Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 110
Roel couldn’t even begin to imagine the lives of those noblewomen.
‘It’s a different world from mine.’
She brushed aside her futile envy and wandered through the market, selecting gifts without feeling awkward.
When a beautifully dressed woman appeared in the bustling market, all eyes were drawn to her. However, Roel remained oblivious to the attention, continuing to browse.
She couldn’t imagine that simply changing her outfit would attract such notice.
But there was something Roel didn’t know: she hadn’t just changed her clothes.
Her complexion was brighter, her expression more cheerful, and there was a shine to her skin and hair. The gloomy, heavy atmosphere around her had transformed into a warm and refreshing presence in no time.
To a casual observer, she might have appeared like a completely different person.
‘Why does my neck feel tingly? What’s going on…?’
Roel tilted her head and quickened her pace. She paused in front of a stall selling assorted goods.
Should she buy a scarf? A handkerchief? Or perhaps a decorative item for a sword sheath? She thoughtfully placed her hand on her chin, pondering seriously. After a moment of contemplation, Roel made a bold decision.
“Mister.”
“Yes, Miss. Have you made your choice?”
“Please give me all three of these!”
Although it was just a shout at a market stall, Roel felt a thrill of excitement from her first real splurge.
Buying a scarf, handkerchief, and decorative item all at once! After living so frugally, even purchasing a small item felt like a major decision.
‘Staying at the hotel must have changed my spending habits!’
Roel placed her hand over her racing heart. It was an unexpected rush of pleasure. Maybe it was because these gifts were for Kyden, but she didn’t regret spending a single penny.
Feeling elated after her purchases, Roel returned with confidence.
“Did you enjoy your market stroll? It must be quite crowded with all those people!”
The hotel staff member asked, giving a knowing expression when Roel returned early. They assumed she hadn’t adapted to the bustling market atmosphere.
“Yes! I even bought a gift!”
“A gift?!”
“Yes.”
Roel shrugged at the staff member’s surprised reaction as if buying something from the market were an extraordinary feat.
She had become timid and anxious due to her oppressive environment, but that didn’t mean she lacked resilience. It was just that being treated like a delicate flower in a greenhouse felt strange.
‘Who would be surprised that I went to the market alone? If I said I washed in cold water in the middle of winter, they’d probably faint.’
In reality, she was tough and resilient like a stubborn weed—one that no one cherished, trampled upon, and crushed.
* * *
Kyden returned much later than promised. Roel, feeling disappointed that they might miss the fireworks festival, rushed out.
“Kyden!”
“Sorry, did you wait long?”
As soon as he arrived, he hurriedly took off his cumbersome armor. Roel was touched not by his lateness but by his effort to keep his promise.
“It’s okay. I asked for something unreasonable considering how busy you must be.”
“No, I had no plans anyway…”
He explained that he had been delayed due to Count Serley, who, feeling jealous about not meeting anyone in the capital, had made a fuss.
The Count, usually taciturn and gruff, had picked a fight, questioning how someone like Kyden could possibly charm a woman, suggesting he might be lying.
Roel’s face turned pale at the thought of Kyden arguing with a nobleman.
“Did you get into a fight because of me? It’s fine if we skip the fireworks! You should go back and apologize!”
She stomped her feet, covering her mouth in distress. To her, nobility was something as lofty as the sky. Count Serley was also Kyden’s lord, and she felt she had selfishly put him in a difficult position.
“What? No way. We’re going to see the fireworks.”
But Kyden was stubborn. Ignoring Roel’s words that it’s not time to see the fireworks, he changed into lighter clothing. He effortlessly scooped Roel up in his arms and stepped out of the hotel room, despite her protests to let her down.
“Kyden, put me down! People are watching!”
“It’s an escort.”
“W-What kind of escort is this? Everyone knows it’s not that…”
When they reached the hotel lobby and she saw the people around, Roel buried her face in his chest, too embarrassed to look at anyone.
‘Kyden really is relentless.’
Every time he acted this way, her heart would race. But the bigger problem was that she didn’t dislike it. Maybe he knew that, which is why he ignored her flustered worries.
“Even if people look at us strangely, I don’t care; it’s all Kyden’s fault… Kyden is such a fool…”
Roel mumbled, her face still pressed against his chest, her neck turning a rosy pink.
Looking down at her, the corners of Kyden’s mouth turned up slightly. She was just too adorably excessive for her own good.
