Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 132
He was someone who easily placed a hand on his son, but he wasn’t the type to be so unreasonable as to hit a small woman. After all, he had once been a knight himself.
“Ahem.”
He furrowed his brow and stepped into the room. Roel, flustered, hurriedly tidied up the table and asked,
“I’ll get some tea from downstairs. Please wait just a moment.”
“Just sit.”
“…I’m sorry for not having anything to offer.”
Roel took a seat in front of him. To think this was Kyden’s father. He really did resemble Kyden, with his large build and dark hair.
Kyden seemed reluctant to introduce his family. What could have brought him here? Roel’s heart raced with nerves.
Watching her fidget and glance nervously, he suddenly let out a deep sigh.
“What do your parents do?”
“Pardon?”
“What do your parents do?”
Roel’s neck heated up.
“Uh, my mother passed away when I was little. My father worked as a mercenary… He also passed away five years ago.”
An unimpressed cough came from him, making Roel tense up. She hurriedly added,
“I don’t want anything, really. Just being near Kyden is enough for me. I came because I like him so much.”
She felt like a criminal awaiting judgment. He probably wouldn’t find anything to like about her. As an orphan with nothing to her name, she felt her confidence waning, and her head drooped lower.
He asked Roel,
“Is it true that you don’t want anything?”
“What? Ah, yes!”
Roel nodded vigorously. Jared looked at her with a condescending expression and asked,
“Are you saying it would be fine if he took another woman as his main wife?”
“…”
“A woman of noble blood with a substantial dowry would be more fitting as his main wife.”
Roel felt her breath stop. Her face turned pale, and Jared pressed on without hesitation.
“If it’s fine for you to be a mistress, then I’ll allow it. But if you want to live like other ordinary women, don’t cling to him and just leave.”
It was a rather reasonable statement. To secure Kyden’s position and future, it would indeed be wise for him to make a pact with a noblewoman.
Roel bowed her head, tears streaming down her face. She sobbed heavily, her tears flowing like a downpour, and then she nodded and replied,
“Yes. I’ll do that. I will.”
“…”
“I won’t be a burden, so please don’t worry. I really only need Kyden.”
“…”
“Thank you for giving me your permission.”
Jared watched silently as Roel cried. It was hard to guess the hidden feelings beneath his expressionless face. He finally spoke quietly.
“Enough. Live your life.”
“…Pardon?”
“Take care of my son.”
He abruptly stood up and left the room without looking back.
He had always done what he wanted. Jared had hoped that instead of swinging a sword recklessly, Kyden would focus on his duties and eventually become the count’s advisor. Instead, he had become a knight.
And even after that, instead of keeping a low profile, he had thrown himself into the chaos of the conflict zones.
Jared had reprimanded him to stay in the good graces of the higher-ups, only to have Kyden become even more rebellious and end up a fugitive. He couldn’t expect this time to be any different.
It would be fortunate if Kyden hadn’t lashed out and made his woman cry.
‘My parenting has failed. Not a single one listens.’
His marriage, devoid of love and based solely on convenience, had not allowed him to give love to his children. He had raised his three sons strictly, hoping to instill discipline in them.
He wondered if things would have been different if he had a daughter. What if he had a sweet daughter-in-law instead? As he reflected on his life, he felt a deep loneliness.
He had always thought that gaining power equated to a successful life, but without any emotional connection, it felt like a failure.
As he was about to descend the stairs, he heard footsteps behind him.
“Father, thank you! I’ll do my best!”
Roel called out, catching up to Jared. With a bright smile, she looked like a mess from crying.
After having hurled such harsh words at her, he found it both innocent and foolish that she was so eager to follow him.
How had that stubborn, thick-headed boy managed to win over such a gentle girl? She had no parents, no family, and nothing to her name, yet she seemed determined to give the love and devotion that Jared had failed to provide. This thought eased his heart.
“Alright.”
To comfort the girl who would have to endure living with his blunt and inscrutable son, he gently patted her back. Roel swayed slightly but smiled happily.
‘Kyden might think differently… but I’m glad I showed his father my good side.’
Her promises, made through tears, were no empty vows. If the day ever came when a worthy main wife was needed, then she would leave him. But until then, she wanted to stay by his side.
