Ch.27 Ais POV

When that man appeared in the dungeon, I felt so scared, that man wanted to do something terrible to me, I could tell. When he called out to me, I felt my heart freeze as fear spread through it. I couldn't do anything. He was stronger than me, he was bigger than me, and he was older than me. I didn't know what to do.

Thankfully, at that time, I still had Aidan with me. From the first moment we met, we've been together. The most important thing is that he doesn't mind my attitude, and he accepts me for who I am. He is a great person, and I love spending time with him.

So that's why, when the man appeared in the dungeon and wanted to do something terrible to me when he targeted me mainly, I was a bit scared that he would abandon me and run. I know I shouldn't think that, but I have heard stories about other adventurers who save their lives. I couldn't help but doubt him for a moment. When I noticed this, I was disappointed with myself. He has always been pleasant and gentle with me. He wouldn't abandon me!

And I was right. His first move was to protect me by pushing me behind him. He protected me! I couldn't help but have tears appear in my eyes. Not only because he is the first one who cared about me since my mother was taken by the one-eyed black dragon but also because of shame because I doubted him.

When he gave me a look, something I always understand, I gave him a subtle nod. It wasn't the time to be angry at myself, and there was an enemy in front of us who would attack us soon.

With our understanding of each other, I knew what to do, what he wanted to do, and I knew that we would survive as long as we worked together, as a team! We worked hard! It was scary! But we won!

The moment he fell on the floor and Aidan knocked him out. I couldn't help my tears anymore. Shame, anger, fear, all of these emotions swirled inside me, making me cry.

However, once again, Aidan took care of me. He took me in his arms as I cried, and I could tell he was still vigilant while I broke down in his arms. When was the last time I had a hug? It's been too long. When was the last time I was so cared for? It's been since the last time I saw my mother!

After a few moments, the fear rescinded, only leaving me with shame and anger at myself. However, when I looked at Aidan, he looked at me with a smiling face full of care and tenderness. I knew he was kind. Way too kind. However, as I turned around and saw the man, I thought to myself. Maybe not that kind. However, I didn't resent him for what he did. He just became more perfect as he did what was needed to protect us.

I barely remember what happened after. I only know that the old hag who was so mean to me in my magic training appeared and led us out of the dungeon. I couldn't help it anymore, I fell asleep, and I'm sure that Aidan took care of me again.

When I woke up, it was in the middle of the night. I had a nightmare of the man. However, I also felt like I was back in my bed. My armour and weapon were right next to the bed. It must be Aidan who took care of me again. He's too nice to me, who doubted him. However, I like being cared for. When I looked at my mirror and saw my reflection, I was surprised to see my smile, something I didn't do since my mother was taken from me.

However, even if I was happy, I was still too scared to go back to sleep. I was scared the man would appear and try to do weird things to me again. This time I was alone. Aidan wasn't there to protect me.

I changed clothes to feel refreshed. But, I still didn't fall asleep for the rest of the night. Even if I was sleepy, I couldn't fall asleep. Instead, I only remembered what happened over and over again, and tears wouldn't stop falling from my eyes.

It was at this moment that a knock appeared at my door. I was scared. I didn't want to open the door; I didn't know who was on the other side. However, I needed to open it. Maybe it was Aidan?

And when I opened it, it was indeed Aidan. I felt so relieved in my heart. My fear immediately disappeared when I saw him. When I heard him ask if he could enter, I didn't object and let him in. At least when I was with him, I could feel in security.

When he entered and saw me, I could see care in his eyes, and when he hugged me, I felt so relieved, so much better, so much safer. I stopped holding back as I hugged him back and let my tears flow once again.

Once we were done, Aidan gave me some food he took from the cafeteria. Knowing that he cared enough about me to bring me back food and eat with me, I felt happy in my heart. I repeated it once more. Aidan is great.

Once I ate and felt security from Aidan, I went to my bed, and I instantly fell asleep in his arms. Sleeping with him made me feel safe. I slept better that day than I did for a long time. I promised myself that I would become a better partner for Aidan. That from now on, I would also take care of him to the best of my abilities. He protected my life as my partner, and I would also protect him from now on. Together, we would be the strongest!

What felt like a few moments later, I was awoken by the knock at the door. However, I saw Aidan's care in me as he tried to get up without waking me up to go and answer the door.

For the rest of the day, we spent it in comfort. I didn't even change out of my pyjama as Aidan took care of me.

Finally, it was time to go to bed again because we had to get up early, Aidan wanted to leave to sleep in his room, but I didn't let him. I promised myself that I would take care of him from now on. However, right now, I wanted to stay with him because I couldn't sleep alone.

With that same gentle smile on his face as he always has when with me, he nodded, and we went back to sleep. This time, I hugged him even harder as I felt great and immediately fell asleep with him next to me.

The next day, when we woke up, I became self-conscious. I had all my hair tangled up and a trace of saliva on the corner of my mouth. I knew I drooled in my sleep, and being told that by Aidan made me want to hide. However, I knew he didn't mind, and I felt relieved when I confirmed it.

Afterwards, during that day, we went to sign our contract and made a lot of money from it. However, that was not the most crucial point of my day!

I was so happy! I was so glad that we gained the Twin Star skill. It not only meant that I would become stronger faster to find my mother, but it also meant that Aidan and I would have to partner up together to become stronger faster. I was so happy to have something that linked Aidan and me together!

When Riviera offered to bring us to the 18th floor, even if I was terrified, when I saw the desire in Aidan's eyes and knowing that it would help me to become stronger faster, I agreed. I could not care for Aidan if I stayed weak; I would become strong, the strongest with Aidan to protect him.

A bit later, when we went shopping once again to buy the necessary things for our trip to the dungeon, I saw the exhaustion of Aidan at shopping, and I knew that the last time we shopped together, Aidan had the same expression. I learned that he didn't enjoy shopping very much. However, I remember that he showed me a happy smile when we shopped together and that he agreed to go back with me. The care he showed me, despite hating shopping, I knew he cared about me.

After learning this, I couldn't help but walk a bit closer to him, to always be next to him.