“I might not be able to visit you in a while.”

It took a moment before those words registered in Lia’s mind. That came out of the blue, and now, she did not know what to feel or how to react. She did what felt like the most rational thing to do at that moment which was to stand still and stare blankly.

Eldric shifted on his feet, looking alone and unhappy. For a fleeting moment, the image of the harem passed through Lia’s mind. In the novel, the great general collected women from all over the region, but was that really it? They were only his bedroom companion? Or was there something else?

She shook her head. No. Now was not the time to worry about this guy.

“Uh, I see!” She gave a shaky laugh. “Cool! I mean, it’s not like you are required to visit me.”

He had been visiting her almost every night that it seemed like he was part of her daily routine now. She should not be surprised that this routine would be broken, but she was. In the past months, he had been a wonderful friend who stood by her side throughout the toughest times. And she would always be sad every time they parted.

Eldric took her hand. “But I wanted to.

Something softened in her when she saw how hard he seemed to be taking this. They were not lovers, and they would never be. He had no reason to look torn for an unimportant character like her. “But the country needs you.” She guessed and gripped his hand when he nodded.

“There’s some ruckus going on in the northern borders. The king ordered me to check if it is about the tribes or Unseen. It will probably take me a year before I come back.”

Lia’s mouth shaped to an inaudible ‘oh’ as a memory tugged at the back of her head. ‘So we are now at this part of the plot.’ She remembered that when Eldric went to quench the uprising in the north, he would meet the female lead there acting like Florence Nightingale among the troops. It was love at first sight for the two of them. It was the female lead’s time to shine, and the cannon fodder had to step back and step away from the stage.

One year was short. But it was enough for the feelings of the male lead and female lead to culminate. He would soon forget all about Lia, and she did not want to dwell too much on that.

“Is that so? Then I guess this is–”

“Don’t.” Eldric stopped her, firmly held her hand and stepped closer. “We’ve done that before and look at us. I don’t–,” he raked his other hand through his hair and sighed. “How about see you soon?” He cast a hopeful gaze.

Lia gave a smile she did not feel. “See you soon then.” ‘Who are we kidding? I’ll be a stranger to your eyes once you meet the female lead.’

That tinge of sadness she felt, she told herself that it was because she was losing a friend.

“Good night,” she said but neither of them moved. Eldric seemed more interested in playing with her hand, studying the folds and creases of her fingers. “You should leave now. I have an exam tomorrow morning, and you should prepare for your departure.”

Eldric nodded, then pressed both his hands to hers, “Good night and best of luck.” He leaned forward, dropping a kiss on her forehead, before leaving.