I Tried to Become a Worthless Scumbag to Break Our Engagement for His Happiness, but Instead I Was Hugged, Kissed, and Sworn Eternal Love by the Ice Knight (BL) - CHAPTER 21

As a knight, not as a noble, the respectful title “Lord Rocca” was meant for a close yet distant protector.

Fleck had long since lost everything as a noble, and he had no will to rise again. The only thing left was his wish not to become a burden to Heliosphere.

That was why he thought it a good idea to call him “Lord Rocca” instead of “Lord Nuuno.” That way, he could show others that there was distance between them—as if saying, I stand only as a single person, nothing more.

But Heliosphere, the one being called, looked terribly displeased. His voice came low and heavy, almost a growl, as he said:

“Call me however you want.”

Hearing that, Fleck understood. It wasn’t the title that bothered Heliosphere. It was the fact that Fleck was calling his name at all.

The realization made Fleck’s chest ache sharply.

Even so, Heliosphere never let go of his hand, nor the support of his arm. That was not kindness—it was simply what a knight should do.

Fleck could only hug the foolish, mistaken child inside himself and whisper comfort, all while being held like this.

“Lord Rocca…”

“We still have more stairs to climb. And though this is the new building, our destination lies in the old one. Its structure is worn—there are many steps and uneven ground.”

They walked down a long corridor. Fleck wanted once more to insist he could walk on his own.

But then they turned a corner, and as Heliosphere had said, a sudden step appeared. There was no railing, and without support Fleck could not have crossed it alone.

Now he understood the words “old building.” Indeed, the design before and after that step was completely different. The structure beyond was mostly old wood, with ceilings that felt a little low.

The stairs that appeared next also felt steep, and as Heliosphere supported him, he asked quietly:

“When did it begin?”

“…Around a year ago.”

Fleck had wanted to add It’s recent, so my body hasn’t adjusted yet, but the silence that fell after Heliosphere’s words was too heavy, and it crushed the thought before it could escape.

He could not tell if it was anger, or irritation, or something else entirely. But he could not look at Heliosphere’s face—not when they were this close, with so many steps demanding such closeness.

The corridor of the old building was lined with worn tiles. Fleck was still walking with Heliosphere’s help, silence hanging between them.

No words had been spoken for some time. Even so, Fleck’s throat felt painfully dry.

If I have to be parched, I’d rather be so from talking, he thought. But what should he talk about?

Then Heliosphere whispered, “We’re almost there.”

Clutching at that thread, Fleck tried to speak.

“Good morning, Lord Nuuno.”

The voice that answered was soft and cute.

Fleck thought so.

It had been a long time—these past years, every female voice he heard belonged to some terrible boss deep in a demon’s lair. So the voice of an ordinary, pretty girl sounded astonishingly fresh to him.

Family didn’t count—they weren’t women in that sense—so his sisters had always been excluded from such thoughts.

But if his elder sister ever found out, she would surely scold him with: That’s exactly the part of you that needs retraining, got it?

And Fleck shivered, as if he could already feel that lecture looming over him.