Chapter 16

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Chapter 16

Even if today is a day off from the academy, Camian was still busy. There were so many other people who needed Camian’s help as well apart from our own farm’s work… Camian was called here and there and just kept working.

“I don’t think he’s ever helped like this before.”

Even in the novel, there was no mention of Camian being kind to his neighbors. I thought he was devoted only to Liv, but it turned out that he was kind to everyone.

“Maybe I got you brainwashed.”

From the moment I made up my mind to stop Camian’s blackening, I always said the same thing to Camian. “Live a good life.” “Love your neighbors.” “You have to be patient even when you get angry.” Etcetera, etcetera. There were so many things I said that I couldn’t even remember them all. Only the words have changed, but the content was the same.

My eyes moved towards Camian’s direction. Then, without realizing it, my gaze turned between his legs.

…It was big.

I shuddered at the feeling of the weapon that had been touching me down there.

“Where are you looking?”

Camian’s handsome face suddenly filled my vision. Because I was thinking about impure thoughts, my body flinched excessively. Camian’s one eyebrow twitched as if he found me suspicious.

“Ah… I wasn’t looking at it. I was just blankly thinking about something else.”

…Think of that thing hanging between your legs.

“You had a perverted face, and I was right. You are looking at mine.”

“…….”

“What obscene fantasies did you have? Tell me. Let me hear it.”

“It’s not like that.”

“Why are your ears red if it’s not?”

Anyway, this guy really didn’t let anything go. Camian smiled deeply with a playful face as I covered my ears with my palms.

“Don’t think too many naughty thoughts. It’s killing me.”

…Oh my, crazy.

Leaving me angry, Camian walked away without notice. I grabbed my coat and hurriedly followed him.

The guy who was well ahead turned around without notice. I almost smashed my forehead against his chest.

“Where are you going?”

“What, do I have to tell everything?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t want to. Or read my mind and guess it.”

Where was I going? I was just going to go to Camian’s next workplace just to look around.

Camian shifted his center of gravity to one side and stands tall. I set my gaze elsewhere for no reason at the rather poor posture.

“Don’t mess around, tell me where you’re going quickly.”

“People will think you’re my dad.”

“I’m not joking.”

“Then what are you going to do?”

“I’ll take you. Where are you going?”

“Never mind. I can go wherever I want to go.”

“Liv.”

I was just joking around with my words, but the atmosphere was getting worse than I thought. Camian had the momentum to not take a step back unless I told him about my destination. I didn’t want to fight him back with a joke that it wasn’t a big deal.

“I was just trying to follow you. Why do you keep digging like that?”

“…….”

Camian, who had a serious expression on his face with a slightly narrowed eyebrow, let out a weak sigh. Then, with a more relaxed face than before, he fastened my clothes tightly.

“What are you worried about?”

“Because you are special.”

“If you know, don’t do it. I am really surprised.”

“Don’t pretend to be so soft.”

I pushed Camian and went outside. Although the air was chilly, the wind was not strong enough so it was bearable.

“Would you like to get on my back?”

Camian quickly caught up with me and pointed to his back.

“Where are you going?”

“Uncle Holt’s house.”

“What, that’s close.”

When I walk ahead, his long legs walk side by side in line with my stride.

“Come inside the house when you arrive.”

“What about you?”

“They need my help chopping wood. It blows a lot of dust and it’s bad for your lungs, so don’t come near me.”

“No way…”

I wanted to stay by Camian’s side, but I gave up my heart because it was bad for my lungs. Even though it was winter, there were times when I often had a cough in the morning. I had to be careful about everything, because even a single small sickness came to my body as a huge one.

“If you feel bored, you can go back now.”

“No. I can exercise and walk. It’s also fun to chat with Aunt Nella.”

Holt was a close neighbor, whom we have frequented since childhood. It wasn’t as comfortable as home, but it was a place that suddenly came to mind on a free weekend. As soon as we arrived there, Camian disappeared with Holt, and I drank hot honey tea from Nella.

“…Do you know how surprised I was when he carried you to my house at such a young age?”

“I think I’ve heard this story already about ten times.”

“Then it will be the eleventh time now. Camian had several layers of clothes over your body, drenched in the rain.”

“So I didn’t get a drop of rain, but my clothes were all wet from a cold sweat?”

“Yes. Apparently, Debra and Jack were at the relative’s wedding that day. Your temperature was so high, so Camian—oh, how surprised that little child must have been. Still, he stayed determined. He didn’t even show any signs of crying.”

“Wow… This is so… That kid is amazing.”

“It’s a relief that we have fever reducers at home. Oh, just thinking about that time still breaks my heart.”

I responded mechanically. Hearing the stories that I experienced when I was nine years old more than ten times is also tedious and tiring.

My teacup was now more than half empty, while Nella’s teacup is still the same as it was originally. She didn’t drink even a single sip because she ran her mouth dry with praises for Camian.

“So Liv. When are you two going to get married?”

It’s a question I get asked several times a day whenever I meet the neighbors, so it’s not a big deal anymore.

“We’re friends. We are not getting married.”

“Oh. You and Camian both like each other, but what do you mean just friends?”

I was a little startled by this statement. It’s true that Camian likes me, but I don’t. I have fond feelings for Camian, but that didn’t lead to love. And I’ll never fall in love with Camian.

“It’s a misunderstanding.”

Nella clicked her tongue.

“Don’t be so careless and let him get taken away. What if Camian falls for someone else?”

“Then that’s good. I can really congratulate him.”

“It sounds like something you don’t mean.”

“Don’t underestimate my sincerity. I’m telling the truth.”

Exciting laughter flew over my frown. Nella nodded her head in agreement, but she didn’t seem to believe me. Think whatever you want.

Siiip. I drank the honey tea.

As the tea ran out, the sun went down and Camian returned. The weather wasn’t cold, so his sleeves were rolled up above his elbows. His stiff, tendon-lined forearms stood out in particular.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

Before I could even pick up my cloak, Camian stood holding it so it was easier for me to wear. He’s fast, too. He put the arms one by one and meticulously opened out the front.

“Here, take one of these.”

Holt came out and held out a bird and a bear sculpture carved out of wood in front of Camian. Like Holt with good dexterity, the bear’s teeth and the bird’s wings were so sophisticated that I can’t help but admire it.

“Can we really take this with us?”

“This is nothing compared to your help.”

I widened my eyes and looked at the sculpture. What should I have? Birds are nice too, but bears seem more dignified. If you put it in front of my window, it will chase away even ghosts. The moment I made up my mind, the bear disappeared from my sight.

…This guy?

Camian held the sculpture in one hand and thanked Holt. I took the bird.

Fighting in front of Holt over whether this or that was better wouldn’t be polite, so I put up with it for now.

And when Holt’s house became almost invisible behind us, I pushed my hand towards Camian.

“Give me the bear.”

“There should be a neighborhood watch unit in our village as well. The sun hasn’t set yet, but I’m being robbed by someone already.”

“How can you choose first without even asking me? You’re despicable.”

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