I Was Deemed a Worthless Saint Without a Level-Up Blessing and Was Sent Off to Marry a Neighboring Country, but It Turns Out My Blessing Was Actually Level Cap Removal - Episode 41

“Fe, Ferulina!? S-sorry…!”

Just when I think that, I’m suddenly pulled into a strong embrace.

“I know you’re saying this for my sake! But…!”

Alvent’s voice sinks bitterly like mud.

“The scars that remain on the body are nothing compared to the scars on the cheek. I was worried that you might be terrified by the ugly scars… No.”

Alvent’s arms, holding Ferulina, tremble slightly.

“I’m scared… If you see the scars in the light, I’m afraid you’ll start to avoid me…”

“Such a thing…!”

Looking up at Alvent with determination, I try to convey that there’s no need for such worries.

However, what returned from Alvent, who met my gaze, was a weak smile.

“I know more than enough about Ferulina’s kindness. There is no one as pure-hearted as you… You can laugh at me for being a coward. But… it’s precisely because I love you so dearly that I’m afraid of being rejected by you…”

“Alvent-sama…!”

A hot lump rises deep in my chest.

It is absolutely unthinkable to reject Alvent, who cherishes Ferulina, who has been looked down upon for being without protection.

I want to convey that and reassure you, but as soon as I open my mouth, tears threaten to overflow even more. Ferulina gripped the fabric peeking out from the armor with both hands and pressed her forehead tightly against the sturdy body.

The cold, hard armor seems to calm my heart just a little.

Alvent’s large hand awkwardly, yet gently, strokes Ferulina’s back as she sits.

As I savored the happiness brought by Alvent’s kindness, who cared for Ferulina to the very end, I heard an awkward cough.

“Um… Are both of you aware of my presence…?”

At Robes’ hesitant voice, Ferulina suddenly came to her senses. It seemed Alvent had done the same.

As if burned, Alvent suddenly released his arm.

“I’m s-s-sorry! I couldn’t help it when I found out you were crying…!”

“N-no, it’s me who should apologize for surprising you, Lord Alvent…!”

As they apologized to each other with their faces flushed red, they heard Robes’ exasperated sigh.

“I have been feeling increasingly guilty about being here… If it weren’t for Her Majesty the Queen’s orders, I would have left my post and strictly commanded that no one approach the tent for a while…”

“Wait, Robes! Don’t go! If you go, who will stop me when I can’t resist my reason anymore!?”

“Lo, Lord Robes, I am so sorry! I would never intend to neglect you…”

To the stammering Ferulina and the others, Robes lets out another sigh.

“Please calm down, both of you. Especially you, Captain! … I am fully aware that neither of you has any ill intentions.”

“Sorry…”

“I-I understand…”

Like students who have been scolded by their teacher, the two of them droop their shoulders in unison.

“So, um…”

When prompted hesitantly, Alvent, whose expression had stiffened with tension, looked at Robes.

As if understanding the situation, Robes came around the table and helped Alvent remove his metal armor.

The metal armor that Alvent wears is of high quality, adorned in places to signify his status as both royalty and the leader of the group.

However, the well-worn armor, which prioritizes practicality over splendor, tells the story of the fierce battles Alvent has fought so far. Upon closer inspection, the armor bore numerous small scars.

Having finished removing his armor and now dressed in a do-gi, Alvent looked at Ferulina with a troubled expression.

“Um, Ferulina… You might smell a bit sweaty since you haven’t had a chance to bathe yet, right? It would be better if you prepared properly first…”

“It’s alright. I am fully aware of the inconveniences during the expedition. Please don’t worry about it.”

“But…”

“Captain, this is pathetic at this point. You need to brace yourself.”

Even Robes urged him coldly, Alvent placed his hand on the belt of his uniform as if giving up.

As Ferulina watched with bated breath, she involuntarily let out a small scream as she removed her gi and stood bare-chested.

“Alvent-sama! That is…!”

“It’s not just the face. Actually, there’s a large scar of the same color on the chest too.”

On the night we arrived at the Gobules Kingdom, I heard that from Alvent.

However, the scars I actually witnessed were――.

Three claw marks running from the shoulder through the chest, down to the area near the waist.

The very fact that they are still alive despite having sustained such severe injuries seems nothing short of a miracle.

The malevolent, ominous black-purple scar on his cheek clearly indicated that the one who inflicted this injury was something beyond human.

“Captain! What happened!? That injury…!?”

Like Ferulina, Robes, who had been frozen in shock, suddenly snapped back to reality and lunged at Alvent.

“Clearly, the scar has gotten bigger since three years ago, hasn’t it!? Why have you been silent about it until now!?”