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 44
It was a day when summer had just begun to show its harsh face.
Fleck had finished his work and was sitting, waiting for Heliosphere to say, Let’s go home.
Because yesterday’s holiday had been spent together — invited out, chatting happily at a stylish café — Fleck’s performance today was perfect. He was sure this was the effect Heliosphere aimed for, inviting him out every holiday on purpose. For the next holiday, Fleck was already planning: he would ask Heliosphere to buy him a lovely outfit. After all, he had already been invited.
“Excuse me! Lord Rocca! It is Third Jego!”
Like sudden thunder. That very energetic request for permission to enter startled Fleck, who leapt to his feet in a panic and caught his leg on the desk. Heliosphere quickly caught him without fail, so nothing happened. Why did you suddenly stand? I thought it was an attack… their eyes said to each other, before Heliosphere answered firmly, “Enter.”
“Excuse me! Third Jego! I bring a message from Lord Brave!”
The one who opened the door and entered was a knight in light armor.
“Brave, is it? Haa…”
Fleck felt the sigh above his head — a sigh that said what a nuisance. He waited for the younger knight to continue.
“Since there is a capable civil officer here, you should focus on your duties as a knight! Immediately assemble at the training ground! That is the message… Lord Rocca, I am truly sorry, but please, I beg you this time!”
Bowing deeply, Jego’s dark gray hair spun forward, and Fleck wondered, who is this Lord Brave who summons Heliosphere like that? He searched his memory. Damian Brave — yes, a fellow student with Heliosphere, a magic knight apprentice. The Brave family were marquises. But is it really proper for someone of a marquis house to summon the son of a duke like that, once he’s in the knight order?
Isn’t that tone of command disrespectful? And isn’t it only allowed in times of national emergency to call someone with a knightly title, like Lord Rocca, so rudely?
Using his proper knowledge, Fleck decided that Damian Brave was a dangerous fellow.
“…Fleck, forgive me, but would it be all right if we stop at the training ground before going home today?”
“Yes. Of course, I will accompany you.”
Though Heliosphere seemed uncharacteristically displeased, Fleck braced himself, ready to stop things if anything went wrong.
The knight order’s training ground was a bit away from the old school building. So, as usual, Fleck walked with Heliosphere’s support.
“Sir Jego.”
“Yes!”
“…You understand why I stopped you, don’t you?”
“Eh, um…”
At the very edge of where he could still recognize a face, Jego looked at Heliosphere supporting Fleck. It seemed he hadn’t realized Heliosphere’s intent. Heliosphere’s voice dropped a degree colder.
“Do you not know why I remain at Fleck’s side?”
Heliosphere’s arm tightened around Fleck’s waist. Fleck, a little tired, gratefully leaned on him.
Following Jego, who pressed forward without care, was painful for Fleck’s injured right leg. Though Heliosphere kept apologizing — “Forgive me, forgive me” — he did not immediately stop Jego.
Fleck knew why. That was why he said, “It’s all right,” forcing his legs to move.
But Jego did not live up to Heliosphere’s expectations. Now, with cold air surrounding, he was being questioned.
“Sir Jego. What kind of knight do you aim to be?”
Even from a distance, it was clear. Jego straightened his back — he had finally realized.
“Fleck served long at the Eastern Demon War Front as a civil officer. He is someone the Kingdom of Kamiokande should honor. He is one we must protect. To know, to notice, and yet fail to act — that is unworthy of a knight.”
Like being pierced in the heart by an ice blade, Jego rushed forward and quickly bowed his head low to Fleck.
“I have… I have been terribly rude. Even while knowing Lord Torino’s leg is unsteady, I pressed forward without care. I am truly sorry.”
“Ah, no, please raise your head, brave knight. With only Lord Rocca’s support, I already receive more than I deserve. So please, show such consideration to those who are in greater need than I.”
Fleck thought Jego would not repeat such a mistake again. Because Heliosphere had not abandoned him.
From the way Jego bowed in true sincerity, Fleck could feel through Heliosphere’s touch that he forgave him. It made Fleck strangely happy. When he looked up, Heliosphere gave a small smile, as if to say sorry to trouble you with this.
Hah? He’s too handsome, though?
Fleck cursed inside his heart, having fallen for him all over again.
“Lord Torino, I thank you for your kindness. …But Lord Rocca—”
Jego switched gears with sharp resolve, and Heliosphere too responded knight-like: “Mm.” He listened to Jego’s words. Fleck, having been made to fall in love twice in one day, wanted to smack Heliosphere but held back.
“The training ground is still ahead. …Would it not be better if you carried Lord Torino?”
“Hmm… because it’s Brave, after all.”
“Yes… well…”
“You were urged as well, weren’t you? Because it’s Brave.”
“Yes. But that does not excuse neglecting Lord Torino’s care.”
“True. But it is also troublesome to keep him waiting. Fleck.”
“Yes?”
“Forgive me.”
“Eh—”
On the word forgive me, Fleck found himself lifted in a princess carry.