My Strange Savior - Chapter 145

Chapter 145

Following Kalion, Gia skillfully found her place and adjusted her posture. 

The rustling noises persisted, seemingly oblivious to any thoughts of quieting down, as she confidently expanded her figure.

“Is that person the foreigner from the other world?”

“In the previous hunting competition, they say she caught a Galicion and even a Satapi.”

Gia couldn’t understand why they were gossiping like this if they were going to speak so loud. Fatigue rushed in already.

As if on cue, the court announcer informed of the Emperor’s arrival. Looking at the slightly improved face, it seemed like the illness had gotten better. How could he recover so quickly after just a few days? Then why was the dragon’s heart needed?

Reasonable suspicions in mind, Gia glanced at Gregory, who stood next to the Emperor. She hadn’t expected him to come along. However, she wasn’t the only one unaware, as Kalion’s pupils beside her dilated.

Whispering into Kalion’s ear as she watched the Emperor shaking hands and entering, Gia asked.

“Why is Gregory with him…”

“I don’t know either.”

The Emperor, starting with a remark about how he almost ruined a grand event due to his health, lightened the mood. With words blessing the goddess of spring, he playfully tapped Gregory’s shoulder, who was next to him, and then showcased his eloquence.

“Everyone must be aware that our world is under threat from a malevolent being from another dimension.”

The heavy words, unfit for a banquet, made everyone swallow a sigh.

“I will do everything in my power to ensure your safety and the prosperity of our empire.”

“Long live the Emperor!”

Why shout ‘long live the Emperor’ as if it’s such a joyous thing? Eventually, she’ll be the one clashing swords with Kalion. The air in Gia’s cheeks swelled.

“To the young alchemist who is putting all efforts into capturing that being, let’s raise our glasses.”

Everyone raised their glasses as if making a promise, responding to the Emperor’s toast. Kalion handed Gia a small champagne glass.

While mimicking the actions of others, Gia didn’t realize her dissatisfaction. Why did his complexion improve so much? She heard he was seriously ill; maybe the rumors she heard were wrong. The Emperor’s face seemed too good to be true.

“Please enjoy the banquet comfortably.”

With the Emperor’s gesture, the music began. Even to Gia’s unfamiliar ears, the beautiful melody filled the banquet hall.

The Emperor held the Empress’ hand and ascended the stage. Then people around them took their seats. It seemed like the real festivities were about to begin.

Gia gestured with her eyes towards Gregory, who was left alone as the Emperor departed. In response, Gregory cautiously started to move.

“What happened?”

Concerned, Gia asked Gregory, whose pale face had lost its color.

“There was an incident.”

“Is your grandfather okay?”

“Yes. He is gradually regaining consciousness.”

“That’s a relief. Are you injured?”

Gregory’s lips twitched awkwardly every time they trembled, causing the pale lips to crack.

“I… I’m really fine.”

Kalion, who was listening nearby, also wore a grave expression. Despite hearing that Oscar was fine, it seemed he couldn’t dispel his worries.

“It doesn’t look fine… To bring such a guy forcibly to a banquet… What is he thinking?”

Gia’s gaze turned sharply to the Emperor, who was going around the banquet hall, holding the hand of a woman who looked like a noble daughter. Should she run over and give him a good scolding?

Gia shook her head slowly. That would lead to trouble. She had to endure it, even if it meant enduring his face.

Gia gently stroked Kalion’s tense arm. 

“He’s recovering.”

“Yes, yes. I heard. Still, I can’t help worrying…”

“Of course. He’ll get up soon.”

Kalion nodded gratefully at Gia’s customary comfort.

“I want to go back to my grandfather now.”

“So soon?”

“Yes. I’m not comfortable here.”

“Oh… I guess so.”

Gregory turned his back, saying he would go first.

“When should I come to see you?”

As they couldn’t visit Gregory and Oscar due to the Emperor’s order, Gia asked.

Gregory hesitated, his tightly clenched lips unable to easily let out the words.

“Lady Gia.”

“Yes?”

Just as Gregory was about to head towards the door, he suddenly stopped and called Gia. After standing with clenched fists for a while, Gregory quickly whispered something and then moved away.

“Please be careful of His Majesty.”

Whether Kalion heard Gregory’s passing words or not, he still seemed lost in his own thoughts.

Out of the blue, be careful of the Emperor. By the time Gia came to ask, Gregory had already left the banquet hall.

Searching for the meaning behind Gregory’s words, Gia looked around. Then, her eyes met with a woman passionately staring at Kalion in the distance.

‘Is it her?’

The woman’s eyes fixated on Gia with a challenging gaze. Even without explanation, it was unmistakable that she was the Princess. Dressed in various extravagant decorations, the true Princess walked confidently.

“Commander, I heard you’ve been through a lot.”

“Your Highness.”

Kalion bowed respectfully.

“It’s been a long time since you stepped down from the commander position.”

The Princess, seemingly unable to comprehend Kalion’s sharp refusal, roamed around like a butterfly.

“That ‘for a while’ is a well-known fact for everyone.”

Observing the Princess, who laughed while covering her mouth with a fan, Gia stared at her intently. 

How long would she have to watch this fox-like woman tail after her man? The Princess, gently gathering her blonde hair, smiled flirtatiously at Kalion.

‘She’s using flirty eyes? It feels unpleasant.’

To hide the fact that they were in a relationship, Gia struggled to control her expression.

“Are you not going to dance today as well?”

“Your Highness, I am with my partner today, so I…”

“There’s no rule saying you can only dance with your partner, is there?”

The princess abruptly interrupted Kalion, throwing her charms around.

‘She really likes Kalion.’

Growling inwardly like an annoyed Chihuahua, Gia suppressed her rising anger.

‘Having an attractive man is exhausting.’

This was all because Kalion was so handsome. Gia, trying to contain her mounting anger, looked around. Even with Kalion’s disapproval, the princess’s provocative behavior continued.

It felt like a clash between a spear and a shield. Gia wished she could just ignore it, but the attention around them was increasingly focused on Kalion, the princess, and Gia standing in between.

This uncomfortable situation was unbearable. Gia subtly moved a step away from Kalion, but even with just that, Kalion immediately stuck by her side.

“Your Highness, I apologize, but in the middle of your conversation, I must say I need to do my best with my partner today. His Majesty ordered us to treat the guest from another world with respect, after all.”

When did the Emperor say such a thing? Kalion, without changing his expression, smoothly spewed out lies while looking at the princess.

Gia, wide-eyed, stared at Kalion, who was telling blatant lies without a change in his facial color.

“I’ll excuse myself now, Your Highness.”

Kalion politely bowed and turned away from the princess. Escorting Gia as if he were dancing, Kalion gently inquired.

“Is it hard for you to adapt to the banquet?”

“Yes… It’s… a bit strange.”

Gia replied with a modicum of respect, knowing she was being watched, and Kalion said he knew she would, and led her away.

“Lady Gia, may I escort you to the balcony? You might feel better there.”

Leading Gia to the balcony as if it were natural, Kalion lowered the curtain.

“Lies are piling up quite a bit, huh?”

“It’s the truth.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

Kalion gazed at Gia with sincerity under the bright moonlight, casting a light on his serious expression.

“You seem quite popular, Kalion.”

“I am content with you. I don’t need anything else.”

Although Gia tried to provoke him, what emanated from Kalion was pure sincerity, 100% concentrated.

Gia pressed her lips together, attempting to soothe her wounded feelings. Kalion, sensing Gia’s frustration, approached with a smile.

“Tss.”

Gia lowered her eyes, scanning the balcony. As the moonlight illuminated the balcony, Kalion, with a serious expression, approached Gia.

“There’s something I want to give you.”

In response to Gia’s words, Kalion widened his eyes.

“Close your eyes.”

At Gia’s request, Kalion obediently closed his eyes. Admiring his sculpted features, Gia carefully took something out of the handbag she had brought.

Grabbing Kalion’s arm, Gia warned him.

“Don’t open your eyes.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Kalion’s manly lips formed a refreshing curve. 

“Now, open your eyes.”

A bracelet, crafted from the beads of the Satapi, adorned Kalion’s wrist.

“Is it already finished?”

“Yes. So, you must never take it off. Understand?”

“Yes. I got it. I don’t have anything to give you in return, though.”

When Kalion furrowed his eyebrows with an apologetic expression, Gia turned elegantly.

“If this isn’t a gift, what is it?”

Responding to Gia’s words, Kalion smiled and caressed his wrist. The solid feeling of his wrist seemed to please him as he raised his arm up and down.

“Do you like it?”

“Who gave it to me? Of course, I like it.”

Seeing Kalion, whom she liked, Gia also felt uplifted.

“I’ll carry it for a lifetime.”

Her eyes seemed ready to burst into tears at any moment. Suppressing the teardrops that were about to fall, Gia turned her gaze away.

Through the crack in the closed balcony, a melody flowed into the night.

Standing by Gia’s side, Kalion took a step back and courteously bent his waist, extending his palm.

“Lady, would you care to dance with me?”

“What… a bit awkwardly.”

“Come on.”

With a playful expression, Kalion still extended his palm towards Gia, pleading with her.

“I can’t dance…”

“I understand.”

“Even if I step on your foot…”

“Feel free.”

Their hands overlapped as Gia placed her palm on Kalion’s hand. Under the moonlight, they began an unexpected dance on the balcony. The softly flowing music, the atmosphere, everything felt dreamy and surreal.

Kalion, holding Gia’s waist, skillfully led the dance.

“Do you know this?”

Raising her hand slightly on Kalion’s shoulder, Gia looked up. His well-defined jawline was visible.

“This is my first time dancing with a woman.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

As Kalion spoke, sincerity emanated from his eyes. 

With their hands intertwined, they began an unexpected dance under the moonlit balcony.