Sweetheart 076

Dietrian felt a peculiar mix of emotions.

Above all, the presence of someone from the imperial faction so desperately willing to help Leticia felt strange, yet it made him want to trust Ahwin more. 

Leticia’s past, filled with lonely suffering, was still a deep wound. He had always hoped she had at least one person on her side.

But Ahwin was a Wing of the empire.

While a sliver of doubt lingered, Dietrian suddenly remembered a conversation he had with Leticia in the palace.

“Two Wings have arrived to take charge of the guard.”

“Is that so?”

Leticia’s expression was bright when she said this, as if she was pleased about someone’s arrival, even smiling slightly.

But her demeanor changed drastically when she actually faced the two Wings. Her face paled as if she was suffocating.

Wondering, Dietrian asked Ahwin.

“Did the guard commander change recently? She seemed to expect someone else.”

“Initially, it was supposed to be me and Noel, the ninth Wing. But before departure, Tenua replaced Noel.”

Realizing this, Dietrian understood that Leticia had not been avoiding Ahwin. It was Tenua she feared.

So, he chose to trust Ahwin. If Leticia trusted him, Dietrian felt he should too.

“Ugh…”

Then, a faint moan reached his ears, pulling him back from his thoughts.

Leticia’s eyelids slowly lifted. Dietrian eagerly asked,

“Leticia, are you awake?”

“…”

“Do you recognize me?”

Gazing up at him, Leticia whispered faintly,

“Diet…rian?”

Dietrian’s eyes widened.

It was the first time she had called him by his name. He felt his heart beat a little faster as he responded.

“Yes, it’s me. Do you recognize me?”

Leticia blinked slowly, her eyes still unfocused, as if she were submerged in a dream rather than reality.

“Leticia?”

“Why…”

“Yes?”

“Why are you…”

She weakly grasped his arm, her lips quivering slightly.

“Why are you… carrying me?”

Dietrian slowly understood her words.

“I am carrying you. It might be uncomfortable, but please bear with it for a while. Once we’re past the gravel desert, we’ll switch to a carriage.”

Leticia slightly furrowed her brows. Dietrian leaned in close to hear her better.

“Is there something uncomfortable?”

“Why, me…”

“I’m listening. Please speak.”

“Everyone said not to, why are you being so stubborn…”

“What do you mean? Who said not to?”

“It’s hard for you… Just leave me and go.”

At her words, Dietrian froze momentarily, then asked with a dawning realization.

“What are you saying?”

“Me… It’s because of me that you’re struggling… I don’t want that…”

With that, Leticia fell back into sleep.

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