The Saint Wants to Rest - Chapter 32.2
“In Lancia, wounded soldiers were almost always the responsibility of the priests. Sometimes, when their Holy Power ran out, I had to use other methods, so I ended up doing it quite often.”
At Ian’s words, Choi Jae-heon unconsciously grit his teeth. It pained him to realize the hardships Ian had endured in places where he could not see him. As if noticing that sentiment, Ian shook his head.
“It is okay. It was not a bad experience.”
Everyone had respected Ian, calling him the Saint. At times that had been a burden, but the moments he spent doing his best to save people were rewarding.
“I will go see if there is anything suitable for a patient to eat. Stay put.”
After saying that, Ian left the room for a moment.
Only Vermouth, lying on the bed, and Choi Jae-heon, watching him as if keeping guard, remained. A heavy silence flowed through the room.
Choi Jae-heon looked down at Vermouth.
Because he had lost so much blood, his complexion was as pale as a corpse, but his gaze was still arrogant. It felt as if ridicule was harbored within those violet eyes looking up at him.
He was a romantic rival so detestable that Jae-heon wanted to kill him. He was a man Jae-heon wanted to grab by the collar and kick out of this house immediately. However, there was one undeniable fact.
If it had not been for him, Ian would be dead. In that split second where Jae-heon himself could not react, it was Vermouth who had thrown his body. Therefore, he had to say what needed to be said.
“…Thank you.”
Choi Jae-heon spoke, the words sounding squeezed out. His forced swallow of pride scratched his throat like shards of broken glass.
“For saving Ian. I am truly grateful for that.”
He meant it. As long as Ian was safe, he could throw his pride to the dogs. He hated being in debt, but he had to acknowledge what was right.
However, Vermouth’s reaction was unexpected.
“I have no reason to receive words of gratitude from you.”
Vermouth let out a smirk. Despite the pain he must have been suffering, his expression looked relaxed.
“I simply protected my God. For a believer to offer their life for their God, is that not more natural than breathing?”
If the Goddess Regnasia heard this, she would be appalled. However, her influence did not reach this far, and Vermouth had realized that long ago. In that case, could he not serve the person he loved most as his God?
Furthermore, his words were an arrogant and self righteous declaration of ownership over Ian.
‘I have sacrificed this much for Ian. What have you done?’
That silent ridicule lay beneath the surface.
“You really are a bastard.”
Choi Jae-heon clamped his jaw shut and clenched his fists tight. Yet, he could not bring himself to do anything to Vermouth. He took a slow breath, trying hard to suppress his emotions. He finished his expression of gratitude by giving a small nod toward him.
Just then, Ian entered the room.
“What did you do?”
Ian asked, sensing the atmosphere which had become even more murderous than before he left.
“No, it is nothing.”
Choi Jae-heon said this and turned his body to walk out. If he stayed any longer, he felt he would grab the patient by the collar and slam him into the floor regardless of his condition.
Ian stared at the closing door in bewilderment before turning his gaze back to Vermouth.
“Why has your expression turned fierce again?”
“You should know the reason better than anyone, shouldn’t you? You, what did you say to my brother?”
“Hmm, since he was thanking me for saving Mr. Ian, I simply told him that I did what was natural.”
In their original dimension, Vermouth had often said things that rubbed people the wrong way. Because he was the strongest and the hope of humanity, no one had ever restrained his behavior.
No one except Ian.
Ian pinched the cheek of Vermouth, who was lying with the most innocent expression in the world. Seeing him pretend to be composed while cold sweat dripped from his forehead made Ian’s heart ache on one hand.
“Mr. Ian?”
“Do not be mean to my brother.”
“I will try.”
It was an unreliable promise, but it was better than not trying at all. Ian let out a sigh and sat beside the bed.
“Your arm, it hurts a lot, doesn’t it?”
“It is bearable. After all, Mr. Ian is by my side.”
“I am not a painkiller. And do not lie.”
When Ian paused his actions for a moment, Vermouth’s body began to break down. Although the poison had decreased significantly, it seemed that Vermouth dying would be faster than the speed at which the poison was disappearing.
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