[TKOSINM] 225 - Ram’s Past

 As if listening to an old tale, Irene, absorbed in Noel’s story, asked confusedly. A bitter look spread across Noel’s face.

“When I went back, the group I established had been disbanded, and everyone was scattered. Only Tag was guarding the place.”

“Then…”

Eventually, Noel clenched his fist. Seeing his fingernails dug into his flesh, Irene cautiously got up and moved to sit next to him. She then wrapped her hand around his tightly clenched fist and spoke with a soft smile.

“Noel, you said that I should not hurt myself, then so should you, Noel.”

“Ah…”

Noel did not expect those words to come from Irene. Irene intertwined their fingers as she naturally loosened his grip to prevent him from clenching his fists again. She then looked up at him with worried eyes.

“If it’s an unsettling memory, you don’t have to force yourself to remember it again.”

Noel shook his head at her soothing tone.

“It’s okay. It’s all in the past now….”

His gaze turned downward. The shaking of the carriage was like the waver within him. Bit by bit, it was swaying him even more. Before long, he parted his lips.

“Do you know…who are the slave traders’ first targets?”

“…no way.”

“It’s the children who are not protected.” He gritted his teeth.

Irene looked at Noel wordlessly. Anger was all over his face. Even if she did not listen to the whole story, she might have had a rough guess of what had happened.

‘I became a slave on the battlefield and fought for days and nights. There were times I was sold at a low price and was taken as a prisoner. I survived by eating garbage in the gutter with broken limbs. Not long after, I became a guard for a nobleman who ran a loan business, dealing with those who came by with a grudge every day.’

It got her to remember what Louiselle had said while dealing with the assassins in front of the Snow Tree. At that time, the situation was dire, and the words poured out from her mouth were like hundreds of sharp needles piercing through Irene’s heart. Not only Louiselle, but all the mercenaries must have gone through a similar thing.

Is the scar on her face also from back then?

In the Empire, slaves were treated worse than cattle.

They must have had an unimaginably hard life.

Tears and rage arose, but Irene did not show those feelings.

Even though I am like this, at this rate, I’m afraid Noel won’t be able to bear it.

The Ram mercenaries were like Noel’s family. How could such precious people have suffered such a cruel thing? 

I’m so angry that I can’t even describe it.

He must be feeling guilty.

Due to Noel’s personality went without saying that he was trying to embrace it and insisted it all be his fault.

“…Irene?”

“You have said enough.”

When Irene dropped her head on his shoulder, Noel looked down at her. Irene closed her eyes, but she could not sleep. Conversely, her mind became even clearer. But Irene did not want him to go through the painful memories anymore.

“You don’t have to go any further.”

“Are you sleepy?”

“Yes, a little…can I stay like this?”

“Aren’t you uncomfortable? If you lie down, I will cover you with a blanket.”

Since it was a long-distance ride, the carriage was smaller than the carriage she usually rode for more effortless mobility. Even so, the carriage was wide enough for Irene to sleep, lying down. Yet, Irene shook her head.

“No, Noel’s shoulders are more comfortable. I want to sleep like this. Oh, but if you’re uncomfortable….”

“No, not at all. If you’re comfortable with it, I am fine.”

“Thank you.”

Irene smiled quietly at Noel’s quick response and snuggled to find a more comfortable place on his shoulder. She then gradually sank into sleep. She was not sleepy at all until just now, but…

It’s really comfortable...

Her mind went hazy. In no time, Irene fell asleep. The accumulated fatigue from not being able to sleep properly had finally hit her.

Noel turned his head slightly at the sound of her even, quiet breathing. His wife was sound asleep, leaning on his shoulder.

Seeing her like this, she must have been really tired.

Noel looked at Irene, then gently lifted her head. Carefully, he stretched out his arm and wrapped it around her shoulders so that the carriage’s rattling would not wake her up.

Due to this, Irene, who had been swaying from the shakes of the ride, was eventually held still in his firm, muscular arms.