Chapter 795

Nina knew her pants were wet. Everyone too. It was a small price to pay for gathering herbs, and she didn’t mind. “I’ll change when we get back,” she said casually.
Nash, however, warned her, “If you don’t protect your legs from the damp, you could get rheumatism.”
“It’s just for a little while,” Nina replied politely. “I’ll change my pants as soon as we return.”
But Nash’s attention was fixed on her legs. Without saying a word, he knelt down and began to roll up her pant legs.
Surprised and a bit embarrassed, Nina tried to stop him. “What are you doing? It’s really not necessary.”
Ignoring her protests, Nash took off his kneepads and fastened them around her legs.
Everyone around them watched with growing curiosity.
Arin covered her mouth in excitement, as if she had just discovered a juicy piece of gossip.
Their relationship was clearly not ordinary!
It felt like watching a romantic drama unfold.
Nash tightened the kneepads, securing them snugly. “These are waterproof and will keep your legs warm.”
Nina looked at the women around her and then back at Nash. “It’s not fair if only I have them. As the leader, you should understand that.”
She tried to take them off, but Nash stopped her. “It’s fine. No one will mind.”
Meeting his gaze, Nina felt a strange emotion. His concern for her stirred something inside her.
“It’s okay,” Arin chimed in. “The women say you need extra care because you’re not used to our conditions. Plus, Captain York is looking out for you. Don’t make him worry. He’s our protector, and we need him to feel at ease to keep us safe.” Arin winked at her, hinting at the special bond she suspected between them.
“Nina, don’t refuse Captain York’s kindness!” the other women urged.
Their eyes darted between Nash and Nina, full of admiration for this beautiful couple.
Romance was seen as a joyful thing, especially here. Nash’s care for Nina was obvious to everyone.
“Let’s head down the mountain,” one of the women suggested.
Once Nina was taken care of, Nash stood up and reverted to his stern demeanor, as if the tender moment had never happened. “Escort them down,” he ordered.
“Yes, Captain,” the soldiers replied, smiling at the rare display of Nash’s softer side.
Arin took the bamboo shoot from Nina and put it in her basket, then linked arms with Nina. “I didn’t realize Captain York was so protective of you. Tell me, tell me, what’s going on between you two?”
Nina had no idea Arin was so nosy and said, “No, you’re overthinking it.”
“How could I be overthinking it?” Arin said, pressing on. “I’m young, but I can tell he likes you. If you two ended up together, it would be great. You’d make a great couple. Captain York is so strong and you’re beautiful. I’m jealous! That scene just now, with him catching you, was like a hero saving a damsel in distress from a storybook…”