Protect Male Lead

Chapter 01

The Valentine Family is the highest knight ranking family in the Empire.

The current patriarch, Kaidrich, is unusually proud of his family.

「Parents do not need children who are worthless. 」

That's the creed of Kaidrich, the owner of the Valentine's household.

Iris Valentine played the role of a shameful child in the family.

It was not something that she could help with because she was not a genius like all of her family members.

Her older brother, a successor of her father, was a genius who activated his sword at the age of six.

Her younger sister, who resembled her mother, was a famous social flower in addition to her genius swordsmanship.

At the age of six, Iris was clutching her hair and being pitiful.

She did not inherit Valentine's red hair like that of her father's nor her mother's blonde hair.

"I don't even know what she's good at."

Iris's hair was light purple, closer to silver. Like red peonies, her family received many praises. Among her family, Iris was like a separate entity, similar to a lily in the valley.

Therefore, she wanted to be more like a Valentine.

"...It's all right."

Even though she was a Valentine, she was not invited to the party and instead cried quietly by herself.

"You just have to try."

You are a Valentine too, so you can work harder.

Therefore, she visited the training center every day.

"Ah!"

Even when palm of her hands were torn, she didn't let go of the sword.

I tried until I almost died.

To be recognized for the value of existence, blisters repeatedly formed and burst on her soft hands as calluses seeped in.

She was only nine years old then.

Nothing had changed since.

"Don't waste your time, Iris."

"You know, honestly, you're just not talented."

Her poor swordsmanship and the family who despised her...

"Something useless."

Iris wasn't looking for any special praises.

She just didn't want her father to call her that for a day.

I couldn't do it.

Iris always hit a wall.

If only I could weakly use a sword well...

It was firmly established as something that Iris could not overcome or improve overtime.

At sixteen, Iris decided to call that a talent.

Her emotions worn away in front of the wall that could never be broken.

At first I was frustrated, and I suffered because of it.

Soon, I became numb.

Yes, she was not fit to be present as a Valentine.

Iris accepted her fate, but she still did not let go of the sword.

You're the only one who stays with me.