The warm touch and gentle words coming from his husband made Wolvin tighten his embrace even more.
He was well aware that Calian did all of that solely out of love and the desire to protect him from danger. However, as a beastfolk who had sworn an oath, receiving excessive protection only made him feel truly useless.
For him, being born of the beastfolk race with highly acute fighting instincts, and moreover as the possessor of the [True Assassin] blessing, being unable to grow stronger was a fatal negligence.
"Even if it is just a little... can't you trust me when I'm fighting?" Wolvin pleaded, his voice trembling slightly from frustration. "If you keep helping me, taking over my fights even when I'm not in any real danger, I will never be able to grow stronger."
Hearing that honest complaint, Calian fell silent. He completely understood the sense of concern his spouse was experiencing right now.
As the person who knew Wolvin's character and nature best, Calian realized his mistake. As a result of his momentary anger and overprotective attitude towards his spouse, he felt regretful and deeply uneasy.
Throughout their time together, this was the first time Calian had seen Wolvin show such an attitude.
"I know you do all of that to protect me." Wolvin continued his grievances. "I also know very well that you are incredibly strong, perhaps even far stronger than I am. But, as your spouse and as the one who has sworn to protect you, I don't want to constantly depend on my husband! I must become strong so that I can be both your spouse and your protector, one who can proudly stand as an equal by your side!"
The complaint, filled with immense desire, hope, and determination yet uttered in a frustrated tone, successfully made Calian's chest feel tight. He felt even more guilty towards his spouse.
All this time, Calian always felt that acting to protect his spouse from all threats was the absolute right thing to do. He felt that keeping his spouse from getting hurt even the slightest bit was the most perfect form of love.
However, Calian was gravely mistaken. Those subconscious actions had slowly caused Wolvin to feel useless, almost making the Night Wolf forget his true identity as a fighter and the possessor of the [True Assassin] blessing.
"I'm sorry, Wolvin." Calian replied in a sincere and highly remorseful tone. "I'm truly sorry that my selfishness has wounded your pride. From this second forward, I will no longer limit you in combat. I promise I will only take action if you are truly in a life-threatening danger."
Hearing the words and promises coming out of his husband's mouth, a flash of relief instantly swept across the Night Wolf youth's face. He felt incredibly lucky and grateful to have gotten such an understanding husband like Calian.
He always puts my interests and feelings first before his own ego. Wolvin thought with a warming heart. Because this attitude and personality of his that makes me unable to stop loving him.
"Do you promise?"
"Yes, I promise!" Calian answered without hesitation. "I also don't want my beloved spouse, who is also my mentor in sword training, to become weak just because of my foolishly overprotective actions."
Hearing his husband's promise, Wolvin's smile finally bloomed once more. He released his embrace, then stepped forward and stood firmly by his husband's side.
"Very well. In that case, let us deal with this man first." Wolvin said as he cast a cold glance downward. "You can cancel the [Time Loop] authority you're currently using."
Below them, sprawling on the grass that was beginning to be drenched in his own blood, Thomas had been enduring the excruciating pain from his four amputated limbs while listening to the two youths' entire conversation.
He became extremely curious about the blessing belonging to the purple-haired youth who had slaughtered all the soldiers, killed his entire family, and severed his arms and legs in an instant.
[Time Loop]? What kind of blessing is that? I have never heard of it in my entire life! Thomas thought, struggling in confusion and agony.
However, when he accidentally glanced toward all the people who had been kidnapped, his eyes widened.
Those kidnapped people, the captives who were previously trembling in fear, were now standing frozen without moving at all. The world around him had frozen absolutely.
Seeing that incomprehensible sight, Thomas finally literally understood the meaning of the [Time Loop] blessing.
What kind of world is this?! Does... does this man possess a blessing to completely halt the flow of time?! Thomas thought in absolute shock, despair now crushing his sanity. His power... his authority is already on par with the power of a god! No wonder he could move so fast without anyone noticing! I have messed with the wrong monster!
Thomas rolled his eyes, shifting his gaze upward. He stared tremblingly at the purple-haired youth who had been stepping on his face all this time.
"W-Who are you, really?"
Hearing that desperate question, Calian glanced down, looking at the face of the man he was stepping on.
He lifted the sole of his shoe from Thomas's face. He then crouched near the man's head and glared at Thomas with a piercing gaze.
"You ask who I am? Considering your current position like a worm beneath my foot, I am the one who should be asking you, Dirty Noble!" Calian answered in a very low yet intimidating tone, emphasizing every syllable. "Tell me! Who are the people involved in this human trafficking network? Where is your center of operations in Wollen City?"
Thomas looked away, his eyes radiating hatred. He remained silent, clenching his jaw tightly, without the slightest intention of answering the question thrown at him. He knew that his fate was sealed, and whether he spoke or not, he was still going to die today.
Seeing the stubborn attitude of the helpless man, Calian narrowed his eyes. He desperately wanted to extract information from Thomas to destroy the entire human trafficking syndicate down to its roots.
It seems an ordinary threat will not make this man open his mouth and spill everything quickly. Calian analyzed inwardly, his brain spinning to devise a manipulation strategy. His blood keeps flowing. I don't have much time before he bleeds to death. I must try another psychological method.
Amidst his deadlock, Calian's gaze suddenly and inadvertently caught the sight of the corpses lying not far from them. The corpses of Thomas's wife and two children whom he had executed moments ago.
From that moment and sight, a brilliant idea suddenly crossed his mind that might be effective in making the ruler of Gias City surrender and open his mouth.
Calian carved a very mysterious, faint smile on his lips.