Chapter 7
So far, it’s still intact.
I had been so distracted by his appearance that I’d forgotten for a moment.
In the original story, this man—Arvan—appears as a one-armed swordsman, missing his left arm.
Long before the main story begins, an incident occurs one day when monsters in the Esit Mountain Range suddenly go on a rampage.
To subdue the crazed monsters, Arvan leads his knights and soldiers into the mountains, where he encounters a monster he has never seen before.
The creature is enormous and possesses overwhelming power—so much so that even Arvan, known as the greatest swordsman in the Empire, struggles against it.
In the midst of their fierce battle, an accident occurs: Arvan’s sword is split in two by the monster’s steel-like hide.
Of course, the monster doesn’t wait for him to grab a new sword.
And so, Arvan loses his left arm.
However, with a new sword handed to him by one of his knights, he manages to defeat the monster.
Once its life ends, the monster melts away and disappears, and as it does, the other monsters return to normal, freed from their frenzy.
‘So if I can just get through that incident safely… Arvan’s left arm will be saved too…’
But there was one problem.
In the original story, only the rampage itself is described.
Which means I don’t know exactly when it happens.
“Since you didn’t come merely to greet me, I assume the Duke has some important business?”
Arvan, who had been sitting upright without leaning against the chair, finally spoke.
His voice pulled me back from my thoughts.
He looked restrained yet sexy in his neatly tailored suit and carefully tied cravat.
But the moment our eyes met, my impure thoughts were instantly washed away.
At that moment, I felt like I might believe even the absurd rumor that his eyes held some kind of magic that bewitched people.
“…Yes, that’s right. To get to the point, my father went on an inspection tour of the territory a few days ago. He was supposed to return this morning, but there’s still no news.”
“It’s nearly noon already, and there’s still no word… You must be very worried.”
“Yes… I suppose so.”
Though Arvan and I were talking about the Duke’s absence, neither of us seemed particularly shaken.
I already knew he would return safely.
There was no reason for him to meet an untimely end at this point in the story.
I hadn’t interfered with the plot, so there was no way the future would suddenly change.
That was my rational judgment.
Emotionally, however, the Duke reminded me of my father, who had left me behind with nothing but wounds.
That resemblance made me uncomfortable.
And aside from my personal feelings, he was someone who had neglected a child who needed protection.
No matter how much love and devotion he gave to Rieli, it didn’t excuse abandoning Amon.
So I didn’t think I’d ever truly worry about him or grow close to him.
Instead, I looked at the handsome man in front of me.
For some reason, he concerned me more than the Duke.
I wasn’t certain, but there probably wasn’t much time left before the incident where Arvan would lose his arm.
If I remembered correctly, Arvan became Amon’s mentor when Amon was seventeen, and the incident was said to have happened about eight years before that.
In this bleak novel, where most characters suffered from psychological trauma, Arvan Canelowell was the only one with a physical disability instead.
He was also the only character who genuinely helped Amon, which was why I liked him—even if his role wasn’t very big.
“It’s probably nothing, so please don’t worry too much.”
“Yes, I’m fine. It’s just that today’s schedule…”
Arvan spoke words of comfort in the same calm, expressionless manner.
With that unreadable face, it was impossible to know what he was thinking.
“You don’t need to concern yourself. Since the Duke is unreachable, it can’t be helped. I’ll take my leave for today.”
“Thank you for being so considerate. I heard you came regarding the magic crystal mine found in the Esit Mountains… If you let me know when you’re free, I’ll pass it on to my father.”
After all, he had come all this way for nothing. My father would surely make time.
After a brief pause, Arvan spoke.
“…I’ll have business in this area in ten days. I’ll visit again then.”
“I’ll let him know. Shall we keep the same time?”
“I’d like it if we could have dinner together then.”
“Yes. I’ll be expecting you in ten days. I’m truly sorry about today, Your Grace.”
“You don’t need to apologize. Until next time.”
“I’ll see you out.”
Arvan looked at me quietly as I stood up.
“That won’t be necessary.”
“Please let me at least do that. I feel bad for making you come for nothing.”
It wasn’t my fault, but I did feel a little guilty.
…And I also had selfish reasons.
When would I get to see a man this handsome again?
“…If you insist, I won’t refuse.”
He finally agreed.
Smiling, I left the reception room with him.
Perhaps because my legs were shorter, he matched his pace to mine.
Even when walking, he looked disciplined and elegant.
His posture was flawless.
I tried hard to behave properly, but for him, it seemed completely natural.
Well, he’d lived as a noble his whole life. I’d only possessed this body a few days ago. Comparing us was ridiculous.
“…It’s a shame, though.”
No matter what, this perfect man was destined to lose his arm.
‘If he were a little less handsome, maybe I wouldn’t care this much.’
But his face made it impossible to ignore.
“Pardon?”
I’d muttered so quietly that even I could barely hear it, yet he did.
How good was his hearing?
What should I say?
I couldn’t exactly tell him I felt sorry about his future missing arm.
Under his gaze, I blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
“Um… I guess it feels wasteful to let you go so easily…”
“……”
“……”
His lips pressed tightly together.
We walked in silence.
Meanwhile, my mind was in chaos.
‘I’m insane! Why do I always talk without thinking?!’
After a while, he spoke.
“…You seem to be a very honest person, my lady.”
“H-Haha… I guess I am.”
I shouldn’t have offered to walk him out.
The price for my loose tongue was too high.
After walking through the unnecessarily large estate, we finally saw his carriage waiting in the front yard.
At last, the heavy atmosphere seemed to lift.
I quietly sighed in relief.
But humans are fickle.
Now that it was time to part, I suddenly felt reluctant.
Seriously, what was wrong with me?
Still, we had already arrived.
I looked up at him and said sincerely,
“Thank you so much for visiting, Your Grace. Please take care on your way.”
“It was an honor to meet you, Lady Rober. Until next time.”
He extended his hand.
Surprised, I placed mine on top of his.
He lifted my hand, lightly kissed the back of it, and boarded the carriage.
“……!”
Before I could even react, the carriage drove away.
I stood there, frozen.
‘…What was that just now?!’
A hand kiss—something I’d only seen in movies.
I gently held the back of my hand.
I was flustered, but it didn’t feel bad.
Honestly, my heart fluttered a little.
And yet, I also felt sad.
That man would lose his arm.
“I don’t like that…”
It wasn’t as if losing an arm would take away his good looks.
Still, it was better to be whole.
I glanced at my own left arm.
To be honest, I didn’t want to carry unnecessary guilt.
I had come to know Arvan as a person, not just a character.
And if I later met him with his arm gone…
‘I’d definitely blame myself.’
Especially if I could have helped.
I didn’t want that kind of burden.
Better to suffer physically than emotionally.
And it was easier to think of it as saving the life of a handsome man.
I decided to think that way.
It was good for both of us.
He wouldn’t lose his arm.
And I’d be able to sleep peacefully at night.
