Irene Decided to Die - Chapter 155
“Really?”
“Yes.”
Adlen’s face brightened, then suddenly turned gloomy.
“Come to think of it, there is something troubling me. Although I said I’d gladly move, will the people around us truly welcome us?”
Many tend to avoid even ordinary strangers, and they carried a symbol of ill omen.
“If that’s the issue, I’ll make sure no one dares to torment us any longer. I plan to announce that anyone who mistreats us in the name of the temple or the king will face severe punishment.”
Even so, Adlen knew there would still be those who would harass them. It was a mindset that would need to be changed gradually from now on.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Adlen raised her head.
“…Avoiding it forever won’t solve anything. We will gratefully accept.”
With that, Irene ended her brief meeting with the two and returned to the barracks.
Burt was waiting for her in front of the tent.
“And the other two?”
“There’s a lot of work they need to take care of, so they’ve gone back.”
“Don’t you, Burt, also have any duties?”
“I took care of everything in advance.”
“How diligent.”
“Indeed, I am.”
“But about this whole rest issue… The reason they all want me is for political gain, right?”
At Irene’s words, Burt looked at her with a curious expression, as if he had heard something unexpected.
“Do you really think that?”
“Well…”
She thought she had no particular merits other than being the Saintess. Sensing her inner thoughts, Burt began to speak.
“At least for Guy and me, it’s not just for that reason. And as for Aura, she may have her ambitions, but that’s not all there is to it.”
“Then what is it?”
“You saved the King of the East.”
“That’s because he happened to need help at the time.”
“Regardless of the reason, thanks to your actions, he was saved. And Aura, she was underestimated simply for being a woman. But you admired her and acknowledged her.”
“That was because…”
“Because she needed it?”
“Yes.”
“You’re quite unaware of emotions, aren’t you?”
“Maybe so.”
She had always been more familiar with negative emotions, so she was slow to recognize kindness.
“So please choose a place to rest comfortably. Preferably in the North.”
“Now that you mention it, I haven’t heard your reason. Guy and Aura have their reasons, but Burt, what’s yours?”
Irene stared intently at Burt.
“My reason is…”
His composed lips parted, and a voice flowed out.
What could his reason be? Irene suppressed her pounding heart, waiting for his answer.
“I don’t know.”
But the response she got was far from what she had imagined.
“You don’t know?”
“Yes, I don’t know.”
He had lectured her about being unaware of emotions, yet now he was saying the same thing. She wanted to throw his own words back at him.
“But there’s one thing I’m certain of. I want you to come to the North and rest. I want you to experience the North’s charms and smile.”
What is this?
Her heart began to race wildly at words that sounded almost like a confession.
Even Irene, who was often oblivious to emotions, could sense it. The feelings Burt had for her were clearly ones of affection.
She wasn’t sure how to name them yet, but one thing was certain.
“I’ll think about it.”
Thankfully, her voice didn’t tremble.
“Please consider it carefully.”
“Yes. Oh, speaking of which, I nearly forgot to ask something.”
“What is it?”
“Do you remember the village we visited with people who bore the cursed symbol?”
“Of course, I remember.”
“I’d like to find them a new home.”
“Then how about the North? The people there are straightforward, generous, and free of prejudice. They also admire those who can fight well.”
“You really do recommend the North for everything, don’t you?”
At Irene’s words, Burt faintly smiled. Though he had a sharp and cold demeanor, his expression softened whenever he smiled.
“Because it’s where I live.”
And with that, her heart raced once more.
“I think there’s something wrong with my heart.”
“I’ll summon the doctor immediately.”
“No, that’s not what I meant.”
Irene tried to stop him, but Burt acted faster. Soon enough, a doctor was at his side, and despite her objections, she had to undergo a check-up.
“You are perfectly healthy.”
The doctor said after a thorough examination.
“You mentioned heart problems.”
“Perhaps you were startled by something? Or maybe it’s a curse of some sort?”
“We should call the high priest.”
“I’m telling you, I’m fine!”
Irene barely managed to stop Burt.
“My heart is fine.”
“But earlier, you said otherwise.”
“That was just a figure of speech.”
“I don’t quite understand what you mean.”
It’s because your smile made my heart race.
She was in a bind. She couldn’t just say it.
