Thought It Was ‘The End’, Only to Return to a Changed Genre - Chapter 160

The corners of her eyes were red, but strength returned to her gaze. As Adeline firmly held Genevieve’s hand, she asked,

“Are you hurt anywhere? My whole body aches right now.”

“I’m… fine.”

“When I get back, I’m seriously going to start exercising.”

The warmth spread between their clasped hands.

“My dear personal doctor, you really are so capable…”

“Adeline, what you need more than exercise is to take care of your meals and get proper sleep. With a body like this, exercising will just break you down.”

“…So capable and cold…”

“I’m sorry. This is all I can do.”

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that apology. But you can apologize for locking me up.”

“That, I can’t apologize for.”

It was a gentle but firm refusal. She had tearfully apologized for things she shouldn’t have, but now she couldn’t apologize for keeping her confined? Adeline couldn’t understand what standard Genevieve was using.

Still, thanks to Genevieve’s divine power, Adeline’s body felt lighter, at least temporarily.

“Judging by the small window and the lack of a door, I think this is a storage cabin. The exit should be in the ceiling. It’s hard to see because it’s dark, but I’ll lift you on my shoulders so you can climb up.”

“I’ll do it.”

“I’m bigger.”

“I’m stronger.”

“You? You look like you’d break if someone barely touched you, and you’re saying you’re strong?”

“…Are you talking about yourself?”

“I’m just pale. Look at my arms! I’m much sturdier!”

“You must’ve forgotten, but I’m someone blessed by the divine.”

“…”

“I don’t get hurt easily, and even if I do, I heal quickly. Naturally, I’m also strong, even though I might not look like it. Sometimes, even Edwin asks me to lift things he can’t.”

Genevieve furrowed her brow.

“It’s a little annoying, to be honest.”

“That’s… reassuring, I suppose…”

Even though Edwin wasn’t particularly muscular, he was at least as strong as the average man. It didn’t make sense that those twig-like arms could be stronger than Edwin’s.

But Adeline quickly remembered that in this world, the laws of physics didn’t always apply. Magic and divine power defied the physical limits.

Just when she thought she was used to this world, moments like this brought back the common sense from her previous life.

“Well then, I guess you’ll have to carry me—wait, no, that’s not right.”

If anyone were to take a picture, the headlines would accuse me of abusing a Saintess…

Adeline looked down at Genevieve. Genevieve was slightly shorter than her, and her crown was just at eye level. Imagining herself climbing onto those thin, frail shoulders made Adeline feel like anyone would be justified in criticizing her.

Besides, after comforting Genevieve, who had just been crying like a child, she now appeared even younger and more vulnerable, like someone who needed protecting.

Genevieve, as if reading Adeline’s thoughts, pounded her chest with determination, trying to appear more spirited.

Watching her hit herself like that made Adeline nervous, as if Genevieve might break from the force.

“Don’t worry and hold on. Ah, should I crouch down first?”

“No, that would just make it harder to stand up…”

“I told you already, I’m strong.”

“Well… alright, then. Let’s start by finding the ceiling hatch. My eyes are getting used to the darkness, so let’s take a look around. There might be something useful.”

As they surveyed the area, it became clear that this room was indeed a storage cabin. Near where they had been lying, crates were secured to the walls and floor, covered by thick cloth, and large ropes were coiled and hung on the walls. The ropes were so heavy and thick that Adeline couldn’t lift them on her own.

‘Could Genevieve lift those too?’

If she could, their escape might become much easier.

As Adeline continued to search the ceiling for an exit, Genevieve murmured to herself.

“You’re so calm, Lady Adeline.”

“Maybe it’s all about gaining experience…”

“…”

“I’ve woken up in unknown places a few times as of late…”

“…”

Genevieve, who had contributed to two of those experiences, remained silent.