Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 75
“Is that true?”
Kyden averted his eyes, clearly reluctant to answer. His evasive reaction made Roel even more puzzled.
“…Are you really saying it’s true? That you’re the second-in-command of the Wild Dogs Mercenary Band?”
“That’s not true.”
He quickly denied, not wanting her to associate him with a group of foul-smelling, uncivilized mercenaries. He hadn’t yet revealed to Roel that he was actually a knight. He had ambitious plans….to disclose his noble status proudly. He imagined her surprised and admiring reaction.
Relieved, Roel sighed deeply.
“Really… It just didn’t seem possible. Right?”
“Of course.”
“Then what about fighting against the dark organization? That’s not true either, right?”
“…”
Kyden fell silent, hesitating and avoiding her gaze. Seeing this, Roel’s eyes widened in shock.
“Kyden…”
She found herself at a loss for words, her lips trembling as she stared at him. Her feelings were a mix of bewilderment, surprise, and a burning anger in her chest.
‘Why did you do something so dangerous?’
Why would he risk himself for her? What if he had gotten hurt fighting a dangerous organization?
It would have been nice if she could naively rejoice in the fact that he had searched for her so passionately. But she couldn’t.
“Why did you do something so dangerous?”
“It wasn’t that dangerous. It was just a small fight.”
Leading the mercenaries, Kyden had helped defeat the Blood Wind organization. Though they had minimized casualties to avoid the involvement of the authorities, it had been a fierce battle with serious injuries.
“Were you hurt?”
“No, I wasn’t hurt.”
“Did anyone else get hurt?”
“Some less capable guys got injured. But that’s…”
The knowledge that he had been in a dangerous fight upset her deeply. She couldn’t bear to look at him.
Interrupting him, Roel said.
“I’m really disappointed…”
She then fled the restaurant. Unable to calm her tumultuous emotions, she rushed to her room and buried her face in her hands.
What overwhelmed her was a profound sense of self-loathing, guilt, and regret.
‘I didn’t mean to be angry with Kyden.’
Roel’s heart felt heavy. She had let her frustration boil over and blamed him when she had no right to do so. Overwhelmed with self-reproach, she sat curled up on her bed when she heard a knock at the door.
“Um, Roel. Can I come in for a moment?”
It was Hawk’s voice. Roel jumped up, startled.
‘What am I doing? It’s work hours.’
She steadied her voice and replied.
“Yes! Sorry, I’ll be right out.”
“No, it’s okay. I just need to talk to you for a moment.”
“Come in…”
Hawk cautiously entered Roel’s room, glancing around. Roel, feeling anxious, fidgeted with her hands.
“I’m really sorry. I was so shocked that I just abandoned my work…”
“It’s alright, it’s alright. But there’s something I need to ask you.”
Seeing her hesitation, Hawk tried to ease into the conversation.
“What is it?”
“What’s your relationship with that man?”
“Uh…”
“Ah, if it’s uncomfortable, you don’t have to say. But if you know him, there’s something you should be aware of.”
Hawk, seeing her hesitation, guessed that she did know Kyden and continued.
“What happened?”
“This morning, he paid for the entire inn for several days and told me not to take any other guests.”
“What?!”
“I think… it might be because of Roel.”
“….”
“It’s not a problem for me. I got paid, so that’s good… but still…”
With his years of experience, Hawk quickly realized he shouldn’t cross Kyden. It was clear that Kyden was someone not to be trifled with, especially considering his connection with the infamous Wild Dogs Mercenary Band. Any mistake could lead to serious trouble.
He also concluded that he should treat Roel, who was connected to Kyden, with caution. She might be a staff member, but he couldn’t afford to be careless.
“I think it’s best to avoid any potential issues. It’s important to maintain a peaceful business.”
Hawk, though reluctant, knew he had to address the situation. It was rare to find a good employee like Roel, but he had to make a tough decision.
“But… having this situation continue could be problematic for the business.”
Hawk sighed, disheartened that he had to say this to an employee he had come to appreciate.
“Yes, I’m really sorry. I’ll make sure not to cause any inconvenience.”
“No, no, it’s not something you need to apologize for, Roel.”
Hawk said, clearing his throat and continuing cautiously.
“This inn mostly caters to mercenaries, but if a high-ranking person like a second-in-command of a large mercenary group stays here, it makes business very difficult. Everyone will be too uncomfortable to stay.”
“I understand…”
“So, what I’m trying to say is…”
Roel nodded at Hawk’s words. He was right, and she felt embarrassed.
She had just gotten used to working at the inn, and now she had to think about finding another job. It was unsettling, but given the commotion caused by her and Kyden that day, she couldn’t really complain.
