Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 114
During mealtime, Roel ate with the coachman. Kyden would stop by the carriage to check on her throughout their journey, and when it was time to camp, he would come to the carriage to sleep.
On the first day of the march, the coachman mistook Roel for a noble lady and treated her with great respect.
“…Miss, it’s time to eat.”
“Please, just speak casually. I’ll help with the meal preparation.”
“Oh no, how can a Miss like you prepare a meal? I’ll take care of it.”
“But I used to cook and clean every day.”
“Really?”
Roel awkwardly smiled and cleared up the misunderstanding. Once the coachman understood her situation, he started treating her more comfortably, which Roel appreciated.
“That knight is your husband? He looks quite tall and reliable. You made a good choice.”
“Huh? He’s not my husband, he’s just my lover.”
“Huh? And you’re following him all the way to such a distant place?”
“Um, yes…”
Roel hesitated, lowering her gaze. She could have said that Kyden was her husband, but the words wouldn’t come out.
“…I’m just following him because I really like him. I don’t want to be apart.”
“Oh dear! If you were my daughter, I’d give you a good smack!”
“Hehe.”
“Still, you should at least have a marriage promise before following him!”
The coachman seemed to think Roel was an irresponsible young lady who had fallen head over heels for a knight, shaking his head disapprovingly as he lectured her.
He warned her not to fall for the charming words of men easily, stressing the importance of meeting someone responsible. Essentially, he was advising her to be cautious with men.
‘Kyden also said all men are beasts. Everyone seems to say the same thing.’
Roel listened to the coachman’s words with one ear and let them flow out the other, swallowing her oatmeal porridge.
“But considering he even rented a carriage for you, he must really like you.”
“…Really?”
“Of course! No man who truly likes a woman would skimp on expenses.”
The words ‘a man who likes you’ brightened Roel’s face.
‘Kyden likes me.’
That realization filled her with overwhelming happiness. She felt brave enough to embark on another long journey.
* * *
As soon as Kyden returned to check on Roel, Dyson came running over.
“Are you trying to wander off again?”
He had been straying from the formation during their march.
“If you’re that worried, why not bring her over here instead?”
Kyden remained silent in response to Dyson’s words. There were more than ten knights, and even more attendants. All of the servants serving Serley were men.
He couldn’t bring Roel along to a troop filled with men. It was clear that it wouldn’t be good for her mental well-being, being around so many rough men, especially since she was delicate and beautiful.
“You bastard…”
As if he had caught on to Kyden’s thoughts, Dyson’s gaze sharpened.
Is this what they meant by an old flame being dangerous? The guy who was so absorbed in his swordsmanship that he had no interest in women was now completely distracted. It was evident he was on edge, watching his comrades closely.
“You’re going to start sounding like a jealous husband.”
“That’s not something you should say, Commander.”
Dyson’s advice came from experience, having been labeled a jealous husband in the past. Naturally, Kyden brushed aside his words.
Jealous husband? That was absurd. Kyden wasn’t worrying or doubting for no reason.
There was Elden, who had flirted with Roel, and Count Serley, who only showed interest in married women. There were two potential threats, so he was simply being cautious.
“Ahem, so when will you introduce her to me?”
“Introduce her? Why would I do that?”
“Wait, you’re not planning on keeping her from me, are you?!”
Dyson looked at Kyden with a look of betrayal.
“How could I have raised you like this?”
“…”
“Such a traitor!”
The tiresome argument came over head again. It was ridiculous to think he had raised him at all. However, it was true that Dyson had trained him in swordsmanship and tactics, so Kyden took a step back.
“I’ll introduce you later.”
“Hmm. I’d like to see what kind of person she is. After all, I have a good eye for people. I was probably the first to recognize your talent, wasn’t I?”
“…Sure.”
In truth, Dyson wasn’t really interested in whether Kyden’s girlfriend was a good person. He was more concerned about the girl herself.
He remembered the woman who had been trembling behind Kyden at the inn. She seemed timid and shy, and he worried she might have a hard time handling Kyden.
Kyden often appeared indifferent, but he was anything but ordinary. After years of being a knight, he had a determination and tenacity that were hard to come by. It was that perseverance that had led him to remarkable achievements, even after starting to wield a sword late in life.
Dyson couldn’t help but worry about how she had caught the eye of such a stubborn and strong-willed person.
