My Ruin to You - Chapter 201

It was a time that had been carefully prepared, late at night. She had no intention of going, but more than anything, she lacked the energy to entertain. The high and mighty ones could just issue orders from their tents, seemingly with time to spare to meddle in all sorts of affairs. The circumstances of those who had to run around on their feet were not so easy.

“I’m not going.”

Roseline replied curtly in a voice weary with fatigue. Merrick then tried to persuade her with excuses, saying the Grand Duke was very worried or that he hadn’t been sleeping well lately. It was nonsense that held no weight.

Right, I see, okay.

As Roseline, who had been insincerely humoring him, swallowed a yawn, unable to fight off the overwhelming drowsiness, Merrick’s pupils shook violently as if he had received a great shock. A round of scolding followed. The day had been too exhausting to listen carefully, so Roseline dozed off standing up, and Merrick had to turn back without completing his mission.

Now I can finally sleep.

Covering the yawns that kept escaping against her will with her hand, she entered the barracks, only for Malsen to disturb Roseline’s sleep this time.

“If it’s because of me, you don’t need to hold back.”

“…Pardon?”

“It’s about the oath we took at the academy. Forget it. It’s not like you have any honor to lose anyway.”
That’s right. They had made such an oath.

Recalling a memory that felt like a very long time ago, Roseline simply nodded vaguely, just as she had done with Merrick, and lay down on the cot. Malsen, who had been lying with her back turned, gently pulled down the blanket that was pulled up to her hairline. And she spoke.

“…I only meant that’s your standing in high society, not that I intended to look down on you.”

“Okay…”

“As much as I hate to admit it, you suit His Highness better than I do… Hmph, I’ll accept it.”

“No…”

“Just wait and see. I’m going to find a man more splendid than His Highness.”

Malsen’s chattering, whether it was a resolution or something else, continued for a long time. With the final thought that she didn’t know how Malsen had managed to hold back from saying all this until now, Roseline lost consciousness and fell into a deep sleep.

She was so tired she didn’t even dream. When she opened her eyes, it was early morning. After making simple preparations, Roseline and Malsen headed straight for the healing center.

Depending on the combat situation, each day at the healing center was different. On days when the Carnoc tribe pushed forward with combat monsters, it was overflowing with patients poisoned by venom. On days of large-scale battles, soldiers with external injuries were carried in on stretchers, lined up in rows. At night, the trainees returned to the barracks, but the experienced personnel took turns resting and guarding the healing center.

Today, as there had been no engagement, the healing center was unusually quiet. Of course, no rest was granted to Roseline and Malsen, who were tasked with menial chores. Checking wounds, sorting medicinal herbs, and tidying beds stained with sweat and blood were endless tasks.
Merrick, who had failed to carry out his order the previous day, visited the healing center. He brought a large amount of honeyed Jaeuncho.

“It is His Highness’s intention to reward your hard work.”

Jaeuncho was a precious medicinal herb that boosted stamina. It was so expensive that it was hard to even see without considerable wealth. Above all, the fact that it was a gift from the Grand Duke made it even more touching. Except for exactly two people.

“Getting above herself for a lowly bastard.”

Mür muttered softly after looking Merrick over. It was just then that Roseline, who had roughly pushed her portion of the Jaeuncho to the side, turned her head.

“What are you looking at?”

When their eyes met, Mür lifted his chin arrogantly. She felt inexplicably upset. That was truly strange. She wasn’t particularly close to Merrick, and it shouldn’t have mattered what that worthless man said, yet her stomach churned.

“I have a question. When will I be able to use magic today?”

“Hmph. It seems you’re quite eager to use magic, aren’t you? So greedy.”

Mür snorted. Then, as if to ensure Merrick, who hadn’t yet left the healing center, could hear, he loudly berated Roseline’s pathetic magical control. As the scolding continued, Merrick’s expression gradually hardened. Mür, who had glanced at Merrick, led Roseline to a bed in front of a patient.

“Since you’re the one asking first today, it seems you’re confident. Fine. Heal this soldier’s external injury.”

“Yes.”