The Reward for Saving The World is a Husband - Chapter 16
“If it’s uncomfortable, you can let go.”
Trying to be considerate, I wiggled my fingers as I said this, but Elias’s brow furrowed deeply.
“Let’s go.”
Feeling him relax his arm, I hesitantly took a step back. As our feet separated, the very air around us seemed to change in density.
After readjusting his grip on my hand, he took the first step.
Walking hand in hand with my Pair was something I had always wanted to do, and it made my heart flutter.
‘Elias seems to have a high body temperature.’
The warmth from his large, warm hand traveled up my arm, warming my heart and spreading throughout my body.
His hand was rough and calloused, but that made it even better. It gave me a sense of security, knowing it wouldn’t easily break.
It was only a short walk to the white carriage waiting in front of the mansion, but even after letting go, I could feel the sensation of his hand lingering on my fingers and palm.
Wanting to hold on longer, I clasped my right hand with my left. Suddenly, I felt a gaze on me.
It was the Cardinal who had delivered the Saintess’s letter.
He had been with us since the dining room, but his presence was so faint that I hadn’t noticed him. Now, sitting across from us and staring intently, I couldn’t help but ask.
“What are you looking at?”
In my world, a wordless stare was a challenge to a fight.
‘There’s no way this weakling is actually trying to challenge me.’
Naturally, my tone came out rough, as if I was picking a fight.
“Oh… I apologize if I made you uncomfortable. I just found it fascinating.”
“What is?”
“You haven’t known His Highness for long, yet you seem quite close already.”
My mood instantly lifted.
I wanted to respond with, ‘We’re soon going to become Pairs and be the closest in the world,’ but for Elias’s sake, since he hadn’t opened up to me yet, I just gave a slight nod.
“He’s my savior.”
Elias, who had been contemplating the Saintess’s letter, looked at me, appearing surprised by my response.
But my words were genuine, and unfeigned.
Would I have even reached this world if not for Elias? Even if I had miraculously followed Ermitar’s soul, would I have survived my injuries and starvation?
Thanks to Elias taking me in and caring for me, I could recover safely.
Moreover, I was able to set new life goals beyond reviving my comrades. I felt more motivated and hopeful than I had while merely struggling to survive.
So yes, Elias was indeed my savior. He would also become the savior of my comrades who would one day be revived.
“……”
Elias, who had been silently meeting my gaze, reached out and straightened my crumpled cloak.
The Cardinal watched us with curiosity, glancing back and forth between Elias and me.
“Divine providence truly is mysterious.”
I tilted my head in confusion, prompting the cardinal to explain with a smile.
“I’ve known the Lord for quite some time, but it was hard to imagine someone standing by his side. Yet, seeing it now, it looks wonderful.”
“Thank you. What’s your name?”
“Melder.”
I nodded as if to remember it.
“You don’t need to remember the name of this smooth talker.”
Despite Elias’s harsh words, the smile on Cardinal Melder’s face did not waver.
He was either genuinely good-natured or very skilled at hiding his true feelings—perhaps both.
So, I decided to keep an eye on Melder’s words and actions in the future. I knew well that someone who could hide their true intentions and act like a tongue in the mouth was dangerous, even if their words were pleasant to hear.