My Strange Savior - Chapter 116

Chapter 116

“I know how you feel, but once we catch Morrison, can we reveal the fact that we’re dating?”

“I’ll catch him soon.”

Kalion responded promptly, without a hint of hesitation. Gia beamed at his resolute answer.

“Yes, let’s catch him quickly.”

“Okay.”

She knew it wouldn’t be an easy path, but the anticipation of the future after that made Kalion’s eyes sparkle brightly.

“Do you like the room?”

Kalion asked as he escorted Gia. Were the stairs always this steep? Gia, restricted in movement due to her shoes, leaned on Kalion’s arm for support.

“Yes. What’s not to like? Don’t I manage well anywhere? I have remarkable adaptability.”

Kalion’s face brightened at Gia’s banter.

“I know. I understand you very well.”

Kalion, recalling their first meeting in the cave, smiled, and the surroundings seemed to clear up.

“Don’t worry. I’m doing so well right now.”

“But if there’s anything uncomfortable, please don’t hesitate to tell me. I want to do my best as your lover.”

Gia laughed with determination at Kalion’s overflowing sincerity.

Before she knew it, they had reached the door. Gia shook hands with Kalion.

“See you tomorrow.”

“Yes.”

“Go in.”

“Go in.”

The distance between Gia’s room and Kalion’s room was just ten steps away, but they were playfully wrestling about who should go in first.

“Alright.”

As if declaring victory, Gia opened the door and pushed herself inside. What to do? Kalion was becoming too dear to her. An overwhelming affection flowed uncontrollably.

Having received a report that Rey was already asleep, Gia carefully moved her feet. 

On the bed, a small figurine popped up. As if in a deep sleep, Rey held the doll Gia gave him close, breathing regularly. 

Gia sat beside him, gently brushing Rey’s soft hair. Is it okay to feel this happy? An uneasiness lingered around Gia.

For someone who had experienced various twists in life, the happiness Gia had to handle now was too immense. What if it suddenly disappeared one day? 

A familiar anxiety washed over her. She decided to put an end to the melancholy thoughts. It was challenging to regain composure, especially when overwhelmed with happiness.

Kalion’s love was that significant. Suddenly, she found herself wanting to imagine a future with him. However, it wasn’t possible, so Gia lowered her eyes. 

Absently playing with Rey’s hair in her hands, Gia swallowed a sigh.

[Meeting with the Emperor]

As the morning dawned, Rey greeted Gia with a smile.

“Was it okay without me yesterday?”

“Yes. It’s fine now, Sister.”

Rey smiled more confidently than before, like sunshine. Gia, reassured by his smile, got up.

“With Sister and the knights around… everyone takes good care of me.”

Rey continued speaking quite assertively.

“So it’s okay. The maid sister said that Sister will be very busy from now on. She said not to disturb you.”

“Oh my, when did you grow up like this?”

Gia chuckled and gently patted Rey’s round bottom.

“Shall we go eat?”

Gia, who considered mealtime more critical than anyone else, stood up and held Rey’s hand.

“Yes!”

Gia got up, leading Rey into the attached bathroom. 

Alchemy was convenient even for Gia, who came from another world. It ensured that the water received stayed fresh and maintained the right temperature.

Having filled an iron basin with water, Gia wrapped a towel around Rey’s neck.

“Let’s wash up.”

At Gia’s words, Rey tightly closed his eyes. As Gia gently wiped his small face, a lively energy emanated from his already adorable face.

After drying Rey, Gia finished dressing him. Stepping outside in thin shimmery clothes, they heard a polite knock.

“Lady, it’s maid Ellie. May I come in?”

Responding to the courteous voice, Gia opened the door.

“I will assist with dressing.”

Recalling the chaotic past of struggling to undress alone, Gia nodded gladly. The clothes in this world were so intricately designed that it was challenging to put on alone.

The maid who had guided Gia behind a screen held out a new set of clothes. It was not the outfit from yesterday. Curious, Gia looked, and the maid continued explaining.

“These are Madam’s clothes. Since the clothes in the dressing room haven’t been altered yet, Madam provided you with a spare set.”

It wouldn’t have mattered to wear yesterday’s outfit again, but not wanting to refuse Audrey’s kindness, Gia nodded.

The maid skillfully dressed Gia. After meticulous dressing, the maid led Gia to the opposite mirror.

“Wow… You look beautiful.”

The slightly more practical dress than yesterday was not uncomfortable to move in. The creamy-colored dress fluttered around Gia’s ankles.

As the maid touched the luxurious fabric, she guided Gia to the dressing table.

“I will take care of your hair.”

The maid combed Gia’s hair. In a short time, the somewhat unruly hair was neatly arranged. Gia, with her hair loosely braided to one side, looked at herself in the mirror.

It felt like she had become a noble lady. Gia felt unfamiliar with herself again, just like yesterday. She didn’t feel deserving of such luxurious treatment. In front of the mirror, makeup tools were spread out.

“Makeup, too?”

“I’ll keep it light.”

Though it felt awkward to do makeup in the morning, Gia obediently let the maid handle her face.

As the tapping hands continued, her face brightened.

“Wow, Sister, you’re so pretty.”

“Thank you.”

Blushing at Rey’s sincere compliment, Gia lowered her face.

“It’s all done.”

At the maid’s words, Gia slowly raised her head. The beautiful woman in the mirror smiled brightly at her. She thought she had adapted yesterday, but perhaps that was Gia’s misconception. It seemed she still couldn’t tear her eyes away from the mirror.

Beside her, Rey continuously praised her as the best and extended his hand to Gia. To match Rey’s mannerisms like a nobleman, Gia raised her hand.

“I am honored to serve you.”

“Where did you learn to say such things?”

“From the fairy tale book the maid sister read to me yesterday.”

“I see.”

Gia barely contained her laughter at Rey’s use of lines from the fairy tale. She had to be careful even about drinking water in front of the kids. Not wanting to embarrass the little gentleman, Gia cleared her throat and tightly gripped her small hand.

“Please, then, do me a favor.”

“Please trust only me, Lady.”

Rey, with his chest, puffed up, straightened his posture like a young nobleman.

Mimicking Rey and playing along with the noble act, Gia took a step toward the door. However, she stopped in her tracks.

Waiting by the corridor window, Kalion leaned against the wall. The sunlight poured dazzlingly over Kalion’s black hair.

“Did you have a good dream?”

“Oh, um, yes.”

Kalion, who had walked over, extended his hand towards Gia as if it were the most natural thing.

“Shall we go?”

With one hand holding Rey’s and the other taking Kalion’s, Gia slowly walked towards the outside.

May this calmness linger a bit longer. Gia silently wished for one small hope.

* * *

Kalion moved forward with unwavering steps. Although he had put aside his official duties, there was still unfinished business.

Attending the joint funeral of the fallen comrades, Kalion’s attire was entirely black. Arriving at the square in a carriage, Kalion led his heavy steps.

The funeral, held under the Emperor’s command, was open to the people of the empire as well. The square was filled with a large crowd mourning the fallen. Kalion, who often organized such events to showcase his eloquence to the imperial citizens, didn’t appreciate it.

Kalion’s expression darkened significantly as he felt that the sacrificed comrades were being used as political tools.

In the vast square, coffins draped in luxurious fabric containing the bodies of the fallen members were lined up. The faces of the families were filled with tears and deep sorrow.

To offer comfort, Kalion stepped forward. The surviving members followed behind.

Even though he knew that no words could truly console them, Kalion wanted to acknowledge how brave they had been.

Kalion’s steps halted in front of the coffin of Rockt. The elderly father of Rockt, standing still, seemed dangerously close to collapse at any moment.

“Commander… No, not anymore.”

Deep wrinkles appeared on his aged face. His expression twisted as if he still couldn’t believe the visible truth. His eyes, fixed on Rockt’s coffin, trembled as if experiencing an earthquake. 

“I’m sorry.”

“Huh, ugh.”

His voice, swallowing the sorrow, felt like a suppressed scream. Though he didn’t scream, it sounded as if a scream could be heard. Kalion tightly closed and opened his eyes. Grinding his teeth to hold back tears, muscles tensed on his jaw.

“Vice Commander Rockt…”

Choking on his breath, Kalion uttered the next words.

“Fought with honor until the end.”

Kalion’s words brought the man to his knees. Kalion, kneeling beside him, held the wrinkled hand that mirrored his own.

“I’m sorry.”

“Commander… Commander.”

Kalion couldn’t find an answer to whether he should say something other than apologies. With countless emotions inside him, and knowing that no words could bring solace, Kalion swallowed his myriad of feelings.

Surveying the funeral surrounded by the crowd, Kalion forcefully suppressed his emotions. As nobles were also present at the funeral, families were visible in the distance. Naturally, Kalion shifted his gaze towards Gia, who was with his family.

Worry emanated from a distance. Catching Gia’s eye, Kalion rose, supporting Rockt’s father.

“These are the mementos Vice Commander carried.”

Spencer, who stood beside Kalion, presented a small box.