Chapter 14

When I woke up, pain shot through my entire body.

I remembered, I had tried to punch the officer Nier yesterday.

But I ended up getting a severe beating.

I lost consciousness while being carried by Lord Ganache...

Now, I’m lying on my back, looking up at an unfamiliar ceiling while listening to the chirping of birds.

My arm, which was supposed to be broken, can move. Someone must have treated it.

(…? I feel something warm on my left hand.)

When I looked, I saw that Lord Gilne was sitting on the floor, holding my hand with both of his, fast asleep.

"Whoa! L-Lord Gilne!? Why are you on the floor!?"

"Umm… Tim! I’m glad you’re awake! How are you feeling? Does anything hurt? Are you hungry?"

After confirming that I was awake, Lord Gilne leaned in and started asking questions rapidly.

"L-Lord Gilne! Why didn’t you sleep in the bed!?"

"W-Well, I thought it was a bit too early to get into the bed…!"

"Early to bed, early to rise is important! There are two beds, so you should use one!"

"Oh, ah, y-yeah! You’re right! It was a waste not to use it!"

We both laughed awkwardly and then took a deep breath.

It seemed we had both panicked and the conversation had taken a strange turn.

"…Lord Gilne, I’m sorry for acting on my own."

I apologized to Lord Gilne first.

I had tarnished Lord Gilne’s reputation.

I had returned to the guild on my own and begged for Lord Gilne’s decision to be overturned.

Now I realize, my actions were truly foolish.

"Ah, don’t apologize! I’m just glad you’re safe, Tim!"

"Also, Lord Gilne! Thank you for making the omelet! It was sweet, well-cooked, and really delicious!"

"Y-You ate it!? That’s… that’s really… I’m very happy…"

"Ahaha, I just had to eat it. Since you went through the trouble of making it for me."

Lord Gilne whispered, as if moved.

I understand the joy of having someone enjoy the food you’ve prepared, as I make food myself.

Lord Gilne, looking happy, gazed at me with a warm, feverish look.

Suddenly, Lord Gilne shook his head as if coming to his senses and showed me the ring he was holding.

The small red gemstone in the ring was shining beautifully in the morning sun.

"You must have retrieved this for me. This ring is irreplaceable to me. Thank you so much."

"Oh… that ring. I’m glad I managed to bring it back."

"Yes, I won’t let it go again. I don’t want Tim to get seriously injured trying to retrieve it again."

"Hehe, then it’s best to put it on your finger. …Lord Gilne, may I?"

"…Eh?"

I pinched the ring and slowly slid it onto Lord Gilne’s finger.

The reflection of the red gemstone must have made Lord Gilne’s face turn bright red.

Now it won’t fall off.

The joy of getting the ring back must have been overwhelming.

Lord Gilne looked at me through the ring with a blissfully content expression.

"…Lord Gilne"

I called Lord Gilne’s name to make a certain vow.

Noticing my determined expression, Lord Gilne looked back at me.

I’m sure we were thinking the same thing.

"Lord Gilne, they insulted you for following me."

"Tim, they were making fun of you for trying to become an adventurer."

Our gazes met with intense heat.

"“—That’s why!””

"I will become a proper adventurer!"

"Tim, let’s become adventurers together!"

For each other’s feelings.

To reclaim our trampled pride.

We made a promise together, with the ring as our witness.