The Runaway Maid is Loved by the Archmage - Chapter 166

※ This book contains depictions of coercive/dubcon/noncon acts, violence, and immorality. Reader discretion is advised.

Thank you. As Roina said that, Yoseph finally seemed to realize it and slightly showed tears. He bit his lip slightly as if trying to hold back his crying, and let out a groan-like sigh. It was a part that seemed to show how much he had suffered.

After being kidnapped together, Roina thought that only she had been kidnapped, but it seemed that Yoseph had been left alone. Roina also thought it was fortunate in a way. She would have had no face to see Maili if he had also been harmed.

“Hey, you there.”

At the sudden interruption, Roina turned to see Jason with a slightly displeased expression, arms crossed.

“Sorry to ruin the touching reunion, but that woman is not feeling well right now, so step away from her.”

He said that and leaned his back against the wall. He himself didn’t know why he was acting so twisted, but he absolutely hated seeing that scrawny man hugging Roina.

‘She’s mine.’

That thought also came to him reflexively. Even though he thought it was childish of himself, he went even further and stood in front of the two of them, separating them.

A thick, large male hand was placed on Roina’s shoulder. Roina looked at the two of them alternately, dumbfounded. Jason had a rebellious expression, and Yoseph, facing him, raised an eyebrow and glared at him askew.

The two of them continued like that for quite a while. It was only when Erika, unable to watch any longer, shouted for them to stop that the strange standoff ended.

With Yoseph joining them, the story became even more complex and lengthy. There was even more to talk about as the events he experienced from his perspective were shared. However, the problem was Roina’s physical condition. She began to doze off again while talking.

“I’m sorry. My body can’t take it… it seems.”

“No, don’t apologize. It seems we were inconsiderate in making Lady Roina stand.”

This time, Yoseph took the initiative. He supported Roina’s shoulders. The red-haired man was about to step forward in anger, but Erika stopped him. He could only turn his head away, clearly displeased.

Yoseph helped Roina move to a prepared bedroom. As time passed and it approached night, signs of people began to be felt one by one in the desolate Revolutionary Army hideout.

‘It seems everyone is outside during the day and gathers at night.’

“Since it’s late tonight, it would be good to stay here for a while. This place might be safer, ironically.”

Yoseph let out a sigh and spoke with self-deprecating words. His words were full of self-reproach for not being able to protect her even with the power of the Marquis family.

“…Yoseph.”

At that moment, Roina called his name. Yoseph looked at her with a pleased expression.

“Yes, tell me anything. Roina.”

“Where’s Lutan?”

At those words, the corners of Yoseph’s mouth, which had naturally lifted, hardened. He held back the many words that came to his mind, pausing and refining them. In the end, she’s looking for that man again.

‘Not me. …To Roina, I’m not even a consideration, at all.’

Yoseph gave a bitter smile again.

“The last time I saw him, he asked about Lady Roina’s whereabouts and went out to find her. He’s probably safe, so please don’t worry too much. While you rest, I’ll go out now and try to contact him.”

Roina slowly closed and opened her eyes and said,

“Thank you, Yoseph… You’re a really good younger brother.”

She smiled faintly. Of all times, to say such a thing. Yoseph felt the dull pain that had covered a corner of his heart intensify.

It was as if she was driving a wedge into Yoseph, saying he was not an option. Yoseph clenched his fist tightly with the hand that Roina couldn’t see.

“…I see, that’s really fortunate.”

I feel like I’ve gained a good older sister. He said that much with his own mouth. It felt like someone was digging into a corner of his heart. Could it be that he himself had determined his own limits? He had repeatedly questioned himself in agony, but for now, it was really good to gain her trust, even like this. To her, he was a good younger brother, and that was enough.

He truly felt that way. He had to.

Yoseph laid Roina down in the bedroom, carefully closed the door, and stood leaning against it.

He would truly be satisfied with this. He reaffirmed the countless vows he had made to himself once again.