My Strange Savior - Chapter 146

Chapter 146

“Is this an honor?”

“So, please say it’s your first time too. Otherwise, my eyes might turn with jealousy.”

Using the expression ‘my eyes turn.’ Gia’s eyes widened at Kalion’s unconventional words.

“Really?”

“I didn’t know either, but I seem to be quite a pathetic man compared to what I thought.”

Kalion lightly brushed against Gia’s soft cheek with a playful gesture.

“It tickles.”

Gia’s hips, swaying to the rhythm of Kalion’s dancing, matched the beat of his steps.

In the blink of an eye, Gia’s white shoes lightly touched Kalion’s black shoes.

“Hey, your foot, does it hurt?”

“Not at all.”

As Kalion moved, Gia’s body swayed. A peaceful and gentle atmosphere, fitting for the warm weather, surrounded the two.

How nice would it be if it could last forever?

With Gia’s chin resting on Kalion’s shoulder, she deeply engraved this dream-like moment into her heart.

‘With this memory….’

Gia’s eyes, leaning comfortably on Kalion’s broad shoulders, swallowed the sadness.

‘I’ll endure it.’

If Kalion finds out what Gia is thinking, how would his expression crumble? Just thinking about it made Gia’s heart ache.

If it hurts just once in the end, everything will be peaceful afterward.

Along with the flowing melody, the shadows of the two danced together.

[Decisive Battle]

The last day of the banquet arrived quickly. 

Two out of the three days had already passed. Gia, blaming the fleeting time, tried to hide her growing sadness behind a forced smile.

Knowing that only until today was allowed, every minute and second felt precious like gold. Today, too, must be spent meaningfully. Since the obnoxious emperor had announced a banquet for the knights who had suffered for a special cause, she had to eat strategically. 

Gia’s eyes flickered.

Gia, wearing the dress that Kalion had ordered, coughed lightly.

“It’s beautiful.”

The transparent lace covering her shoulders and the flowing blue dress underneath swayed with Gia’s movements. Her clear and white skin stood out dramatically.

“Beautiful.”

A twirl.

As Gia spun around, the hem spread and the embedded sequins sparkled brightly. Gia’s eyes, accustomed to looking down, involuntarily dropped.

Feeling the weight of the vial of medicine hanging on her thigh, her heart sank endlessly. Add the sunny weather to that, and it became hard to breathe, and anxiety welled up.

Gia took in the beautiful garden outside the terrace of the mansion. As spring passed, flowers began to bloom vigorously. Despite seeing the garden adorned with various vivid colors beyond green, Gia’s heart felt endlessly heavy.

It truly felt like there wasn’t much time left. A life that couldn’t be sustained even with half a vial of medicine. 

Even if she had to die as a ghost, she had to somehow kill Morrison. Making a habit of such determination, Gia moved her body. 

Let’s put aside such worries for today.

Braided hair, intricately woven on one side, fluttered down to Gia’s shoulders. Gia, adorned with a silver jeweled headband and scrutinizing her outfit once more, hesitated before leaving the room.

With a fixed expression, she turned her body again. Although such an event might not happen, there was always an exception in human affairs.

Gia cautiously walked on the carpet. Beneath the lifted skirt, her fair thighs were revealed. On each thigh, there hung an incongruent black holster. One side held a dagger, and the other held a vial of medicine. Thanks to the wide skirt, the comical appearance was hidden.

Her lips pursed together. She had told Kalion, the Duke, and those who followed him that Gregory had warned them to beware of the Emperor, but she was not reassured.

The situation in the court was complicated, and with Gregory holding the purified heart, most reactions were skeptical about diverting attention elsewhere.

She knew that, but since Gregory wasn’t someone to speak unnecessarily, Gia felt the need to be more cautious. Was the emperor truly overcoming the illness, rendering Gregory’s power unnecessary? 

With various possibilities open, it was challenging to obtain an accurate answer.

The movements of the cat-like group eyeing the emperor’s position showed no signs of stopping. It felt like the calm before a storm.

Despite hosting a banquet to showcase his well-being, there was still an undercurrent of power struggles among those who coveted the emperor’s position. Even with the duke’s assurance that they couldn’t openly harm the knights, Gia wasn’t relieved.

Gia, who had learned through a world in ruins how far a person could go after a turn, bit her lip.

Being cautious won’t hurt.

Gia gripped the dagger hanging on her thigh. The ornament Kalion had attached to the tip of the blade wiggled and tickled her thigh.

Feeling the sensation of the ornament on her skin, Kalion’s emotions were transmitted directly to Gia’s heart, making it strangely swell.

Gia, straightening her skirt, opened the door and found Kalion, still picturesque, waiting for her in the corridor. Seeing the consistent man, her heart fluttered.

‘Meeting you might be the luckiest thing in my life.’

Gia allowed the words she was too embarrassed to say aloud. Just looking at Kalion increased her heartbeat abnormally.

She fell for Kalion without even realizing it. It seemed more unnatural not to love such a man. Even the footsteps of Kalion made her heart race.

Without thinking, Gia naturally raised her hand to his firm one. Today, she had to live like a princess from a fairy tale. Not holding the hand of such a handsome man wouldn’t befit a princess. 

As their hands met, warmth transferred, and Kalion’s smile softened.

“Shall we go?”

“Yeah.”

Following Kalion, who held her hand, Gia took a step. Just having him by her side made her feel secure and fulfilled.

The weather was getting warmer, but Gia’s hand had turned cold. Kalion, who held Gia’s cold hand, intertwined their fingers.

“Your hand is cold.”

“Yeah, getting older, maybe my blood circulation isn’t working well?”

“Please don’t say such things.”

Gia joked, and Kalion scolded her sternly. Nevertheless, Kalion continued holding her hand with both of his, sharing his warmth.

“Why? Now that I see, an older man’s charm isn’t your preference?”

“That’s not true.”

Gia chuckled, not paying attention to Kalion’s serious expression.

“What if I ask Kalion to carry me around when I get old?”

“Carry you? Sure.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

Despite the difficulty in walking due to Kalion holding the opposite hand, Gia laughed happily.

“I can still carry you. Should I?”

Gia playfully tapped Kalion’s strong arm.

“Enough. I can still walk for now.”

“Alright.”

Kalion lifted Gia’s waist.

“Hugging is allowed, right?”

“What are you saying? You’re already hugging me.”

With Gia nestled in Kalion’s arms, they left the mansion. Despite hearing the butlers and servants clearing their throats, the two paid no attention. They expressed their affection as openly as they did at home, without caring about anyone’s eyes.

Gia, who had embraced Kalion’s neck tightly as they reached the carriage, spoke.

“Good.”

“I feel the same way.”

At the honest response, Gia’s lips loosened.

A bump.

As the wheels rolled, Gia’s worries increased, but she buried her face in Kalion’s chest, pretending as if nothing happened.

How long had they stayed like that, with Kalion’s heartbeat as background music? The carriage stopped; they had arrived at the palace.

Kalion got off first, and his hand reached out. Gia, having arrived at a place different from the previous banquet hall, looked around. She marveled at the dazzling palace to the point where her eyes were almost blinded.

“They seem to have put effort into this.”

Kalion commented on the appearance, which Gia had thought would be just a formal dinner.

“Really? Let’s go inside.”

“Yes.”

Holding Kalion’s hand, they ascended the stairs. The court herald announced their arrival. As they entered, familiar faces came into view. Gia was surprised to see the knights neatly dressed, more than she had expected.

“Oh.”

“Lady Gia, have you arrived?”

Everyone seemed to be in a celebratory mood, greeting Gia with well-groomed appearances. Gia, seeing the clean-cut knights, widened her eyes.

“Well, everyone looks quite polished today.”

“Oh, Lady Gia, you’re the only exception.”

Gia’s teasing remark elicited a playful response from Spencer. 

Several round tables were arranged, and everyone found their seats. Reserved for Gia and Kalion were the prominent seats closest to the stage. Gia’s face lit up with a bright smile as she exchanged greetings and caught up with the familiar faces of the knights.

However, the relaxed atmosphere dissipated with the arrival of the emperor. 

“Thank you all for coming.” 

The emperor declared confidently as he led his entourage into the banquet hall, radiating immense power from head to toe. Gia made a face, expressing her discomfort at the sight, and Kalion nudged her with his knuckles.

“Don’t be too obvious.”

“How can I not? That face is just… ugh.” 

Gia groaned, prompting a stern look from Kalion.

“Please refrain from such comments.”

Even with Kalion’s serious response, Gia continued to laugh at his remarks. Unbeknownst to the emperor, the other knights suppressed their laughter.

“I want to express my gratitude to the knights who have worked hard for the empire.” 

The emperor continued. Gia, still uneasy, whispered to Kalion.

“Just give them something. Why does he have to make a fuss about it?” 

She said, shaking her head. Gia lowered her head, pretending to be engrossed in her own thoughts.

“I’ve been thinking about what reward to give to the knights who have suffered for the empire.” 

The emperor continued, his grandiloquent speech dragging on. Gia rolled her eyes, unimpressed.

“Let’s start with the meal.” 

The emperor declared, reaching out his hand. A variety of dishes, prepared by the attendants, were placed on the table one after another. Despite the bountiful feast, Gia seemed to have lost her appetite.

“Do you have no appetite?”

“For whom do you think?” 

Gia whispered to Kalion again, holding her fork. Despite the discomfort, she forced herself to chew and swallow the food gracefully.

The emperor continued to monopolize mealtime with his verbose speeches. Kalion’s voice and the knights’ banter occasionally interjected, but the emperor seemed oblivious as he continued to loudly express his thoughts.

As the dinner progressed, the emperor raised his hand to call for attention.

“Oh… that.” 

Spencer exclaimed, marveling at the wine bottle the attendants were bringing.