Bab 72: A Man in thirties can understand a woman in thirties...?

"Is something the matter?" Delphine's concerned voice broke through Aether's horrified expression as if he had tasted something so repulsive it wouldn't leave his mouth.

"H-Huh? N-Nothing..." Aether stammered, snapping out of his fear-induced daze and awkwardly meeting Delphine's gaze.

Delphine frowned slightly but didn't press further. Instead, she sat on the edge of the bed and asked softly, "How are you feeling?"

"I-I'm fine," Aether replied his guard still up as he tried to decipher her intentions.

Recognizing Aether's guarded demeanour, Delphine let out a soft sigh. "I understand you have reasons not to trust easily after everything that has happened in your life," she said, moving closer to him, "But think of me as your big sister. I won't harm you.... Please, trust me."

Aether found himself completely caught off guard by Delphine's sincerity however, she didn't give a fuck about affection points.... He knew where this was going.