it brought a measure of calmness to my heart.

As I caressed Keirsey's tear-streaked cheek, she looked at my bare upper body and spoke pitifully, "...Oppa, but the scars..."

"...."

Indeed, the battle had left gruesome marks on my body. Long, red scars were scattered like snakes gnawing through decaying flesh.

Keirsey cautiously touched the largest scar on my chest, her worried expression unabated.

However, I was fine. In fact, I was more concerned about Keirsey being this sad.

So, I playfully teased her, shaking my head for a moment.

"...Keirsey, can these scars even be considered a problem? Look at my left nipple. What should I do about this? It’s gone now..."

The injuries inflicted by the sword were not limited to just scars. During the battle, my left nipple was also severed.

The doctor assured me it would grow back while telling me the information I didn't want to know in my life.

And now that the blood had clotted and the bandages had been removed... Many people who visited me with concern had already seen this sight.

Honestly, it was embarrassing.

While there were certain aspects of the sword scars I could take pride in, I couldn't pass off the severed nipple as a glorious wound.

Although Keirsey had been in tears, upon hearing my tone and seeing my expression, she burst into disbelief-induced laughter. Then, as if laughing out of resentment, she playfully tapped my arm, her previously tensed face now relaxed.

Witnessing her laughter once again, I couldn't help but smile.

"...Oppa, I think it's alright," Asena interjected from the side.

"Hmm?"

"Since it's a scar that resulted from sacrificing yourself for others... it's admirable. I don't feel sorry for it."

"...Is that so?"

Asena's unexpected words surprised me, but since they were spoken for my sake, I didn't feel offended.

To express my gratitude to Asena, I turned to look at her, but she wasn't looking at me.

Her firm gaze was fixed on Keirsey, seemingly paying attention to the fact that she felt sorry for my scar.

Following Asena's gaze, I once again focused on Keirsey, but the Keirsey who had laughed at me earlier seemed to have vanished. Instead, she was reciprocating Asena's gaze with the same intensity.

A peculiar atmosphere settled upon the room.

“…You guys fought?” I asked. 

"...We did."

"No, Oppa."

"...Hmm."

I pondered for a moment, contemplating the situation, before deciding to rise from the bed.

"...Oppa! You should still be lying down-"

"-Keirsey, the scars have healed, so why should I remain confined to the bed? If anything, I should have gotten up earlier."

Stretching my body and relieving the stiffness in various places, I stood up, experiencing a refreshing ache that spread throughout.

Letting out a satisfying yawn, I addressed the twins.

"Hey, let's go and eat something."

Words that I hadn't uttered in a long time came out. 

In any case, it would be wise to stick together and mend their conflict first.

✧ ✧ ✧

A procession of long carriages continued to pass in front of the academy, stretching as far as the eye could see.

With all classes canceled, the twins and I found ourselves seated in an empty classroom, gazing out the window at the closing procession.

Since all classes had been canceled, even the escort training had been temporarily suspended. This meant there was no longer a need for me to stay by Daisy's side.

Perhaps she, too, was waiting for her family somewhere? Of course, as she was, Daisy might even find a place to study undisturbed.

However, I wasn't too worried about Daisy. Instead, my thoughts were consumed by concern for Judy.

Although she had never explicitly confided in me about her situation, considering the hardships she had endured due to being an illegitimate child even in the academy, I couldn't help but wonder if she was anxious about her family’s impending visit.

Thinking about her, who must be facing her worries alone, tugged at my heartstrings for some inexplicable reason.

I wondered if it was because Judy was the one I had spent the most time with since entering the academy.

We had shared the experience of sweating together, honing our skills as knights, and navigating the challenges that came with our similar family backgrounds. Our bond was unique, and different from the connections I had with others.

The twins were probably unaware of how deeply I cared for Judy. Perhaps even Judy herself was oblivious.

Regardless, I felt uneasy realizing that I couldn't be of assistance to someone who had been there for me during difficult times.

Lost in my thoughts, Keirsey interrupted me, asking, "Oppa, what are you thinking?"

I evaded mentioning Judy's name and casually replied, "Huh? Oh, nothing. I wasn't really thinking about anything specific."

Asena maintained her composed expression, while Keirsey pressed against the window, observing the procession of carriages with the curiosity of an animal.

In that state, Keirsey continued speaking, "This... I still can't believe that all of this happened because of Grandma Liana, or rather, because of you, Oppa."

"I feel the same way, Keirsey."

"I thought I wouldn't see Grandma until graduation. But at least we can see her now, so… shouldn’t we feel lucky?"

"True."

"I wonder if Helen and Thien are also with Grandma. Maybe Max and Lawrence will be there too?"

"They most likely will be."

"Oh... I'm looking forward to seeing them too, then."

-Pa-pa-pam! Pa-pa-pam! Pa-pa-pam! 

The loud trumpet sound reverberated through the air, interrupting our quiet observation of the carriages basking in the warm sunlight.

"It's that family," Asena remarked.

I turned my gaze toward the source of the sound. What I had previously heard only as a rumor now unfolded before my eyes in all its grandeur.

It was the trumpet sound of the Ice family.

Carriages with giant bear paw prints started to emerge in the distance, a unique sight that captured our attention.

Perhaps due to their status as a ducal family or the presence of numerous family members, it wasn't just a single carriage, unlike other noble houses. Consequently, several knights guarded them with watchful eyes.

The thought of potentially having to face those knights in combat if things took a turn for the worse felt unsettling.

Once again, Judy crossed my mind. Even though the sound was just mildly surprising to me, I wondered if it would have more effect on her.

I contemplated going to find Judy, but I couldn't abandon the twins who were waiting for Grandma's arrival either.

"Asena, you must be feeling some pressure as well."

"...Huh?"

"Because of your position."

"...Yeah," she acknowledged, her tone carrying the weight of her responsibilities.

Asena possessed extraordinary power, surpassing anyone else, but it was also true that she was younger than any other family successor. 

Standing shoulder to shoulder with the heads of other families, particularly the seasoned veterans in the political realm like the head of the Ice family, would undoubtedly burden her.

"...But I'll be okay," Asena asserted, attempting to exude resilience.

Just as I was about to reach out, to offer her solace by resting her head on my shoulder, Asena continued:

"As long as you're by my side, Oppa."

"..." My actions momentarily froze. 

She knew, Keirsey knew, and I knew as well that I had already made up my mind to leave the family. However, her choice of words subtly conveyed a message, urging me not to go.

In an instant, I decided it would be best to let it go without saying anything, and I withdrew my arm.

Once again, the three of us fell into a contemplative silence, our gazes fixed on the outside scenery.

In the distance, we sensed the commotion among the students who had been seated by the roadside, eagerly watching the procession of carriages.

Instinctively, the three of us understood the reason behind the excitement.

"They've arrived," Asena stated.

I nodded in agreement.

Simultaneously, the deep sound of horn trumpets reverberated through the ground.

-Boo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo...

To others, the sound might have been foreboding, but to me, it felt familiar and heartwarming above all else.

With it came the sight of beloved faces, faces I hadn't seen in a long time, as they entered the academy, escorting carriages adorned with two serpents. 

Grandma had arrived.

"...Phew..." I let out a sigh as if I were about to present my report card to Grandma.

In truth, I felt more nervous now than when the Ice family had appeared.

After all, Grandma had come because of me.

"Asena, have you figured out how you're going to approach Grandma?"

"...Regarding Sharon Payne?"

"Yes."

"I've given it some thought. Don't worry, Oppa."

"Let's try to ensure Grandma doesn't make a big deal out of it... Let's make an effort. Got it?"

"Got it, Oppa."

Once again, after taking a deep breath, I pondered.

What would Grandma say when she hears about my plan to leave the family?

---  End Of The Chapter ---