Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 152
Elden was loyal but had a sensitive nature, unable to hold back his criticism. Though he respected and admired Kyden, his defiance and sarcasm revealed that he was not an easy person to deal with.
“I’m just saying this for my lord’s authority. If you’re kissing everywhere, what do you think your subordinates will think? Please maintain your dignity.”
“The priest isn’t as stuffy as you are.”
“I’m not a priest, am I?”
Roel gently patted Kyden’s chest.
“Kyden, just bear with it. He seems a bit sensitive after being rejected recently. Let’s be understanding.”
Despite Elden’s stern front, he was known to pursue women rather aggressively behind the scenes. However, he didn’t seem to fare well in relationships, often acting authoritative and arrogant towards women.
Roel had even overheard maids gossiping about how unlucky Elden was. She had worried that he had harassed them like he had done to her at the inn before, but it turned out he was just generally unlucky.
Elden’s pride swelled as he protested.
“Madam, who says such nonsense? I wasn’t rejected.”
“Oh really? A charming knight like Elden wouldn’t be turned down, would he?”
“Yes, of course I wasn’t turned down. Please correct any misunderstandings.”
Roel looked at him pityingly, wondering how he could ever meet someone with such an attitude.
With Elden’s interference preventing him from kissing Roel, Kyden leaned down and pressed his lips against her hand. He then spoke in a polite and affectionate tone.
“I’ll be back, Madam.”
As Kyden mounted his horse, Roel waved goodbye.
She watched their figures disappear, kicking up dust, before turning away.
How long would it be until they returned this time? The uncertainty left her feeling lonely.
Kyden often left the estate to carry out the Count’s orders, sometimes not returning for a month.
When he didn’t come back for over a week, Roel would worry so much that she often lost sleep at night. Still, he always sent letters to ease her worries if he thought he would be delayed.
This time, she hoped the task wouldn’t take long and returned to the mansion.
Perhaps because of the exhausting night spent with Kyden, Roel felt drained and spent the entire day sleeping.
* * *
In the backyard, the maids were whispering to each other.
“Is Madam unwell? It seems she’s been sleeping too much.”
“It might be because the lord isn’t here, making things feel a bit dull.”
“Is that so? In times like this, having a child would bring some life into the house.”
“Shh, don’t talk about children. You know she’s worried because she hasn’t had one yet.”
In truth, Roel had been sleeping so much that the maids were genuinely concerned. Given her usual diligence, many were puzzled by her changed behavior.
Waking up just before noon, Roel immediately called for a servant.
“Is there any letter from the Count’s estate?”
“No, there’s still no news.”
“I see… If a letter comes, let me know right away.”
“Yes, Madam.”
Roel sent the servant away, feeling disappointed. It had already been two weeks since Kyden left for the Count’s estate. Normally, he would send a letter if he was going to be delayed, but this time there had been no word at all.
‘Why hasn’t there been any news?’
Should I send a letter to the Count’s estate? Roel pondered as she left her bedroom.
For some reason, she felt angry towards Kyden for not relaying news quickly. She was anxiously waiting, and yet he hadn’t even sent a single message. This thought flared her irritation.
But then she quickly reminded herself that he was probably busy, feeling a sense of melancholy wash over her. Her emotions felt wildly out of control, leaving her bewildered.
As she stepped outside, a maid approached her cautiously.
“Madam, have you just woken up?”
“Is something wrong?”
“Your expression hasn’t been good lately. I was worried you might be unwell.”
“I’m not particularly sick.”
“Still, it might be a good idea to get checked just in case.”
Recently, Roel had seemed gloomy, sleeping more, and appearing to lack appetite. The maid watched her with concern.
However, Roel shook her head, thinking it was just her worries about not hearing from Kyden.
“It’s not that bad.”
She said she was okay, but let out a deep sigh. All she could think about was Kyden’s well-being.
‘I shouldn’t just wait anxiously; I need to reach out first.’
Resolute, Roel turned away. Thanks to her steady studies in writing, she found reading and writing much easier now.
Just as she was about to head back to her room to write a letter,
“Madam! A letter has arrived from the Count’s estate!”
“Really?”
Hearing the cheerful news, Roel’s face brightened instantly.
She checked the contents of the letter right there, but as she read it, her expression hardened.
“What’s wrong, Madam?”
Slowly raising her head, Roel let out a deep sigh.
