Even If You Tear Me Apart - Chapter 10
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The paladins of Udal generally maintained a horizontal structure.
Although Ezekiel held the position of commander, it was more a matter of convenience than privilege. Being the commander didn’t mean he had fewer responsibilities.
The same applied to night watches.
“Commander.”
“Yes.”
The knight who had taken the previous watch gently shook Ezekiel awake while passing by his tent.
Already awake, Ezekiel quietly got up and stepped outside.
He silently put on his leather armor and revived the dying embers of the fire. The forest, covered in morning dew, was still and silent. The air was damp and cold.
Ezekiel strolled between the tents.
His steps led him to the women’s tent, where Milena, the Marquis’s maid, and… Iris Quilluxia were staying.
A pang twisted in his chest.
Ezekiel quickly turned away from the tent. His thoughts were tangled, and the distractions were making him restless.
Though Milena had said she looked like a child after seeing her for the first time in five years, Ezekiel thought otherwise.
Her cheeks, once lively and full at fifteen, had become hollow and gaunt. The innocent brightness she once radiated had been replaced by shadows of weariness.
…And yet, she still captivated him at first sight.
“…Ridiculous.”
Leaving the camp behind, Ezekiel made his way to a nearby stream, intending to splash water on his face and clear his head.
But there, he encountered someone unexpected.
“…Ah.”
“……”
It was Iris Quilluxia.
In the forest at dawn, the silver-haired woman crouched by the stream. When had she left her tent? Hearing his approach, she stiffened and turned toward him.
Ezekiel, equally startled, froze. He hadn’t expected anyone to be out here—especially not her.
“G-Good morning.”
Of all people to meet, why her? Ezekiel resisted the urge to shut his eyes and sighed internally before responding.
“It’s dangerous to wander alone, Miss Quilluxia.”
“Ah.”
She stumbled to her feet, fumbling for an explanation.
“I woke up early and didn’t want to disturb the others… I just wanted to wash up quickly.”
As if to support her words, the hem of her dress, which she had tucked between her legs, slipped free and dropped to the ground with a soft rustle. Her face flushed.
“I’m sorry. If I’d known you were on watch, Ez… Sir Ezekiel…”
“…It’s not as if you woke me up.”
“I see…”
An awkward silence fell between them.
Iris fiddled with her rolled-up sleeves, unsure of what to do, while Ezekiel crossed his arms and stared off in another direction.
Eventually, Iris spoke first.
“I’m truly sorry, but if it’s not too much trouble, could I quickly finish washing before heading back?”
“…Yes, go ahead.”
But Ezekiel didn’t move from where he stood.
Iris, sensing his gaze lingering elsewhere, looked puzzled.
“Our duty is to ensure your safety, Miss Quilluxia.”
In other words, he wasn’t going to leave her alone by the stream.
“Oh… I see.”
She nodded hesitantly and turned back toward the stream, crouching down again.
Though it made her visibly uncomfortable to have him standing nearby, she didn’t object. And it didn’t matter—Ezekiel had no intention of leaving.
The stream was narrow, barely the length of his arm. Iris gathered the long hem of her dress and tucked it neatly under her knees, making sure it wouldn’t get in the way. Carefully, she rolled up her sleeves, revealing slender wrists to the cool morning air.
Although it was early summer, the dawn air was still chilly. But she seemed unfazed as she dipped her hands into the cold water.
“Oh, it’s freezing…”
She murmured, her words escaping unintentionally as she cupped the cold water and splashed it on her face.
Her hair, swept behind her ears, fell forward as she moved, strands soaking in the water. Droplets slid down her hair, catching the pale blue light of dawn as they shimmered and fell with a soft plop.
Ezekiel witnessed it all.
The woman who had once occupied his heart.
Iris Quilluxia.
