Flower of Steel - Chapter 103

“I can’t take my eyes off of you every time you do that. I’m so worried. I’ll help you if there’s a problem that’s hard to deal with. So please, don’t make that look.”

I was surprised by his seriousness, but there was something very familiar about that to me. Yes, I used to be like that in the past.

“I’m okay. Those rumors were made up by someone who doesn’t know me.”

I had to deal with my problems. If he were to interfere, he would be mixed into this with me and would suffer from a scandal. I don’t want people who have nothing to do with this to get hurt because of me, especially the people I care about. Also, I want to personally take revenge on those who bring harm to me.

“I can deal with it.”

Rave froze at my straight up refusal. His deep blue eyes were full of frustration. I talked to him more directly, “It’s my problem, so you can’t help. It’s a burden I have to deal with on my own.”

“Marina, people can’t live alone.”

“But I don’t want others to take my burden.”

I didn’t want to lose people who were precious to me anymore, so I became strong. Rave made a sad expression as he looked at me. Then he reached out with his hand to me.

“Even if you don’t take my hand, I’ll keep offering it to you. If you have to take the heavy burden all by yourself, I’ll help you by your side.”

His warmth came to me, and a bit of it stayed by my heart. However, I didn’t want to rely on him, so I refused to take the hand he offered and rejected his words from within me. ‘I’m not weak, so I don’t need to be helped. I’m used to people insulting me now.’

As if the warmth that came was a dream, my heart became cold immediately after thinking about those who insulted me. I had no intention of forgiving those who tried to hurt me using cowardly rumors. I also didn’t want to rely on anyone. I have to get revenge for myself.

I shook my head without an answer, and he took his hand back and clenched it into a fist. He then smiled as usual and said, “Let’s go back, Marina.”

When I got back, I sorted the rumors that I found suspicious. Sadly, there were just too many that I couldn’t even count. It might have been someone who had a grudge against me. However, I knew from experience that a reason wasn’t necessary for someone to hate others.

I was frustrated when Vice Directory Raymont ordered me to bring a report to the Crown Prince’s palace. Then, I left with the report. With my thin shield gone, I felt eyes looking at me along with whispers. Although I had forgotten about it recently, I was actually used to all this. It was frustrating, but it didn’t matter as I had done nothing wrong. I thought there was nothing wrong with my actions, so I was sure I wouldn’t get hurt by those who judged me on their own accord. I was on my way to the palace when someone suddenly pulled on my wrist.

“Marina.”

It was Kyles with weirdly sunken eyes looking at me. Then he asked, “Having a hard time?”

Dumbfounded by his sudden words, I frowned. Kyles tried to put his hand on my face, but I slapped it.

Kyles then spoke, “There are rumors about you.” I twisted my lips as I glared at him without speaking, and he continued, “I can comfort you. You have done nothing wrong. I’m on your side.”