Chapter 297
Chapter 297
Kaichen hadn’t left my side until I recovered.
When the one-week recovery spell ended, finally relieved and eventually collapsed.
I heard from the other Tenebres that his body was already devastated when he came to rescue me.
I asked, “So, where’s Master now?”
“I heard he’s sleeping at home. They said he needs to sleep to recover.”
I soon learned why Kaichen had become exhausted.
Time magic was cast in Turbeau in the West, and he depleted his mana, destroying it.
Hamal took his fallen disciple to the Willow House. The fact that Hamal took him there himself meant that it was the best place for Kaichen’s recovery.
I can’t believe I fainted without thought in his arms without knowing his condition. I should have at least checked his complexion.
I sighed deeply and slowly got up. Hamal’s magic was remarkably perfect. There were no scars on my body. I felt a relentless hunger surge, but first, I wanted to go to the Willow House where Kaichen was resting.
I wanted to see for myself if he was really safe.
Knock.
As I tried to remember where I had put the scroll Kaichen had given me to go to the Willow House, I opened the door, and my eyes met someone who I didn’t expect.
“….”
“How are you?”
I had considered tearing the scroll and going to Willow House just awhile ago. But seeing Kaichen suddenly appear, and ask how I was, I found myself giggling.
“I’m completely fine.”
Seeing me laugh, Kaichen also smiled slightly.
“What’s so good that you’re laughing like that?” he asked.
“I thought of you, Master, and you came,” I said, beaming up at him.
He slowly approached me and gestured to the bed. He was telling me to go back under the covers.
Silently, I lay back down on the bed and pull the sheets over me. Kaichen sat where I had been sitting earlier.
“Does it hurt somewhere?”
“No, really, I’m perfectly fine. The master of the Magic Tower is truly amazing. I didn’t know I’d recover this well without any scars.”
“It’s your resilience.”
“Really?”
“Master’s magic only helps the body in self-healing.”
“I see…”
Naturally, I thought of the white robe that had covered Yanghwa. I felt a sense of embarrassment again at the thought that I had been in that state without being able to do anything.
“Your recovery ability is strong enough that your could heal without leaving a scar.”
“Is that a good thing?”
“…”
At my question, Kaichen’s eyebrow twitched for a moment. I think there was some other reason, but no other words came out.
“It’s not a bad thing, right?” I asked again.
“Yes,” Kaichen replied.
“Then that’s a relief. I wondered what would happen if I get scars on my body.”
“…”
“Master, you like my skin as smooth as white jade, don’t you?”
“What are you…?”
“I mean, don’t take it too seriously.”
I made a slightly teasing remark with a hint of sincerity, maintaining a calm expression. As I did, I subtly grabbed Kaichen’s hand.
The gaze of his golden eyes, looking down at me with a sense of unease, shook ever so slightly. I could tell he was feeling guilty for not coming to save me sooner.
Kaichen must have thoroughly examined my body until Hamal arrived. He would have seen every pain I experienced.
“At first, I waited for Master to come and rescue me.”
“…”
“But then I thought, I’m the apprentice of a Archmage. I can use magic, but I felt worried about the aftermath. It felt foolish just to sit there and take it quietly.”
“…”
“More than anything, I’ve always thought I shouldn’t harm others because I have a heavy sin on my conscience. But that’s not the case.”
He looked solemn at my words. I reached for his cheek. The warmth that radiated through my palm was as comforting as ever.
“I felt that I had to live when I thought you would surely suffer when you see me hurting. But even if I was hurt, I had to be strong. I have to think of you.”
Kaichen remained silent, his eyes gazed at me steadily.
“So, I made up my mind.”
I finally let go of the heavy guilt that had weighed down my chest. Ignoring what had happened and not confronting it head-on wouldn’t be the solution.
I needed to rise above it. To return to my former self.
“Master, I’ll protect you so that you don’t get hurt or feel sad.”
Whether it’s me or you. I’m determined to protect us.
“Master…” Looking at Kaichen, who seemed slightly surprised, I gently caressed his cheek and said, “There’s one more secret I haven’t told you.”
Although I said there was a secret, Kaichen nodded, seemingly indifferent. It was as if he were telling me to go ahead and say anything, so my heart warmed.
Exchetra said I could change my destiny because I was a supporting character, but that’s just part of the world’s design. In the end, I am the main character of my own life.
‘Well, if I’m the main character, I wonder if my life will turn into an angsty romance novel.’
But if we were to take into account everything that happened when I was stuck in the Time Magic to now, it felt more like a gritty drama than a romantic comedy.