Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 111
He lifted Roel into the carriage and set her down on his lap. As soon as she landed, she looked up at him.
“Kyden…!”
With her cheeks flushed, she glared at him, her expression showing she had a lot on her mind.
“What?”
“…”
Roel had called him over with a fuming attitude, but when their eyes met, she shrank back like a wet cotton ball. Kyden chuckled and rubbed his lips against the bridge of her nose.
“If you have a complaint, just say it. Am I going to eat you or something?”
“It’s not that I have a complaint… I’m just worried.”
“What are you worried about? That I might get kicked out? Don’t worry, that won’t happen.”
“But you shouldn’t fight. He’s your lord… a noble…”
Earlier that day, the crooked Count Serley had insisted on meeting Roel, unable to believe Kyden had a woman. After hearing from Dyson that Roel was pretty, he had become even more of a nuisance.
However, Kyden was uncomfortable showing Roel to Serley because of the Count’s dubious tastes. At the banquet, Serley had asked numerous noblewomen to dance, only to later approach younger-looking women, showing particular interest in those who were already married.
His preferences were certainly problematic. Roel was soon to be his wife, and she might fall within Serley’s range of interest. He needed to be careful.
After a while, when Roel noticed he hadn’t responded, she raised her head.
“Kyden, are you listening to me?”
“Yeah, I booked a restaurant where the fireworks will be visible. We’ll be able to enjoy dinner while watching the show.”
“Wow. Really? Ah… no! We were talking about something else!”
“So you don’t like it?”
Roel pressed her lips tightly together. That sneaky Kyden was changing the subject. Taking a deep breath, she ultimately gave in.
“…Fine.”
In the end, she let it slide. This was exactly why Kyden acted so freely. But how could she voice her displeasure when he had already made a reservation? What if he got upset after all his effort? Roel decided to blame herself for being so weak.
The street leading to the restaurant was crowded with people, all eager to see the fireworks from the palace.
They sat at a table by the window with a great view of the fireworks. Roel waited excitedly with a spread of food she had never tried before, anticipating the first burst of color in the sky.
“Kyden, try this! It’s really delicious.”
Roel couldn’t hide her excitement, and Kyden took the bite she offered without hesitation. However, in between bites, he cast sharp glances around, revealing his discomfort.
“What’s bothering you?”
“Um, nothing.”
He shook his head, but the furrowed brow showed otherwise. It was the men around them.
Lately, there have been noticeably more guys stealing glances at Roel. She had been well-rested, eating properly, and her cheeks were plump with color, which likely drew attention. Her brighter, more relaxed expression only added to it.
It was no surprise that she was getting looks, especially since she would smile and blush at the slightest interaction, acting charmingly.
But now, even with Kyden beside her, some men were staring openly, clueless about boundaries. Of course, when their eyes met Kyden’s, they would look away in fear, but the jealousy boiling inside him twisted his gut.
“Roel.”
“Yes?”
“You can’t trust any man but me. Don’t talk to them.”
“Why?”
“They’re all beasts.”
Roel tilted her head in confusion.
Isn’t Kyden the biggest beast of all? No one seemed more beastly than him…
She thought of Kyden, who clung to her relentlessly every day, but she didn’t voice her thoughts.
“Okay…”
“Don’t even look them in the eye.”
How was she supposed to not make eye contact? Does that mean she shouldn’t even greet anyone? It was bewildering, but she nodded anyway, especially since Kyden’s fierce expression made her feel it was wise to comply.
‘He should take care of himself first…’
Though it was just her inner thought, for the first time, Roel silently chided him.
She had no interest in other men, and she doubted any of them would fall in love with her. At most, it would be a shallow crush or mere curiosity, maybe some crude advances.
But Kyden was different. With his manly, tall figure, sharp and captivating golden eyes, and strong build, he was more than enough to capture anyone’s heart at a glance.
So, it was Kyden who needed to be more careful.
Pouting, Roel rolled her eyes and spoke up in a displeased tone.
“Kyden, you too…”
“Hm?”
“You promise too.”
“Promise what?”
“Don’t talk to any other women, and don’t look them in the eye!”
In a fit of frustration, she shut her eyes and yelled. Realizing how loud she had been, she gasped in surprise, embarrassed to have raised her voice.
Meanwhile, Kyden remained silent, not responding at all.
