Chapter 209
Chapter 209
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 209
Chapter Title: A Relationship with Affection
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***
As the afternoon slowly faded into evening.
Adelia found herself gazing blankly at the two cadets reflected in her eyes.
“I’ll use my family’s power to find another way. Leonhardt, all you need to do right now is get your heart in order. You can definitely get your trait back.”
“...You don’t have to go that far. And I’ve already composed myself. Don’t worry.”
The sight of Cadet Yumia speaking with earnest intent and Cadet Leonhardt replying with a warm smile. It seemed more meaningful than I had thought.
‘Even if he has steadied his will on his own….’
I had believed Cadet Leonhardt would need more time to truly solidify his resolve, but contrary to my thoughts, what Cadet Han Cheon-seong had said was correct.
—Yumia will surely be a great source of strength for Leonhardt. Because he’s already composed himself and stood back up. That’s why I think letting them meet will be a much bigger help.
I had reluctantly agreed to the earnest plea in his voice, but the scene before my eyes was certainly ideal.
Instead of letting his guard down or trying to lean on another cadet entirely, Cadet Leonhardt was looking at Cadet Yumia and trying to steady his own heart even more.
The same Cadet Leonhardt who looked as if his world had collapsed when he regained consciousness and heard my explanation was now smiling brightly.
A better outcome was impossible.
‘Somehow… I’m envious.’
Watching them, that thought inadvertently rose to the surface.
As the cadet named Yumia showed her affection, Cadet Leonhardt, the recipient of that affection, found stability by awkwardly returning it.
It was just a simple act of exchanging words and revealing a small part of their hearts to each other, yet I could feel the affection they held for one another just by watching.
“And given the situation, I probably won’t be able to leave the infirmary for a while. It’s not something I can decide on my own.”
“...Is that so? That’s such a shame. I want to see you like this.”
As they entered a world of their own, I finally turned my gaze away.
‘Hoo.’
Swallowing a faint sigh, an unrelated feeling welled up inside me.
I couldn’t help the mix of envy and regret that was rising within.
‘I wish I could be like them….’
There was a time when I had tried to spend time with Cadet Han Cheon-seong. In fact, if this week’s incident hadn’t occurred, I had resolved to close the distance a bit more boldly.
But now, I had no such leeway.
I checked the time as I thought.
It was nearly 7 PM.
Even as I thought that Cadet Han Cheon-seong would be visiting again soon... I felt a deep sense of regret.
Though we had made a promise at the end, the timing was terrible for me to express feelings like affection toward him.
‘Right now, stabilizing Cadet Han Cheon-seong’s heart is the priority.’
While Cadet Leonhardt may have suffered the most damage, I couldn't be complacent and assume Cadet Han Cheon-seong was unaffected.
Just because he said he was fine on the outside didn’t mean I should take it at face value. So that Cadet Han Cheon-seong could find more peace of mind... I had to maintain my position as an instructor for now.
When Cadet Han Cheon-seong was struggling and emotionally exhausted. So that he could lean on me without feeling burdened, it was right for me to show a calm demeanor.
‘That’s what I have to do.’
I resolved inwardly, hoping my meeting with Cadet Han Cheon-seong would come a little sooner.
“……”
And yet... the quiet display of affection between the two cadets in my sight simply made me envious.
***
After Cheon-seong and Glacia spent their time at the cafe.
Having also finished dinner, they were strolling through a park together.
*Thud. Clack….*
As only the sound of their footsteps echoed quietly, my gaze drifted to the side.
I saw gently swaying blue hair, and beneath it, Glacia’s calm and composed face.
‘She’s a greater source of support than I thought.’
Looking at her, that feeling was strong.
Having made a huge expenditure to custom-order a spear, I had no financial leeway. So on days like today, when I met with Glacia, my heart felt much lighter.
That was because Glacia readily paid for everything.
The first few times she treated me, I had tried to pay my share, but her firm insistence that she would handle it led me to accept.
And at some point, the burden on my heart had largely vanished, as I now had something to give her in return.
*Glance.*
As if sensing my gaze, she met my eyes, and I immediately spoke softly.
“Dinner was delicious. Thanks, Glacia.”
“It’s what we agreed on. You don’t have to thank me every time.”
A small laugh escaped at her tone, which suggested it was truly nothing. I shook my head and spoke again.
“Still, I’m grateful for what I’m grateful for.”
“...Alright.”
Her reluctant acceptance was pleasing for some reason, and spotting a nearby bench, I sat down.
*Pat, pat.*
I then patted the spot right next to me and looked at her, and Glacia immediately sat down beside me.
I felt the day was gradually coming to an end. Like a set routine, after dinner and before parting ways, we would share a few words in the park at night.
And this was now my turn to ‘give’ to her.
“I’m ready. You can ask me anything. I’ll answer with all my heart.”
It was advice regarding ‘achievement.’
As I forged ahead in my growth, I had offered what I had as my part of the bargain.
If she provided for me financially, I would offer her a piece of advice.
Originally, I should have accepted it as payment for the time she spent with me to understand me, but I could no longer let it be just that.
Because this time we spent together, regarding each other as friends and meeting with sincere hearts, was now... enjoyable for me too.
“……”
As always, Glacia met my gaze with her transparent eyes.
“Han Cheon-seong. Besides things about achievement... can I ask other questions too?”
“That’s fine too. If it’s a question for you to understand me, I’ll accept it all.”
I answered nonchalantly, and Glacia gave a slight nod before suddenly letting out a soft breath.
That seemed strangely different.
“Rather than trying to understand, it’s because we’ve become friends. I got curious. I don’t think I’ve ever asked before, so I’m asking now.”
“...Okay. I get it.”
What on earth was she trying to say that she was hesitating so much?
*Whoosh.*
Then, amidst the blue hair fluttering gently in the blowing wind, Glacia slowly parted her lips.
“What kind of things do you usually like?”
“What kind of things?”
“It’s nothing special. I was just wondering what you like. Anything you like is fine.”
As Glacia tossed out the words, I pondered for a moment, feeling a strange sensation.
‘What’s she going to do with knowing my preferences?’
Then, remembering her words about asking because we were friends... I decided to just take it lightly.
Things I like.
“I’ll just answer with what comes to mind right now. For colors, I like white, and a recent hobby I’ve picked up is training. Holding a spear puts my mind at ease, so it makes me feel good. And as for food, I like meat dishes? For dessert, I like apple pie. I don’t know if this is a good enough answer... but is there anything else you want to ask me?”
As I answered, I started to feel embarrassed at some point.
I was confident I could speak about advice on achievement, words that could help Glacia, but talking about myself felt a bit off.
“...White and training. Meat and apple pie.”
But as she summarized my answers, I gave an awkward nod.
“Uh... I just answered with what came to mind.”
“Right. That’s enough, then. I won’t ask any more for today.”
As she stood up, signaling that the questions were over, I blinked blankly.
‘That’s it?’
*Rustle.*
Following Glacia, I stood up and spoke awkwardly.
“Okay... Glacia. Get home safe.”
The words came out as they usually did, but I felt truly strange. A nagging feeling that I hadn't been properly helpful…
“Ah, wait a moment.”
*Grasp.*
Then Glacia took my hand, and I flinched, my eyes darting to her.
“Just buying you things feels a little insufficient. It’s a small token of my sincerity, so please accept it.”
*Slide.*
As Glacia intentionally caressed my hand gently, my surprise at the peculiar touch was brief. I felt an odd sensation in my palm.
As Glacia’s hand slowly pulled away, something golden was left in mine. It was gold.
“You really don’t have to give me money like this.”
“I’m giving it to you because I want to. Don’t feel burdened by things like this.”
Glacia gave a small smile and started to walk away, leaving me to stare after her, hesitating.
There was no deceit in her expression.
There was no trace of pity or sympathy for me, nor any sign of ulterior motives.
Truly, without any of that, it was pure goodwill. I could feel that she was giving it to me because she wanted to, so I couldn’t just hand the money back.
“...Thank you. Glacia.”
As Glacia disappeared with a slight nod, my gaze fell blankly on the gold in my hand.
‘Is it okay for me to accept this?’
If I had answered her question about achievement, perhaps this feeling would be less intense.
It felt like I hadn't done my part properly. Like I had received a great reward without giving anything in return.
...I blankly turned my head and watched Glacia's retreating figure. My feelings for her were now completely devoid of distance.
As a friend, she had become precious to me as well.
“Glacia. I’ll treat you better next time!”
Unconsciously, I shouted my feelings to her.
*Swish.*
As she turned back to look at me, a hint of surprise in her face, a belated wave of embarrassment washed over me.
I realized how cheesy my words sounded. And yet, I felt like I had to say them. The strong feeling that I needed to do something more for her rose up, and I couldn't just let her go.
“……”
As I watched Glacia’s eyes curve into a beautiful crescent, my heart stirred strangely.
‘Right. Let’s do something that will make Glacia happy.’
An act that Glacia would like.
...I needed to think about that a little more.
***
*Rustle.*
Waving a brief hand as a final goodbye, Glacia turned away... and unknowingly placed a hand over her chest.
*Thump….*
“……”
At the sound of her slightly faster heartbeat, her soft breaths came out in quickened pants.
Normally, she would have talked with Han Cheon-seong for longer and spent more time before parting, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. She felt that if she stayed any longer, she might do something strange.
*Clack.*
Even as she walked toward the dormitory, all her actions felt foreign.
‘Why did I do that?’
What was I going to do by asking what Han Cheon-seong likes?
Throughout the day we spent together, a ticklish sensation had been fluttering in a corner of my chest, making it difficult for me to feign composure.
It was a kind of reaction I had never felt before.
But the feeling wasn't bad. Like now, my heart was beating a little faster, and I felt a sense of excitement.
—Glacia. I’ll treat you better next time!
Then, at the sound of his voice shouting at me, a smile inadvertently escaped.
“He said he’ll treat me better…”
I didn't know how he intended to do that, but I found myself stroking my cheek for no reason.
It certainly wasn't bad.
The time I spent with Han Cheon-seong was gradually starting to feel more significant.
Now, the time with him felt just as good as the time I spent with my sister.
It was enough to be a little bewildering, even for me.
"We're friends, so..."
And I wonder if we haven't become something more than ordinary friends... a relationship with a bit more affection…….