FTA Ch 13

<Chapter 13>

 

Gloria effortlessly carried Leonard to the bedroom, showing no signs of strain.

On the other hand, Leonard nestled in her arms, appeared much more exhausted.

 

“This is… really an experience I never want to go through again.” Leonard said.

 

He’d lost count of how many times it had already happened.

Leonard couldn’t figure out how long he’d have to keep relying on her like this.

Gloria was stubborn and rarely backed down from a decision once she’d made up her mind.

Naturally, Leonard always ended up conceding.

That had been the case since the moment she saved him.

From then on, losing to Gloria was a foregone conclusion.

The situation left him bewildered, as if questioning how he ended up in such a predicament.

 

“I’ve told you countless times that I’m not an ordinary human…” Leonard said.

 

Leonard knew Gloria didn’t even bother to listen to such remarks, yet he kept grumbling to himself.

He simply couldn’t get used to being treated as fragile.

And why would he?

Leonard had awakened as a Swordmaster at a young age.

He’d survived the kind of destructive magical energy that would have snuffed out the life of any normal human long ago.

It was only thanks to that early awakening that he was still alive.

Yet Gloria treated him as if he were a delicate porcelain figurine, overzealously protective in a way he found exasperating.

Despite his recently improved physical condition and resumption of training with real weapons, her attitude hadn’t wavered.

 

“Can’t you just stop being so prideful and go along with what I say for once?” Gloria asked.

 

Gloria brushed off Leonard’s muttered complaints, as she often did, internally musing about how utterly incomprehensible men were.

She shrugged and already accustomed to hearing him gripe and pretending not to notice.

 

“You said the royal palace would send a carriage in three days, right?”

“Yes.” Leonard nodded from the sofa by the window and gazing outside.

“As usual, it’ll be an unmarked black carriage.” Leonard answered.

“What time will it arrive?” Gloria asked.

“Barring any issues, it should show up around noon.”

“Noon, huh…”

 

Once a month, on the last day, the royal palace sent supplies for Leonard.

It wasn’t anything extravagant, just essential consumables and provisions.

Meanwhile, Gloria meticulously reviewed the plans she’d organized on a pristine sheet of paper.

 

“What’s caught your attention so much?” Leonard asked.

 

A deep voice spoke from above her.

Gloria slowly tilted her head up.

Leonard who had approached silently was now leaning down.

his gaze fixed on the paper in Gloria’s hand.

 

“Oh, it’s nothing special.” Gloria replied.

 

His calm green eyes were unexpectedly close, momentarily unsettling her.

Gloria blinked in surprise before lowering her gaze back to the paper with a practiced composure.

 

“I’m just double checking the plans for the future.” Gloria replied again.

 

She tapped a specific spot on the paper with her finger, and Leonard’s eyes slowly followed the motion.

 

[2. Find a house — preferably as far from the capital as possible.]
[3. Leave the capital quietly and settle elsewhere.]

Between items 2 and 3, in very tiny letters, was written: ‘Steal the royal carriage.’

 

“We’ve stayed here much longer than I planned.” Gloria said.

“Have we?” Leonard replied.

“Yes. I didn’t expect it to take so long for you to recover.”

“…”

 

Leonard was momentarily speechless.

It had only been a month since Gloria had barged into the Grand Duke’s estate uninvited.

 

“Doesn’t it amaze you even a little that, after being bedridden for five years, managed to recover my physical state in just one month?” Leonard asked.

 

If he were an ordinary human, such recovery would have been impossible.

Still, Gloria gave him a dissatisfied once over.

 

“You don’t seem fully recovered yet.” Gloria said.

“How many times must I tell you…” Leonard explained.

 

Her relentless skepticism toward his condition always left Leonard with a peculiar mix of frustration and amusement.

 

“I’ve recovered enough to go on a monster subjugation mission right now!” Leonard explained.

“You sure do exaggerate.” Gloria replied.

“Exaggerate?”

 

Leonard echoed and bewildered, but Gloria feigned ignorance just focusing on the paper again.

Branded a braggart on the spot.

 

Leonard was so flabbergasted that his neck stiffened.

‘Just how fragile did she think he was?’

 

“Isn’t it you who’s guilty of overconfidence?” Leonard asked again.

 

Yet again, Gloria nonchalantly ignored his grumbling.

 

* * *

 

“We’ll be heading to the castle in Baron Romenta’s territory.”

 

During a short break following one of their usual sparring sessions, Gloria announced her decision.

In the middle of drinking, Leonard paused and uncharacteristically bland tea without complaint.

The two had agreed to hijack the royal carriage on its delivery day and flee the capital.

Both believed it was the first step toward building their strength.

However, today was the first time they discussed their ultimate destination.

 

“I bought a castle there.” Gloria said.

“…Baron Romenta’s territory? I’ve never heard of it.”

 

Leonard repeated the unfamiliar name, testing its sound.

 

“Any specific reason for choosing that place? Does it have some special significance for you?” Leonard asked.

“I’ve hardly visited it myself. It’s just a small and quiet domain.” Gloria replied.

 

According to the information Gloria had gathered, the area had no more than 50 residents.

The baron had abandoned the estate after a monster attack and disappearing without a trace.

It was the perfect location for Leonard to lay low while rebuilding his strength.

 

“I got the castle for a bargain, thanks to a guild I’ve dealt with for a long time.” Gloria explained again.

 

Reflecting on it again, she felt fortunate.

Otherwise, she would’ve been stuck hopping between inn’s.

Grinning with satisfaction, Gloria poured him another cup of tea.

 

“Of course, you’ve handled this well. I’m always grateful for your efforts.” Gloria explained.

 

Leonard couldn’t venture outside freely just yet.

Staying hidden from prying eyes while recovering his strength was paramount.

Gloria took on all the burdens of planning and preparation without complaint.

Leonard sipped his bitter tea, murmuring.

 

“You’ve been through so much for me. I must hurry to repay you.”

“Then get better soon,” Gloria retorted dryly not harshly, but with an unchanging softness.

 

Leonard’s lips curved into a faint smile as he drank his tea.

 

“I don’t consider it a burden. It’s an investment in the future.”

With a serene expression, Gloria turned toward the window.

 

“So, you don’t need to feel so sorry toward me.” Gloria said.

“…Alright.”

 

Leonard nodded, his smile deepening.

However Gloria lost in thought, she didn’t catch the rare warmth in his face.

 

“You think you have the right to question Alexion? Just shut up and do as you’re told.” Gloria said.

“Gloria, know your place. Do you really think anyone here cares about your opinion?” Leonard asked.

“You don’t get to decide anything. Just follow orders, understood?”

 

No one in her past had ever respected Gloria’s thoughts.

But Leonard was different.

He listened to the plans she had spent time thinking through, agreed to them, and trusted her completely.

She suddenly recalled his earlier words.

 

“I’m always grateful.” Leonard said.

 

Hearing this from Leonard, someone she’d only known a short time

It was more comforting than anything she’d heard from the First Subjugation Squad, whom she’d worked with for years.

Realizing this left her feeling worse.

It struck her just how unfair and miserable her previous circumstances had been.