Free Web NovelChapter 59: Ch 59: If you cannot respect my companions, then I cannot respect you
"Ugh, are you sure you want me to wear this? It feels so stuffy. I don’t think I can even walk properly in these shoes. It might be better if I went to the meeting in armor rather than these fancy clothes."
Iris complained as she tugged at the collar of her dress.
It fit her perfectly, and because of that, she was even more aware of her movements. Her shoes were also tight, and their height made it difficult for her to take an even step.
She felt like a doll being controlled by someone else as she looked herself over.
"You can change if you want to. I don’t mind if you go to the meeting in armor or even naked. In fact, the more you shock those old fools, the better I would feel."
Kael sounded sincere when he told Iris that, and she had a feeling he would support her no matter what she chose to do.
And this was exactly why she could not do what she wanted.
She did not want Kael to get into trouble because of her actions.
’I am already a burden on him because of my past and reputation. I should not cause him any more trouble, no matter what he says.’
Iris sighed and followed Kael down to the living room.
Leon was wearing armor, unlike her, and Seraphina was dressed in traditional saintess garb. Her veil even covered her face.
Kael was wearing his Grand Master robes, along with a sweater that covered his neck and a cloak that concealed most of his body. She had heard that it was magically enhanced to protect him.
Iris suddenly felt like she stood out among the group.
Maybe she was overdressed?
’Should I tell Kael that I want to change my clothes? I might look out of place if I go there like this—’ freeweɓnøvel.com
"Iris, it’s time to go. Don’t look so nervous. You look beautiful, and anyone who says otherwise is just blind."
Kael’s serious expression forced a small laugh out of Iris.
She knew that Kael was saying this just to make her feel better, and it was working.
She did feel beautiful...
At least, she was beautiful in Kael’s eyes. But whether that beauty was as a woman or as a friend remained to be seen.
She sincerely hoped it was the former.
Iris placed her hand on Kael’s, and he activated the magic circle.
She closed her eyes as she felt his magic wash over her. It was warm and comforting, and it made her feel safe.
"We are here."
Iris opened her eyes at Kael’s words, and the first thing she noticed was the enormous hall filled with people.
Most of them were dressed in clothing expensive enough to buy her freedom several times over.
’I...suddenly feel underdressed for this occasion. These people are judging me and my worth right now. And I can tell they are not impressed.’
Most of the people in the room had flawless skin without a single scar.
It was obvious that these people had never had to work hard a day in their lives.
Meanwhile, Iris’s body was covered in scars she had accumulated over the years.
Most of them were the result of wounds that had not been treated properly because healing was expensive, and a slave like her was not worth the cost.
If she had never been a slave, would her life have been better?
Would her existence not be a burden on Kael?
’Don’t think like that! Kael told me to appear confident. I need to remember his words and do as he asked.’
Iris lifted her head and plastered a confident expression onto her face, but the pressure did not lessen.
"Grand Master Kael, Hero Leon, and Saintess Seraphina, welcome to today’s meeting. It is an honor for us to receive you here today."
The council member seated at the front stood up and gave a small bow.
He skipped over Iris entirely, almost as if he had not even noticed her standing beside Kael.
It was obvious that this was deliberate, and the intention was clearly to humiliate her in front of everyone.
’Don’t fall for it, Iris. This is what they want. You can’t allow them to get a reaction out of you.’
Iris followed after Kael, who was glaring at everyone.
He took a few steps before suddenly frowning and coming to a stop.
The council member who had welcomed them immediately looked concerned.
"Grand Master, is everything alright? If you are dissatisfied with something, then please let us know. We will do our best to accommodate your needs."
The council member spoke softly and confidently.
But Kael’s mood seemed to worsen even further.
"Hmm, I don’t feel very reassured right now. And how could I when you can’t even greet all the members of my party properly? Honestly, I don’t even think you’re taking this meeting seriously."
Iris felt her heart warm as soon as she heard those words.
Even a blind person could tell that he was talking about her.
The council member looked taken aback by Kael’s complaint, and his eyes shifted toward Iris with a complicated expression.
She could clearly tell that he was weighing his options.
He quickly made up his mind.
"Grand Master, you must already know that we are pressed for time. As such, I made a decision that would save us time while still maintaining the dignity of this council."
Iris might have been ignorant of politics, but even she could tell what the council member was implying.
Not that she could completely disagree with him.
Even she felt like she was not important enough to be worth starting an argument over.
She was not someone important like the Hero or the Saintess.
There was no need to address her separately.
But Kael clearly did not share that opinion.
"I see. So if my companion isn’t important, then I suppose I don’t need to respect the individuality of the council members either. I can simply address all of you as ’the council’ since that would save everyone’s time."
"Grand Master Kael, that’s different—"
"Not to me. Now, shall we begin this meeting?"
Kael had seized control of the conversation and made his position clear—he was not willing to tolerate any disrespect toward Iris.
And both Leon and Seraphina stood by his side, silently backing him up.
Iris felt appreciated...
But guilty at the same time.
’None of this should be happening. Kael is getting into trouble because of me. I...should never have gotten involved with him in the first place.’
