TMLLT 17

Chapter 17

“Afraid I’ll Get Too Spoiled”

“Serdin is really hard to understand.”

Royce lived in a world of certainty—but Serdin always existed just outside that boundary.

That’s why even a fortune cookie felt like a last hope.

‘A moment of crisis…’

He pressed his temples, deep in thought.

Senior knight Terian spotted him from afar, looking like he was about to bore a hole through his skull.

‘What now?’

Last time Royce had looked that happy, Terian had told him about “Tutu.”

Now seeing such a troubled expression, Terian stepped up again.

“What’s got you thinking so hard, Royce?”

Royce lifted his head stiffly.

“It’s nothing.”

“Your face says otherwise.”

Royce wasn’t one to talk about these things—but Terian was someone he could trust.

“The person who likes me keeps pushing me away.”

“They like you but push you away?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure they like you?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm… maybe you’re coming on too strong?”

“Too strong?”

“Like… asking too much too quickly.”

Royce started reviewing: seeing her often, inviting her to eat, suggesting they take a class together, asking to hold hands…

‘Maybe I really was asking for too much…’

“Try not to rush. Treat her like a friend.”

“A friend…”

“Eventually, she’ll open up.”

Royce thought—maybe that’s what Serdin wanted.

Everyone at the knight academy was more used to swords than sweetness.

“Thank you, sir.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Terian, proud as always, had no idea his advice was again based on a completely wrong assumption.

“Serdin Vivi, passed!”

“Huff… Yes… Huff…”

Cicadas had quieted, the leaves turned red, and the semester was nearing its end.

They were on the 9th of 10 emergency training sessions.

“A first-year with this speed? Impressive.”

“Thank you…”

Panting, I collapsed to the ground.

Despite the weather, it wasn’t cold at all.

‘Only one emergency drill left…’

Today’s scenario: trapped in a pit with feet bound and dirt pouring in.

‘If this is what real knights face, maybe I shouldn’t…’

Thud.

A huge lump of dirt fell on my head, cutting that thought short.

There was no time to space out—I had to escape before being buried.

And outside tools like Royce’s miracle kit weren’t allowed here.

“Hoo…”

As I caught my breath after the ordeal, Royce appeared.

His handsome face cast a sharp shadow under the clear sky.

He was holding something—wait, was that the trap from the pit?

“Why’d you bring that?”

“I just pulled it out with me.”

Right. Others escaped from the trap—he just ripped it out entirely.

Royce helped me up and brushed dirt off my head.

“Senior.”

I stopped his hand from touching my hair.

“If you keep doing this, I’ll get spoiled.”

I wasn’t born a fiercely independent person—too much help would turn me useless.

“Spoiled… Right, I’ll be careful.”

“I should be the one being careful.”

“No, I said I’d make the effort.”

He looked a bit lonely as he dropped his hand.

“Serdin. Can I ask something?”

“Sure.”

“…If you don’t want to answer, it’s okay.”

“Just ask.”

“I happened to get two tickets to Knight of the Wasteland…”

“Wait, what?!”

Knight of the Wasteland was a concert by the trio Wasteland Era—the best string musicians in the Empire.

I had failed every ticketing attempt.

At the name, I instinctively grabbed Royce by the collar.

“…Serdin?”

“Let’s go. With me.”

I had meant to just tug his sleeve—but it became a collar grab.

I might have offended him.

‘I blew it…’

But Royce smiled.

He smiled at the graduation party when I stepped on him…

‘Now he’s smiling after I grabbed his collar.’

“You’ll go with me, right?”

Royce hadn’t answered yet. I was on edge.

If he said yes, I’d literally carry him around in gratitude.

“What if I said I’m going with someone else?”

“Who?”

I’d find them and offer a premium to trade tickets.

Royce chuckled and asked,

“Serdin, would it bother you if I went with someone else?”

“Yes.”

“Would you prefer I go with you?”

“Yes.”

“That’s what I thought.”

“So get to the point.”

“Alright then.”

He grinned.

“Let’s go see it. Together.”

His expression was teasing. I stayed cautious.

“See what?”

He hadn’t said the subject yet. That mattered.

Too many people get misunderstood this way.

‘If he says something like a palm reader, I’ll kill him.’

“Knight of the Wasteland, of course.”

The magic words.

I covered my mouth with my dirty hands.

“Serdin, your hands…”

He quickly wiped my mouth clean.

I didn’t care about dirt.

What mattered was this chance to see Wasteland Era.

I turned away from him.

“Put your arms around my neck.”

Turning slightly, I smiled at him.

Royce caught on and burst out laughing.

“But Serdin, people might see.”

“Really?”

I looked around.

There was a huge tree with dense leaves nearby.

“Over there—we won’t be seen.”

“You’re right.”

I walked under the tree and turned my back.

“Go ahead.”

I patted my shoulders.

Royce smiled quietly.

He knew exactly what Serdin wanted: a backhug.

‘She’s really something…’

He swallowed a laugh.

Autumn light filtered through the leaves.

Her long, rosy hair shimmered in the sun.

Trying to hold back his smile, he wrapped his arms around her neck—

And she lifted him.

“……?”

She picked him up. This mountain of muscle and height.

“……?”

Then she made some strange celebratory sounds.

She looked delighted, so he laughed too.

Was this a backhug?

Who knew.

All that mattered was that Serdin was happy.