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 44

Gently, a warm palm touches my cheek.

The warm, large palm with a callus from wielding a sword…

“Alvent, sir…”

When I absentmindedly murmured the name of the person who came to mind, the hand that had been cradling my cheek pulled away in surprise.

At the same time, Ferulina’s consciousness awakens.

“Ah…”

As soon as I opened my eyelids drowsily, what came into view was Alvent’s stern face.

“Ferulina! Are you okay!?”

I remember losing consciousness to Alvent’s voice filled with worry.

“Ex-excuse me…”

Not knowing what the current situation was, I tried to get up while apologizing, but I was stopped by Alvent, who was sitting in a chair right next to the bed.

“You don’t have to force yourself to get up. How are you feeling? Is there anything you want?”

“Excuse me, I’m sorry for the trouble… Um, it’s okay, really…”

I tried to reassure them by speaking quickly, but the expression on their face when they returned from Alvent was severe.

“Don’t overdo it. You still look pale.”

The sun must have set while I was unconscious. There is a lamp lit inside the tent. Judging by the state of the tent, it seems I was laid down in Alvent’s tent.

The moment I realized I had taken Alvent’s bed, I felt a deep sense of guilt that made me want to shrink away.

“I’m, I’m sorry…! But I’m really okay! I can get up now…!”

Ignoring Alvent’s words and trying to get up forcefully, I was supported on my back by a large palm. The blanket that had been covering me slipped off and folded over my stomach.

A resigned sigh came from Alvent, who stood up and lent a hand to Ferulina.

“If you want to wake up, I’ll lend a hand. Want some water?”

“Y-yes. Thank you very much.”

Alvent, who woke up Ferulina, immediately pours water into a wooden cup and hands it over.

Only after saying thanks and taking a sip did I realize how parched my throat was.

I gulp down the water poured to the brim in one go and let out a big sigh of relief.

“Would you like a refill?”

“No, that’s enough. Thank you very much…”

When she shook her head and thanked him, Alvent casually took the cup that Ferulina was holding with both hands and placed it on the nearby table.

Still feeling dazed, as I watched Alvent sit back down in the chair, Alvent suddenly leaned forward.

“Ferulina. I have something I want to ask you.”

The black eyes pierce straight through Ferulina.

“You’re hiding something from me, aren’t you?”

“!”

The moment I was asked, my body trembled violently.

This is practically saying that there is something being hidden.

Even so, as I desperately racked my brain trying to think of a way to get around it, my hand was gently enveloped by a large palm.

As if to soften the hardened heart, Alvent weaves a gentle voice.

“That’s not it. Even if Ferulina has a secret, I have no intention of recklessly exposing it. Everyone has one or two things they want to keep hidden. But… right now, what Ferulina is trying to hide is probably about the curse placed on my… dragon, right? What do you know?”

As if guided by Alvent’s voice, I lifted my gaze and met black eyes with a snap.

“I don’t want to make you suffer because of my curse. I’ll accept anything, so please tell me.”

My heart sways at the earnest voice.

The embracing gaze was so reassuring that it made me want to cling to it without thinking…

That’s why I can’t help but think that I don’t want to burden this kind person any further.

Pressing her lips together and looking down as if to avert her gaze, strength filled the fingertips that enveloped Ferulina’s hand.

It doesn’t hurt. However, the large hand that seems impossible to shake off is strong, as if conveying Alvent’s determination.

“……You are kind.”

“Eh…?”

I was surprised and looked up at the unexpected words that were suddenly uttered.

Alvent chuckled, perhaps finding Ferulina’s bewildered expression amusing.

“Your keeping silent is not for yourself, but for me, right? To prevent me from getting hurt… What else can we call someone like you if not kind? …Hmm? Should we call you a saint? Or perhaps a goddess…? Maybe we could even call you an embodiment of compassion…”

“Ah, Lord Alvent!?”

With a serious expression, Alvent began to consider something outrageous, and a ridiculous voice suddenly burst out.

“W-What are you saying!? I-I could never be such a wonderful existence…!”

“Absolutely not!” I said, shaking my head desperately, and Alvent let out a small laugh.

“Finally, you’re back to your usual self. But you always say ‘I’m not worth it,’ yet you’re never someone to belittle yourself. It’s not just me… no, it’s not just me. The other members have been helped by you so much… Please, don’t ever forget that.”

Staring straight at Ferulina, Alvent declares with a serious expression.

“I don’t know the details of what you’ve been through in the Kingdom of Klein. But you are no longer the saint of the Kingdom of Klein. I’ll say it as many times as it takes for you to believe it. You are the saint of the Kingdom of Gobules, and you are my precious bride.”

As if to unravel the sad memories that linger deep in Ferulina’s heart, Alvent’s warm hand firmly envelops Ferulina’s hand.

“Thank you very much…”

At the same time as the words, a tear falls gently.

“Fe, Ferulina…!?”

“To hear you say that… it makes me so happy…”

Not wanting to be misunderstood as crying out of sadness, I smiled while crying, and Alvent let out a small gasp.

Alvent’s right hand, which had been holding her gently, slowly moved away and then softly cupped Ferulina’s cheek.

“Ferulina…”

Alvent, who had woven sweet words, lifted his waist and leaned forward.

As I felt warm breath touch my unconsciously closed eyelids, my lips were suddenly covered by something even hotter.

A gentle kiss that only lightly touches, overflowing with affection.

The moment I felt a faint sense of loneliness as I slowly distanced myself from the warmth.

“S-s-s-sorry!”

At the loud, panicked voice, Ferulina opened her eyes in surprise.