Chapter 22- Break up
The battle between Radolf and Kyle came to a dramatic end within ten minutes after commencement.
For the most part, it seemed Radolf was overwhelming the battlefield. He maintained his distance from Kyle, knowing that the latter's strength lies in close combat. This much was under expectation, that's why no one seemed surprised, except for Alatia.
However, rather than surprise she was concerned for Kyle—which no one was able to sense from her indifferent expression.
"Should I stop this, my lady?" The moment Radolf invoked the 'Meteor Fall' Collen suggested. Meteor Fall wasn't a third-degree spell just for show. It contains the destructive power to swallow a small town and leave nothing but rubble behind.
Although Radolf limited the range of the attack, it was a fact that the person to whom this spell was directed, wouldn't be able to survive.
The risk was high, and there was a potential threat for Kyle to lose his life as well. However,
"Wait...not now." Alatia wanted to believe in Kyle and not interfere in the battle. If she finds the situation taking a lethal turn, she will use her connection with Kyle to protect him.
Collen, naturally, didn't disobey her orders and stayed behind.
He had a feeling that Radolf would end the match without receiving a single attack. However, the security chief was proven wrong soon.
"Hmm?!" Collen's eyes bulged slightly as he watched Kyle getting struck by the water ball mid-air. However, the reason why he was shocked and there was a proud smile on Alatia's lips, derives from the fact that it wasn't only Kyle who was falling to the ground.
'...I suppose Kyle understood what I said earlier...' Collen, an hour ago, explained to Kyle that he should only throw his weapon when he is sure of victory. And gazing at Radolf's current condition, Collen felt that his teaching had significantly affected Kyle.
However, what occurred next was something no one expected.
Someone who was sent by the central ministry to serve the First Princess, was actually a Curse User. This very fact shows the loopholes in the administration and assessment.
"My lady, with due respect."
Alatia nodded without a second thought before Collen appeared right behind Radolf and finished off the abomination before it could harm Kyle.
The situation was handled in such a swift manner, that not only Kyle but the other soldiers guard were also awestruck.
However, none of it affected Alatia, as with her gaze narrowed she stared at Kyle and left the training ground soon after.
*****
[Kyle's POV:]
I was given a recovery and healing potion after the battle with Radolf...ah, late Radolf.
The news of Radolf abandoning humanity and demonizing himself must have already reached the Emperor's ears. Now, it all depends on how he reacts to this situation.
Collen has taken the responsibility to investigate Radolf's case and find out how he got involved with Cursed Magic in the first place. The security around the mansion has increased and half of the soldiers from the Belur town were now stationed around the mansion.
I should have returned to my room and rest early since I was injured. However, the room where I currently was, belonged to the person I serve.
And the most concerning part,
We are all alone.
"Don't move." Alatia's soft and warm hand held my bare shoulder, firmly as she glared at me.
I am currently sitting in the same spot where she sleeps every night. My upper body was fully exposed and only a knee-length lower was covering my body.
My back rested on the headboard while my stretched-out legs remained relaxed on the comfortable bed.
Alatia was sitting at the edge of the bed with her legs hanging down. Her fingers on the right hand were coated with a greenish gel which relieves the pain.
Although I consumed the potion, some injuries and bruises require time to recover. I wasn't planning to apply any balm on it...until Alatia summoned me and commanded me to strip.
When I think about it, Alatia isn't the kind of girl who would blush and become embarrassed to see a boy of the same age as her, naked. She is a cool beauty who has a huge fan base because of her indifferent disposition.
Alatia doesn't see me as a man—was what I deduced after seeing her reaction. Well, how I felt about it was something I didn't contemplate about.
"Sss..." I hissed a little as her fingers pressed against the dark spot on my collarbone. I incurred that injury when he blasted me with that water ball while I was in mid-air.
"Does it hurt?" Her unusually soft voice reached my ears before I nodded.
"Hurts...and burns...."
Alatia suddenly nearly her lips to my injury and blew softly over it.
The distance between us was mere inches as she blew over the injury to soothe the burning.
However, I wasn't able to pay attention to it.
Alatia...was a charming girl. Like a fairy.
Her long golden eyelashes fluttered every time she blinked. Her rosy lips stole my attention for the most part. Her violet eyes moved around my wound, dictating how concerned she was for me. And the overwhelming and intoxicating fragrance she was emanating just turned my mind numb.
Her focus shifted from the injury to my eyes, which were already affixed to her.
The distance between our faces was a finger long and the tension in the air was heavier than a boulder.
For a moment, her soft and supple lips were everything I could see.
My heart was probably beating faster than how it was during the battle.
The urge to throw away my caution and embrace this beauty surged in my consciousness...however,
"I think this much is enough for now."
I lowered my head and whispered. There was nothing that could happen between us.
I was Alatia's butler and I need to remember this fact.
I didn't see what face Alatia made before I rolled toward the other side of the bed and hopped off.
"Then...I will be taking my leave." Picking my shirt I draped it over my shoulders before bowing to her.
When I was leaving, she never stopped me. Whether she was offended or relieved by my action remained a mystery.
Once I exited the room, I couldn't help muttering under my breath,
"Seriously...what am I..."
*****
The next few days went in silence.
I was performing all my jobs as a butler and training with Collen side by side. However, the only significant difference was Alatia's indifferent attitude in my presence even when we were alone.
It felt like...she was hurt by my actions. She not only never called for me for anything, but she also barely looked in my direction. It felt like I was also just a butler in her eyes now. The friendship we had, seemed to have disappeared after what I did.
Naturally, I was troubled by this complication I had created, however, before I could talk to her in private, suddenly someone from the capital arrived at the mansion.
"Oh, my~How beautiful my sister has become in these few months." The person who was holding Alatia's hand and fawning over her was her elder brother.
However, what bothered me was the long side glance he extended toward me.
'....I have a bad feeling about this...'
*****
A/N:- Sorry for the long break. I will prepare an extra SS for this small separation between the two and also add both Alatia's and Kyle's perspectives in that chapter.
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