Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 137
Roel’s body tensed at Kyden’s soft, low voice. It was clear that he was teasing and tormenting her.
“W-why are you being respectful all of a sudden…?”
“It’s customary for married couples to show respect for each other.”
In noble families, it was common to use formal language to signify mutual respect. Even though Kyden’s parents had a strained relationship, they still maintained a facade of respect towards one another.
“But we’re not really a couple.”
Roel felt a bit resentful. However, Kyden was just as stubborn. He raised an eyebrow without a hint of hesitation.
It seemed he was saying that no amount of whining would change the fact that she would become his wife.
“Well, not yet.”
“…”
“Roel, who will be my wife.”
To showcase his affection to those gathered around, he kissed Roel’s forehead. The villagers gasped in amazement.
The once unfortunate girl who had lost her mother at a young age, and then her father, and went to live with relatives she didn’t even know had transformed into the wife of a tall, young knight. It was a remarkable turnaround.
From the crowd, someone peeked out with a downcast expression. It was a young man who had just come of age, still looking a bit scruffy and unshaven.
Roel recognized him and waved shyly.
“Ver, how have you been?”
Her neighbor and childhood friend, Ver, had harbored a crush on her for a long time. Before Roel left the village, he had confessed his feelings while crying.
“Oh, me? And you, how have you been?”
“Yes, let’s meet up often from now on.”
Ver’s face turned pale as he glanced at Kyden. He was no match for the tall and handsome knight, whose status as the lord of the area made him immensely powerful and reputable. Ver’s long-standing feelings were crumbling before him.
Not knowing his feelings, Roel greeted him warmly. Kyden scrutinized Ver with disapproval and asked,
“Who is he?”
“He’s my neighbor.”
Roel replied with a natural smile, but to Kyden, Ver didn’t seem like just an ordinary neighbor. Given the forlorn look on Ver’s face, it was clear that he had feelings for Roel.
“Kyden, is it okay if I talk to them for a bit?”
“Yeah. Let’s go.”
“Ah, no. I’ll go alone.”
“Why?”
“People might… feel uncomfortable.”
To the villagers, he was the knight sent by the count to govern their lands, someone they would have to pay taxes to, making him a source of discomfort for them.
Kyden’s lips pressed into a straight line, clearly sulking. However, Roel wanted to have a comfortable conversation with her hometown friends after such a long time, so she pretended not to notice his expression.
“I’ll be right back.”
As Roel slipped out of Kyden’s arms and made her way toward the familiar faces of her hometown, she felt a prickling sensation at the back of her head. It seemed he was still watching her intently, and she resolved to make it up to him later.
Once she approached her fellow villagers, they quickly surrounded her.
“What’s going on, Roel? How did this happen?”
“Seriously! How did you meet the knight?”
“You can’t just call her Roel now! She’s a Madam!”
“Oh, fine! Madam Roel, how did you meet him?”
The village women sparkled with excitement at Roel’s romantic story about rising in status, while the village youths were captivated by her beauty, which had blossomed since her departure.
With an awkward smile amid the flood of questions, Roel greeted her hometown friends.
“Have you all been well? I met Kyden… by chance… in another village.”
As Roel shyly spoke, the women clapped their hands and created a ruckus.
“Wow, what luck!”
“I’m so envious! I wish I could meet a man like that…”
“You’re just getting old and foolish!”
They were such warm-hearted people. If a distant relative hadn’t suddenly suggested that she come live with them, Roel would likely have stayed in her hometown forever.
It felt strangely nostalgic, as if she had returned to her past. Ver, who had been lurking at the edges, approached cautiously.
“Are you getting married, Sister?”
“Hey! It’s not ‘Sister’ anymore, it’s ‘Madam.’ Didn’t you hear what the knight said earlier?”
Someone playfully smacked Ver on the back. He protested, looking quite wronged.
“But Roel’s my Sister! I liked her first!”
Seeing his still immature attitude made Roel laugh softly. Ver had always been a bit eccentric, often needing her guidance, and she never seemed to think of him in any romantic way.
“Well, if we’re counting, I liked her first!”
“First, what?”
A deep voice rumbled from behind Ver. The laughter among the villagers fell silent, and they began to subtly step back. They were wary of attracting the ire of someone important.
Ver also turned pale and gulped.
“I-I’m sorry…”
Quickly sensing the shift in mood, Roel stepped in. She shook Kyden’s arm, trying to lighten the atmosphere.
“It was just a joke. I’ve greeted everyone, so we should be heading back now, okay?”
Roel glanced at her hometown friends, signaling for them to leave. They nodded in unison, as if they had all come to an agreement, and began to say their goodbyes.
