It was midnight,but Max hadn't returned yet.Merry got really worried about him.
"Do you know wh-when Max will return?Merry asked the knights guarding door of the room outside.
"Don't worry my lady ,he will be back soon.Carban informed that all members are returning by mountains so it will take some time." Harry one of the knight informed Merry.
"Oh I see.."
Merry went inside and closed the door.She sat near the opened window.
Two more hours passed but they haven't returned.Merry was sleepy but couldn't sleep as her worries grew more and more.
After a while,Merry heard the doors opened.
It was Max.
"Max?!"
"Max!" Merry exclaimed with shock when she saw Max was covered in blood.He couldn't walk properly as he was bleeding so much.
"Merry...You are still up?" Max thought she must be sleeping at this hour so he entered trying not to make any noise.
"Max you ar-are bleeding.Wh-What happened?How did you g-get so hurt?!" Merry asked anxiously while she held his arm to support him and sat him on the bed.
"It's nothing...We were attacked while we were returning by bands of brigands from back." Max tried to calm Merry down by assuring her it wasn't a big deal.
"Y-Your back is bleeding M-Max." Merry didn't realise that she started crying.Max got really shocked when he saw her tears.
"Merry, it's not that hurting, don't worry." Max said it to convince Merry.But it was visible he wasn't well.
'I shouldn't have come in this state in front of her.' Max thought while he looking at Merry's eyes.
" I-I go bring the doctor!"
"No need Merry.I intentionally didn't ask for doctor." Max held Merry's hand to stop her from going out and pulled her closer.
"B-But you need doctor Max!" Merry exclaimed with shock when he denied for doctor aid.
"See Merry..there is only one doctor available right now and there are five other members who are more hurt than me...I promise I'll go and see the doctor tomorrow..and my wounds are not that deep.I will just go and wash up." Max denied it as at this time they were only able to summon one doctor.He has always been through these situations frequently and never asked for help from anyone.
"Atleast l-let me first aid your w-wounds." Merry insisted with a concerned look.Merry couldn't understand how can this man take this much wound so lightly.
"Alright.." Max sighed.
Merry went and grab a some warm water and cotton cloth and medicine to apply on the wounds.
"P-Please saw me your wounds"
Max stood up and took off his shirt.His body shined and looked like an athlete body, six pack abs and hard as an iron muscles.It was first time Merry saw Max's anatomy.She knew that he has quite a great
"Should I lay down ?" Max asked.
Merry nodded. Max laid on his stomach and adjusted himself.When Merry saw the wounds it was really serious and bleeding continuously, she felt like shivers down her her spine . Merry gave him a pillow to keep on his chest.
Merry sat next to him and started cleaning the injury carefully.
"L-Let me know if it gets hurt.." Merry told.
"Don't need worry dear." Max said
Merry hesitantly cleaned and applied the medicine.
"It must be hurting so much." Merry said
"Sorry to make worry Merry and I should have told you by myself that I would be late."Max apologised as he felt that Merry must felt insecure.
"I-it's o-okay.."
"Merry?!" Max felt like Merry was stuttering much
"Y-Yes?"
Max tried to get up to look at Merry when he got that she wasn't well.
"Do-Don't move Max you wi-will get hurt."
Max saw her crying.He felt like someone has torn his heart.
"Oh dear..come here.I am fine,don't cry." Max pulled Merry closer and hugged her tightly and kissed her one hand to make her feel better.
' I have to careful more for myself not for me then for her now. How will she be able to handle such situation like these in the future.....I have to think before putting myself in danger...." Max thought while feeling sorry for making her cry.Max tighten his grip.
"M-Max you are getting fever.." Merry told when she felt his body temperature was getting warmer.
"Hmm..Maybe because of cold weather.."Max replied.
"I-It m-must be because of the injury..let me get you s-some painkiller.." Merry said
"I think I have some in the drawer." Max told.
Merry gave him the painkiller and asked him to rest on his stomach so his injury don't get pressed.
Marry sat beside him and caressed his hair.
"Merry come sleep or you will get sick."
Merry nodded her head and lay down carefully.
After a while, Max groaned in pain while sleeping when the wounds started hurting more.Merry turned towards Max and started caressing his hair.
Max fold his one hand around Merry's waist and put his head on her shoulder.Merry again started petting him.
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