They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System

Chapter 508: The Punching Bag isn’t a Worthy Opponent

He positioned himself and checked her shoulder, rotating it with practiced care. Dislocated, but only partial. Not torn. He adjusted it quickly, precisely, murmuring reassurance even though she could not hear him.

When she flinched again, just barely, he exhaled through his nose, masking the flicker of pain he felt.

"You’re alright," he whispered under his breath. "You’re okay now."

Finally, he stepped back. He wiped his hands on a sterile towel and nodded toward the scanner again. "Send those X rays to radiology so the orthopedics team can review. She will need full rest for at least three days. Then physio."

Nnenna lay still. Peaceful now. As if even her unconscious self trusted him.

Carl sat beside her for a second longer than necessary, watching the steady rise and fall of her chest.

His hand hovered, then gently tucked a stray curl away from her face.

"Just a few bruises, huh?" he murmured, voice soft. "You are stronger than you know."

Then, his face reset. Gentle, but focused.

He stood, eyes flicking to the door of the room.

"She’ll be fine," he said to no one in particular, voice level again. "She’s built tougher than she looks."

When word reached the main castle building, King White, Queen White, and Ava wasted no time. They rushed to the hospital, worry etched into every step.

The moment they arrived, Carl had to stop what he was doing to reassure them, repeating over and over that Nnenna would be fine. His words were confident, but even so, it took some effort before they allowed themselves to breathe.

Still, Queen White refused to leave.

"I’ll stay," she said softly, taking a seat beside Nnenna’s bed. "My heart won’t rest unless she’s within sight."

one argued with

hospital hallway, his fists clenched and jaw tight. A storm brewed silently in his

Nnenna needed to grow stronger. But why did it have to come

much from the start, shouldering burdens beyond his years, just so she wouldn’t have to suffer? That was the point, wasn’t it? That was the reason behind everything he had

To protect her.

lay

It brought back a chilling memory, more than a year ago, when she had fallen into a coma. A time he never wanted to

she wakes up?" he asked Carl again, his

gave him the same answer as before. "I sedated her. Her body needs rest. That’s the best way for

It made sense.

it didn’t help the growing weight on Somto’s chest. A part of him knew she was safe, but another part, the loudest part, couldn’t rest until she opened her

Until she spoke.

Until she smiled.

she was

let

it was going to be for the rest of their lives... if she chose to be

getting hurt during training. Her pain felt like his own. Like it was wired into

supposed to survive when she had to give birth someday? Maybe in eight years? The thought

even be

really need to work

maybe... maybe they should skip

Ebere was born. Nine months of struggle, then the screaming

He decided there and

We’ll adopt.

Funny, wasn’t it?

led wars, seen comrades fall, watched Arthur lie paralyzed for weeks, scared half

none, had ever

watching