Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 119
Roel was startled and bowed towards Count Serley as he approached her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“It’s alright, you can lift your head.”
“Thank you, Count. It’s an honor to meet you…”
Her voice trembled slightly. Although she straightened her back, she lacked the courage to meet his gaze and kept her eyes fixed on the ground. Serley gently lifted her chin.
“Kyden is my subordinate, but he’s like a dear friend to me. The woman he loves is precious to me as well, so don’t feel too intimidated by me.”
What a wonderful person he is. Roel felt touched and lifted her gaze. Before her stood the nobleman she had only heard about, with clean, fair skin, smooth hands without a callus, and shining blonde hair.
Roel blinked in awe, her mouth slightly open.
Meanwhile, Kyden stood behind her with a scowl on his face. He recognized that Serley was using a low tone and trying to charm the atmosphere. It reminded him of how Serley acted when trying to woo noblewomen at banquets.
Serley glanced at Kyden, smirking subtly. In response, Kyden’s jaw muscles tensed.
“So, Kyden is… kind, warm-hearted, and angelically good?”
“Y-yes? Oh, right.”
Roel flushed and nodded.
As Serley closely examined her face, a spark of intrigue flickered in his blue eyes.
“Is this fate that has brought the two back together?”
“…”
“Anyway, it’s moving. Truly beautiful.”
Roel felt a little flustered by his words but couldn’t bring herself to ask for the reason behind them and kept her mouth tightly shut.
“It’s almost time to depart. You should get on the carriage.”
Kyden stepped forward, blocking Serley’s gaze. However, Serley merely moved a step to the side and locked eyes with Roel again.
“If this were my castle, I’d invite you for tea. But once you return, be sure to visit me. I have many questions.”
“Yes, I will.”
Kyden stood firmly in front of Serley, glaring at him.
“Count.”
“Why? Why do you keep calling me?”
“Let’s go inside…”
Serley’s eyes sparkled at Kyden’s intense gaze, clearly amused to have discovered a weakness in him.
Though they were master and subordinate, they had grown up together like close friends, almost like brothers at times, and had also been rivals.
In short, it meant that if something amusing came up, they would eagerly latch onto it for amusement.
“Roel, did you know?”
“Know what?”
“Kyden almost married a girl once.”
“W-what? Kyden?”
Roel’s eyes widened in surprise. Seeing her reaction, Serley chuckled and whispered,
“Yeah. She was only fifteen, just a kid, and he was planning to take her away.”
“…”
“He’s a scary guy, so be cautious.”
Roel’s heart sank. The thought that someone he liked so much existed was hard to believe. No, she didn’t want to believe it.
As Kyden’s expression grew increasingly intense, Serley raised his hand and laughed quietly,
“Alright, I’ll stop.”
He turned to Kyden and gave him a light pat on the shoulder. Then he leaned in and whispered into his ear,
“I’m right, aren’t I? You scary guy.”
“…That’s nonsense.”
Kyden’s distant response only deepened Serley’s smile. It was rare to see Kyden flustered, making it all the more enjoyable.
Watching Serley break into a wicked grin, Kyden let out a deep sigh. If only he wasn’t my lord… he swallowed back the frightening words.
As Roel returned to the carriage, her gloomy expression kept her from looking up. Even when encouraged to ride comfortably, she shook her head and trudged along.
Kyden followed behind her, studying her expression.
“What’s wrong? Is it because of what the Count said?”
“…”
“It was just a joke. Don’t let it bother you.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, he was just teasing you.”
“He seemed like a good person. I didn’t think he would lie…”
Why would someone like a Count lie to her? Logically, she understood, but her heart leaned towards Kyden. She didn’t want to believe that he had someone he liked enough to want to marry.
Roel slowly lifted her gaze to meet Kyden’s concerned look.
“It’s all in the past… worrying about it would be foolish.”
He had likely dated many women before meeting her. Whether the Count’s words were true or not, it was foolish to dwell on such a trivial fact.
