Chapter 53.5
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Thank you Rei and SmallPieceOfMe for your support! Enjoy your chapter! ^^
Our family has been in the service of the Leonidas royal family for generations, and our main job is to protect the royal family.
My twin brother serves the current King of Leonidas, Albert-sama, and I serve the former King, Hector-sama.
However, I am not just a bodyguard.
In this boring world where things are not always pretty, our important work includes behind-the-scenes work such as assassination, espionage, infiltration, sabotage, and information manipulation.
No one would not frown upon hearing this job description.
But I am proud of my job.
Above all, I am fascinated by Hector-sama’s character, who has taken over the work from his father. I am also fascinated by his skill as an astute politician who has brought prosperity to Leonidas.
If I can help him, I don’t mind getting my hands dirty.
I will never find a mate in such a job.
To keep the blood of the clan alive, my older brother should be able to get a companion from a family that also makes a living in the shadows and connect the bloodline, but I have no need for that.
My whole body is covered with old scars. I also have a large, deep diagonal scar on my face.
My brother says that I have a stern and evil face which makes everyone avoid me.
I thought it was a terrible thing to say. Even though we are twins, my brother and I don’t look alike at all.
The wounds that remain are all too deep to be healed by the healing magic.
The wounds on my face have made my skin tense, and my inability to make facial expressions has made my looks even worse.
Once I helped a young child who had fallen to his feet. When he saw my face, he started screaming and crying, which caused me a lot of trouble.
Since then, I have always hidden my face and kept my distance from people.
I don’t speak to anyone unless it’s necessary for work, and I haven’t felt a big emotional shift in years.
Because of the nature of my job, it wasn’t difficult. If anything, it was convenient.
Well, that’s enough about me.
Hector-sama, who I serve, is an impeccable man. The only thing that can drive him crazy is the existence of the human race.
His companion was also a human. When my father told me of the fate of the bandits who had harmed him, it sent chills down my spine.
The beasts who treated the humans as sex slaves or tools for breeding were also harshly dealt with and punished severely.
His doting love for the second prince, Alexei-sama, was known only to his own family and his chief advisors. His appearance was not something that the people who knew the “Quiet and Wise King” would have been proud to see.
Then, word came that the king’s younger brother, Douglas-sama, had found a companion.
What’s more, I had a bad premonition that this person was a human, a tribe rarely seen in this world anymore. And it turns out to be true.
Hector-sama’s reckless antics started when he met the human in the royal castle.
First of all, Hector-sama began to seriously plan to build a detached palace for the human tribe on the land owned by the royal family.
That land is a very sacred land where the founder of the lion tribe appeared.
It is absolutely insane to build a detached palace there.
Of course, Albert-sama didn’t agree to it, but Hector-sama has the power to make it happen even without Albert-sama’s approval.
In fact, he even had the blueprints for the detached palace completed.
In the end, Hector-sama took up a residence near Douglas-sama’s residence in the city. Even though he has retired, he is still a very powerful man.
No matter how strictly we guarded his personal safety, we could not rest assured that he would be safe. It was a real headache for us.
I honestly felt a little resentful for that human race, who had caused this to happen.
Somehow, the security system had been put in place and Hector-sama’s life in the city was finally beginning to show signs of settling down.
Douglas-sama’s companion got pregnant.
Hector-sama’s joy at hearing this was something that not many people could see.
Today, I was personally called by Hector-sama to his presence.
Right there was a human boy with black hair and black eyes.
He must be Douglas-sama’s companion.
However, my current appearance is completely in black, and my head is completely wrapped in a cloth, leaving only my eyes exposed.
Would he be suspicious of my appearance?
No, that’s why I can’t really show my face.
“I’m glad you came. You’ve done nothing but tough missions so far. I know that you have suffered many wounds because of them. I will not ask for forgiveness… but you are the most skillful person I know. And I have another task for you.”
“You do not need to worry about me. Since I have dedicated my body to my country, or rather to Hector-sama, I am prepared to fulfill any order with my life. But who might the person over there?”
“I see. I’m sorry for always you such a hard time… This time, your mission is to guard him. As you may have noticed, he is Douglas’s spouse and his name is Chikayuki. I call him Chika-chan.
When Hector-sama looked at him, he stood up from the chair he was sitting in.
“Since Hector-sama has offered to give me a personal escort… I am not allowed to refuse. In that case, I thought I’d like to greet you myself, and I asked you to accept the request.”
He was very small even when he stood up. Probably not even up to my chest.
“Chikayuki-sama, it is my pleasure to meet you. I am Yohan, Hector-sama’s escort. I look forward to working with you.”
I kneeled down and lowered my head to him.
“Yohan-san, right? My name is Chikayuki. It is a pleasure to meet you too. Umm, if you don’t mind, may I see your face? I think your figure is cool too, like a ninja…”
What in the world is a ninja?
But I’m troubled by those words.
What would such a young boy, no, I am told that he is an adult, think when he sees my face?
If he is only frightened by me, he might refuse to let me escort him.
If that were to happen, it would cause trouble for Hector-sama.
While I was hesitating, Hector-sama called out to me.
“Yohan, if it’s Chika-chan, there’s nothing to worry about. Let him see your face.”
“Yes. I understand.”
I slowly remove the cloth covering my face in fear.
When he saw my exposed face, he took a deep breath.
“I have shown you something ugly. I apologize.”
I tried to wrap the cloth around me again, but his hand stopped me.
“Yohan-san, what is wrong with this wound?”
“I am ashamed to say that this is a wound I received in the course of my duties due to my inexperience. It was so deep that healing magic did not work and it ended up like this…”
“Umm, may I take a look at it, if you don’t mind?”
“No, I cannot ask you to do such a thing…”
“Yohan, don’t be afraid to ask Chika-chan to take a look. Don’t feel bad.”
“Yes. Then, please do.”
He cupped my face in his hands and gently ran his fingers over the scar.
“There must be a tugging pain when it’s this deep. I’m sure it’s hard for you to make any kind of facial expression…”
“Yes, that’s right. However, since the sensation itself is dull around the wound, I have already gotten used to it.”
“There’s not much sensation… and if there is also sensory disturbance, then there is damage to the trigeminal nerve, mild motor paralysis due to facial nerve damage, and damage to the facial muscles… But with this degree of injury…”
He mutters unfamiliar words as he closely examines the scars.
“Yohan-san, Hector-sama, please don’t tell Douglas-san and Gail-san about what I’m about to do. I’m sure this won’t be a problem at all, but if those two worrywarts find out, they’ll probably be furious.”
When he said that, he puts his hand on my face as if he were cupping it.
The expression on his face was as if he was looking at something he loved.
“Chikayuki-sama, what on earth are you―”
He closed his eyes and I felt the magic power flowing from his hand.
Is this healing magic? But there is no discomfort at all, which should be common in the healing magic.
There is no way he is my [pair]. I wonder if this is his power that has been rumored.
The magic that had been flowing from him subsided, and the light that had been shining on me faded away.
“With this, I think the pain is gone now. How do you feel about that? It should be easier to make facial expressions.”
“This is the first time I’ve seen this. So this is Chika-chan’s power, huh… This is amazing! Yohan, you’ve become a handsome man!”
Hector-sama’s words prompted me to put my hand on my face.
There’s no feeling of those deep grooved scars, nor is there a tugging sensation at all.
“The scars that any healer gave up are gone….”
“That’s why I have Chika-chan use his ability on you. Now you see why his escort must be you, don’t you?”
I still hadn’t fully comprehended how things were going, and I couldn’t even reply to Hector-sama’s words.
“Yohan-san, I am sorry for the trouble I am about to cause you. I know I should be able to protect myself, but I have no way of doing so. I’m fine for now. But if possible, could you protect me just during the birth of my baby?”
He bows deeply to me.
It’s my duty, and it’s not something I’m asked to do, much less something I should receive a bow for.
“Please don’t do that. It is my duty to protect you, Chikayuki-sama, so there is nothing for you to worry about. I would protect you even if I had to put myself in your place, and of course, that applied to the child in your belly as well.”
“Thank you, but please don’t strain yourself. There is no substitute for your life.”
He lifted his head and took my hand in his.
I held his small, warm hand in return.
“I understand. I will put forth my best effort.”
With a grin, he’s staring into my face. Even though the scars are gone, as expected, I am still afraid.
“Well, Yohan-san, I have a little favor to ask you.”
“What is it?”
“Can you try smiling a little? Like this.”
“Smile… is it?”
I haven’t smiled for a long time.
I had already forgotten how to smile.
I tried my best to remember how to smile and tried to give him a sort of tight smile.
“Like… like this?”
He chuckled when he saw it. As I thought, I can’t smile well.
Or maybe it is weird when a face like mine smiles.
“Ah, I am sorry. No, one of my spouses doesn’t have a lot of facial expressions and is often said that he’s scary. So I think Yohan-san is probably the same. It was as I thought, your smiling face was very nice.”
I was stunned by his words.
He looked at me and on top of not being frightened by my face, he said that I have a nice smile.
Moreover, I could tell from his demeanor that he was not lying. I could see that Hector-sama was laughing while holding his stomach.
“Iyaa, as expected of you, Chika-chan. I never thought I’d see Yohan’s smile or his agitation. You have shown me something good.”
As if that wasn’t enough, Hector-sama continued to laugh.
[Chika] “Well then, I must get back soon, or those two will be worried about me. Oh, Yohan-san, if you don’t mind, please try to eat this. I hope it fits your taste since I made it myself.”
He put a large basket in my hand and left.
Afterward, only Hector-sama and I remained. We discussed the details of the upcoming mission in detail, but I had a hard time wrapping my head around it.
After finishing the day’s mission, I returned home and laid down on a hard bed.
It’s a familiar room with no decoration. Just a place to go back to and sleep. But for some reason, I feel restless today.
The image that comes to mind is that of the boy who was not afraid of me and was smiling at me.
I am hungry. I remember that I have something that he gave me, so I take it out of my basket.
It looks like a sandwich, but what’s inside is something I’ve never seen before.
Could this be the pork cutlet sandwich that Hector-sama mentioned?
Taking a bite, I taste the soft bread, the sauce soaked into the bread, and the delicious flavor of the filling wrapped in the crispy batter, even though it had cooled down.
As I ate it, for some reason I felt like crying.
I haven’t shed a tear since.
With each bite, large drops of tears fell down my face.
What is wrong with me?
My hands were stained with blood and dirt, but he held them in his.
Even though I have done it for my country, I have taken countless people’s lives in my hands.
But he smiled at me.
I felt a warmth from him that I thought I would never be able to feel in my life.
Of course, I know that he will never be mine, and I do not wish for that to happen.
But I want to keep an eye on him.
I want to be a part of his life.
I thought I was dedicating my entire life to Hector-sama.
Of course, my loyalty to Hector-sama has not changed.
But from this day on, I have decided to devote my life to protecting that dark-haired boy and everything he cares about.
I have already made up my mind to do so.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Thank you Rei and SmallPieceOfMe for your support! Enjoy your chapter! ^^
Our family has been in the service of the Leonidas royal family for generations, and our main job is to protect the royal family.
My twin brother serves the current King of Leonidas, Albert-sama, and I serve the former King, Hector-sama.
However, I am not just a bodyguard.
In this boring world where things are not always pretty, our important work includes behind-the-scenes work such as assassination, espionage, infiltration, sabotage, and information manipulation.
No one would not frown upon hearing this job description.
But I am proud of my job.
Above all, I am fascinated by Hector-sama’s character, who has taken over the work from his father. I am also fascinated by his skill as an astute politician who has brought prosperity to Leonidas.
If I can help him, I don’t mind getting my hands dirty.
I will never find a mate in such a job.
To keep the blood of the clan alive, my older brother should be able to get a companion from a family that also makes a living in the shadows and connect the bloodline, but I have no need for that.
My whole body is covered with old scars. I also have a large, deep diagonal scar on my face.
My brother says that I have a stern and evil face which makes everyone avoid me.
I thought it was a terrible thing to say. Even though we are twins, my brother and I don’t look alike at all.
The wounds that remain are all too deep to be healed by the healing magic.
The wounds on my face have made my skin tense, and my inability to make facial expressions has made my looks even worse.
Once I helped a young child who had fallen to his feet. When he saw my face, he started screaming and crying, which caused me a lot of trouble.
Since then, I have always hidden my face and kept my distance from people.
I don’t speak to anyone unless it’s necessary for work, and I haven’t felt a big emotional shift in years.
Because of the nature of my job, it wasn’t difficult. If anything, it was convenient.
Well, that’s enough about me.
Hector-sama, who I serve, is an impeccable man. The only thing that can drive him crazy is the existence of the human race.
His companion was also a human. When my father told me of the fate of the bandits who had harmed him, it sent chills down my spine.
The beasts who treated the humans as sex slaves or tools for breeding were also harshly dealt with and punished severely.
His doting love for the second prince, Alexei-sama, was known only to his own family and his chief advisors. His appearance was not something that the people who knew the “Quiet and Wise King” would have been proud to see.
Then, word came that the king’s younger brother, Douglas-sama, had found a companion.
What’s more, I had a bad premonition that this person was a human, a tribe rarely seen in this world anymore. And it turns out to be true.
Hector-sama’s reckless antics started when he met the human in the royal castle.
First of all, Hector-sama began to seriously plan to build a detached palace for the human tribe on the land owned by the royal family.
That land is a very sacred land where the founder of the lion tribe appeared.
It is absolutely insane to build a detached palace there.
Of course, Albert-sama didn’t agree to it, but Hector-sama has the power to make it happen even without Albert-sama’s approval.
In fact, he even had the blueprints for the detached palace completed.
In the end, Hector-sama took up a residence near Douglas-sama’s residence in the city. Even though he has retired, he is still a very powerful man.
No matter how strictly we guarded his personal safety, we could not rest assured that he would be safe. It was a real headache for us.
I honestly felt a little resentful for that human race, who had caused this to happen.
Somehow, the security system had been put in place and Hector-sama’s life in the city was finally beginning to show signs of settling down.
Douglas-sama’s companion got pregnant.
Hector-sama’s joy at hearing this was something that not many people could see.
Today, I was personally called by Hector-sama to his presence.
Right there was a human boy with black hair and black eyes.
He must be Douglas-sama’s companion.
However, my current appearance is completely in black, and my head is completely wrapped in a cloth, leaving only my eyes exposed.
Would he be suspicious of my appearance?
No, that’s why I can’t really show my face.
“I’m glad you came. You’ve done nothing but tough missions so far. I know that you have suffered many wounds because of them. I will not ask for forgiveness… but you are the most skillful person I know. And I have another task for you.”
“You do not need to worry about me. Since I have dedicated my body to my country, or rather to Hector-sama, I am prepared to fulfill any order with my life. But who might the person over there?”
“I see. I’m sorry for always you such a hard time… This time, your mission is to guard him. As you may have noticed, he is Douglas’s spouse and his name is Chikayuki. I call him Chika-chan.
When Hector-sama looked at him, he stood up from the chair he was sitting in.
“Since Hector-sama has offered to give me a personal escort… I am not allowed to refuse. In that case, I thought I’d like to greet you myself, and I asked you to accept the request.”
He was very small even when he stood up. Probably not even up to my chest.
“Chikayuki-sama, it is my pleasure to meet you. I am Yohan, Hector-sama’s escort. I look forward to working with you.”
I kneeled down and lowered my head to him.
“Yohan-san, right? My name is Chikayuki. It is a pleasure to meet you too. Umm, if you don’t mind, may I see your face? I think your figure is cool too, like a ninja…”
What in the world is a ninja?
But I’m troubled by those words.
What would such a young boy, no, I am told that he is an adult, think when he sees my face?
If he is only frightened by me, he might refuse to let me escort him.
If that were to happen, it would cause trouble for Hector-sama.
While I was hesitating, Hector-sama called out to me.
“Yohan, if it’s Chika-chan, there’s nothing to worry about. Let him see your face.”
“Yes. I understand.”
I slowly remove the cloth covering my face in fear.
When he saw my exposed face, he took a deep breath.
“I have shown you something ugly. I apologize.”
I tried to wrap the cloth around me again, but his hand stopped me.
“Yohan-san, what is wrong with this wound?”
“I am ashamed to say that this is a wound I received in the course of my duties due to my inexperience. It was so deep that healing magic did not work and it ended up like this…”
“Umm, may I take a look at it, if you don’t mind?”
“No, I cannot ask you to do such a thing…”
“Yohan, don’t be afraid to ask Chika-chan to take a look. Don’t feel bad.”
“Yes. Then, please do.”
He cupped my face in his hands and gently ran his fingers over the scar.
“There must be a tugging pain when it’s this deep. I’m sure it’s hard for you to make any kind of facial expression…”
“Yes, that’s right. However, since the sensation itself is dull around the wound, I have already gotten used to it.”
“There’s not much sensation… and if there is also sensory disturbance, then there is damage to the trigeminal nerve, mild motor paralysis due to facial nerve damage, and damage to the facial muscles… But with this degree of injury…”
He mutters unfamiliar words as he closely examines the scars.
“Yohan-san, Hector-sama, please don’t tell Douglas-san and Gail-san about what I’m about to do. I’m sure this won’t be a problem at all, but if those two worrywarts find out, they’ll probably be furious.”
When he said that, he puts his hand on my face as if he were cupping it.
The expression on his face was as if he was looking at something he loved.
“Chikayuki-sama, what on earth are you―”
He closed his eyes and I felt the magic power flowing from his hand.
Is this healing magic? But there is no discomfort at all, which should be common in the healing magic.
There is no way he is my [pair]. I wonder if this is his power that has been rumored.
The magic that had been flowing from him subsided, and the light that had been shining on me faded away.
“With this, I think the pain is gone now. How do you feel about that? It should be easier to make facial expressions.”
“This is the first time I’ve seen this. So this is Chika-chan’s power, huh… This is amazing! Yohan, you’ve become a handsome man!”
Hector-sama’s words prompted me to put my hand on my face.
There’s no feeling of those deep grooved scars, nor is there a tugging sensation at all.
“The scars that any healer gave up are gone….”
“That’s why I have Chika-chan use his ability on you. Now you see why his escort must be you, don’t you?”
I still hadn’t fully comprehended how things were going, and I couldn’t even reply to Hector-sama’s words.
“Yohan-san, I am sorry for the trouble I am about to cause you. I know I should be able to protect myself, but I have no way of doing so. I’m fine for now. But if possible, could you protect me just during the birth of my baby?”
He bows deeply to me.
It’s my duty, and it’s not something I’m asked to do, much less something I should receive a bow for.
“Please don’t do that. It is my duty to protect you, Chikayuki-sama, so there is nothing for you to worry about. I would protect you even if I had to put myself in your place, and of course, that applied to the child in your belly as well.”
“Thank you, but please don’t strain yourself. There is no substitute for your life.”
He lifted his head and took my hand in his.
I held his small, warm hand in return.
“I understand. I will put forth my best effort.”
With a grin, he’s staring into my face. Even though the scars are gone, as expected, I am still afraid.
“Well, Yohan-san, I have a little favor to ask you.”
“What is it?”
“Can you try smiling a little? Like this.”
“Smile… is it?”
I haven’t smiled for a long time.
I had already forgotten how to smile.
I tried my best to remember how to smile and tried to give him a sort of tight smile.
“Like… like this?”
He chuckled when he saw it. As I thought, I can’t smile well.
Or maybe it is weird when a face like mine smiles.
“Ah, I am sorry. No, one of my spouses doesn’t have a lot of facial expressions and is often said that he’s scary. So I think Yohan-san is probably the same. It was as I thought, your smiling face was very nice.”
I was stunned by his words.
He looked at me and on top of not being frightened by my face, he said that I have a nice smile.
Moreover, I could tell from his demeanor that he was not lying. I could see that Hector-sama was laughing while holding his stomach.
“Iyaa, as expected of you, Chika-chan. I never thought I’d see Yohan’s smile or his agitation. You have shown me something good.”
As if that wasn’t enough, Hector-sama continued to laugh.
[Chika] “Well then, I must get back soon, or those two will be worried about me. Oh, Yohan-san, if you don’t mind, please try to eat this. I hope it fits your taste since I made it myself.”
He put a large basket in my hand and left.
Afterward, only Hector-sama and I remained. We discussed the details of the upcoming mission in detail, but I had a hard time wrapping my head around it.
After finishing the day’s mission, I returned home and laid down on a hard bed.
It’s a familiar room with no decoration. Just a place to go back to and sleep. But for some reason, I feel restless today.
The image that comes to mind is that of the boy who was not afraid of me and was smiling at me.
I am hungry. I remember that I have something that he gave me, so I take it out of my basket.
It looks like a sandwich, but what’s inside is something I’ve never seen before.
Could this be the pork cutlet sandwich that Hector-sama mentioned?
Taking a bite, I taste the soft bread, the sauce soaked into the bread, and the delicious flavor of the filling wrapped in the crispy batter, even though it had cooled down.
As I ate it, for some reason I felt like crying.
I haven’t shed a tear since.
With each bite, large drops of tears fell down my face.
What is wrong with me?
My hands were stained with blood and dirt, but he held them in his.
Even though I have done it for my country, I have taken countless people’s lives in my hands.
But he smiled at me.
I felt a warmth from him that I thought I would never be able to feel in my life.
Of course, I know that he will never be mine, and I do not wish for that to happen.
But I want to keep an eye on him.
I want to be a part of his life.
I thought I was dedicating my entire life to Hector-sama.
Of course, my loyalty to Hector-sama has not changed.
But from this day on, I have decided to devote my life to protecting that dark-haired boy and everything he cares about.
I have already made up my mind to do so.
Thank you Rei and SmallPieceOfMe for your support! Enjoy your chapter! ^^Our family has been in the service of the Leonidas royal family for generations, and our main job is to protect the royal family.My twin brother serves the current King of Leonidas, Albert-sama, and I serve the former King, Hector-sama.However, I am not just a bodyguard.In this boring world where things are not always pretty, our important work includes behind-the-scenes work such as assassination, espionage, infiltration, sabotage, and information manipulation.No one would not frown upon hearing this job description.But I am proud of my job.Above all, I am fascinated by Hector-sama's character, who has taken over the work from his father. I am also fascinated by his skill as an astute politician who has brought prosperity to Leonidas.If I can help him, I don't mind getting my hands dirty.I will never find a mate in such a job.To keep the blood of the clan alive, my older brother should be able to get a companion from a family that also makes a living in the shadows and connect the bloodline, but I have no need for that.My whole body is covered with old scars. I also have a large, deep diagonal scar on my face.My brother says that I have a stern and evil face which makes everyone avoid me.I thought it was a terrible thing to say. Even though we are twins, my brother and I don't look alike at all.The wounds that remain are all too deep to be healed by the healing magic.The wounds on my face have made my skin tense, and my inability to make facial expressions has made my looks even worse.Once I helped a young child who had fallen to his feet. When he saw my face, he started screaming and crying, which caused me a lot of trouble.Since then, I have always hidden my face and kept my distance from people.I don't speak to anyone unless it's necessary for work, and I haven't felt a big emotional shift in years.Because of the nature of my job, it wasn't difficult. If anything, it was convenient.Well, that's enough about me.Hector-sama, who I serve, is an impeccable man. The only thing that can drive him crazy is the existence of the human race.His companion was also a human. When my father told me of the fate of the bandits who had harmed him, it sent chills down my spine.The beasts who treated the humans as sex slaves or tools for breeding were also harshly dealt with and punished severely.His doting love for the second prince, Alexei-sama, was known only to his own family and his chief advisors. His appearance was not something that the people who knew the Quiet and Wise King would have been proud to see.Then, word came that the king's younger brother, Douglas-sama, had found a companion.What's more, I had a bad premonition that this person was a human, a tribe rarely seen in this world anymore. And it turns out to be true.Hector-sama's reckless antics started when he met the human in the royal castle.First of all, Hector-sama began to seriously plan to build a detached palace for the human tribe on the land owned by the royal family.That land is a very sacred land where the founder of the lion tribe appeared.It is absolutely insane to build a detached palace there.Of course, Albert-sama didn't agree to it, but Hector-sama has the power to make it happen even without Albert-sama's approval.In fact, he even had the blueprints for the detached palace completed.In the end, Hector-sama took up a residence near Douglas-sama's residence in the city. Even though he has retired, he is still a very powerful man.No matter how strictly we guarded his personal safety, we could not rest assured that he would be safe. It was a real headache for us.I honestly felt a little resentful for that human race, who had caused this to happen.Somehow, the security system had been put in place and Hector-sama's life in the city was finally beginning to show signs of settling down.Douglas-sama's companion got pregnant.Hector-sama's joy at hearing this was something that not many people could see.Today, I was personally called by Hector-sama to his presence.Right there was a human boy with black hair and black eyes.He must be Douglas-sama's companion.However, my current appearance is completely in black, and my head is completely wrapped in a cloth, leaving only my eyes exposed.Would he be suspicious of my appearance?No, that's why I can't really show my face.I'm glad you came. You've done nothing but tough missions so far. I know that you have suffered many wounds because of them. I will not ask for forgiveness but you are the most skillful person I know. And I have another task for you.You do not need to worry about me. Since I have dedicated my body to my country, or rather to Hector-sama, I am prepared to fulfill any order with my life. But who might the person over there?I see. I'm sorry for always you such a hard time This time, your mission is to guard him. As you may have noticed, he is Douglas's spouse and his name is Chikayuki. I call him Chika-chan.When Hector-sama looked at him, he stood up from the chair he was sitting in.Since Hector-sama has offered to give me a personal escort I am not allowed to refuse. In that case, I thought I'd like to greet you myself, and I asked you to accept the request.He was very small even when he stood up. Probably not even up to my chest.Chikayuki-sama, it is my pleasure to meet you. I am Yohan, Hector-sama's escort. I look forward to working with you.I kneeled down and lowered my head to him.Yohan-san, right? My name is Chikayuki. It is a pleasure to meet you too. Umm, if you don't mind, may I see your face? I think your figure is cool too, like a ninjaWhat in the world is a ninja?But I'm troubled by those words.What would such a young boy, no, I am told that he is an adult, think when he sees my face?If he is only frightened by me, he might refuse to let me escort him.If that were to happen, it would cause trouble for Hector-sama.While I was hesitating, Hector-sama called out to me.Yohan, if it's Chika-chan, there's nothing to worry about. Let him see your face.Yes. I understand.I slowly remove the cloth covering my face in fear.When he saw my exposed face, he took a deep breath.I have shown you something ugly. I apologize.I tried to wrap the cloth around me again, but his hand stopped me.Yohan-san, what is wrong with this wound?I am ashamed to say that this is a wound I received in the course of my duties due to my inexperience. It was so deep that healing magic did not work and it ended up like thisUmm, may I take a look at it, if you don't mind?No, I cannot ask you to do such a thingYohan, don't be afraid to ask Chika-chan to take a look. Don't feel bad.Yes. Then, please do.He cupped my face in his hands and gently ran his fingers over the scar.There must be a tugging pain when it's this deep. I'm sure it's hard for you to make any kind of facial expressionYes, that's right. However, since the sensation itself is dull around the wound, I have already gotten used to it.There's not much sensation and if there is also sensory disturbance, then there is damage to the trigeminal nerve, mild motor paralysis due to facial nerve damage, and damage to the facial muscles But with this degree of injuryHe mutters unfamiliar words as he closely examines the scars.Yohan-san, Hector-sama, please don't tell Douglas-san and Gail-san about what I'm about to do. I'm sure this won't be a problem at all, but if those two worrywarts find out, they'll probably be furious.When he said that, he puts his hand on my face as if he were cupping it.The expression on his face was as if he was looking at something he loved.Chikayuki-sama, what on earth are youHe closed his eyes and I felt the magic power flowing from his hand.Is this healing magic? But there is no discomfort at all, which should be common in the healing magic.There is no way he is my pair. I wonder if this is his power that has been rumored.The magic that had been flowing from him subsided, and the light that had been shining on me faded away.With this, I think the pain is gone now. How do you feel about that? It should be easier to make facial expressions.This is the first time I've seen this. So this is Chika-chan's power, huh This is amazing! Yohan, you've become a handsome man!Hector-sama's words prompted me to put my hand on my face.There's no feeling of those deep grooved scars, nor is there a tugging sensation at all.The scars that any healer gave up are gone.That's why I have Chika-chan use his ability on you. Now you see why his escort must be you, don't you?I still hadn't fully comprehended how things were going, and I couldn't even reply to Hector-sama's words.Yohan-san, I am sorry for the trouble I am about to cause you. I know I should be able to protect myself, but I have no way of doing so. I'm fine for now. But if possible, could you protect me just during the birth of my baby?He bows deeply to me.It's my duty, and it's not something I'm asked to do, much less something I should receive a bow for.Please don't do that. It is my duty to protect you, Chikayuki-sama, so there is nothing for you to worry about. I would protect you even if I had to put myself in your place, and of course, that applied to the child in your belly as well.Thank you, but please don't strain yourself. There is no substitute for your life.He lifted his head and took my hand in his.I held his small, warm hand in return.I understand. I will put forth my best effort.With a grin, he's staring into my face. Even though the scars are gone, as expected, I am still afraid.Well, Yohan-san, I have a little favor to ask you.What is it?Can you try smiling a little? Like this.Smile is it?I haven't smiled for a long time.I had already forgotten how to smile.I tried my best to remember how to smile and tried to give him a sort of tight smile.Like like this?He chuckled when he saw it. As I thought, I can't smile well.Or maybe it is weird when a face like mine smiles.Ah, I am sorry. No, one of my spouses doesn't have a lot of facial expressions and is often said that he's scary. So I think Yohan-san is probably the same. It was as I thought, your smiling face was very nice.I was stunned by his words.He looked at me and on top of not being frightened by my face, he said that I have a nice smile.Moreover, I could tell from his demeanor that he was not lying. I could see that Hector-sama was laughing while holding his stomach.Iyaa, as expected of you, Chika-chan. I never thought I'd see Yohan's smile or his agitation. You have shown me something good.As if that wasn't enough, Hector-sama continued to laugh.Chika Well then, I must get back soon, or those two will be worried about me. Oh, Yohan-san, if you don't mind, please try to eat this. I hope it fits your taste since I made it myself.He put a large basket in my hand and left.Afterward, only Hector-sama and I remained. We discussed the details of the upcoming mission in detail, but I had a hard time wrapping my head around it.After finishing the day's mission, I returned home and laid down on a hard bed.It's a familiar room with no decoration. Just a place to go back to and sleep. But for some reason, I feel restless today.The image that comes to mind is that of the boy who was not afraid of me and was smiling at me.I am hungry. I remember that I have something that he gave me, so I take it out of my basket.It looks like a sandwich, but what's inside is something I've never seen before.Could this be the pork cutlet sandwich that Hector-sama mentioned?Taking a bite, I taste the soft bread, the sauce soaked into the bread, and the delicious flavor of the filling wrapped in the crispy batter, even though it had cooled down.As I ate it, for some reason I felt like crying.I haven't shed a tear since.With each bite, large drops of tears fell down my face.What is wrong with me?My hands were stained with blood and dirt, but he held them in his.Even though I have done it for my country, I have taken countless people's lives in my hands.But he smiled at me.I felt a warmth from him that I thought I would never be able to feel in my life.Of course, I know that he will never be mine, and I do not wish for that to happen.But I want to keep an eye on him.I want to be a part of his life.I thought I was dedicating my entire life to Hector-sama.Of course, my loyalty to Hector-sama has not changed.But from this day on, I have decided to devote my life to protecting that dark-haired boy and everything he cares about.I have already made up my mind to do so.
