For Sale: Male Lead, Obsession Included - Chapter 66
As soon as I swung my leg and jumped down from the horse, Feyden dismounted immediately as if he had been waiting for it and buried his face in the display of swords.
Ariel, who had followed us, also got off his horse and approached. Despite riding through the wind just like me, his silver hair remained smooth and silky, as if he had applied camellia oil, unlike my own, which was tangled in a mess.
“May I go to the temple to offer my prayers?”
“Yes, of course. Go ahead. Feyden and I will just look at the swords around here.”
“Very well. And if Feyden bothers you, let me know. I’ll tell Angel Natasia all about it.”
Ariel teased before disappearing into the crowd with his usual graceful steps.
I used to think Ariel was too upright to make jokes, but after spending a month with him, I had learned that he could throw in a joke or tease Feyden from time to time, just like any ordinary 19-year-old.
Watching his shimmering silver hair disappear into the crowd, I walked over to Feyden, who was intently inspecting the swords with a serious expression.
“Feyden, what kind of sword would be good for a beginner? It’s for someone about your age.”
I picked up the sword Feyden had been handling and examined it from different angles.
To be honest, I knew nothing about swords, but I was just copying what Feyden had been doing. Without even looking at me, he gave a halfhearted response.
“The one you wanted to give as a gift?”
“Yes, that’s right. You remember.”
“Who’s it for? A friend?”
Hmm. Not a friend, exactly. In fact, Hertino doesn’t even know I exist in this world.
I stared at the sharp blade, which looked like it could cut with the slightest touch, and recalled the description of Hertino from the novel.
He wasn’t a major character frequently mentioned, but from what I could remember, he had dark green hair like pine needles, and his personality and expression were both stiff and unyielding—like a brick.
Aside from his appearance, the only other thing I remembered was that, like Feyden, Hertino was deeply serious about swords.
When the original female lead returned from Dongguk to the capital, he had even asked to be taken along so he could study in a bigger world.
“He’s not exactly a friend…”
“Another guard, then?” Feyden asked, tossing the sword down and turning to face me.
‘He’s giving me that look as if one guard isn’t enough for me.’
Of course, it would be ideal if I could keep someone as talented as Feyden, who would become the Mercenary King in the future, as my guard. But as for Feyden in the original story…
Avoiding his piercing gaze, I mumbled my answer,
“There’s no one stronger than you.”
Although I might be the one altering the original story’s plot, I had no intention of changing Feyden’s future. That’s why I’m choosing Hertino as a backup plan.
If Feyden could teach Hertino swordsmanship, maybe he would become a stronger knight than in the original, where his growth had been hindered by a poor mentor.
As I was lost in my thoughts, I suddenly felt an itch on my right cheek. When I turned my head to find the source, I saw Feyden staring at me with an unfocused look, his cheeks slightly red.
“What’s wrong?”
Though I asked, I was trying to focus on choosing a suitable sword for Hertino after paying for the one Feyden had spent the most time handling. Despite asking him to help me choose several times, Feyden remained silent for quite a while.
***
Meanwhile, as Ariel made his way toward the temple, he turned into a deserted alley where a man, his hood pulled low, was waiting.
“Here’s the report of their activities,” Ariel said quietly, handing over a small note. “There’s been no behavior that could harm the temple or Angel Natasia.”
The man quickly glanced over the note with his eyes.
“That is for the next pope to decide.”
The man said slipped the note into his robe and turning to leave.
Ariel, unusually, reached out and stopped him.
“Can’t I stop now? I’ve been observing her for a month…”
“I’ve heard rumors of bandits appearing who seem to be linked to dark magic. And you’ll be going to the Holy Kingdom soon, won’t you? We don’t know what might happen there, so you’ve been asked to continue until then. You know this is all for the sake of the temple and Angel Natasia,” the man said coldly.
“But…”
The man dismissed Ariel’s plea, reminding him that the next pope favored him, as if that should be enough to make him content. Without another word, the man disappeared into the crowd, leaving Ariel standing there, biting his lip.
Ariel’s outstretched hand felt powerless.
Estira was a good person, that much he knew. Even though she claimed to believe in Angel Natasia, she rarely prayed or attended services at the temple. Yet after traveling with her for a month, Ariel was convinced she was not someone who would harm the temple or Angel Natasia.
Ariel deeply regretted agreeing to the next pope’s request to keep an eye on her, just in case. Every time he saw Estira’s clear, cheerful smile, guilt overwhelmed him, making it impossible to return her smile.
“…What should I do?”
Ariel murmured, lifting his gaze to the sky. His pure golden eyes shimmered with emotion.
He had committed an unforgivable sin against Estira, one she could never pardon. He couldn’t even hope for forgiveness.
Closing his eyes, Ariel let out a long sigh.
Maybe ending this journey with her now would be the best decision for everyone.
Each day felt like living in a personal hell for Ariel.
