Chapter 63
So that was his real point.
“Don’t touch Felix.”
“Yes.”
“Why should I?”
“Because I know very well how cold and indifferent you are, Lord Abel.”
Ah. So that’s why he spent so long talking about the past.
“And?”
“I also know that this is the first time Lord Abel has ever taken an interest in something—or someone—in this way.”
There was no malice in the way the Commander looked at Abel.
Which meant he neither hated nor opposed him.
If anything, there was affection in his gaze.
“I believe this change is a positive one for you, Lord Abel, who once seemed unable to feel anything at all—as though you were alive, yet not truly living.”
Alongside the respect and admiration he held for the Herald of God was something unfamiliar.
It was the look one gave to someone young, unpolished, and emotionally immature.
“It cannot be a bad thing for you to learn about love, Lord Abel. To learn how to think of others and show them consideration. But…”
That look quickly vanished.
In its place remained only unwavering resolve.
“I do not want Felix to be hurt for the sake of your growth.”
Felix is being hurt?
“He appears strong and dazzling on the outside, but inside he is fragile and desolate. Felix has far too little left of himself to make up for what you lack, Lord Abel.”
To Abel’s surprise, that resolve was born from a desire to protect Felix.
“So I ask that you show him mercy and let him go.”
Wasn’t he one of Gregory’s people?
“I simply wish for that child, who has always lived with a sense of lack, not to be hurt.”
No. Even if he belonged to Gregory’s faction, that didn’t mean he couldn’t care about Felix.
Felix himself had said as much before, and judging by the situation, the bond between the two of them seemed to run quite deep.
When Abel investigated the captain separately out of suspicion, he recalled the man’s background and found the common thread between him and Felix.
“Is it sympathy between fellow bastards?”
The Commander’s eyes widened ever so slightly at Abel’s question. But they soon settled back into calm.
It was an incredibly blunt question, yet the Commander did not become angry. Instead, he smiled gently.
“No. It’s the camaraderie of people who have struggled desperately.”
So it wasn’t a smile he had forced onto his face. It was one that came naturally.
At that, Abel narrowed his eyes and asked again.
“Are you Gregory’s man?”
He understood now that this man cared deeply about Felix. Enough to stand in the path of Abel, the Herald of God, for Felix’s sake.
The Commander seemed surprised once more. Abel kept his mouth shut, simply watching him, before asking again.
“I asked whether you’re Gregory’s man.”
“Does it matter whose man I am?”
The question in response irritated him. Even so, this was the first person Abel had met who genuinely cared about Felix, so he answered.
“If you’re Gregory’s man, then Felix could be in danger.”
A somewhat awkward smile briefly touched the captain’s lips before fading away.
“…Perhaps I was a little too hasty.”
“What do you mean?”
Once again, instead of answering Abel’s question, the Commander asked one of his own.
“How did you know I’m a bastard? Did you investigate my background?”
“I did.”
“Even though you don’t know my name?”
“I wasn’t trying to learn your name.”
When investigating someone, the very first thing most people would probably check was that person’s name. But Abel was fundamentally indifferent to everyone except Felix. The Commander’s name had nothing whatsoever to do with Felix’s safety.
It was hard enough remembering everything related to Felix. There was no room in his head for unnecessary information.
“So you were worried about Felix.”
Realizing that he was the only one answering questions, Abel closed his mouth. He was just about to express his displeasure when the Commander suddenly took a step back.
“Lord Abel. My apologies, but I need some time alone to organize my thoughts.”
What exactly was he doing now?
As Abel arched an eyebrow, the Commander bowed deeply.
“I will come to see you again as soon as possible. Would that be acceptable?”
How ridiculous. Was he really just going to say his piece and leave?
Yet, unlike before, the Commander’s eyes had become remarkably bright.
“Tomorrow.”
“Yes. I’ll come see you tomorrow.”
It didn’t seem like Felix would be harmed because of it, at least…
Abel watched the Commander hurry away after receiving his permission before returning to his afternoon duties.
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