Even Death Was Taken Away by That Obsession - Chapter 2

I pondered until the moment I boarded the carriage.

Whether it was alright to follow Ian like this, and if it would be safe to accept his kindness like a naive girl.

Unlike me with my complicated thoughts, Ian was at ease.

Even after readily letting an unknown woman into his carriage, he only offered a refreshing smile when our gazes occasionally met.

Though the carriage had been moving for a while, there was no notable conversation between us.

I appreciated that he seemed to understand my position, where I had nothing particular to say.

As a comfortable silence flowed gently between us, I leaned against the window with a relaxed posture that seemed somewhat out of place for a woman who had lost her memories.

Wearing the shirt he had given me like a short dress, I could at least avoid looking like a beast.

Pulling up the oversized garment that resembled Ian’s broad shoulders several times, I asked myself silently.

‘Why did this person come to that deep forest?’

And just in time for me to open my eyes?

Many things were suspicious, but I was too weary in body and mind to dwell on such matters.

“You have red eyes.”

As our gazes inadvertently intertwined, Ian spoke.

“They’re like rare, precious gems, not easily found.”

Due to his gentle voice, even those ordinary and brief words felt as sweet as if coated in honey.

“……”

“Haha. I meant they’re pretty.”

Seemingly embarrassed by the words he had unconsciously blurted out, Ian laughed awkwardly and hurriedly cast his gaze out the window.

His eyes blinked irregularly, tinged with a clumsy regret as if wondering if the compliment had been too hasty.

Ignoring the tickling feeling in my heart, I secretly stole glances at Ian’s figure reflected in the transparent window.

The shyness lingering on his clear cheeks was still visible in the glass reflection.

His features displayed an innocence rarely found in adult men, especially those with exceptionally handsome faces.

Blue eyes, like jewels embedded with a kind nature.

That appearance gave me a somewhat nostalgic feeling.

‘It’s frustrating.’

‘Why did I lose my memories?’

‘Who am I running away from?’

Chewing over questions without answers, I carelessly glanced at the passing scenery.

We had already passed through the moonlit path and left the forest.

People began to appear one by one. Despite the late evening, the streets were filled with bright noises.

The streets, bustling with people finishing their day yet seemingly organized with their own rules, were a pleasant sight.

Captivated by the lively scene, I stared at the bustling area with bright eyes like a child.

Judging from the expressions of the passing people, this country seemed unacquainted with war or tyranny.

“We still have a bit further to go. Are you feeling alright?”

“Ah, yes.”

“If there’s anything uncomfortable, please tell me anytime.”

His thoughtful concern made me conscious of Ian once again.

I had just managed to look away.

“…I will.”

I accepted his kindness with a shy smile, as fragile as could be.

Simply grateful for the help of this pure-hearted gentleman.

***

As all passing sounds grew quiet, a large mansion revealed its grandeur.

It had a magnificence that made one wonder if it might be where a king of a country lived.

The moment we arrived, a large iron gate made of black metal opened.

Having expected just warm care, I felt dizzy with confusion as we entered a place visibly guarded by numerous knights.

“I have something in mind.”

As the carriage slowly came to a stop, Ian, sitting across from me, gently leaned forward.

“For that, I might have to be a bit rude.”

“Rude?”

“Would you let me hold you? It will only be for a moment.”

Though the dress he had prepared on the way to the mansion covered my body without revealing any skin, his secretive whisper made me feel as if we were conversing naked.

‘Being held isn’t even considered rude….’

I nodded, hiding my flushed cheeks.

Ian chuckled softly at my naive appearance.

“Please bear with it even if it’s uncomfortable.”

His strong hands carefully pulled my shoulders.

“I’ll make it as quick as possible.”

Ian, who had given the gentle request, soon withdrew his smile.

At his signal, someone opened the carriage door.

Ian’s gentle gaze turned dry as he extended his arms towards me. Then, as if I weighed nothing at all, he easily lifted me into his arms.

Startled by the sudden sensation of floating, I buried my face in his chest.

I squeezed my eyes shut as the warm, firm sensation touched my cheek.

I quietly wrapped my arms around his neck, an instinct of not wanting to fall.

Ian’s shoulders flinched at the sudden action, but soon his large hand gently embraced my head.

As Ian appeared, an elderly gentleman bowed politely at the waist.

“You’ve arrived?”

The elderly gentleman with neatly combed gray hair greeted Ian with a measured tone and posture.

“Hubert, I told you it would be late and you could rest.”

“It’s alright. At this age, one needs neither night sleep nor dawn sleep.”

The elderly gentleman, whom Ian called Hubert, cheerfully welcomed his lord’s arrival, as if such effort was only natural.

But the way he blinked several times showed he was dying of curiosity about my identity in Ian’s arms.

The maids lined up in a row seemed to be thinking the same thing.

Whispering among themselves and shyly expecting something between Ian and me like wildflowers, I became a bit curious.

What kind of person are you, the owner of this warm place like spring, holding me?

‘At this point, I can tell it’s a position where I need to be especially careful about my behavior compared to ordinary people.’

Ian gently set me down, making sure my feet touched the ground.

Then, naturally pulling my shoulder towards him, he smiled softly.

“This person is a benefactor who has greatly helped me, so I hope everyone will treat her well. Due to circumstances, she will be staying at the mansion for the time being. Hubert, please wait in the study.”

“Yes.”

The elderly gentleman, the butler Hubert, answered without hesitation to that order.

Only then did the strength leave the arm that had been wrapped around my body.

Instead, our fingers intertwined. Entwining one by one like vines.

Perhaps they had expected the word fiancée. A faint disappointment flashed across the faces of the girls who had been preparing to cheer.

“We need an immediate examination, so please contact the chief physician to come quickly as well.”

As if his gentle demeanor was just one of his many facets, Ian skillfully directed the servants with a suitably authoritative tone.

‘You’re at the top of the food chain, aren’t you?’

Under the protection of this predator, who surely possessed the most brutal power with the most innocent face, I silently followed Ian’s lead.

***

The long, high corridor was as bright as day despite the night, perhaps due to the master’s late return.

Even after climbing the stairs, we continued further inside for quite some time.

Finally, upon reaching a place where no one’s gaze could reach, Ian’s hand hastily withdrew.

“It must have been sudden, but thank you.”

He smiled bitterly, exhaling deeply as if finally relaxed.

“I thought this would be more convenient in many ways.”

Despite Ian’s gentle smile, I couldn’t bring myself to speak.

My conscience stung.

You became my benefactor and even went so far as to present me as your benefactor.

Ian spread his arms like a child, showing me his chest.

‘Does he mean for me to embrace him?’

As I tilted my head like an animal unaware of the situation, he couldn’t hide his smile, as if he had seen something cute, and urged me again.

“You looked tired.”

Though he said it with a fresh smile and nonchalance, I noticed it was Ian’s consideration.

He must have read my mind, that I was so exhausted I didn’t want to walk even a single step on my own.

“You really are a kind person, aren’t you?”

As I approached slightly, Ian’s arms gently lifted me. It was a more comfortable position than when we got out of the carriage.

“Thank you.”

I murmured, nestling into his broad chest as if curling up.

It was a hastily conveyed gratitude as my eyes grew heavy.

“…You’re welcome.”

I wonder what Ian’s expression was like as he answered that.

Was he smiling, or was his face coldly composed since no one was watching?

With my face buried in his warm embrace, we passed through unfamiliar corridors.

The room prepared for me seemed to be in a very deep part of the mansion.

‘Ian, why are you being so kind to me?’

How can you trust me? What kind of person do you think I am?

If it were simply because I’m a beautiful woman and he wanted to do something with me, or if it were just a mischievous prank by a well-bred young master, I might feel more at ease.

I couldn’t sense any other intention from his kindness.

Being held in his warm embrace, I only felt a lovely heart and soon became drowsy.

‘Ian… who exactly are you….’

Even though I had already slept for a very long time.