For Sale: Male Lead, Obsession Included - Chapter 85
Having finished his bath, which he could now do with his eyes closed, Declan stepped out and leaned against the window in his room, spotting Clovin waiting for him. However, he immediately pretended not to see him and walked to the opposite side of the room.
Clovin’s eyebrow twitched in irritation.
For days now, Declan had been treating Clovin as if he were invisible. If there was any reason for this, it was because Clovin had forcibly dragged him to meet Estira a while ago.
‘I saved this pitiful guy from getting rejected by a girl in front of everyone, and this is the thanks I get?’
Of course, Declan’s disdainful gaze toward Clovin had another cause.
It stemmed from the threat Clovin had whispered to him right after Estira disappeared from Declan’s sight when he’d desperately tried to follow her.
“If you cause any more trouble, the Duke has ordered me to erase both your memories and hers.”
Strong and lasting memories tend to resurface even when erased by magic, but it wouldn’t have been hard to erase a memory of someone he had known for just a little while.
Not wanting to lose the memory of seeing Estira again after a month, Declan had clamped his mouth shut, and since then, the cold war between him and Clovin had continued.
‘Who would think he’s not still a child?’
Watching the sixteen-year-old, who was fully immersed in his unrequited love, Clovin shook his head. He looked like a bristling black cat.
Clovin called in two men waiting outside the door.
“These are the physical training instructors you requested. As you can see, I chose some truly muscular fellows.”
Although Declan had come to the duchy in a hurry, Estira had left less than a day after arriving, leaving Declan wallowing in gloom. But despite his low spirits, his determination was burning brighter than ever.
“Should we start right away?”
This determination was all thanks to the mercenary Feyden, who was not only physically fit but also highly skilled with the sword.
‘If it were me, I’d have lost all will to live after seeing the woman I love getting along with another man. But instead, he’s even more determined to surpass that mercenary. Unbelievable.’
Clovin couldn’t help but consider applauding Declan’s relentless tenacity.
“Well… as for the romance instructor, it’s probably best to hire one after you’ve built some strength. Agreed?”
“Yeah.”
‘Oh, so you use informal speech with me but show respect to these muscle-bound instructors, huh.’
Clovin frowned, displeased.
“Fine. Have a good time.”
With your sweaty buddies.
Clovin opened Declan’s door with an obvious pout, but then suddenly turned back.
There, he saw the two men scrutinizing Declan’s body from head to toe, as if discussing which part of the prey had the most meat. They resembled two large predators sizing up their herbivore catch.
Clovin gave Declan a look of pure exasperation.
“The arrangements for Estira’s protection have been handled. The Duke also approved it.”
“Take good care of Estira.”
Declan, who hadn’t given Clovin so much as a glance until now, turned to him with shining eyes at the mention of Estira.
Clovin let out a hollow laugh and turned to leave.
“Oh, by the way, what’s your type when it comes to women? In terms of looks or personality?”
Before stepping fully out of the room, Clovin poked his head back in and asked offhandedly. Declan, who was still being poked and prodded by the instructors, turned his red eyes toward him.
His answer was brief.
“Estira.”
***
We decided to take a detour through other villages, even though it would take more time, because the fastest route to the Holy Kingdom had been deemed too dangerous due to its occupation by dark mages.
Ariel was silent throughout the walk, seemingly upset about having to take the long way around when the shortcut to the Holy Kingdom had been within reach. Feyden, uncharacteristically quiet as well, had gone far ahead, leaving us behind. Usually, he’d break the silence by picking a fight.
The shadows had grown long.
It would soon be time to find a campsite for the night.
Normally, Feyden would take care of such things, but today he seemed indifferent.
…Today feels unbearably long.
“Feyden! Let’s rest here!”
After riding for a few more minutes, I halted my horse when I heard the sound of a nearby stream and called out to Feyden.
Since our sleeping bags had all been blown away by that black whirlwind, we didn’t need perfectly flat ground to lie on. A spot near water would suffice for the night.
Dragging my heavy body, I leaned haphazardly against a tree trunk and closed my eyes.
It was dinnertime, but I didn’t feel hungry. I was just trying to stave off the drowsiness that kept washing over me.
“I’ll go look for some wild fruits or mushrooms. Please rest, Estira.”
Ariel carefully removed his robe and draped it over me. The faint warmth that lingered in the fabric began to ease the tension in my hunched shoulders.
