The Fat Aristocrat Waltz in the Labyrinth - Chapter 108
Chapter 108: The fat aristocrat apologizes
Mitrof was facing a crisis unlike any other he had ever encountered before.
When facing the goblin soldier, he had been prepared for death, but his composure was still intact. However, Mitrof was now pushed into a state of confusion and anxiety, not even knowing what he should do.
He swallowed his saliva. Unable to calm down his gaze, he looked down at his feet, looked timidly around the room, and then looked up at Canule standing in front of him.
“…”
Silence.
Standing in front of Mitrof, who was sitting up on the bed, Canule looked down at him.
Mitrof could feel the pressure in her gaze. A relic from the labyrinth had cursed Canule, making her look like a skeleton. She had no pupils to direct her gaze, and her black hood covered her facial features deeply.
However, Mitrof knew without a doubt that Canule was angrily glaring at him.
“…Canule, I’m sorry.”
Mitrof said timidly.
Mitrof had little experience apologizing. Even speaking one word took him a long time, and his tone was awkward.
Canule sighed softly and squatted down beside him, gently touching Mitrof’s right arm, which was thickly bandaged.
“…How is your arm feeling?”
“Mm, this? Oh, I received healing magic, so if I rest, it will be back to normal soon. However, this scar was caused by magic, and it’s difficult to erase unless you’re a skilled user.”
From Mitrof’s right arm to his neck, chest, armpits, stomach, and right leg, there were reddish scars that looked like thorny branches spreading all over his body.
It was the crest of lightning, also called the Lichtenberg figure. It was a mark that those who survived lightning strikes left behind, according to the doctor.
Normally, it would fade over time, but Mitrof’s lightning was the result of magic.
Mitrof sensed Canule’s caring atmosphere.
Canule was raised in a family of knights and served as a bodyguard for nobles’ children. Therefore, she understood the significance of scars that could not be erased from the body for nobles.
“Well…it looks flashy but doesn’t hurt—don’t you think it adds to my adventurer’s image?”
Mitrof said, teasingly. However, Mitrof also understood the regret of having an irreparable scar. Even so, his spirit was bright.
“I am lucky—I survived—this scar is a sign of luck—thank you for coming to help, Canule.”
“No problem—I’m glad I could help—but please, do not leave me behind and go to fight like that again.”
The fingers of Canule’s black leather gloves held onto the hem of Mitrof’s arm tightly, making a rubbing sound.
“——I thought your life was going to end.”
The urgency in her voice pierced Mitrof’s heart.
“…I’m sorry.”
“I told you not to push yourself too hard.”
“Yes, you’re right.”
“Even though your arm was injured, you hurt yourself again.”
“I am unworthy.”
“Moreover, you did not call for me.”
“… Canule, my arm, they’re, uh, squeezed…”
The fabric at the hem of his clothes was tightly wrapped around Mitrof’s plump arm.
“I am Mitrof-sama’s shield… It pains me that you were injured while I was not around. If Mitrof-sama had lost his life, I would have…”
A choking sound interrupted her sentence.
Mitrof was panicking. He understood Canule was angry, but he didn’t know what to say to comfort her when she was sad.
“I’m really sorry—I should have considered Canule’s feelings.”
“No, as a knight, I cannot let my lord worry about me—I will improve; however, if you could think of me even a little, please keep me by your side—I want to be of service to you.”
Upon hearing Canule’s voice, which seemed as if she would burst into tears anytime now, Mitrof held his chest with an “ugh” sound. Guilt hit him like a bolt of electricity, pounding on his chest.
He had not thought about Canule’s feelings. He had only thought about himself and his own actions. He regrets his past recklessness now.
“Okay, I understand. I promise I won’t do anything like this again. I really get it now. If I am alone, I will be in danger of dying soon.”
Mitrof timidly reached out and placed his hand on Canule’s head. He did that because he had fond memories of his mother comforting him in that way when he was younger.
Not knowing how much pressure to use, Mitrof gently stroked Canule’s head, like examining the fabric of a hood.
“…I am glad that Mitrof-sama is safe.”
Canule murmured.
Mitrof nodded. Canule’s kindness saved him.
There was a strange and itchy feeling of surprise in Mitrof, realizing that there was someone who worried about him so much. It was not unpleasant at all. It was like a body numbed by the cold of winter being gently warmed by the hot water. The reason Mitrof felt it was strange was that he was not used to it.
“Um, well, thank you—I appreciate your concern.”
“Yes.”
The two of them looked at each other’s faces, and a troublesome atmosphere filled their hearts. They are aware of this, and they are aware that each other is aware of it.
As they exchanged subtle signals about who would break the silence, there was a knock on the door, causing ripples in the tension.
“C-Come in.”
Canule stood up abruptly, her posture straight, like a fresh recruit who had just joined the knights. She cleared her throat to hide her nervousness with an exaggerated tone, and a visitor entered the sickroom.