Disastrous Romance - Chapter 16
Chapter 16
“You saved my brother. Thank you.” He straightened, looking down at her with a gentle smile. His broad shoulders and powerful build suggested a physically active life. A sword hung at his hip.
Elijah found herself admiring him, captivated by his appearance. Was this what love at first sight felt like? She was just starting to get used to Kai, and now this man, exuding a different kind of masculine charm, was stealing her breath away.
The silence stretched, threatening to become awkward, before she finally spoke. “…Uh, yes… Are you really his brother?”
The sudden turn of events was difficult to process. After three days without seeing another soul, this man, appearing out of nowhere, claimed to be the ‘treasure’s’ brother?
“I am. My name is Rike.”
“Hello, Rike… I’m Elijah.”
At her words, his smile widened, seemingly pleased. Elijah, however, felt a pang of disappointment.
‘It’s not Fredrick.’
Fremin’s name had sparked a flicker of hope. But Prince Fredrick was famous for his brilliant platinum hair. Rike’s hair was an ordinary blonde. Even disregarding the difference between game graphics and reality, their overall auras were distinct.
‘The Crown Prince wouldn’t be in a backwater place like this. I got carried away.’
Once the thought took root, logic prevailed. If Rike were the Crown Prince’s brother, the quest to meet him would have been completed. But there had been no such notification. He simply bore a strong resemblance.
“It’s a pleasure.”
His bright smile seemed to illuminate their surroundings. He genuinely appeared pleased, his demeanor as warm and familiar as if greeting a long-lost friend.
Elijah couldn’t believe someone this handsome wasn’t a ‘Peerless Man.’
Just how attractive was the Crown Prince?
“Likewise.” She was already susceptible to handsome men, and Rike was exactly her type. Fighting the urge to cling to him, she forced herself to maintain some distance.
“Well then, we’ll be—”
“It’s getting late.”
“Yes?”
“We should make camp nearby, shouldn’t we?”
She had been planning to, but this was problematic. Elijah lowered her foot, which had been halfway to stepping away.
“Would you join us, if you don’t mind?” he offered politely, his expression still gentle. Elijah was trapped. She barely managed to suppress the urge to gush, “May I, a mere mortal, camp with such a handsome god?” and instead replied demurely,
“I’d like that.”
Oh no. That wasn’t right. Her true feelings had slipped out. She bit her lip, trying to regain her composure.
“Excellent. We have a spot in mind.”
But Rike’s radiant smile shattered her pretense, leaving her beaming back at him.
* * *
Truthfully, Elijah had never understood people’s desire for passionate romances. Relationships were just human interactions, after all. Were they truly that wonderful? Worth all the laughter and tears? Such naive thoughts she’d had. But right now, her perspective shifted.
‘I want to date Rike.’
As they settled their campsite, sharing a simple meal and conversation, her fondness for him grew. It intensified to the point she wondered if perhaps a target of a quest and a romantic interest didn’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Rike was breathtakingly handsome, easily Kai’s equal. If Kai was a delicate deer, Rike was a valiant lion. And his character? Impeccable. A gentle face, graced by a soft smile, and a respectful tone that spoke of maturity. Despite her resolve to remain objective, unaffected by a handsome face, Elijah couldn’t suppress the blossoming affection.
“Haha! It’s good to hear you’re headed to the capital.” His hearty laughter captured her attention once more.
“Why? Are you from the capital?”
“Indeed. We could travel together.”
“What? Oh, no. I have other places to visit.”
‘This man, why is he making this so easy?’ He suggested traveling together without a change in expression. Elijah felt a blush creep up, suddenly embarrassed by her own assumptions. But then Rike continued, his expression unusually serious.
“It’s dangerous for a lady to travel alone.”
Kai and Mason, Rike’s attendant, who had been silently observing their exchange, both wore peculiar expressions. Kai flinched at being so thoroughly ignored, at her being referred to as ‘alone.’ Mason, meanwhile, was puzzled by his master’s formal address of ‘lady’ towards this unknown wanderer. Elijah shared Mason’s confusion.
“Why do you call me ‘lady’?”
They had only just met; there was no way he could know her status. She wasn’t exactly a recognizable public figure.
“…You seemed like one.” He narrowed his eyes, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. Though their acquaintance was brief, she had never seen him look like this before. Elijah found her curiosity about this enigmatic man deepening.
