The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 31: Oath

Chapter 31: Oath

After hugging Adeline, Dimitri kneeled on one knee. He intended to imitate the knights from the stories he heard. They kneel and kiss the back of the hand of the lady they dedicated themselves to. He was neither a knight nor was she a lady. Adeline just took it as a child playing around, she was flattered a bit. Her ears and cheeks turned red.

When he swore to protect her forever she heard the Goddess from above, "And I acknowledge this oath, he shall face divine retribution if he goes back on his words."

Adeline couldn’t help but gasp.

’Stop playing around! He is a child!’

’But he said the oath! My job is to hold him accountable, take your problems up with someone else, humph!’ With that, the Goddess poofed out of existence leaving Adeline frustrated.

His head was tilted to the side and he stared at Adeline in confusion, did she not like him doing this? He was very worried. Perhaps he should’ve asked for her permission first.

"Are you not happy?" He unconsciously raised his hand and placed it on the back of his neck. His sleeves moved revealing the bruises on his body. Adeline didn’t have time to think about the whole oath, she felt a bit of pain in her heart. No child should ever go through this.

"Take off your shirt." Forgoing all niceties Adeline came straight to the point.

Dimitri jumped and stepped back.

What was she asking?! She was asking him to take off his shirt?!

Yes, he didn’t know etiquette. He was just an orphan, but he knew what modesty meant.

Adeline stepped forward in response to him stepping back. "Go on, take it off."

He was just a child, she thought. She didn’t feel awkward at this request. Her mind was occupied with one thought, ’I should heal him.’

"M- Miss!"

"What? Take it off, it’s an order."

He was close to sobbing. But he followed her orders, after all, he swore an oath just for her! He had no choice. He thought of the things he heard, things about cruel nobles using commoners as their playthings and making them do suspicious stuff. He couldn’t go back on his word now. He should do as his master bids.

Suppressing the feeling of humiliation he slowly took off his top. The cold wind immediately hit his back making him shiver. His eyes were closed waiting for her to do whatever she wanted.

"What are you doing standing there? Sit."

When he opened his eyes he saw her standing next to a chair waiting for him to take a seat. He was confused but a lot less embarrassed. He walked over to the chair slowly and sat down.

"Good."

It was one word but it was enough to make him feel something weird. He wanted to be praised.

Before he knew it he saw his injuries get healed in just seconds. All the pain had gone away, he felt very comfortable.

He didn’t know what to say he just kept staring at her.

Sensing his gaze she looked up and smiled, "When you asked for a favour, you asked something for others but nothing for yourself. So, this is my favour to you."

His cheeks visibly turned red. His mouth was in an ’O’ shape, he couldn’t utter a single sound. Adeline found him absolutely adorable. She definitely made the right choice. Right now on her list, there was a checkmark next to Benedict and Dimitri, and a cross next to Cassian and Edward. People she can trust, people to avoid, very clearly.

She would have tried to befriend the female lead too but right now she was in a sensitive position, Annora would easily be able to see that she too possesses healing powers. That wasn’t a risk she was willing to take.

Now for the final task of the day, tell her eldest brother she had to go to the palace. This matter would only worry her father more, so she decided to tell Alaric.

As she walked up to his study she heard Aaron, "I’m glad you changed your mind, brother."

Alaric chuckled and said, "Of course. I still feel a bit guilty. Although I had to leave after a year, I decided to leave after six months because of..."

"I know."

"But that wouldn’t have been fair to Linny and you. I decided to suck it up and stay for the year, and I’m glad I did. Somehow the situation in our home changed for the better. I get to spend more time with you before leaving."

Adeline smiled giddily. In no scenario could she blame Alaric. So much responsibility had been thrust onto him, it was more than he could handle. He probably wanted to escape this situation so he decided to leave early. But how could he leave his younger siblings like that? His guilt led him to change plans, but now the situation changed. Their father changed. He could finally be free and do what he wants.

Adeline couldn’t stop herself from running to her brother and pouncing on him. She hugged him tightly and sighed. Maybe this was why she was so keen on helping Benedict. She sees her brother in him. They were in quite similar situations after all. What happened to her brother, she couldn’t let it happen to him.