Chapter 353 Feelings of the Protector (1/2)

”…!!”

Anne opened her eyes; her chest began fluctuating due to her rapid breathing. Just recently, Anne had a terrible nightmare. Although she couldn't remember the details, she could still vaguely recall the blazing world shrouded in crimson while being chased by some wild beasts. Anne kept running with all her might, somehow managing to evade the beasts. Deep within her heart was a subconscious fear — she somehow felt that if she stopped running, she would be devoured mercilessly.

Luckily, it's only just a dream…

Anne let out a long sigh. Suddenly, a familiar voice sounded beside her.

”What's wrong? Having a hard time sleeping?”

”Eh?”

Anne blinked a few times in surprise when she noticed the owner of the voice. Rhode's usual expressionless face caught her attention as he leaned back on a chair beside her bed. Although Rhode's expression didn't reveal any joy or happiness, Anne felt so much better after seeing his familiar face. Her pumping heart had also slowly returned to its normal pace.

”Ah, Leader, why are you here? Did we win? Tell me we won!”

Anne hurriedly sat up and inquired with avid excitement. However, the moment she dragged herself up, a strong dizzy spell struck her and she fell back onto the bed.

”That's right, we won.”

Rhode nodded and gazed intensely into the maiden's eyes without any expression. This action caused some insecurities to grow in her heart, and she unconsciously tugged her quilt to hide half of her face, leaving only a small gap to peek at Rhode. It seemed like she had finally understood what she had done wrong…

”L… Leader, Anne knows its Anne's fault. Anne shouldn't have disobeyed you, but that time—”

”Why didn't you listen to my orders?”

Rhode abruptly interrupted her halfway with a severe tone. Anne trembled slightly, but she still managed to reply with a smile.

”Erm… Leader… you had also seen it. That grandpa was threatening Anne, and if Anne didn't—”

Rhode briefly cut her off again, but this time, Anne noticed a slight change in Rhode's expression. She felt a chilly sensation spreading throughout the entire room and wrapped herself further with her quilt.

”Of course I've noticed it, but I also recalled that I'd mentioned before the matchup that no matter what happens, you need to act according to my orders… Of course, I'm aware that this wasn't particularly easy for you, but Anne…”

”… Why must you disobey my orders and consume some items that I've strictly prohibited?”

”Because… ” Anne paused for a moment, ”because Anne knew that the grandpa was so powerful and Anne was afraid of not defeating him! So…”

Anne's voice drifted off and lowered her head in shame.

”Did I not warn everyone that the side effects of the Awakening Potion will be too much to handle? Anne, I recalled that you were there too.”

”Bu-But…”

Anne lifted her head to explain but was interrupted by Rhode's wave of his hand.

”But what? Do you think you will recover after just resting for a few days? Anne, do you know, you may even be unable to fight anymore.”

”… Huh?”

Anne widened her eyes in disbelief as Rhode's words 'you may even be unable to fight anymore' resounded in her mind.

Unable to fight anymore? Is Anne unable to fight anymore?

”Although that potion raised your energy for a short period of time, now that the effects are over, your actual strength can't even be compared to even half of what you used to have… In other words, you can no longer go on an adventure with others anymore. Now, do you understand the severity of this matter?”

”This… This…”

Anne stared blankly at Rhode. Her heart naturally tried to deny Rhode's words, but the state of her body was the ultimate truth. In fact, since the time from when Anne had woken up until now, she felt incredibly weak. However, she reminded herself repeatedly that it was due to her being asleep for too long. Although Lapis had once warned her, she took no heed to it and thought that no matter how strong the side effects were, she would be fine after a few days rest.

But now, Rhode actually told her that she could no longer be with the others?

”No, no, no such things! Leader!”

Anne waved her arms frantically and hurriedly forced herself off the bed.

”Anne isn't that weak. Anne is only tired. Anne will be okay after a few days of rest. You see…”

As she spoke, she quickly scanned the surroundings and found her shield leaning on the wall. The girl quickly sprinted over, grabbed onto the enarmes and attempted to lift the shield.

”You see, Leader, Anne is fine. Anne is perfectly f—…”