Chapter 69: Paralysis (1)

The next day, the academy returned to its usual routine. With the end of the gathering, it could be seen that some of the nobles who had finished their tasks were heading back home, marking the end of a significant event.

I, too, woke up early today to go and escort Daisy Hexter.

Come to think of it, recently our schedules overlapped, and I couldn't have a conversation with her. I wonder how she's been.

As I entered the women's dormitory building, I began to worry about the twins once again.

Did Asena have a good conversation with Grandma? Has Keirsey, who was crying so much yesterday, calmed down now?

How much time will have to pass for them to accept that I'm leaving? And yet, selfishly, I thought that perhaps my departure could be their growth.

My heart has indeed been restless as I observed their reactions recently. They tried so hard to prevent our separation, causing various thoughts to arise.

At the same time, the scars they gave me still lingered in a corner of my heart, constantly reminding me that I had to leave.

In retrospect, it will indeed be an experience for us. They say that every journey begins with a step. It must be this unsettling when trying to take that first step.

".....Hm?"

When I arrived in front of Daisy's dormitory door, I could see a girl standing in front of it.

It was none other than Daisy Hexter herself, waiting for me at the door.

Seeing her figure, I quickened my pace.

"Daisy."

I called her after a long time.

Daisy, who was staring at the ground, waiting, raised her head in response to my call.

Immediately after, something happened that I hadn't expected at all.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and she ran towards me, embracing me.

"Daisy??"

"Cayden!"

It wasn't an intense hug like that of twins, but it was still a hug.

I couldn't figure out the situation and didn't know how to react as she hugged me tightly. My arms hung in the air, lost.

Could it be that she missed me all this time? 

Being together every day must have made my absence even more obvious...

But it didn't seem like that was the case. We were neither in a romantic relationship nor close friends...

I remained silent, waiting for her to calm down. She held onto me and spoke, raising her head slightly.

"Cayden... I couldn't find a chance to say this until now... Thank you so much."

"What? What are you talking about?"

"You received the ration after risking your life... and you sent them all to our territory."

"Ah."

Finally, I understood why Daisy Hexter hugged me and the meaning behind it.

Feeling abruptly awkward, I replied, "No, well... Like I said at that time, I don’t need so much food. And the plague has worsened recently, right? We should help when we can."

"I don't know how to express my gratitude... The plague, as you mentioned, has become severe lately... Everyone was struggling a lot... I won't forget this debt..."

I held out my hand.

"No, on the contrary, consider this as me repaying my debt."

"What?"

"During difficult times, your words gave me great strength. And seeing your unwavering determination became my motivation and source of comfort... So, think of it as my way of repaying everything."

In fact, even when reading the novel, it was those moments that made her my favorite character. She never wavered against the twins and became my inspiration. Of course, she hasn't shown such dazzling determination in this world yet, but I knew that spirit was alive within her.

Daisy said, "I haven't done anything..."

"No, I know because I've been watching you make an effort."

She blinked at my words, then stared at me absentmindedly.

Her cheeks turned red, and her eyes softened. 

Was she moved by my sincerity? It was nothing but my genuine feelings.

Caught off guard by the sudden silence, I first released her arms.

"Daisy, the hug..."

"Oh!"

She was startled and jumped away from me, starting to tidy her hair.

Then, she hesitated for a moment and asked quietly, "But why are you so nice to me?"

"Yes?"

Without even meeting my gaze, she asked me as if it were a passing remark. It was the first time she had shown such a demeanor.

I pondered for a moment and replied, "Well, like I just said... you have been very kind to me too. Especially when I was struggling with the twins' problem. Even the current escort training is a result of that. Thanks to your acceptance, I can do this."

Daisy turned her head and whispered, "Is that all?"

"Yes?"

“.......”

Once again, an awkward silence settled between us. Daisy still seemed unable to control her body. Her feet fidgeted uneasily, and her fingers fiddled with her nails.

As I remained silent, she glanced around to make sure no one was nearby, then took a step closer to me and spoke softly.

"...Cayden, did you hear about that?"

"What are you talking about?"

"...At the gathering... the former Duchess Pryster mentioned that she is looking for a match for you."

"Ah."

I scratched my head, feeling awkward for reasons I couldn't explain.

"Yeah, I heard."

Daisy loosened her throat. Now she was visibly blushing, especially her ears, which were as red as roses.

"...My...father...he said he also mentioned my name back then."

"..."

"He said I could be matched with Cayden... So, be prepared. That...that! I think my father mentioned it gratefully because of the supplies you sent us!"

"...Daisy."

"Just in case such a situation arises, don't be surprised. We don't know what the future holds."

At that moment, before it became more uncomfortable to speak, I opened my mouth.

"...My engagement partner has been decided."

Daisy's movements, which had been restless until then, stopped abruptly. With a gentle gesture, she now looked at me without avoiding eye contact.

"...What?"

"It seems like it will be Judy. That's what my Grandma said."

"...Judy Ice?"

"Yes."

Daisy noticeably slowed down. She blinked her eyes, her previously fidgeting fingers and feet coming to a halt.

Then, as if something complicated had passed through her mind, she lifted the corners of her mouth and said, "Ah, I see. Congratulations, Cayden."

"...Thank you."

"You two seem to suit each other very well."

I sensed a slight discomfort on Daisy's face. Due to the twins, I seemed to have a heightened sensitivity to the emotions of others, especially women.

"But... weren't things not good between you and the Ice family?"

"Maybe… This marriage is an opportunity to change that."

"Ah, I see."

"...Daisy."

"...I almost intruded without knowing that. Please forget what I just said."

"Daisy, you don't seem very happy."

"What? Oh, no. It's just a misunderstanding."

I started to have doubts about her awkward reaction.

It seemed unlikely, but I decided to ask just in case…

Since I would always have to be by Daisy's side from now on, it was better to quickly tie up this issue and move on.

"...Daisy, did you ever like me?"

I asked very cautiously. 

If she had liked me, there would be nothing more joyful and grateful than that... But Judy and I were already engaged according to Grandma's words. It meant that I couldn't reciprocate Daisy's feelings.

In truth, no matter how I asked, I knew that asking this question itself was thoughtless, but I couldn't help but ask because I didn't want the problem to escalate.

Daisy responded quite late, her lips trembling.

"No? How could that be? There has never been such a dynamic between us."

There hadn't been... Until today.

Meeting today, hugging each other, complimenting each other, and even discussing the engagement, it felt as if we had broken through that dynamic.

So, as much as that part bothered me, I wanted to personally seal it off again.

Regardless, since she said it wasn't the case for her, there was no need for me to make more effort.

"...That's right."

"But, honestly, my heart does feel a bit unsettled. You, whom I've known for a long time, getting engaged... It's a strange feeling that's hard to explain."

For a moment, I directed my thoughts toward that, and even Daisy's expression as she expressed her feelings felt awkward.

The twins often acted like this when they were being sulky with me.

They would convey their feelings to me this way, hoping that I would pay attention.

Could Daisy be feeling the same way now?

I simply empathized with her feelings and didn't say anything about that.

"It would indeed feel strange when someone you know gets engaged."

"Yeah, it's probably because of that."

Then, she tilted her head slightly and whispered in a very soft voice.

"...Probably."

---  End Of The Chapter ---

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