Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 92
Dyson studied Kyden intently before casually patting him on the shoulder.
“Have you been well?”
“Yes.”
“Have you learned anything from traveling the world?”
“Yes, I’ve learned a lot.”
Kyden had discovered that mercenaries were often too barbaric and annoying. He found that a peaceful life in a mountain village suited him quite well. He also realized that falling in love and facing the truth about it wasn’t easy.
“That’s good to hear.”
Dyson wrapped up their brusque reunion and nodded toward the still-unconscious knight.
“Take care of him. He’s going to wake up with his head spinning.”
“Alright. Oh my, this guy. He still hasn’t come to.”
The knight grumbled as he carried the unconscious man over his shoulder.
“I’ll need to give him some extra training on the way back. Can’t even gauge his opponent’s skills and just charges in. This is why academy graduates are so… tsk.”
“I’ll make sure to give him a thorough mental training as well.”
Leaving the unconscious knight in the room, the two knights departed the inn to attend to their lord. Before leaving, they made sure to remind Kyden to definitely come to the hotel by evening.
* * *
With just 6 hours remaining until evening, Kyden knew he couldn’t do everything he wanted to in such a short time. He had to prioritize, cutting out less important plans and focusing on what was essential.
It was a time for making choices and concentrating on the most critical tasks.
Returning to his room, Kyden picked up Roel’s luggage.
“Let’s go.”
“Where are we going? Ky-Kyden, who are those people?”
“I’ll explain on the way.”
He led her out of the Double Axe Inn.
As Kyden strode confidently away, Roel and Hawk barely had 10 seconds for their final goodbyes.
“G-Goodbye! Thank you for everything! Stay healthy and happy!”
Hawk and his wife called out loudly after following her outside the inn.
“Roel!! Stay safe!!”
Their farewell was filled with concern for Roel’s safety. Kyden reached the main street and hailed a carriage.
“Aren’t carriages expensive?”
“No. Just get in.”
Roel, somewhat bewildered, climbed into the carriage for the first time. The enclosed space of the carriage was a novelty compared to an open wagon, and she marveled at the plush seats.
“We want to stay at a hotel, so go to a place with rooms.”
“Yes! The center is likely fully booked, so I’ll take you to a hotel on the outskirts.”
Kyden told the driver their destination and took the seat next to Roel.
“….”
Roel sat in silence, her mouth slightly agape, lost in thought.
* * *
Roel waited anxiously, her heart pounding as she waited for Kyden to come in. She debated eavesdropping on their conversation but decided against it, thinking it was better to hear things directly from him.
“Kyden, where are we going?”
“To a hotel.”
“To a hotel? Why? Aren’t hotels expensive?”
“Well….”
Kyden hesitated, thinking of how to soften his words.
The inn was uncomfortable with its hard beds, and he disliked the idea of staying there because of the many dangers lurking around. He wanted to express his discomfort directly but chose a more tactful approach instead.
Roel was sensitive and prone to tears, so he needed to be cautious.
“Roel.”
“Yes?”
“I have quite a bit of money.”
“Really?”
“I won’t go bankrupt from staying at a hotel. Also, I used to be a knight, but I was dismissed due to a minor incident. I’ll be reinstated soon.”
“…….”
“So we should stay at a hotel.”
“What are you talking about?”
What was he saying? Kyden was usually not very articulate and often spoke strangely, but this time his rambling seemed especially odd.
“Kyden, are you sure you’re in your right mind?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
Roel waved her hand in front of his face, and seeing his unblinking eyes only made her more concerned.
‘This is strange…’
She grew increasingly worried. Throughout the carriage ride, Roel tried to understand the situation, asking questions to Kyden to piece together what was happening.
“So, the knights we met earlier were your acquaintances? Colleagues from Horman Count’s domain?”
“Yes.”
“And Kyden, you went off on your own and now it’s time to return?”
“Yes.”
“…And you’re going to be a knight again?”
“Since Serley became the Count, I’ll be reinstated as a knight.”
As the carriage jolted, Roel furrowed her brow, still feeling discomfort from the bump. Kyden lifted Roel onto his lap, holding her gently and wrapping his arms around her.
Roel was stunned by his unexpected actions, unable to focus on the small details. She was lost in confusion, overwhelmed by the revelation.
‘Kyden was… a knight?’
She had always heard that knights were powerful, arrogant, wealthy, and intimidating. It was hard to believe that Kyden was such a remarkable person. No, she didn’t want to believe it.
‘Then… what about me?’
She felt unsure and insignificant beside him, questioning if she deserved to be by his side.
