CHAPTER 5. Even A Worm Wriggles When You Step On It

When I first opened my eyes, I thought I was dead.

But unexpectedly, I was still breathing, and my body lay quietly on the bed. There was no scary moment of awakening, and Keene didn’t interrogate me.

Until this morning, I was anxious, not knowing when he would come. If it weren’t for Leila, I would have left wearing my official uniform inside out.

Even now, after some time has passed, my anxiety hasn’t completely disappeared. I was scared that he might be waiting silently in the room. But considering that he spared my life, it doesn’t seem like he intends to harm me immediately.

“That guy is like a ghost.”

How did he know?

The only good thing is that I haven’t experienced any immediate side effects, probably because I only took one sip. I had no forgotten memories, and I didn’t notice the common side effects of vagra.

After the mass was over, I staggered through the outer corridor. It just so happened that today’s sermon was about deceit, which made me feel uncomfortable for no reason.

But it was self-defense to some extent; and doesn’t that fall under the category of deception?

More importantly, the key is how Keene will act from now on. Since he’s a human with such unpredictable behavior, it was impossible not to worry.

“Huh?”

Then, from the other side of the hallway, I suddenly noticed a familiar silver hair. The person seemed to recognize me and stopped, swiftly turning towards me.

“Duna.”

Once again, Sir Knight, your good looks are working hard today.

I smiled brightly inwardly, considering various thoughts.

“Sir Peidos.”

In response, he flashed the most handsome smile I have ever seen and asked.

“Are you on your way to your holy power training?”

“No, I have theology class now.”

“I guess you’re reviewing after the mass.”

That’s why I was even less excited about today’s class.

“I understand what you mean.”

“……Haha.”

Who wouldn’t know he’s the commander of the holy knights, he’s so fiercely loyal.

Our personalities are almost complete opposites.

“Your body.”

“Oh, I’m fine.”

I replied, trying to sound nonchalant, though a little nervous. It was because the image of him rolling his eyes as if he found something odd while I was with family came to mind.

Or maybe he’s suspicious of me.

“That’s a relief.”

“Thanks for worrying.”

There was nothing more to say afterward, and a moment of silence followed. I was worried that he might ask an awkward question, but I couldn’t bring myself to leave hastily, as I also wanted to stay with him a little longer.

As the awkward silence continued, he seemed to remember something and spoke up.

“Classes will be held in the west building, right?”

Fortunately, the words that came out of his mouth were an ordinary question. I nodded my head, and he smiled mischievously and said,

“I’ll take you there…”

“Duna Valorem!”

Someone suddenly called my name in a loud voice. I turned around with a puzzled look, and there stood the apothecary Medin and three temple priests walking briskly toward me.

I didn’t feel good after seeing their threatening glares. I anxiously stared at them standing in front of me.

“Sir Peidos, excuse us.”

“What’s the matter?”

When Peidos asked in a slightly cold voice, the priest who had made a bow responded while glancing at me.

“There was a theft.”

“…Theft?”

No way…

“Duna Valorem. Is it true that you stole a potion from the apothecary four days ago?”

Oh no. And of all people, in front of Sir Peidos! I was flustered and couldn’t say anything.

“That… “

“Don’t play dumb! We already found the potion on the desk in your room.”

“…What?”

Damn it, did that bastard Keene return it again?

I didn’t even think of checking my desk in the morning, given the situation.

“Duna, I’m disappointed. I was surprised because there were only four people, including me, who had been in and out of the apothecary…”

“Mr Medin, that… “

His eyes used to look at the diligent student in admiration were now filled with disappointment. Feeling a slight sense of guilt, I opened my mouth in a fluster.

“That potion… I mean…”

But I have nothing else to say.

What else could I say. I was being threatened by a spy from the Magic Tower? So I stole vagra to avoid being manipulated by him?

As long as there’s magic planted under my ear, it’s impossible to say that. Besides, even if I explain it like that, there is no guarantee that I, whose incurable disease was healed through a mysterious way, would not be suspected.

At that moment, I couldn’t come up with any nonsense that I was usually good at. It was a moment of despair, and my lips were tightly sealed.

“I ordered it.”

Everyone’s gaze turned simultaneously towards Peidos, who honestly spoke up.

“Yes? Sir Peidos, what are you saying?”

“I requested it urgently because it was too late to make a formal request to the apothecary, so I had Duna, whom I am familiar with, do it on my behalf.”

“That…”

It was an inexplicably warm defense. At the same time, it was also ridiculous. After all, I wasn’t even authorized to enter the apothecary.

I looked at Peidos, who was steadfastly claiming responsibility, with a touched expression on my face.

“No, Sir Peidos, if you needed vigra, you should have told me directly!”

“…….”

Wait, what did he just say?

It’s not vagra, but vigra?

“By the way… is that really necessary, sir? To the extent that you need vigra….”

Mr Medin’s gaze shifted towards Peidos’s groin area. At the same time, the eyes of the other priests also focused there. Perplexed, Peidos raised his hand and subtly covered that area.

“So…… what Duna took was…….”

“Sir Peidos, this is a serious matter! You should never have any issues of that kind, especially since you are such an excellent person! We need you to have at least ten children for the sake of the kingdom!”

“…….”

Vigra was a treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Peidos, who had become an impotent patient, looked at me slowly.

“Ah…”

It seems I mistakenly grabbed it, probably because the spelling is similar. Feeling embarrassed, I subtly rolled my eyes and avoided his gaze.

“For now, let’s keep it a strict secret. Don’t worry. Of course, I will keep the fact that you needed the medicine a secret.”

“…….”

Mr Medin and the priests left with resolute faces, not completely trusting our dubious words.

The problem with vigra, aside from the health concerns, was that it also violates the doctrines that emphasize post-marital relationships. Of course, there were quite a few priests who had discarded such matters a long time ago, like Leila, but for someone loyal like Peidos, it would likely be a great disgrace.

In other words, the damage I caused is truly enormous.

There was an uncomfortably long silence Between Peidos and me. Not knowing what to do, I stood there desolately, lowering my head upon hearing his sigh.

“I’m truly… sorry, Sir.”

Why does this kind of rude thing always happen? It made me wonder if it was an inevitable characteristic of a clumsy supporting role.

Peidos exhaled quietly and spoke.

“Are you seeing anyone?”

“Um?”

“That medicine. I know it doesn’t work for women.”

“Oh.”

“By any chance, Karel Oski?”

Realizing what he was asking, I quickly raised my head.

“It’s not like that. I… confused it with the fatigue recovery potion… I didn’t think it would be stealing since it was the fatigue recovery potion I made during class.”

Luckily, my bullshitting skills returned just in time. It’s all because I recalled at the last moment that the fatigue recovery potion, like vigra, had a bluish color.

Feeling more confident with my hastily thought-out explanation, I elaborated.

“The ordination exam was just around the corner, and I think I was nervous because my holy power wasn’t improving. Because I practiced too hard, I got a bit overwhelmed…”

“…….”

As he silently stared at me, he slowly raised his hand and patted my shoulder as a comforting gesture. There was a faint smile on his lips.

“There’s no need to be anxious. From what I’ve seen of you, you’ve got a steady stream of holy power. With that level, you should be able to achieve good results. If I were to put it in words, your abilities surpass those of your peers.”

“…….”

“Don’t push yourself too hard in a short period. Your body will suffer if you’re too greedy. You’re already doing well, so there’s no need to rush.”

As always, he was so warm. Even to me, his unscrupulous junior, who made him impotent in an instant.

I was unexpectedly moved, and tears welled up in my eyes. It was intensely frustrating that I had to deceive such a wonderful person.

Peidos smiled softly and placed his hand on my head, gently stroking it.

“In the temple, there are many senior colleagues who are willing to help you. I hope you won’t worry alone.”

“…….”

“And I am one of the people among them.”

This moment, along with the emotions I felt since earlier, fluttered my heart. Could there be another person as warm as him? Even a whole bag of candy wouldn’t be sweeter than this.

I have such a good person like him.

I bit my lip once and lowered my gaze to the ground again.

“Thank you, Sir. It really… brought me a lot of comfort. Truly…”

“I’m glad I could help.”

“I’m really sorry about today’s incident. I will explain the circumstances to Mr Medin and make sure to make up for it. And to you too, Sir…”

Apologizing diligently, he interrupted and sighed lightly.

“It’s okay. Even though there might be some slight setback to marriage…”

“What? No way…”

Unbelievable! Just because of that one thing, would they reject a man with such perfect conditions?

Ah, maybe it’s not just that. If it were Leila, she would claim it was an absolutely essential aspect.

The more I think about it, the more regretful I feel. It would be better if he wasn’t good at all, but he’s a piece of cake with physical strength like that…

These useless thoughts were silenced by his words.

“In that case, since you caused it, you should take responsibility.”

“……”

His ears turned red when he said that.

I stared at him blankly, not immediately understanding the meaning of his words. Then, a moment later, I jumped up in surprise.

Oh my goodness. What did he just say?

I couldn’t believe my ears.

Peidos cleared his throat, glancing at me.

“I’m afraid I won’t be able to take you there since training time is already over. See you next time.”

“Ah… okay.”

Due to my surprise, I couldn’t even properly express my gratitude. We briefly made eye contact, and then he walked in the direction he originally intended.

“…Is this a dream?”

I murmured hopelessly, alone in the hallway.

Was it a delusion, a misunderstanding, or my overactive imagination?

If it’s none of those, then…

“It’s like, we have some kind of connection…”

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