The Damn Scam called Falling in Love

XIX

Alver had realized his feelings. He couldn't help but feel enraged as he looked at Cale, who seemed unconcerned about his surroundings.

He was concerned about nothing.

He was worried that he might be in pain.

But everything vanished the moment he saw him in this light.

Is this how he should feel after realizing his emotions?

Is this how love was meant to be?

Getting angry at himself because the object of his affection appeared to be used to all of this pain?

He didn't want to see Cale in this state.

He lamented the fact that he was the one who had put Cale in this situation. He was to blame for Cale's suffering during this war.

He suppressed his emotions and calmed his heart. He can't appear worried about something else in front of him.

He couldn't keep his stern tone from coming out.

"Your highness."

"...Yes"

With a stiff expression, he looked at Cale, who wore a tried and dirty face and expressed that he had been at the center of the battle. Cale didn't mind if he was speaking to him or Bassen, who was reporting on the current situation at Ubar Water.

He was waiting for Cale to say something. When...

"Please send the First Mage Brigade and the First Royal Knights Brigade to the shores of Ubarr."

"Again?"

"What are your plans for the Whale tribe?"

"I'm still debating whether to have them fight with us or to keep their identity hidden."

It was one of the issues he had been thinking about. Cale's expression, however, was even more disturbing than his thoughts. It was just an excuse to talk to this man for a little longer. Even if they're at war, this small talk could provide Cale with a brief respite..

Cale stopped walking.

"Your Highness, I know you probably have a lot of questions, but I will contact you later."

"All right, I get it."

Cale didn't seem to want to talk to him any longer.

They can't go back in time and stop everything.

It's difficult to see Cale all bloodied up while he's safe in the palace.

It's difficult to keep his instincts from coming to him, and yet...

He's been ripped apart.

He has a million ideas for how to get Cale off the front lines. He's been thinking about how to keep himself safe, but no matter how much he cracks his brain with all his ideas, he can't entrust all these battles to someone else.

Cale had been turning the tide of the war regardless of what the enemy threw at them.

He's terrified of Cale's ability to think everything through and flip the tables.

He couldn't help but feel goosebumps crawl across his skin.

Cale is his most wanted companion as well as his most terrifying adversary.

However, even if he rationalizes his thoughts in this manner, Cale is the only one who desires them right now.

"Please forgive me..." he begged. If he can't be open with Cale, he'll just keep him close and keep an eye on him from afar.