Welcome to the Innocent World - Chapter 136

Chapter 136: At The Infirmary

The sound of my boots against the dusty ground was the only thing I could hear as I walked away from the arena, chewing my bubble gum, the faint tang of strawberry lingering on my tongue.

Behind me, the echoes of the crowd’s murmurs faded as I made my way to clear my thoughts.

Just as I was about to turn a corner, a sharp, commanding voice rang out, cutting through the air like a blade.

“Stop right there,” a woman’s voice called out.

I turned around, raising an eyebrow in mild curiosity. A tall, regal woman approached, her flowing gown catching the sunlight, making her look almost ethereal. Behind her stood two guards wearing shimmering silver armor, their hands resting on their swords.

The Queen standing in front of me with a cool expression. She fixed her piercing gaze on me.

I stood still, one hand casually in my jacket’s pocket as I blew a bubble and popped it, tilting my head.

“Your Majesty,” I said, bowing my head slightly, but keeping my posture loose.

She took a step closer, her guards copying her every move.

“I have a question for you, Cutiepie,” she began, her tone sharp yet composed. “Was cutting off Braun’s arm really necessary? Surely you understand that such actions are against the rules of this tournament. Interfering in a duel, is punishable. So tell me—what made you think it was your place?”

Her words carried weight, but I didn’t flinch. Meeting her eyes, I shrugged.

“The battle was officially over. Braun lost, fair and square. But instead of accepting that, he decided to go rogue and tried to kill Seraphine. If I hadn’t stepped in, she’d be dead. And rules or not, I’m not going to stand by while my friend’s life is on the line. So no, I don’t think I broke any rules.”

The Queen studied me for a moment, her sharp eyes unwavering. Her guards tensed slightly, but she lifted a hand, signaling them to stand down.

“You’re bold,” she finally said, her voice softer but still laced with authority. “And reckless.”

I didn’t say anything, simply holding her gaze.

She sighed, a faint exhale of breath that seemed to carry the weight of a decision.

“But,” she continued, “you’re right. What Braun did was unacceptable. He dishonored himself and this tournament. If you hadn’t stepped in, I would have executed him on the spot. So in a way, you saved me the trouble.”

A faint, almost imperceptible smile curved her lips. “Thank you for that.”

I slightly noded and said. “Umm..yeah…No problem..I guess…”

I straightened up, gave a small bow, and said, “Well then, I should go now.” Without waiting for a response, I turned and began walking away.

“Cutiepie…”

Her voice stopped me in my tracks. I froze for a moment before slowly turning around to face her.

“Yes?” I asked, my tone cautious yet curious.

She stood there, her lips curved into a faint, playful smile. “Is your name… right? Cutiepie?”

I blinked, caught off guard by the question. “Yeah, it is,” I replied.

“All the best for your battle,” she said.

With that, she turned away, her long coat sweeping behind her as she walked toward her knights, who awaited her by the arena.

“Thank you,” I said, standing there for a moment, watching her go, before feeling the tension in the air dissipate as the meeting with her ended.

Turning back, I headed down the dimly lit passageway beneath the seating area.

The infirmary smelled faintly of herbs and disinfectant. I pushed the doors open to find Darius sitting outside, his face drawn with worry.

His sharp eyes met mine the moment I entered, but I didn’t bother acknowledging him. I started walking past him, but his voice stopped me.

“The medic said to wait outside,” he said, his tone sharp but filled with concern.

“Is that so?” I replied, looking straight at the door, where Seraphine probably is.

“Seraphine probably won’t recover enough to fight anymore. She’s in no condition to continue.”

I glanced at him briefly, my expression unreadable. “I see,” I replied, and kept walking inside.

The room was quiet, with just the soft hum of healing auras radiating from the medics surrounding Seraphine’s bed. She lay there, pale and battered, her chest rising and falling shallowly.

Her blue hair was damp with sweat, and her body was wrapped in bandages. Her face was struggling in pain and the occasional twitch of her fingers showing the pain she was enduring.

I walked closer, my boots clicking softly against the floor. One of the medics turned to me, frowning. “You’re not supposed to be here. She needs rest, and your presence might agitate her—”

“C-Cutiepie…” a soft voice interrupted.

I turned my gaze to Seraphine, her eyelids fluttering open. Her silver eyes met mine.

The medics exchanged glances, uneasy. “Sir, you need to leave. It’s hard on her body if she engages in conversation right now.”

I didn’t move. Instead, I spoke calmly but firmly. “You all can go. I’ll heal her myself.”

The medics blinked at me, stunned. “Heal her? You’re not even part of the medical unit. How do you plan to—”

“Go…” Seraphine said, her voice faint. “You all…go….”

The medics hesitated, confused between protocol and the patient’s wish.

“It’ll be okay,” I said, my tone even. “Just five minutes. Then you can come in.”

After a moment of hesitation, they nodded reluctantly and left the room, casting wary glances back at me as they closed the door behind them.

I pulled up a chair beside Seraphine’s bed, leaning forward slightly. She looked at me, her lips curving into a weak smile.

“Cutiepie…” she said again, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Yeah,” I replied softly. “I’m here, Seraphine..”

I reached out and gently took her hand in mine. Her fingers felt fragile, almost weightless, as though even holding them normally might hurt her.

“How are you feeling?” I asked.

Her lips curving into a faint smile.

“Nothing… except pain,” she said.

I couldn’t help but smile back, though it felt bittersweet. “Stupid question,” I muttered, shaking my head at myself.

“So… what are you here for?” she asked, her voice curious yet tired.

“To heal you, obviously,” I replied, my tone serious, my gaze meeting hers.