Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 100
‘He’ll talk on endlessly.’
Kyden thought, rubbing his ears with a bored expression.
Despite Kyden’s evident lack of enthusiasm, Serley didn’t seem to mind. He found it more annoying and uncomfortable to deal with people who tried to keep track of his ever-changing emotions and state of mind.
“So, here’s what those people did…”
As Kyden listened half-heartedly, he was able to get a rough sense of the Horman family’s situation.
‘What will Roel be doing?’
Kyden’s mind wandered back to Roel, who was left at the hotel. He couldn’t really hear Serley’s ramblings; he knew he’d keep talking regardless of whether Kyden paid attention or not.
He nodded along to give the impression of listening, while his thoughts were preoccupied with Roel.
‘What if Father bothers Roel?’
Having grown up away from home, Kyden found it hard to predict Jared’s reactions and behavior.
‘If I don’t show her, that’ll be that.’
He decided he wouldn’t introduce Roel if he returned home. Roel was sensitive and would definitely be stressed by meeting Jared.
While Kyden was lost in these thoughts, Serley’s voice grew louder, signaling an important point.
“Mother says I need to have many children, so I should find a young lady to marry. It’s hard to believe she’s saying that after seeing the state of things.”
“…Hmm.”
“What’s your take on it?”
“Why is having children so important?”
“Exactly! You and I think alike. Having a bunch of kids will only lead to inheritance disputes later on. A couple of children are enough.”
Serley clapped his hands as if in celebration.
“It would be good to meet an heiress. If I’m going to marry, I should get some advantage out of it. If she doesn’t have siblings and has a lot of inherited wealth, it wouldn’t be a problem if she’s a bit older.”
Despite the excuses, Serley actually preferred older women. Remarkably, his first love was a governess who was eighteen years his senior.
Knowing Serley’s peculiar tastes, Kyden nodded in agreement and then brought up his own point.
“If you’re going to grant a fief, I’d prefer the Northeast Village. The waterfall there is beautiful.”
“…I don’t mind you not listening to me, but don’t bring up unrelated topics.”
“When will it be granted?”
Years ago, when Kyden saved Serley’s life, Serley had promised to grant him a fief if he ever became a Count.
Kyden remained silent, gazing at Serley with an intense, wordless pressure. Serley, with a sullen expression, hesitated for a moment before reluctantly nodding.
“Alright, the Northeast Village it is. I hope you find it valuable.”
Despite the delay, Serley had planned to grant a fief to Kyden anyway.
Many of the subordinate vassals and officials managing the fief had been purged, leaving numerous vacancies. Without proper management, taxes from the serfs couldn’t be collected efficiently, so there was an urgent need to fill the positions. Moreover, giving too much land to one vassal could be risky, so it needed to be carefully adjusted.
“Thank you.”
“Now, just listen to my stories.”
“……”
Kyden fell silent. It was time to endure the ranting without complaint.
He thought to himself that listening to Serley’s incessant talking was more difficult than managing the estate, training as a knight, or participating in territorial wars.
* * *
After a leisurely nap, Roel ordered room service for dinner and explored the room before washing up in the bathroom. Sitting by the window with her wet hair drying, she gazed absently at the garden below.
The fresh green sprouts and the fountain in the garden were enchanting, and watching the people stroll by in their elegant attire was enjoyable. As the sky darkened and the yellow lights came on, the view outside became less visible.
Roel lay on the sofa, waiting for Kyden, feeling like a contented, sun-soaked cat.
Just yesterday, she had been running around dealing with a flood of visitors, her feet sore from the rush. But now, with nothing to do, she found the sudden abundance of free time awkward.
‘What will Kyden’s hometown be like?’
Would they leave for his hometown after the founding day? How far was it from the capital? Were there any women he used to meet back home? Surely, there must have been someone who had a crush on him…
She left with nothing but that single belief in mind. Her heart raced with anticipation, worry, and fear. She looked forward to the day they would be together, yet she feared she might not adapt well and make mistakes.
Amidst her various worries, Kyden returned well past midnight.
“Kyden!”
“You’re still awake?”
Roel greeted him warmly. He pulled her into a tight embrace and swayed her from side to side as if they were dancing.
His playful demeanor was uncharacteristic. Kyden reeked of alcohol.
“Have you been drinking?”
“A little.”
It was the first time Roel had seen Kyden drunk. She looked at his face with curiosity, feeling a flutter in her chest from the joyful smile he gave her while looking down at her.
Roel couldn’t help but smile as well. Seeing Kyden in a good mood made her feel good too.
“You must have been happy to see your old friends.”
“No.”
“No?”
“Seeing you… makes me happy.”
After being harassed by chatty, whiny people, Kyden’s mood brightened instantly when he saw Roel. He realized once again why he needed to live earnestly: to come home and be greeted by Roel in a warm and comforting way.
Roel blinked in surprise at his words.
‘Kyden becomes a bit… cute when he’s drunk.’
