MTLNOVEL Chapter 166.2
Chapter 166.2. On Their Side
So, as it is.
Leave it to him. Rely on him. As long as we do only what we can, only what we must—that’s enough—
—But.
“…No.”
Even so, she forces out the words.
“No. That won’t do.”
“Katia-sama? Is there some issue—”
“There’s no issue. None that I can see. I trust that you’ll handle it all, that you’ll be fine—but!”
She shouts.
Something deep within her. A magic etched into her blood.
Something in the very essence of the magic, some remnant of a cherished soul connected to her heart. Carrying the weight of endless regrets from the past, it screams:
“Don’t go there!”
“—”
“Please, Herm. I know I can’t convince you with logic, I know it’s selfish to say this in such a situation, but—”
Quietly, yet firmly. Her voice trembles slightly, tears welling in her eyes as she speaks.
“Don’t push yourself too hard. Just this once, listen to my selfish plea.”
Abruptly, she spreads her arms.
As if to block his way. As if to stop him from going somewhere beyond reach.
For a few seconds, they lock eyes.
Then, Hermes exhales softly and relaxes his shoulders.
“…If that’s what you ask of me.”
At that moment.
Something subtle, yet decisive.
A shift in fate’s course begins to resonate from here.
“…Herm.”
Until now, for some reason, she had found it hard to approach him—but no longer.
As always, Katia takes a few hurried steps to his side.
The two of them begin heading toward the fortress together, but—
“Ah.”
“Herm!?”
Hermes’s body wavers.
Katia moves to support him—but before she can, he steadies himself.
“…Ah.”
“Apologies. It seems I’m more fatigued than I thought. I’ll make sure to rest well today.”
As always, even amidst exhaustion, he declares his intent to manage his condition with precision.
Watching him, Katia reflects.
…Come to think of it, it’s been a while since they’ve had any time alone together.
When he nearly fell just now, she hadn’t even managed to support him—he had already recovered on his own. That left her feeling oddly…let down.
Looking around, she spots a fallen tree that seems just right to sit on.
An idea sparks instantly.
“Herm, over here.”
“Huh?”
Without hesitation, she acts.
Taking Hermes’s hand, she leads him to the tree, sits on it, and gestures for him to join her.
When he complies, albeit a bit confused, she promptly pulls him down.
“Hey—”
His body tilts easily, landing on her lap with no resistance—likely due to his exhaustion.
In an instant, she establishes the perfect lap pillow position.
“!? Katia-sama, this is—”
“Don’t move. It tickles.”
She presses his head gently, rendering him immobile—likely from both the physical constraint and his own tension.
In a slightly flustered tone, Hermes questions her.
“…May I ask your intention behind this?”
“If we return now, you definitely won’t rest. You’re barely holding it together as it is. Take a short nap here, even just for a bit.”
“But—”
“No buts. Also—this is punishment. For worrying me, for hiding so much from me. I wanted to scold you, but I’ll settle for this.”
It’s a highly efficient move.
It asserts her authority as his mistress while ensuring he takes the break he desperately needs. A win-win.
…And perhaps, just a little, it fulfills her wish to spend more time with him. Though that’s an insignificant, negligible detail.
…Well, there is one lingering concern.
“Uh…can you actually rest like this?”
She asks, uncertain despite her confidence in her actions.
The last time she gave a lap pillow, it was to Layla, one of the maids, who had given it a glowing review—but her feedback wasn’t exactly reliable.
After a brief pause, Hermes answers.
“…To be honest…it’s calming.”
“!?”
His voice carries sincerity.
And with it comes a warmth that stirs a faint, pleasant unease within her chest.
True to his words, his exhaustion soon takes over. Within moments, his steady breathing signals he’s asleep.
To think he would actually fall asleep so quickly—this thought fills her with a mix of comfort and embarrassment as she strokes his hair gently.
Turning her attention elsewhere, she quietly activates [Soteira Trivia].
The summoned ghost soldiers appear promptly, awaiting orders.
“Twenty minutes. No more, or it’ll inconvenience the others. And—during that time, absolutely no one is allowed to approach.”
Her personal investment in this command is obvious, eliciting faint amusement from the ghost soldiers as they disperse.
For the first time in what feels like ages, they’re alone together.
As she relishes the rare tranquility, Katia’s thoughts drift.
(…I think I finally understand the Church’s strategy.)
She realizes their goal: to neutralize Hermes.
Their approach—a measured application of just enough pressure to push him and the Harvist forces to their limits—is calculated and ruthless.
Chilled by the realization, she mutters:
“…Now I see why Father didn’t want Herm’s magic revealed.”
Her words carry resolve.
If the Church has deemed Hermes a threat, then she will stand by his side, no matter what.
“…Even if he chooses to go somewhere far away, I will follow.”
It’s a vow she whispers, meant only for herself.
As she cradles Hermes’s head, she silently pledges to protect his fleeting moments of peace.