Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 52
Due to his greed, he lost her.
Kyden assessed the situation coldly and turned around. If Roel had caught a ride, chasing on foot would be too slow. It was quicker to go back to the village, find out the name and destination of the merchant who had just left, and chase after him on horseback.
It was also time to pack up his things. There was no reason to stay in this village without Roel anymore.
* * *
As dawn approached, Roel came out from under the cart and sat hunched in front of the shop. She sniffled and waited for the merchants to arrive.
As the sky began to lighten, one by one, the merchants appeared. They greeted each other, moved their goods, and pulled their carts. As more people gathered, the quiet area quickly became as busy as a market.
The shop door flung open, and a bearded man stepped out. Roel, who had been sitting crouched at the door, hurriedly stood up, startled. It seemed there had been someone staying in the shop.
“Ah, what’s this?”
“Hello.”
Roel quickly bowed her head. Since she had received a registration card from this shop yesterday, this man might be the leader of the merchants.
“Who are you?”
“Um, I’m Roel. I was supposed to join the caravan today.”
Roel handed him the registration card she had received yesterday.
“Uh?”
“I received this card from someone named Hermi yesterday. I’m supposed to take care of meal preparations…”
“Ah, did Hermi say something like that? Hermi always meddles too much.”
The man picked his ear as he took the registration card, then waved his hand dismissively and pointed to the wagon.
“There are many people walking around here, so wait over there. We’re leaving soon. Eh?”
“Yes…!”
Roel found a place on the wagon and quietly watched people moving goods. Just before departure, a shabbily dressed old man climbed into the cart Roel was on.
“Hey, put something down on the floor here.”
As the old man grumbled, a man came over and scolded him.
“Be grateful that you’re getting a ride for cheap!”
The man turned away irritably.
“Hermi, that girl, should stop poking her nose into everything.”
Hermi, who had placed Roel in the merchant caravan, seemed to often give spare seats to people who couldn’t afford the trip to the capital.
Roel felt fortunate for her luck and decided she must prepare meals diligently so that Hermi wouldn’t be criticized.
As the loaded wagons set off and the other carts finished preparing, Roel’s wagon was the last to depart. Clinging tightly to her bundle on the jolting wagon, the old man initiated a conversation.
“Why are you heading to the capital?”
“Huh? Oh, I’m looking for a job.”
“Ah, must be from a poor family.”
Roel blinked at the blunt remark but soon nodded. It would be a relief if it were just a matter of poverty.
“Something like that.”
“I’m going to meet my son, who lives in the capital…”
The old man went on and on about his son living in the capital. Roel responded initially but soon tired, merely nodding while her gaze drifted into the distance.
She wondered why, if his son was so accomplished, the old man’s appearance was so shabby and he was traveling so laboriously to the capital, but she didn’t ask. Everyone has their reasons.
Roel cooked whenever the caravan stopped. The old man boasted endlessly without lifting a finger, and Roel found herself working twice as hard.
“You really know how to work, young lady.”
Some appreciated her efforts.
“How old are you? You’re quite pretty. Are you married?”
Others made uncomfortable advances, and some were overly curious.
“Where are you from? Do you know anyone in the capital? Why are you going there?”
As she had been having a hard time with social interactions and was overwhelmed by the sudden interest, Roel would sweat. She busied herself with work during stops to avoid conversations. Then pretended to sleep in the wagon when they moved.
After an awkward couple of days, time passed, and somehow, they finally arrived at the capital.
* * *
As the caravan lined up at the capital’s checkpoint, a long wait ensued before they were finally allowed entry. After entering, Roel was greeted by an even more astonishing sight due to the sheer number of people. The difference in appearance between the rural villagers and city dwellers was striking.
Ladies in elaborate dresses and scholars in long cloaks were just part of the diverse crowd. Roel, still taking in the sights, listened as the ever-talkative old man boasted once more.
He pointed out knights in head-to-toe golden armor and wizards who seemed to defy the laws of nature with a flick of their fingers.
Roel was overwhelmed when she realized that she had to adapt to this hectic, complex, and bustling city. Only after setting foot in the capital did she fully grasp where she had come to.
