Banishment is Fine: As a Genius Saint, I Can Shine Anywhere. - Chapter 4

“It’s not about weakness… It’s just that everyone has at least one or two things in their past that they’d rather not talk about, don’t they?”

“…Yeah, I suppose so.”

“For me, it’s not so much a weakness as it is… something closer to shame. Talking about it doesn’t feel like exposing a vulnerability—it just makes me feel worse. That’s why I’d rather not talk about it.”

Unlike Meteora, who turned away as she carefully chose her words, Lionel kept his eyes fixed solely on her.

“I get where you’re coming from. But watching you suffer through nightmares without knowing why—it’s not a great feeling, you know? If I at least understood what kind of dreams you’re having, I might not have to worry so much.”

“…”

“I know you’ll just tell me not to worry, but that’s not how this works. You’re an irreplaceable part of our unit—you’re our comrade, our ally. Of course it’s my concern also.”

“…That’s true.”

“Like I said before, I won’t force you to talk. But at least don’t tell me not to worry. No matter what you say, I’m going to worry about you anyway.”

“…Sounds exactly like something a meddlesome captain would say.”

She threw in a teasing remark, but Lionel only shrugged.

“Well, that’s just the kind of person I am.”

Then, after a brief pause, he added:

“And it’s not just because I’m the captain. I care about you personally, too.”

“Lionel…”

“Geniuses have it rough. They can’t easily show weakness or even complain. That’s why, at least once in your life, you should have someone who you can say anything to.”

“…”

“Anyway, I’ll bring you some water. Stay in bed.”

With that, Lionel got up and left through the creaky door.

Meteora stared at the door in stunned silence.

The last time they had a conversation like this, she remembered throwing a pillow at him. But now… she didn’t feel like doing that at all.

(Wait, ‘personally’…? What is that supposed to mean?)

To some people, that line could definitely be taken the wrong way. He probably didn’t mean anything by it, but still…

(But, more than anything, I know he’s genuinely worried about me.)

And because of that, she suddenly felt guilty for shutting him out.

(But still…)

Like she told him, talking about the nightmares that came with her failing health was difficult. Even she wasn’t sure how putting them into words would make her feel. Shameful? Pathetic? Probably both…

Just then, Lionel’s words echoed in her mind.

“Geniuses have it rough. They can’t easily show weakness or complain.”

“…”

He must have seen right through her—whether to put her at ease or to push her forward, she wasn’t sure.

(This time… he’s definitely got me.)

Meteora let out a slow breath while massaging her forehead.

A knock at the door made her anxious, thinking Lionel had come back—but instead, a young girl’s voice called out:

“Um… The captain asked me to bring you some water. May I come in?”

Hearing that, Meteora immediately relaxed.

With a small, knowing smile, she replied in her most saintly tone, “Yes, of course. Come in.”