Chapter 22

Tears welled up in Elena’s eyes as he heard his voice, as if he were talking about someone else. It was because it brought back a terrible memory of what I had witnessed on my 11th birthday on the way home from a meal at a fancy restaurant with my parents. The thing I shouted for was a skinny and messy boy who was unfairly beaten in the middle of the square after being falsely accused of being a thief. Although he was young, it was the first time in his life that he showed great courage. It was a case in which even her parents, who were members of a famous aristocratic family, sided with Elena and proved the boy’s innocence.

“Right before I got beaten to death like that……a little girl. No, a young noblewoman came running and screamed. “That person is not a thief. It’s not like that, so don’t hit him”.”

“…..”

“Even the young lady’s parents sided with me, so I barely survived.”

“….”

“If it hadn’t been for those noble people who were willing to stand up for poor orphans they’d never seen, I’d probably be dead.”

“…Count.”

“After my innocence was proven, I was noticed by the head of the household, was miraculously adopted at a late age, and started a knight trainee life. As you can see, I have become the commander of the Imperial Knights now. I mean, you made me who I am today, Elena. ”

Dribble. Tears from Elena’s eyes ran down her cheeks and chin, and the two even landed on the tea table they were sitting on. Wood smiled and caressed Elena’s wet cheek slowly. His expression was calmer than ever, but his fingertips were shaking as he recalled the terrible memories.

“I couldn’t even hear the sound of people cursing, spitting and laughing at lowly orphans. I had to find out and remember your name somehow.”

“I remember that day too. To think that person was the Count…..”

“I haven’t seen you for a long time since that day, but I’ve never forgotten your name, your face, expression, or voice that your parents called you so many times.”

“But the me then and the me now are different people. My parents passed away a few years later, and it’s been a long time since I sold things like nobility for money. All I know how to do is cook, and as you can see, I’m not pretty……”

Then Wood slowly peeled the glove off Elena’s hand. Red burn marks were clearly visible, as if they were on fire. Wood quickly grabbed Elena, who was trying to hide her hand, and kissed the back of her scarred hand. It was an ecstatically soft kiss mixed with respect and gratitude, compassion and love.

“No. You are beautiful. More than anyone else in the world.”

“Oh, you can’t go there. It’s ugly.”

“Ugly? Never say such things from now on. Such self- deprecating words do not suit a beautiful and noble person like you.”

“…Count.”

“If I had had the power sooner, I would have made you suffer less……I’m sorry to have only brought you in now.”

“Then it was on purpose that you hired me. Are you running?”

“Yes, I found out that you were friendly with the fruit vendor in the market, and paid her a small fee to induce you to quit Bacchus yourself.”

It’s amazing that it was all his plan from the start, but maybe I’ve had a crush on him alone for over two years.

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