Nurturing the Hero to Avoid Death

Ch 25.2

As if sensing my confusion, one of the guards turns his head towards the back of the hallway.

I follow his line of sight. In a flash, I find the person I am looking for. That act of kindness is quite surprising. The guards may be good people after all. Though their faces are still scary without a doubt.

In the direction in which the guard gestured, a blond youth stands at the corner of the hallway, back against the wall.

I told him earlier that he can just go back to my room, but it seems like he is insistent on waiting for me.

As I wonder why he moved there, a bit of amusement rises within me.

I guess even Alfred, who usually doesn’t care about the eyes of other people, can’t bear the glares of the guards.

Walking towards Alfred, I notice a second person standing near him.

But since that person is right behind Alfred from my viewpoint, I didn’t notice them from afar.

After I grow even closer, enough to clearly see their features, my brain stops working for a moment. “…Huh?”

Who would have thought that person to be a graceful silver-haired woman, Luzé.

They both seem to be in a conversation, causing a bit of confusion in me.

Heeeeeyy!

Why is Luzé here?!

When did she—

“Alfred!” I call out.

His sky-blue eyes shift to me, and he breaks into a smile. He straightens himself before turning to me.

“Lian.”

“Eh, are you serious? Lian-chan’s there?”

I quickly close the remaining distance and grab Alfred’s arm, pulling him to me. Then I situate myself in front of Luzé. “Why are you here?”

“C-can I not be here?! I just thought of greeting Grandfather a happy birthday! But rather than that, what are you wearing?! Why are you dressed in such flashy, girly clothes?! Disgusting!”

Just as I suspected, she gives me a tongue-lashing after seeing my get-up.

But I’ve long since gotten used to her nasty mouth, so I’m not really shocked anymore. I’d be lying to say I didn’t feel a little down, but it’s bearable. I’m sorry for being disgusting, okay! I want to take this off now and change clothes too!! But if I do that, Lian’s grandfather will definitely grow unhappy.

“This is what Grandfather told me to wear—I mean, this is what he prepared for me.”

“What? G-grandfather?! Why… Why is it always, always Lian-chan! Meanwhile, he’s never given me a single dress! This is so unfair!”

“Even if you say that to me…”

“Why?! I’m a girl! I’m more beautiful than Lian-chan! I also slightly resemble Aunt Lila! Yet, why does everybody love Lian-chan!? At least give me something!” Luzé yells, snatching Alfred’s arm.

Once I see that, my breath hitches, and it’s like my heart stopped. For a moment, my vision turns into a field of red.

Before I realize it, I scream, “Don’t touch him!” and slap away her hand.

Luzé’s eyes widen in surprise. As do Alfred’s.

Unable to process what I have done, my body stiffens, my mind in complete chaos.

What did I just do?

Luzé is the first to return to her senses. She arches her brows, her face completely red. “S-so heartless! How can you slap a girl’s hand like that?! Rude! Scoundrel! Simply the worst! How can someone this disgusting have an escort?!” She then turns to Alfred. “You hate him too, right? Just resign and come work for me. I promise I won’t treat you badly!”