Wataru instinctively pulled Mariel into a hug, her voice had sounded so despondent that he couldn't just leave it at that. Her jewel-like eyes widened in surprise.
"G-Goshujin-sama? What's wrong?"
"Sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you to talk about something so difficult."
"N-No! It's my fault for still clinging to the past. I'm sorry."
"You don't need to apologize. I should have been more considerate when I noticed how hard it was for you. I'm the one at fault here."
As he held her, Wataru gently rubbed Mariel's back. Her body was rigid with tension.
She was so delicate, so fragile. Despite being raised as a noble, with refined manners and exceptional composure, she was still young—far too young to bear the weight of her past alone. Wataru often felt like Mariel was more mature than him in many ways, especially with her negotiation skills. She was undeniably remarkable.
