MHOW 23

 Chapter 23

“Hmm.”
It was around sunset. When Herina opened her eyes, the crimson light of the setting sun filtered through the slightly parted curtains.

“Are you awake?”
Ares put down the documents he had been looking at and checked on her.

“What are you doing here?”
Her question was directed at the pile of papers on the nightstand and at Ares, who was studying them.

“I’m working.”
Ares answered plainly, checked Herina’s temperature, and handed her a cold cloth.

“Your fever is completely gone. That’s a relief.”

But watching him, Herina’s heart didn’t feel any lighter.

“Why are you working here? It’s inconvenient.”
It was a question she didn’t really expect an answer to. Usually, when Herina asked ambiguous questions like this, Ares wouldn’t respond.

“Because you’d be lonely if I weren’t here.”
Unexpectedly, this time Ares gave her an answer.
And it was an answer she didn’t anticipate, so Herina froze.

“Between the two of us, there’s only each other. I can’t be the one to press my forehead to yours when you’re sick, but I can stay by your side.”
Ares’ gaze was fixed on her. Herina’s surprise was obvious on her face.

“Just… for that reason…?”
Just because of such a small feeling as loneliness, Ares was willing to endure the inconvenience—not as the 24-year-old Ares, but as the 17-year-old Ares.

“This is all I can do for you.”
Ares looked at her with unwavering eyes.

“If you had your Ares, he might have been able to give you more comfort, but this is all I can do.”
Herina saw the guilt mingled in his eyes.

“I… I’m fine. This is enough.”
When Herina replied, Ares smiled faintly and lowered his gaze.

“Lately, I’ve realized that even emotions need practice.”
Herina had no clue what he was trying to say next.

“Before I met you, I had to hide everything. Happiness, sadness, resentment—even pain. But, Herina…”
Ares briefly held Herina’s exposed wrist, then tucked it back under the blanket.

“I don’t want you to do that. Even with the name of Habyneant, I want you to always feel happiness when you’re happy, sadness when you’re sad. If you’re in pain, it’s okay to show it.”
Herina’s expression stiffened slightly. She could already guess what would come next.

“Because I’m someone needed by the Habyneant family? The emotions you give me are only to protect the feelings I already have. That’s why you feel sorry, right now.”
Herina had hoped he would deny it, but Ares just gave her a strange, gentle pat.

“I’m sorry for needing you.”
It felt like something was sliding away.
Herina closed her eyes and turned her back.

The next day, when morning came, Herina woke up feeling refreshed.
She almost faltered when the cold cloth slid off her forehead, but seeing Ares dozing at her feet, she scolded him in her heart before heading to her room to wash up.

“Are you feeling well?”
When she came back after getting ready, Ares greeted her with a neat face.

“Don’t worry, you’re fine enough not to cause any loss to the Habyneant family.”
Herina, slightly irritated, picked up the pile of documents on the nightstand.

“Wait a moment.”
Ares stopped her, placing his hands on her forehead and cheeks to check her temperature.

“Your cheeks are still a little warm…”
Herina forcefully pushed him away and handed the documents over.
She stamped her feet as if to show that the warmth wasn’t because of him.

“What are you doing! Just standing there? We’re busy today!”
Seeing her sulky mood, Ares could only follow her with the heavy pile of papers in his arms, looking bewildered.

“Are you upset?”
Watching her stomp toward the study, he asked.
Herina turned to him, gave a light laugh, and said:

“Upset? Why would I be upset! My lovely husband has been taking care of me all day. I’m not upset, I’m excited! Excited!”
Though her tone sounded angry, the upward curve of her lips gave away her true mood. Ares accepted it without suspicion.

“You don’t have to be so grateful. I just did what anyone would.”
Herina, trying to hold back her urge to hit her own forehead, gritted her teeth.

“What was I thinking? Dealing with someone like him… get a grip.”
As she muttered, Ares caught up, curious about what she said.

“What are you doing?”
Herina glared at him sharply and opened the study door.
Ares hurried to support the heavy door.

“You!!!”
Seeing his arm behind her, Herina rolled her eyes.
Why did such a thoughtless guy keep acting so affectionate?!

“You?”
Ares was caught off guard by the sudden informal address.

“You can’t do this! You brat!!!”
Herina’s frustration exploded.
Ares, one hand holding papers and the other supporting the door, could only freeze.

‘You can’t do this!!! You brat!!!’

Ares tried to calm his surprise and wondered if he misheard.

“Are you… directing that at me?”
Herina glared at him with full resentment.
Ares could only be dumbfounded.

“H… Herina, why all of a sudden…”
“Why are you holding the door?!”
Ares let go for a moment, but quickly caught the falling door and asked:

“Would it be okay if I made the door lighter?”
Herina’s fierce gaze didn’t soften.

“But the door is heavy. If I don’t hold it, you might get hurt. Was it still wrong for me to hold it?”
Ares fumbled, trying to explain.

“You really are a bastard.”
Herina’s words confused him. Adjusting the papers, he studied her expression.

“Are you… crying at me, Herina?”
Hearing this, Herina realized her eyes were filled with tears.
Before she knew it, they were streaming down her face.

“No, why! Herina! Are you still in pain? I’m sorry!”
Ares dropped the papers and pulled her into the study.
Trapped between the firmly closed door and Ares, Herina couldn’t hold back the sudden surge of tears, crying silently.

“I… I didn’t… mean to… hhnn…”
Watching Ares apologize repeatedly, Herina pushed him away.
Even these apologies were likely just to avoid interfering with his schedule; she didn’t want to be comforted.

“Was it because I was dumb and spaced out? I’m sorry. I probably seemed unreliable…”
Ares’ anxious words made her head spin.
Her tears finally stopped, and she took a moment to ground herself.

“Grrhh! And this is my husband!”
She felt ridiculous for being shaken by someone so childish.

As Herina buried her face in Ares’ chest, letting out all her tears and sniffles, Ares awkwardly patted her back, unsure what else to do.