Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 73
Unable to give up the desire to recruit Kyden, the leader had abruptly shown up at the Double Axe Inn. Hawk stood before the leader, visibly sweating.
“Sorry, guests, but we’re fully booked right now…”
“Why would I stay in this backwater inn? I’m not here to stay. I came to meet Kyden.”
Just then, Roel, who had stopped cleaning to come downstairs, overheard the mention of Kyden.
“You’re here to meet Kyden?”
Roel took in the appearance of the newcomers. Each was bulky, with a scarred face, and looked quite fierce.
The mention of these menacing figures looking for Kyden caused Roel’s face to pale.
“Huh?”
The mercenaries’ gaze shifted to Roel. Even without asking, they recognized the woman descending the stairs was indeed Roel—pale skin, petite frame, and tawny hair… She was the very person Kyden had been searching for, not as his wife, but with a longing that had been torturous.
“Roel!”
“It’s Roel!”
“There she is, safe and sound! Roel!”
The grown men greeted her almost childishly with joy, seemingly relieved to finally meet the person they had been desperately seeking.
“Why did it take you so long to show up, Roel!!”
“Aaahh…! Why, why are you?!”
Startled, Roel screamed out.
Regaining his composure, the leader cleared his throat and released her.
“Ahem, sorry about that. I’m Ken, the leader of the Wild Dogs Mercenary Band.”
He tried to offer a handshake belatedly, but Roel had already fled the scene.
“Who are you, and how do you know my name…?”
“Didn’t Kyden mention us? That’s disappointing.”
The leader awkwardly lowered his hand and shrugged, while the mercenaries murmured amongst themselves, criticizing Kyden’s lack of communication.
“The second-in-command really kept us in the dark after all our hard work.”
“Yeah, it’s just rude to vanish after washing his hands clean of us.”
“It’s disappointing, really disappointing.”
Confused, Roel looked at the Wild Dogs Mercenary Band and asked,
“Why are you looking for Kyden?”
“Rather than standing out here, why don’t we go inside and talk? Owner!”
The leader, acting as if he owned the place, led the way into the dining area, calling out for Hawk.
“Yes, yes!”
“What’s the most expensive dish you have here?”
“Well, it’s not dinner time yet…”
“Meeting Roel calls for a celebration. Let’s order plenty of drinks too. Hahaha.”
He completely ignored Hawk’s response.
Roel, looking bewildered, was led inside by the leader, while Hawk, equally distressed, headed to the kitchen to prepare food for the Wild Dogs Mercenary Band.
The mercenaries filled the dining area, their large builds making the place seem crowded.
Roel, visibly nervous, sat across from the leader. Despite his efforts to lighten the mood with jokes and laughter, Roel’s expression only grew darker.
‘Why are they looking for Kyden? What are they planning by showing up in a group like this…?’
The group claimed to be as close as brothers to Kyden, even calling him their second-in-command, but Roel found it hard to believe.
“No wonder Kyden fell for her. She’s truly lovely.”
“I’m just worried she might not be able to handle our second-in-command.”
“That’s right. He has quite the temper, that one.”
“Maybe that’s why she left him.”
“Such a shame.”
The leader’s eyes were filled with pity and sympathy as he looked at Roel. He took her hand in his large, hairy one and defended Kyden in a serious tone.
Roel’s face turned pale as she felt trapped by his grip.
“That guy may be rough, but his feelings for you are genuine. Just think, he came to us and begged us to find you, Sister-in-law.”
“…”
“When Kyden left our group, he did it violently. He broke my nose back then. But despite that, he came to us, swallowing his pride, and asked for our help.”
“Didn’t you say your nose still aches from that, boss?”
“Yes. Despite his faults, the bond we built fighting side by side still matters. When he came to me, practically on his knees, I decided to forgive him and help out. That’s the kind of person I am.”
“Truly admirable, boss.”
Roel was now more confused than ever, unable to discern truth from lies.
