Chapter 27: The Misunderstood Artorius
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[You remember that the time you and Artorius agreed to meet was at noon, not now?]
[According to common sense, he shouldn't be here now.]
[This behavior of waiting in advance makes you realize that he cares about this meeting.]
[However, you did not believe this conclusion immediately but observed him secretly for a while.]
Artorius was waiting at the door of the hotel. Judging from his appearance, he must have washed up specially and changed into a set of clothes that looked much better than yesterday. He had a small cloth bag tied around his waist, filled with gold coins from selling the apples. Artorius's hair was tied into a small bun at the back of his head, which made him look much more energetic.
To be honest, if Ian hadn't touched him himself, he would have mistaken him for a little girl from some village. After all, Artorius's appearance is too handsome. Although he was waiting anxiously, Artorius did not show any impatience. On the contrary, he seemed to be in a good mood. Occasionally, a few children passed by and ignorantly called him sister, but he would just touch their heads and laugh it off.
[You secretly observed for half an hour and confirmed that there was indeed nothing wrong with Artorius.]
[You walked out of the darkness as if nothing had happened.]
[As soon as you met, you expressed your praise for Artorius's early arrival.]
"Artorius, you're really early."
Ian walked up to him. "I remember we agreed to meet at noon. You're already waiting here."
"Because it's just downstairs from where I live," Artorius explained. "I can't let you, who are farther away, arrive first and I, who am closer, show up later. That would be very rude. Besides—"
Artorius smiled at Ian, like a small white flower blooming in the field.
"Mr. Ian, didn't you come here early as well?"
When you stare into the abyss, the abyss also stares into you. Ian really couldn't say anything more about Artorius's reason.
"Well, at least for now, we look like one kind of people. But isn't it a bad time to eat? Although I know you can eat for a long time, it would be a bit of torture for me if I had to watch you eat for a whole day."
Ian had no intention of actually asking Artorius to pay. After all, if he ate as much as he did yesterday, the few gold coins he got from selling the apples would not be enough.
Touched in a sore spot, Artorius's face suddenly turned red. He began to defend himself:
"That's not the case. I... didn't intend to let Mr. Ian and I eat gourmet food for a whole day. I think..."
Seeing Artorius's hesitation, Ian crossed his arms across his chest, looking very generous.
"There's no need to hide anything, just say whatever you want to say. I've come here as agreed. You don't think I'd mind anything, do you?"
"That—"
Artorius looked around. All this seemed quite new to him.
"Mr. Ian, could you please take me around the city?"
"..."
Ian's silence made Artorius suddenly nervous.
"Is it... difficult? If so, please allow me to apologize for my rudeness."
"It's far from being a hardship."
Ian reached out and rubbed Artorius's head.
"Rather, I didn't expect you to make such a simple request. Wouldn't it be better if you just said it earlier?"
"This—"
Artorius's eyes sparkled with gratitude.
"Well, I'll leave it to you then!"
[According to Artorius's request, you took him for a stroll in the city.]
[Because his face is too delicate and the outfit he is wearing today is suitable for both men and women.]
[Soon, someone noticed you and him.]
[The capital, far away from the frontline war, lacks interesting topics. You and Artorius quickly became the focus of attention.]
"Oh my god, has the knight who has been serving the princess finally come to his senses?"
"Who is this guy? So many girls wanted to talk to Captain Ian alone, but he ignored them. Now he is willing to talk to this one?"
"Who knows? But Captain Ian really doesn't look old. It feels like even if the two of them walk together, there's no sense of incongruity at all."
There were more and more strange discussions. Artorius looked uneasy—he probably never expected that such a simple request of his would cause such a heated discussion. He began to realize that the knight beside him who was touching his head was far more respected than he had imagined.
Ian's reaction was exactly the opposite. He first calmly comforted Artorius: "It's okay, don't take it seriously." Then, as he watched, he drew the long sword from his waist and raised it to the sky. The sunlight shone on the sword, illuminating the silver-white blade with pure brightness.
Any normal person would know what Ian's sword-drawing action symbolizes—"If anyone says such nonsense again from now on, don't blame me for taking action on the spot."
The street suddenly became quiet. Everyone knows that Ian is a good guy, but once a good guy explodes, he can be very scary. No one dared to test Ian's bottom line.
In this temporary peace, Ian said to Artorius beside him: "Let's go, they don't dare to say anything more."
"Okay."
[You don't even know why you do this.]
[You just felt that you should draw your sword like a knight, so you really drew your sword.]
[But considering the results, you don't seem to feel that bad.]
[You took Artorius for a long walk.]
[Although he invited you on the surface, you are the one who actually gave the money.]
[Artorius is holding more and more things.]
[The way he looks at you has also changed slightly.]
"Okay?"
Ian, who was walking in front, turned around and looked at Artorius who was following behind him.
"Is there anything else you want?"
"No more!" Artorius shook his head quickly. His arms were already full of the things Ian had bought.
"Mr. Ian, this is too much stuff!"
"It doesn't matter. It doesn't cost much," Ian answered lightly. "But you, is there anything else you want to do?"
"What do I want to do?"
Artorius looked at the city wall not far away. Although times have changed, it still guards the royal capital in the most simple and unpretentious way.
"Mr. Ian. If possible, could you let me go up there and take a look?"
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