TISND Chapter 170

Chapter 170

Jeremy’s vow to cling to Helena like a tick was perfectly kept. Now, regardless of what Joshua said beside him, he doggedly followed Helena around. Eventually, even Joshua seemed to give up and stuck close to Helena as well. Thanks to that, there was always someone guarding her.

The twins, in particular, were desperate to do something for Helena. Just as she had always worried about their meals, now the children wanted to take care of her. One day, when Jeremy asked if there was anything she wanted to eat, Helena mentioned she was craving fresh fruit. Jeremy responded by sweeping up every piece of fruit from the market. The fruit stalls in the market had to close early that day. And whenever Helena said she had no appetite, Jeremy would look as if the world was ending.

“Why on earth am I acting like this?”

One day, while attentively preparing Helena’s meal, Jeremy muttered in shock as he came to a realization. Joshua tilted his head and asked,
“What is it?”

“Meals didn’t used to matter this much to us.”

“…That’s true.”

To the twins, meals were just another part of the day. If they didn’t feel like eating, they’d simply skip a meal — it wasn’t a big deal.

“But now I find myself obsessed with making sure meals are taken care of,”
Especially Helena’s.

“And you know what’s ridiculous? I end every sentence with ‘meal, meal, meal!’”

As he recounted his day, Jeremy suddenly burst out,
“I keep absentmindedly asking the knights if they’ve eaten, and when I write letters, I end with ‘let’s have a meal together sometime!’ I even try to feed wild rabbits when I see them! I look around for food to give to animals that don’t even understand me!”

“Pfft.”

“I mean, seriously! Did I starve so much that it’s traumatized me? But no! I ate well enough!”

“I feel like my brain isn’t working.”

Jeremy muttered with a grim expression. Joshua couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“Seems like Helena’s rubbed off on you.”

“So what is it with these stupid meals that I’m so obsessed with now?”

“I’ve got no idea.”

Joshua shrugged. But it felt good, somehow.

Jeremy had certainly changed a lot. In the past, he didn’t even know how to take care of himself. He would bottle up his pain and sorrow, venting it by skipping meals or tearing his clothes. He couldn’t get along with others, either. He was like a hedgehog with its quills up, hiding his wounds behind sharp edges.

But now? Now Jeremy knew how to care for others. His shy nature had softened, too. He was still awkward with strangers, but he was warm to those he saw often.

‘Have I changed too?’ Joshua wondered. He wasn’t sure. He’d always been mature and composed, hadn’t he?

“Ah, Helena! Did something funny happen? I want to laugh too!”

Hearing Helena’s laughter from across the room, Joshua ran toward her like a puppy wagging its tail.

***

Unlike the kids who were desperate to care for her, Helena’s desires were surprisingly simple. When asked what she wanted to do once she recovered, she said, “Farming.”

“Do you know who the most talked-about person in the capital is right now? It’s you, Helena! If you wanted, the Crown Prince would start the process to grant you a noble title immediately. You’ve achieved something amazing, and yet you’re saying you don’t plan to return to the capital anytime soon?”

Joshua looked displeased.

“You’re a celebrity now! Everyone is curious about you, and they want to meet you. Sooner or later, word will spread that you’re here. You could become someone incredible in the capital!”

“I’m not interested in any of that.”

“Do you even know how many people you saved? Hundreds. And the number of people indirectly helped is even greater.”

Joshua, who dreamed of becoming someone great, couldn’t understand why Helena would pass up the opportunity.

“Of course, I understand your health comes first… But once you’re better, I hope you’ll return to the capital.”

“I’ll think about it, slowly.”

Helena knew she couldn’t stay in Horion forever. Word would spread that she was here. Some already knew she was the Duchess of Frantor — though only a few. Joshua hoped she’d choose Frantor in the end, but he couldn’t force her.

“It’s just a waste for you to stay in the countryside.”

“That’s enough, Joshua. Helena said she’s not interested.”

Jeremy tried to stop him, but Joshua knew his twin was secretly happy with the current situation.

“He’s pretending not to be, but inside, he’s thrilled.”

What a possessive guy. Joshua glared at his twin, who was smiling brightly as he supported Helena.

“I’m not.”
Jeremy replied casually.

“Now focus on your surroundings. Don’t let your guard down.”

Although Helena was supposed to be resting until she was fully recovered, she didn’t want to stay in bed, so they were taking a light walk.

The kids bickered, but they stood on either side of Helena like bodyguards, as if it were choreographed.

Of course, Horion didn’t have wild beasts or bandits to worry about. As long as they didn’t wander far, there was no real danger. Still, the kids stayed alert and scanned their surroundings. Helena found this odd.

“Don’t let my guard down? We’re just taking a walk.”

Was there an assassin after her or something? Helena looked around nervously but saw no one.

“It’s nothing you need to worry about, Helena.”

“Yeah. You never need to worry about it — ever.”

“…Huh?”

Their answers only deepened her confusion. She looked at them, waiting for an explanation, but the boys said nothing. In the end, Helena had to accept the mystery and nod silently.

But the boys had their reasons. Helena didn’t know it, but she had become quite popular in Horion — among the men. She was beautiful, wealthy, and had a fragile air due to her illness, which naturally sparked people’s curiosity. Men who had heard the rumors fell for her at first sight.

So whenever Helena went on a walk, word would spread quickly, and in no time, men would approach her. That’s why Jeremy and Joshua had taken it upon themselves to guard her so fiercely.

“Although… there seem to be fewer of them lately.”
Joshua muttered, and Jeremy nodded smugly.

“Exactly. Maybe they gave up? Since we’re always by her side, they probably backed off.”

“I’m not so sure…”

‘They’re not around these days, huh.’ Helena murmured something under her breath.

“What did you say, Helena?”

“The Duke. I haven’t seen him lately. Has he left Horion?”

“No, he’s still here.”

Helena remembered that since she’d started recovering and going on walks, she hadn’t seen Caligo once. So she wondered if he had left town — but apparently not.

“Why? Do you want to see him? Should I call him?”

“No, no… It’s fine.”
Helena trailed off.

“Maybe he’s just busy.”

Hearing this, Joshua tilted his head. That couldn’t be right. From what he knew, most of Caligo’s responsibilities were already wrapped up. His reports to the Crown Prince had been sent via messenger, and the trials in the capital were nearly concluded. Thanks to Caligo’s strong warnings, even the Kingdom of Kelymborn had been unusually quiet.

There was no reason Caligo would be too “busy” to see her.

Then why…? As Joshua pondered, he looked around at the unusually quiet area around Helena.

“Could it be…”

Helena asked what he meant, but Joshua quickly shook his head. Somehow, he felt like he knew exactly what Caligo was doing.

Hey Guys you can read advanced chapters on Patreon
If you liked my work and want to support me then you can visit my page for tips. As I can’t create Kofi because of the unavailability of Paypal in my country, I’ve made this tier which is being updated every week so that you won’t be charged again till you want to donate again by yourself or you can exit the tier after donating 🙂.

Happy Reading 🩷