How to Save a Time-Limited Heroine

The atmosphere at Duke Levadine’s residence was different from usual.

It was because the silence, which was always maintained for the stability of the princess left alone whenever the duke, the empire’s chancellor, was away, had been broken.

Naturally, it was due to Agnes’s first outing in almost two years that the servants here were busy preparing for.

There were worried glances.

There was also anxiety about whether the outing would be too much for Agnes.

Nevertheless, they couldn’t help but feel happy.

Why wouldn’t they?

The person accompanying today’s outing was none other than Deltain Hebron.

It was inevitable to have the expectation that, as a hero of salvation, he might show this pitiful woman the light of the world.

Amidst the commotion, Agnes revealed her joy with a smile.

Even the haggard look on her face was less noticeable today.

Her blonde hair, which looked as if it had been spun from gold, was neatly combed and tied up.

The dark circles around her cherry blossom-colored eyes were covered with makeup.

Even her lifeless lips were now painted a vibrant red.

With a wide white dress that suited her, she looked like the undisputed star of a ball.

“When will the Count arrive?”

“Who knows? By now, he’s probably sitting in his office, cursing.”

The servant tilted his head.

Agnes chuckled softly at that and continued her thoughts.

‘He must be worried. He must be fretting over the thought that I might really be getting ready.’

It was a certainty.

She understood Deltain better than he understood himself.

“This is fun.”

Even though the outing hadn’t started, she felt delighted.

Agnes enjoyed the fact that Deltain was thinking about her, fretting over her, and even getting frustrated over his thoughts, only to eventually sigh and come to her.

The fact that her place in his heart was growing was something she was pleased about.

She would gradually take over his heart until one day, all of it would belong to her.

Even after she turned to dust, the owner of his heart would never change.

‘So, I need more time.’

She wasn’t talking about lifespan, but about the time spent together each day.

Agnes wished that wherever Deltain went and whatever he did, he would think of her, reminisce about their memories in that place or atmosphere.

That would make her truly happy.

If his burning life were to be colored by her hue, it would be immensely gratifying.

Agnes’s smile deepened as her thoughts continued.

As her smile grew, so did her beauty.

In the midst of this.

“I’m coming in.”

Deltain said as he opened the door.

Again, he came in without waiting for a response.

Agnes’s gaze turned towards Deltain.

Deltain momentarily caught his breath and stopped in his tracks.

His pupils were trembling slightly.

“Surprised? Because I’m so beautiful?”

Deltain’s fingertips trembled slightly.

He then bit his lip and replied in a rebellious tone.

“… don’t be ridiculous. I was just surprised because I didn’t expect you to actually be getting ready.”

“So, you were thinking about me despite having a schedule?”

“I have a responsibility to take care of my patient.”

“Let’s go with that.”

Agnes stood up from her seat.

And she walked towards Deltain.

Even in those less than ten steps, she felt fatigue but ignored it.

After all, how could such a thing matter when Deltain was reacting exactly as she had expected?

“I dressed up today. I wanted to look good for you.”

Deltain’s nose twitched slightly.

“… if you want to confess so badly, just do it. Though I’ll definitely reject you.”

“I already told you. You’ll be the one confessing to me.”

“I also told you I’ll never confess.”

Agnes reached out her hand but then stopped, pondering something.

She soon beamed brightly and spread her arms wide.

“Hug me. Like a princess.”

“What?”

“I can’t walk.”

Deltain let out a snort.

“If it’s that tough, you should’ve just stayed home. Don’t bother others by going out.”

“But I’ve already dressed up like this. I was so excited for my first outing in two years. If you say that, you’ll hurt my feelings.”

“And what do you mean, like a princess? That’s royal disrespect.”

“It’s okay. We’re friends.”

“You, having friends? Nonsense.”

“It’s true.”

Agnes giggled and spread her arms again.

She then leaned her body towards him.

“Quickly, I can’t walk, so carry me.”

Hesitation appeared on Deltain’s face.

Though the hesitation wasn’t short, it was something Agnes welcomed.

Because she knew that after such hesitation, he would eventually carry her.

Because she knew it would hurt his pride.

“… annoying bitch.”

This was how Agnes would gradually break him.

Deltain bent down carefully.

Agnes felt his arms under her waist and behind her knees, so she relaxed her body.

She then wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Your breathing has become rough. Are you excited by my scent?”

“For God’s sake, clean your mind. Listening to your delusions is driving me insane.”

“It seems you’ve already gone insane. How do you like it? I even wore perfume for the first time in a while.”

“I hate the smell of perfume.”

“For someone who hates it, your nostrils are flaring.”

“Shut up. I’m holding my breath because of the perfume, so why would my nostrils flare?”

“So, you can talk while holding your breath?”

“All demon hunters can do this much.”

Deltain’s muscles were tightly tensed.

Even so, his expression remained indifferent, which was so characteristic of him.

Agnes felt a mischievous urge rising.

So, she tightened her arms around his neck and buried her face into his nape.

Deltain’s neck stiffened.

“You smell good.”

“… that must be my natural scent. Unlike some people, I don’t wear perfume.”

“So, you’re saying your natural scent is perfect. But it’s not. It’s just a common erotic scent.”

“Perverted girl. Is that all that’s in your head?”

“Yeah, sometimes I think about doing it with you.”

Thud-

This reaction was quite dramatic.

Agnes, who had buried her face in Deltain’s neck, felt it clearly.

The sound of swallowing echoed for a moment, the heartbeat spreading to the nape of the neck, and even the breath collapsing in an instant.

Agnes expressed slight regret over her inability to peer into others’ minds.

She was curious about how she appeared in his mind.

“What are you thinking about?”

“… I’m thinking about wanting to go home soon.”

“Shall we go, then?”

“We’re going even if you don’t say anything.”

Deltain started walking.

Agnes didn’t provoke him further.

The warmth wrapping around her body and the rhythm of the heartbeat felt quite comforting.

“Thank you for coming.”

Agnes handed a carrot to Deltain.

*

Back at Count Hebron’s mansion.

Gerhart witnessed a scene he never thought he’d see in his lifetime.

“… we have a guest.”

“Hello?”

Agnes, who was in Deltain’s arms, waved her hand.

Naturally, Gerhart looked at Deltain.

“What are you looking at?”

His face was a mix of shame and annoyance.

“Go get a chair. Let her sit.”

“Keep holding me.”

“You’re heavy.”

“Liar. There’s no one as light as me. Or are you so weak you can’t even hold me?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

At Deltain’s nod, Gerhart moved aside.

Agnes had been staring at Deltain until then.

“I always think…”

“What now.”

“Your eyes. They’re really beautiful. I like the golden color.”

“Are you trying to say you feel a sense of kinship because it’s the same color as your great blonde hair?”

“Did it seem that way? Do you think my hair is great?”

“Let’s just stop talking.”

Deltain pursed his lips tightly.

Gerhart, who had fetched a chair in the meantime, placed it next to Deltain and stepped back.

“I’ll go finish cooking.”

“Okay.”

Agnes watched Gerhart leave and then asked Deltain.

“Are there no other servants in the mansion?”

“No.”

“Is that person managing this huge place alone? Unbelievable.”

“He can handle it, so I let him. Despite his appearance, he’s the first student I ever taught.”

“Oh… so, he’s a Hound of Hebron too?”

“He’s retired now. Says his joints creak.”

Even while annoyed, Deltain answered Agnes sincerely as he seated her on the chair.

Agnes felt a small regret as the warmth receded.

“Your body was nice.”

“Choose your words carefully.”

“Yeah, it was nice because I could move comfortably.”

Agnes rested her chin in her hand as she sat.

“If we wait like this, will those people come?”

“They’ll be here soon. It’s the appointed time.”

Tap.

Tap.

Agnes tapped her cheek with her index finger.

“Hmmm….”

A smile played on Agnes’s lips.

To Deltain, the smile seemed enigmatic.

“What are you smiling about?”

“I’m excited. The Hounds of Hebron are famous.”

It wasn’t just to flatter him.

Even Agnes, who had spent most of her time confined to bed, knew the name of the renowned knights, the Hounds of Hebron.

“They’ve caught more demons than you, haven’t they?”

“They were created to clean up the trash. I handled the really dangerous ones.”

“Whoa, you’re quite the hero.”

“Still… yeah, I worked hard to create them, so if they didn’t live up to their name, they’d have to die.”

Despite the harsh words, Deltain couldn’t completely hide his pride.

It was inevitable.

The Hounds of Hebron were the most perfect creation he had made since entering this game.

Gathering S-class mercenaries in the game before their stats fully developed and training them to his liking, they were the best unit.

They also showed loyalty befitting the massive support they received.

They managed the count’s mansion efficiently even when Deltain was indifferent to outside affairs, making it convenient for him.

Agnes chuckled as she watched Deltain’s grin.

Then, a commotion broke out.

Loud thudding sounds and murmurs erupted.

Simultaneously, Deltain’s smile deepened.

“They’re here.”

Agnes turned her gaze to the closed door.

Soon after, the door burst open noisily, and four men and women rushed in.

Knights with a flaming emblem on their chests.

The Hounds of Hebron.

“Boss-!”

A rugged woman’s voice echoed.

Agnes saw a gray-haired woman, taller than Deltain by a head, with muscles so prominent they showed through her clothes.

“She’s the leader of the hounds. Kaltara, a barbarian from the West.”

Kaltara, with gleaming eyes, spread her arms wide with a bright smile.

Her natural muscles and scars, along with her mane-like gray hair, made her movements seem intimidating at first glance.

She ran noisily and hugged Deltain.

“How have you been-!”

Agnes’s expression cracked.

For a moment, the light disappeared from her eyes.

Fortunately, by the time Deltain looked at her, she had regained her usual expression.

“Kaltara, we have guests. Show some decorum.”

“Hm? Oh… a girl!”

Agnes smiled sweetly.

“You must be the captain.”

After muttering this and observing Kaltara for a moment, Agnes turned her gaze to Deltain and spoke.

“… Deltain.”

“What.”

“Give her to me.”

Agnes’s hand extended, pointing at Kaltara.

“Give her to me.”

A look of astonishment appeared on Deltain’s face.