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 35
The next morning, without a word of greeting, Fleck was placed into the carriage.
The silent ride turned straight into the start of work.
When the time for class arrived, Heliosphere stood up from his seat. Just like this, it would remain like this—that was the ideal, the wish. But Fleck’s chest hurt so badly it felt like it would burst. He tried not to think, maybe, just maybe. Maybe they could start over. That was a lie, because selfish Fleck still remained inside him, still holding a faint hope. Stupid, foolish, worthless. Fleck lowered his head, thinking of the East with so much, so much love.
“Fleck.”
“Yes…”
Employer and employee. So he answered quickly, crisply. It was good that he had been trained on brutal battlefields, he thought. He hid the weak, crying, selfish Fleck behind him and forced composure.
“Take this.”
Heliosphere held out a pure white staff toward Fleck, who had plastered on a polite smile.
The smooth white surface gleamed, decorated with silver ornaments.
“Uh, um… this is… a staff…?”
Its shape and beauty clearly showed it was one of a kind, a luxury piece.
“This staff is made from the bones of an ancient dragon that lived in the demon lands’ abyss. The decorations are first-rate. Your black staff is fine, but it cannot protect you. This one is granted with protective spells. It also still holds its natural power to reflect attacks from outside. It is very sturdy. Use it.”
“…Yes… th-thank you. I will treasure it…”
The white staff he received felt very light. Heliosphere looped the cord attached at the grip around Fleck’s wrist and fastened the clasp. Even hanging from his wrist, it carried no weight. Thanks to his special body, Fleck’s sense for magic was sharp, and he could feel the presence within it. The strength of the ancient dragon, the hardness of the protective spell—both were enough for the abyss battlefield.
It was an unbelievable gift. Fleck stared at the cord, embroidered with snowflake patterns, and the silver decorations.
“…By the way, who defeated this ancient dragon?”
An ancient dragon was the kind of beast even that former boss avoided fighting because it was troublesome. To have one slain—what knight order did it? Or some special expedition?
Either way, it was not a peaceful matter.
“I did.”
“Eh.”
Fleck froze at the clear reply.
“Eh.”
Lord Rocca, clothed in knightly ornaments, brave and gallant.
“Wha—”
Facing the ancient dragon with sky-colored eyes, making it bow down with ease.
But that was Heliosphere. Heliosphere, kind at heart. Heliosphere, who didn’t even like his ice powers.
Imagining that Heliosphere fighting, Fleck’s eyes flew wide.
“Why did you go to the abyss, Rio!? You can’t go, it’s too dangerous! The demon lands’ abyss is the most dangerous place! It’s even worse than the East, don’t you understand!? Next time, you mustn’t go!!”
“…Heh.”
Fleck, protesting with all his strength, saw Heliosphere give him a small smile—almost happy—and his face went pale.
His true feelings had burst out. Because the abyss was truly dangerous. Even knowing Heliosphere was strong, there could always be times when strength wasn’t enough. That was the abyss. But such overwhelming emotions should not be thrown at him so carelessly. After all, their relationship was not like that. Yes, not like that at all. Fleck hurriedly lowered his head.
“Ah, uh, I—I apologize!”
“Heh. Thank you for worrying about me. If you think of me that way, then keep this staff always with you.”
“Y-yes!”
“You may only take it off when you sleep.”
“Y-yes…”
“If you don’t have it with you, I will know.”
“Eh—eh?”
“Promise me.”
“Um—”
“You must not run.”
“Uh—”
“When you go out, it will be with me.”
“Ah, uh—”
“Always, by my side.”
“Eh, eh—”
“Promise me, Fleck.”
At first, his gaze was serious. Then it became pressure, leaving no room to refuse. The sky-blue eyes carried an irresistible light, and Fleck found himself nodding.
“Ah, ah, yes—I promise, Rio.”
“Good boy.”
As Heliosphere patted his head, Fleck felt the white staff become unbearably heavy.