I Married the Mad Duke Who Killed My Husband - Chapter 64
“What kind of nonsense is that…”
Knock knock-
“I’m back!”
Just as I was about to object to Cassion’s words, Jenin returned. Considering how on edge we were after the attack, she knocked before entering. But even at that polite knock, Cassion looked with somber eyes at Lorang and me, who had flinched.
It was incredibly embarrassing as I was about to argue against his instruction to stay only in the Duke’s residence, so I avoided his gaze and approached Jenin.
“Jenin. You can still back out now.” “Just give up and rely on Leonina, my lady.” “Don’t you have any requests? Anything you want us to make sure we do?” “Just return safely, that’s all.”
She smiled brightly, but I could see a hint of worry and tension. It seemed that while she had made up her mind, she wasn’t unaware that she was sending Leonina, her family and beloved horse, into danger.
Why is she being so considerate when we’ve only met a few times? Is this the nature of the original female protagonist?
“Is she outside? Has she had enough water and food?” “Yes, Your Grace. She seems to have rested well and eaten well while at the inn.” “Good.”
However, Cassion, who showed no sign of wavering towards the kind and beautiful original female lead, passed by her to check on Leonina outside.
I felt a bit strange as I led Lorang out to follow, and my eyes met Cassion’s, who was pretending to inspect the horse while subtly watching the doorway I would come out of. He quickly averted his gaze and spoke to Jenin.
“The saddle is for one person, right? It might be better without it if we’re to ride fast with three people.” “That’s right. She’s well-trained, so it should be fine without a saddle, Your Grace.” “Then let’s depart right away. Asil. This way.” “Wait a moment. We should put Lorang at the very front.”
As I pushed Lorang in front of Cassion, who was about to help me mount, Cassion ended up escorting him instead, grimacing mercilessly.
Regardless of that, Lorang, who used Cassion’s outstretched hand as support and boldly mounted the horse, seemed to have an impressive level of nerve. If he’s that oblivious, he should be fine at the trial too.
“Asil.”
And now it’s finally my turn to mount. Cassion, who had wiped his hand on his clothes after shaking it once, held out his hand again.
Even though I’ve held this hand countless times, for some reason it feels unfamiliar and makes my heart flutter. Even though the situation doesn’t call for it.
“…You don’t have to help me anymore.”
I stubbornly reached out and grasped his warm, large hand that I already knew well, and mounted Leonina.
Although Lorang was sitting in front, his presence was barely noticeable, and I could only feel Cassion’s touch as he adjusted my skirt and seat to prevent it from flipping up.
Even in the dark night, his kind red eyes were vivid.
“Should I move a bit more forward? The reins seem too far.” “It’s fine. Stay where you’re comfortable.”
Although there was plenty of room due to Leonina’s large size, it couldn’t be comfortable to stretch out one’s arms to hold and control the reins.
As I tried to move forward, almost crushing Lorang, Cassion stopped me, seemingly displeased, and swiftly mounted behind me.
My heart raced at the warmth and sense of security I felt against my back.
“My lady, here’s a water pouch. You’ll arrive soon so you probably won’t need food, but at least take this…”
Perfect timing, Jenin. I felt like I wanted to open the cork right away and drink some cold water to clear my head.
“Thank you. Please stay safe.” “We will. Don’t be surprised when you come to the Duke’s residence later. Leonina might have gotten incredibly fat.”
Cassion didn’t depart immediately, giving us time to say our goodbyes. I held out my hand, and Jenin grasped it firmly, bowing her head in prayer before letting out a small laugh at my words.
As she raised her head, her blue eyes also sparkled in the darkness. I suddenly thought that these were beautiful people, beyond just their outward appearance.
“See you later then!”
But there was no time to dwell on such thoughts. It was time to return to the capital.
***
“……”
“……”
“Whew, why does it feel so hot? Is it just me?”
“…Be quiet.”
So much for not having time to dwell on thoughts. Although there was one troublemaker between us, the horseback ride under the moonlight was enough to make one fall into unnecessary thoughts.
Moreover, because of that troublemaker, the space had become so narrow that our backs and chests were pressed tightly together without any gap.
“Once we pass this hill, the road will clear up a bit, so we’ll increase our speed.”
“Is it okay on a night road?”
“Don’t worry, Asil.”
Every time he speaks, I can directly feel his breath and slight movements above my head. I hope my hair doesn’t smell, does it?
Just a few days ago, we rode together to find Lorang, but the atmosphere now was quite different. I bit my lip and just nodded.
What is this tension that doesn’t fit the situation? Unlike then, I couldn’t comfortably lean back, so I sat stiffly, trying to breathe as quietly as possible.
“…Hoo.”
“…!”
For a moment, I thought it was my own sigh. The soft breath I heard from above was undoubtedly like mine, a sound that had escaped after trying to breathe as quietly as possible due to the stuffiness.
“Ahem.”
Seeing him clear his throat unnecessarily, probably because he became conscious of his own breathing, it becomes certain.
He’s nervous too.
I quietly relaxed and leaned against the back that was touching mine. Then I felt his stiff, solid body behind me and his heart beating frantically, unfitting for his build.
No, could I really feel someone else’s heartbeat through my back? Is Cassion’s heart about to burst?
…Does he like me that much?
“Cassion.”
“Hmm?”
“You told me to stay cooped up in the Duke’s residence when we return, didn’t you?”
“…I don’t think I said it in that tone.”
Even as I speak, I’m not sure whether I should stop mumbling and shut up or continue. But there’s a reason they say loose lips sink ships, right? My already opened mouth couldn’t stop its rampage.
“Is it because you like me and you’re worried?”
“…!”
“Huk.”
At my direct question, Cassion almost pulled the reins to a stop, and I saw Lorang in front turn back towards us, holding his breath.
I turned my head back to face forward after looking at Cassion and glared at Lorang with my eyes for a moment.
From now on, you don’t exist. Keep your mouth shut.
“……”
“…Y-yes.”
It seemed my stern gaze conveyed the message well, as Lorang immediately shrank back and returned to his original position. But I couldn’t cover his perked-up ears.
And until then, Cassion remained completely stiff and didn’t give any answer.
“…Asil. This kind of…”
“Do you like me that much?”
I cut off Cassion’s attempt to evade the situation and asked what I was curious about.
Although I’ve practically torn apart the original story with my own hands, I still remember Cassion looking at Jenin as if she were dust on the ground.
But I’ve never seen him show interest in anyone else either. He was solely focused on being a person for the 2nd Prince and busy taking care of his people as a newly risen noble… but at some point, he started looking at me with a very nervous expression.
“……”
“Cassion.”
“…Didn’t you pretend not to know when I said it before? This is cowardly, Asil.”
When I urged him, Cassion slightly lowered his head and whispered in my ear. His voice, lowered to a troubled murmur, sent a chill down my spine.
“So you’re not going to answer?”
That’s right. A few nights ago, I did brush off his confession with talk of friendship. It is cowardly to ask again after doing that. Besides, I’m not even sure of my own feelings yet.
But I chose cowardice because I wanted to hear the answer.
To be honest, even though I already vaguely knew what answer he would give, I wanted to hear his voice saying those words. I wanted to see his troubled expression.
“…Haa. Asil.”
By then, we had passed the last mountain path and reached the well-maintained road leading to the city walls entering the capital. From now on, Leonina could showcase her specialty and run.
He looked up at the moonlit sky for a moment, exhaled, and then as if preparing to run, he wrapped the reins around his hand and opened his mouth.
“I…”
“Watch out!”
For some reason, I turned my waist with anticipation to look at him, when something glinted over his shoulder.
As Cassion lowered his guard due to the answer, I hugged and pulled him, and at the same time, an arrow flew over our heads.
“Damn it, attack!”
“You won’t enter the capital, Duke!”
As if in a last-ditch effort, knights sent by the Empress poured out from everywhere.
Right. It’s my fault for trying to set the mood at a moment like this.
