No way. I didnt know it was this bad. What have I done?

Whats going on?

Sigren, who was drinking water, looked at me and put the cup on the table in a hurry. I walked towards Sigrens bed in a dash before grabbing his collar tightly.

What, what?! The embarrassed Sigren tried to jerk back, but it didnt work.

Im sorry! Im going to pull off your clothes for a moment!

What?! What are you talking about all of a sudden?

I pushed his shoulder to the bed before Sigren finished grasping the situation. Since he was embarrassed, he fell back easily. Subsequently, I climbed very lightly on top of his wound so that he didnt feel any pressure. I pulled off the clothes and asked for his understanding once again.

Please, excuse me!

Dont do it if you know its bad manners.

If Sigren were determined and energized, I would never win. Fortunately, he was only blushing and struggling slightly.

Wait a moment.

This is not a matter of a moment, its HEY! Dont put your hand on my stomach! Sigrens face turned redder as I moved my hands. His reaction made me feel like a scumbag hitting an innocent little boy.

Sorry, but I dont have any ill intentions.

You, really!

Despite his resistance, he held his clothes in his hands. I shouldnt have done this, but I couldnt help it. Otherwise, I wouldnt ever be able to check it. I put my finger on the upper side of the wound to avoid his injured abdomen. It wasnt the normal smooth skin that shouldve been there, but rather felt lumpy and scarred. Realizing what it meant, my face turned white as lifted Sigrens shirt up further.

..!

At the shocking sight that opened right in front of me, my body became stiff in the moment. I didnt mean to freeze up, but the fact that I had was painfully clear.

Then Sigren shouted loudly. I told you to stop!

I felt a strong force pushing my shoulders. My body helplessly fell off the bed.

Ah!

Sigren, whod pushed me away, looked perplexed. He alternated looking at his hands and towards me, who was now sitting on the floor. What .. youre like a feather. Why are you being pushed so easily

At that moment, tears fell from my eyes.

Seeing that, Sigren hurried off the bed and sat next to me. Hey did you get hurt from falling?

I shook my head silently. The floor was carpeted, so it didnt hurt. But Sigren carefully stroked my head as he was trying to soothe me.

No, dont cry. Talk to me. Where is the pain? Shoulders? Legs? No, it shouldnt be like this. Ill call the healer quickly. Sigren stood up as if trying to call the grandpa-healer, but before he could go, I grabbed his shirt. I felt his gaze looking down in an uncomfortable position. He got more restless as I cried.

I opened my mouth slowly to reassure him. Im not injured

I couldnt speak to the end. Then, I recalled the wounds on Sigrens body. Scars and deep blue bruises marked him all over his chest, arms, and sides. They werent just simple injuries. Even though I wasnt very versed in medicine, I could see that at glance. Those were evidence that he was deliberately burned and suffered from unilateral violence. The wounds contained malice that had been repeated for many years.

Sigren.

Uh?

Your wound, who did it?

Sigrens face was hard on my question. Did you hear from the doctor? Did you try to take my clothes off just to check it?

I nodded a small nod. Uh-uh

Sigren ruffled his hair roughly.

What? Thats why you cried? I told you to stay out when I took off the bandage. Now youre crying on your own?

I reached out and embraced him.

..

Sigrens body stiffened by my sudden action. Black hair brushed my cheek. Sigren smelled of disinfectant. It even made me feel more sorry for him. It was my fault that he suffered ridiculously for a long time. It was all because of a simple sentence that he had an unfortunate childhood. Honestly, I had never imagined it concretely. I never thought Id see it in front of my eyes. The difference between simple words and the reality in front of my eyes was enormous. I was scared seeing the result of that sentence, like when Id checked Fionas situation in person.

I asked quietly in his ear. Why did that happen?

Sigren replied bluntly. Not a big deal. Many mercenaries are tough, and Im the youngest and weakest, so I am the target.

Subsequently, Sigren snapped his body back. I relaxed my arms and met his gaze.

Sigren, dont say its not a big deal.

Are you pitying me?

I slowly shook my head. This wasnt a feeling of pity, it was one of guilt. It was true that Id experienced the cruelty of the battlefield with my body. However, somewhat, his world felt like it was something distant from my own world. When I saw his wounds, it really hit me. I trembled at the cruelty of the world Id created. This world was beyond my imagination.

Sigren was still young in this world while I had already experienced love and protection from grown-ups in my past world. It was my fault that he suffered from long-term violence in an unusual environment. He had such injuries yet I was complaining that it was hard to get along with him. Frankly, I was ashamed of myself. Even if Sigren hated me in the future, I had to be really good. Always be on his side. It would be the best apology I could give for all of his unerasable scars.

Sigren, Im sorry.

Sigren laughed at the change of my incomprehensible attitude.

Youre apologizing for undressing me, are you?

Its not like that.

The tears that I thought had stopped started to shed again. Sigren wiped my tears with his sleeve while lightly clicking his tongue. Dont cry. Its not even your business, why are you crying?

His touch as he wiped away the tears was very careful. As expected, he was a sweet kid.

Sigren.

What now?

I reached out and carefully held Sigrens cheeks with my fingers. Due to my sudden action, those blue-grey eyes shook helplessly.

I whispered to him, as if it was a spell, I wont hurt you.

..

Perhaps Sigrens wounded heart would not heal until the heroine shows up. But until then I will protect him. I dont want him to be wary of me anymore.

With such a small wish, I laughed bashfully. So lets be friendly.

Sigren opened his eyes wide as he finally came to his senses. Then he immediately murmured, avoiding my gaze.

You cried on your own, now youre laughing youre doing whatever you want, you.

His face didnt seem to hate what I said. So, I decided to put some hope on it.

Yes, we should be good friends.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep