episode_0066

Females are fragile creatures who live subservient lives, dependent on males for protection. Despite being born with the incredible biological advantage of bearing children, they are inherently weak, destined to seek out males who can shelter them.

This was not merely a law of the wild, where the strong prey on the weak.

Even in civilized human society, men work outside, earning money to provide for their families and protecting them from external threats.

In the end, women are pitiable beings incapable of being the masters of their own lives.

Having studied and grown up in the Magic Tower, where men dominated, Riel Frost naturally absorbed such macho ideologies.

That isn’t to say he was an insufferable man who looked down on or mocked women. He disregarded them, yes—but not as objects to pour his drinks or offer his body to. Instead, he saw them as beings to be protected.

That was why, when he joined a hero’s party where every other member was female, he willingly shouldered an even heavier burden of responsibility.

Riel Frost borrowed their strength and fought alongside them, but he never relied on them. He made use of their skills, yes, but he never truly trusted or depended on them. He strove to be the one his comrades could lean on.

No matter how strong they were, they were still women—beings who needed protection. Perhaps that sense of duty was what made him even stronger back then.

But what about now? Arina was fundamentally different from Riel Frost in gender. She was one of those very women he had so thoroughly disregarded—weak, unable to fend off even a single man who tried to assault her.

Did that mean she, too, should live like this now? Should she submit to a man, lean on him for survival, just as she had once claimed with her own words?

Coincidentally, by her side stood a man—stronger than most, beautiful, and more trustworthy than anyone else in the world. The kind of ideal man any woman would dream of.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

Arina turned her head away, breaking eye contact with Ian. The mere fact that she was even having these thoughts felt ridiculous. Not long ago, she had despised and condemned the very notion of being a woman—so why now?

At any rate, she would regain her strength and return to how she was before. A life as a woman—being protected, acting coy—none of it suited Riel Frost.

Lost in her tangled thoughts, she didn’t notice the man approaching from the opposite direction. Thud.

“Ah, sorry.”

Bumped in the crowded street, the man offered an apology.

“N-no… It’s fine…”

Despite her resolve, Arina instinctively shrank back in front of the man. His towering height and solid muscles felt intimidating. Now, more than ever, she was painfully aware of how much stronger and more threatening men were compared to her.

“Are you really okay? We’re not in a hurry—we can rest for a bit if you need to.”

Seeing Ian’s worried expression, Arina forced a strained smile in response.

“How many times do I have to say it? I was just startled. It’s nothing—I’ll forget about it in a few days. It’s not like it’s the first time, anyway.”

The self-deprecating joke was so heavy that no one laughed. Even Arina, who had been snickering to herself, soon fell silent in the somber atmosphere. She brushed it off, trying to act natural.

“Anyway, there’s no need to make a fuss over something this trivial. Who do you think I am? The greatest mage of this era. Once I get my strength back, there’ll be nothing in this world to fear.”

She squared her shoulders and thumped her chest, but the forced bravado only made her seem more precarious.

Since that day, Ian hadn’t left Arina’s side for a single moment. If it were up to him, he wouldn’t have let her out of his sight even while she slept—but since that was impossible, the two were together at all times except when their eyes were closed.

Milen was deeply displeased with this, but since the whole incident had happened because of her request, she couldn’t complain. She could only fret in silence.

“Arina, are you going out?”

“Just to buy a drink. It’s broad daylight, and there are plenty of people around—you don’t have to come.”

“You never know.”

“You’re overprotective.”

Even as she said it, Arina didn’t refuse.

The same happened when they arrived at the next village.

“Where are you going this time?”

“The bathroom… You’re not planning to follow me, are you?”

“I’ll wait outside.”

And the village after that.

“Where?”

“I need to buy a new bag.”

And the one after that.

“Huh? You’re not going anywhere this time?”

“I have something to take care of.”

“Want me to come?”

“I can’t relax if I leave you alone.”

“You’re insane.”

After days of being constantly watched over, Arina quickly returned to her usual self. Left alone, she might have still been drowning in depression, overwhelmed by the flood of thoughts in her head—but Ian never gave her the chance to wallow in pessimism.

“Oh my, your husband is quite handsome! Are you two on a date?”

A woman selling accessories called out to them as they walked. Given their ages, Ian and Arina could have easily been married by now, and as an attractive pair walking side by side, it was natural for anyone to assume they were a couple.

“We’re not married.”

“Ah, so you’re still dating?”

Arina opened her mouth to deny it again but sighed and let it go. It wasn’t like she had anything to lose, and correcting people every time was exhausting. If they wanted to think whatever they pleased, so be it.

“Sir, how about buying a gift for your lovely girlfriend?”

It was an obvious sales pitch, the kind often used on couples. Arina was about to say they weren’t together and move on, but Ian stopped.

“Could you show me some?”

“Of course! Just a moment.”

As the vendor disappeared, Arina tugged at Ian’s sleeve and whispered.

“Ian. Are you seriously thinking of buying that? It’s a waste of money.”

“I’m a noble too. I can afford this much.”

“That doesn’t mean you should throw it away. It’s not like I’ll be able to wear jewelry once I turn back into a man.”

Just then, the vendor returned with boxes of various jeweled accessories. Among them, Ian immediately picked out a ring—a deep blue gemstone, the same color as Arina’s original eyes.

“A ring is something even a man can wear.”

“I never said I liked it.”

“A gift is about the giver’s heart.”

Muttering for her not to complain, Ian took Arina’s left hand and slid the ring onto her index finger.

“They say a ring on the left index finger symbolizes friendship. So this is a friendship ring.”

It was the least convincing friendship ever. If anything, it felt more like he was slowly, subtly trying to woo her. The real problem was that she didn’t even dislike the thought anymore.

“…A friendship ring, huh? Then shouldn’t you get one too?”

“Are you buying me one?”

“Better than me being the only one making a friendship declaration.”

Arina picked out a ring from the box as well—a red gemstone matching Ian’s eye color. She held it out, but instead of taking it, Ian raised his left hand and extended his index finger.

“You’re really…”

“What?”

His feigned innocence was infuriating. But since he had put a ring on her finger, it was only fair she do the same. Friendship had to be equal.

“I’m only humoring you this once.”

She took his hand.

“Your hand… is huge.”

The hand she held to slide on the ring was nearly twice the size of hers. It’s big. That was all there was to it—yet for some reason, her heart raced.

“Is it? Maybe yours is just small.”

With that, he clasped her hand firmly in his.

“Eek?!”

Startled by the sudden gesture, Arina flinched.

“What’s wrong all of a sudden?”

“You’re asking me?”

Seeing Ian tilt his head in genuine confusion only flustered her further. Was he playing her, or was he really this clueless?

‘Who do these two think they’re fooling?’

The vendor, who had been watching the entire absurd spectacle, smiled on the surface while cursing inwardly. Normally, she wouldn’t have minded a couple flaunting their affection—but this “friendship ring” nonsense was too much to bear.

Who in their right mind bought expensive, jeweled rings for friendship? If they were going to do this, they might as well have just openly put them on their left ring fingers. The problem was… well, she didn’t know. She couldn’t put it into words, but it pissed her off.

‘Just leave already.’

Closing her eyes, she prayed that somewhere in the world, a wonderful man would come for her too. A single tear welled up.

“A ring? A RING? How come she gets one so easily when I had to work so hard for mine?!”

Milen’s outburst was inevitable the moment she saw the ring Ian had gifted Arina—now being worn on her own left ring finger, cherished like a treasure.

“I must be insane. Feeling sorry for that fox and holding back. Never again!”