“Um… sorry for making you worry, okay?”
I figured striking first would be best. Before Viirant could start his lecture, I apologized, and his face crumpled up in response.
…Don’t make that face.
I’d rather he got mad at me than look so hurt. He could yell at me all he wanted, insult me, even punch me—I wouldn’t mind.
Thinking about it calmly, from Viirant’s perspective, I deserved that much.
――The truth is, wanting to protect Viirant was just my own selfishness.
I didn’t want him to get hurt because I love him. I thought it’d be better if I died rather than him. If I could die protecting him, I’d consider that my greatest wish fulfilled.
But I know Viirant probably felt the same way. Whenever I got hurt, he’d twist his face in such terrible pain. He’d scold me harshly whenever I did something reckless, and even kept a close watch on me to make sure I didn’t push myself too far.
Deep down, it was all because he cared for me, always trying his best to protect me.
If our roles were reversed, I wouldn’t have been able to handle it. If Viirant had died trying to protect me, no amount of regret would ever be enough.
…I had made him suffer that much. I made someone who used to smile so shyly cry like that.
“Earlier,” he began.
“Hmm?”
“…You said you… like me…”
“Oh, yeah. I did. What about it?”
When he got mad at me for not letting him protect me, I said something along the lines of “I couldn’t help it because I like you.”
I wanted to protect him because I love him. That’s all there is to it.
Is there something weird about that?
“…What… kind of ‘like’ are you talking about?”
His expression was almost a glare, and I tilted my head, wondering how I should answer.
It’s definitely different from the kind of affection I have for family. Sure, Lena is adorable, and Emilia is a good kid, and I love them both. But I look at them like kids from the village. I want to keep them safe and help them when they need it.
I like Dirk and Kahim too. They’re like… well, I guess saying they’re like Radek and Osmo from the village wouldn’t make much sense. To put it simply, they’re friends. I enjoy talking with them, and they’re fun to be around, but kissing? No thanks. That’s where I draw the line.
So what is Viirant to me…? Honestly, I don’t know how to categorize him. There’s no one else I can compare him to, so I don’t really know how to describe it.
I want to see his shy smile more, and I don’t want to see him in pain. Sure, his crying face was cute, but I don’t ever want to make him cry again.
I don’t want him to get hurt. I want him to live. And if it means that, I wouldn’t mind giving up my life.
That’s the kind of love I feel for him.
As I rambled, struggling to find the right words, Viirant suddenly turned bright red.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen his face turn this red.
He was scowling a moment ago, but now he looked flustered, his eyes trembling with confusion.
It’s better than him glaring at me, but I still don’t get why he’s blushing.
“…Do you realize what an intense line that is?”
“Huh?”
“You’re basically saying you love me.”
Love. Ai.
Hmm.
Now that he mentions it, I guess that’s true.
I don’t really understand much about love and romance, and my feelings for Viirant aren’t entirely clear either.
But if this indescribable feeling I have for him is what they call love, then I guess it’s love.
I don’t want to kiss anyone else, or do anything beyond that, with anyone but Viirant.
“Yeah… I guess that’s true.”
As soon as I said that, Viirant hugged me tightly. I slowly patted his back.
I’m so glad I made it back.
I’m so glad I didn’t make Viirant sad.
I gently rubbed his trembling shoulders and leaned in to whisper into his red ear.
“Want to take a bath together?”
Viirant froze once again, but this time, he nodded silently.
That little gesture was so adorable that I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh.
…If he notices me laughing, he might sulk again.
✢
The room I’d been sleeping in since arriving at the fortress was apparently a special one prepared for the hero. It was the most luxurious room in the fortress, usually reserved for important guests.
No wonder the bed was so big and fluffy.
The bedroom had plenty of space even with my bed and a cot set up side by side. The adjoining room had a sofa set, and at the back of the room were two doors, leading to a bathroom with hot water heated by magic stones and a flush toilet. Talk about having everything you could ever need.
Heroes really are treated like royalty. I’m grateful.
While Viirant busied himself preparing the bath and laying out clothes for the both of us, I just sat there, staring at him.
Even though I kept telling him I was fine, apparently I wasn’t allowed to leave the bed just yet.
Since it was a day off, I hadn’t been able to see a doctor, and walking might irritate my injury, so moving around was also forbidden. Viirant had told me if I wanted to move, I’d have to be carried like a princess.
…Has he gotten even more overprotective over the past month?
Sure, the wound left a significant scar, but I’m really fine now. No matter how you look at it, the wound is already healed.
But Viirant kept insisting that we couldn’t know what was happening inside my body.
He said my “I’m fine” couldn’t be trusted anymore, so I’d have to wait until the doctor could examine me tomorrow. After all the times I’ve collapsed or lost consciousness, it seems I’ve finally lost his trust completely.
I guess I’ll behave myself for a while.
“Ahh, this is the best.”
Even when I was unconscious, my body continued its basic functions, which included self-purification. But still, there’s nothing like a bath.
Back in my village, the best we could do was wipe ourselves down with wet cloths, so this feels like the ultimate luxury.
Honestly, just being able to soak in hot water makes me glad I left the village.
And, of course, I got to meet Viirant.
――Who is currently sitting there with his head down, blushing all the way to his ears.
We used to bathe together all the time at inns during our travels, so I don’t understand why he’s embarrassed now.
Not to mention, he’s done all sorts of things with me before, things I’m not going to specify here.
He’s spent an absurd amount of time caressing every inch of my body, so why is he suddenly shy?
“I can wash you, if you want?”
“…A-Ah, yes…”
Viirant’s face turned even redder at my teasing offer.
He’s not overheated yet, but judging by his face, he might collapse soon.
Considering what might come after this, maybe I shouldn’t tease him too much.
I lathered up my hands with soap and started washing Viirant’s hair.
His soft, straw-colored hair felt great to the touch.
It had grown a bit over the past month, which made it even nicer to run my fingers through.
I massaged the soap into his scalp, making a bubbly mess, and it was fun—kind of like petting a fluffy dog. If Viirant were a dog, he’d probably be one of those large breeds with thick fur.
After washing his hair, he returned the favor, being extra careful with my thinning old-man hair. Then we washed each other’s bodies.
When Viirant saw the scar on my chest, he furrowed his brows in distress, and I found myself frowning too.
His body was covered in new scars, scars, scars everywhere.
He had divine protection and healing potions, so how reckless did he have to be to end up like this?
I’m the one who left things in his hands, but I’m sure I told him to take care of himself.
He’s always nagging me not to push myself, yet here he is, adding all these new scars.
“…Zef…”
“Quiet.”
I ran my fingers over his still-fresh wounds, using holy power to heal them.
I moved in close, checking him over thoroughly with both my hands and eyes to make sure I didn’t miss anything.
――That should do it.
I couldn’t completely restore him, but at least the worst of the scars were gone. I let out a deep sigh of relief.
As I did, my eyes naturally drifted downward and… well, let’s just say Viirant was visibly aroused.
I shot him a questioning glance, and he turned bright red, quickly averting his eyes.
…Guess we know where this is going next.
