Chapter 290
I didn’t want him to see me in this dirty and disgraceful state, knowing his severe aversion to dirt.
Of course, he ignored my words. He gathered my limp arms and subdued them, then brushed my dirty hair behind my ear and lifted my chin to examine my condition.
I panted and barely managed to open my eyes. Claude’s expression was harsh.
He finally picked me up in his arms.
“No… I don’t want to…”
As I weakly shook my head, his cold hand gently but firmly pressed the back of my head. He didn’t care that my dirty face and hair were soiling his clothes.
“How did you know…”
“Did you think I would leave the guard duty for your tent to another Esper?”
Claude asked, scolding me. It felt like a heavy blow to my head.
Normally, Espers guard the Guides’ tents. With Oscar and Shana were of different genders, the Espers took turns in pairs. Claude, however, was exempt from this duty as the leader of the Espers.
But he had stood guard in front of Shana’s tent all night because I was there. He didn’t trust the other Espers when it came to me. He stood there alone, without changing shifts.
“…Let’s go to the doctor.”
It was a ridiculous statement. Most of the people near the border had already evacuated. Who knew how long it would take to find a nearby doctor?
Moreover, he wouldn’t leave my side until I was completely better. As the most important member of the unit, how could he afford to be away for days just for me?
“I just… need to take some… medicine from Shana and rest for… for a day or two…”
“You’re in this state and…!”
He started to raise his voice in anger but stopped. I was already crying.
I just wanted to not be a burden and do my part. But every decision I made based on my own judgment ended up being a burden to everyone else.
I had boasted that I could do better than Oscar or Shana, that Claude was being overprotective.
In the end, I was just a fool who couldn’t even take care of myself, exactly as he feared. Constantly worrying him, holding him back.
“…Get some sleep.”
Finally, Claude whispered in a deliberately softened voice. He seemed to think that I was scared because he kept raising his voice and pushing me.
He covered my eyes and let me lean against his chest, then adjusted his hold on my limp body once more.
His touch was incredibly gentle, which made it all the more miserable. My tears kept soaking his hand, fueled by the overwhelming sense of helplessness.
Just as Claude was about to take a step, we heard hurried footsteps following us.
“What’s the matter, Claude?”
“Rose is sick. Where’s the nearest doctor?”
“Are you planning to go there now?”
Claude hesitated at the sound of the concerned voice.
“…We’re under attack. It looks like the target is Oscar’s tent. Shana’s safety is secured, and Oscar is unharmed, but… there are too many of them…”
No, I can’t be a burden any longer.
I’ve already made too many mistakes.
Summoning all my strength, I forced myself to speak.
“If you go with me, I… I won’t take any medicine.”
“What?”
“I won’t take the medicine or eat… and I’ll get even sicker…”
Despite all the warnings, I insisted on coming here. Of course, I didn’t want to be a burden by getting sick.
Claude let out a short laugh.
“Rose, do you even know what state you’re in? You can’t even open your eyes properly, and you say that…”
“No… No…”
Even as I cried and shook my head, Claude looked down at me and finally sighed.
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