episode_0012

The darkness of the long night was slowly fading into a deep blue hue. Lord Nam, who had experienced a moment of clarity, woke up early in the morning.

The moment we revisited Lord Nam’s bedroom was in the busy morning when the diligent birds were spreading their wings. Serin glanced around the disheveled room of Lord Nam and covered her mouth slightly. The sight, created by the revengeful heart of a woman scorned, was quite a surprising spectacle.

In particular, it was impossible not to notice Rood, whose original appearance was so distorted that it was barely recognizable. His brown hair, reminiscent of the harvest season, had turned a deep red from dried blood, and his once sturdy legs had been broken for a long time. Moreover, just a little above, his abdomen, which had been meticulously stitched, let out a whimper.

Rood, unconscious and unable to even groan. Lord Nam sat in front of him on the edge of the bed, maintaining his balance as if he was about to collapse.

“Both of you…”

Lord Nam breathed heavily. Even the strength to move his lips seemed to have left him.

“I showed you a sight that should not have been seen. I don’t know how to thank you, how to apologize…”

We hesitated to speak to each other. I had no thoughts, so I observed the situation, and Serin seemed to carefully choose her words to avoid further hurting Lord Nam.

“Apologies are unnecessary. It’s not right to demand such a thing in this situation.”

“Ah…”

Lord Nam groaned. As he stared at Serin, the emotions reflected in her eyes were close to being moved. Next, Lord Nam turned his gaze to me.

“What about you? I want to repay you for saving me. And… the price for helping with the revenge.”

Even though Lord Nam’s eyes were filled with exhaustion, a spark ignited deep in his pupils whenever he looked at Rood. It seemed like a precise fact that when a woman harbors a grudge, there is no limit to the price to be paid.

I hesitated to speak and approached slowly. In response to my inexplicable actions, Lord Nam slightly recoiled, and Serin looked at me suspiciously.

“I don’t need an apology either, but there is something I want to ask.”

“Oh, yes. Please go ahead.”

When Lord Nam readily agreed, I whispered softly in her ear.

“Always stand by the princess, no matter what she does.”

“Excuse me…?”

“That’s all.”

With Lord Nam’s support, at least as a princess, she would have some leverage. Even if I were to part ways with Serin now, I could alleviate some guilt. As I discreetly stepped away and observed her, Lord Nam nodded several times, swearing.

“I will definitely do that. If you allow me, I will do my best to help her to the best of my ability.”

After declaring this, Lord Nam silently requested to continue the conversation with just his lips.

“Is this to be kept a secret?”

“Yes.”

She nodded her head as a sign that she understood. Satisfied with the agreement, we completed our pact.

“What’s going on? Why do only you two know? Teach me too.”

“It’s not allowed.”

“Not even a hint?”

“Well, borrowing Serin’s expression… Anyway, it’s something good, but there’s no way to express it.”

“Insane.”

“I, manners…! Oops.”

Lord Nam hurriedly covered his mouth. She was the one caught in the middle, suffering needlessly between the two. And so, the mansion, where a cheap farce was unfolding, accepted the morning sunlight pouring in, guarding a meaningless secret.

Now that the day had fully dawned, it was time for us to leave. The rest was something Lord Nam would have to bear on his own. As we were about to open the main door to leave, Lord Nam saw us off until the end. And when the door swung open wide, Lord Nam fixed his unwavering gaze on us.

“I may be a foolish woman deceived by a worthless man, but I know well that I have no trustworthy assets. Even if others mock me, my true identity is that of a merchant. Therefore, I have never broken a promise I made. I just… wanted to make sure you knew that. Truly, I am grateful to both of you.”

It had only been one night, but the person seemed different.

It could just be a simple change in mood.

Bowing to the viscount who bid farewell with kindness once again, I informed him of one decision.

“I will send someone soon.”

“Yes…?”

I responded with a nod. The viscount’s question would be fully answered after a week. It would be fine to give her a small gift as a promise to support her.

I silently hoped that she would not be betrayed again.

◇

We exchanged long stories.

How the viscount’s case would be handled. How Rud’s fate would come to an end. It was not funny to reminisce about the past when we were in danger. Even if I spoke openly, time was running out.

Serin’s mouth was like a runaway carriage. On one hand, her unpredictable gaze would emit an uncomfortable energy whenever there was a chance, making it impossible to relax. Surely, experiencing a racing heart was a result of this.

After a day filled with trivial conversations, we finally set foot on the island after another half day.

‘This is my hometown…’

It was my first return since I ran away at the age of five. The feeling of excitement in my chest was unfamiliar, and I unconsciously clenched my fists. I became curious about the appearance of the bottom where I grew up.

“We have finally arrived.”

“I’m glad you came back safely.”

The time of parting was approaching quickly. Once I handed over the escort duty near the palace, my mission would be complete. Her house was only a few hours away, at most.

“Excuse me, Lian.”

“I’m listening.”

“Can I ask you one last favor?”

“Of course.”

“Then…”

Serin, who had been silent for a moment, opened her eyes wide and pressured me with an overly sparkling gaze.

“Let’s go on a date until tonight!”

“A date, you say.”

Even I understood the meaning of the word ‘date.’ It was when a man and a woman with mutual affection shared various activities to bond. That was the dictionary definition of a date that I knew.

As I hesitated to answer, Serin pushed on, sticking out her lips.

“Oh, don’t be burdened by the word. It’s nothing. Let’s just have fun together. It will help you relax after all the hard work.”

Only then did I relax and agreed.

“Sure, gladly.”

“Thank you, Lian. Thanks to you, today is a milestone in my life.”

Serin’s nonsense sometimes required an understanding beyond my capabilities. I didn’t understand at all, but I just agreed. After all, I had learned to go along with whatever Serin suggested.

“Oh, right. Lian?”

“Yes, Serin.”

“We’ve come all this way, and it would be unfair if we got lost and kidnapped due to carelessness, right?”

“I agree.”

“So, let’s cooperate with each other.”

Hmm… yes, it was appropriate to call her request cunning. It was natural to be on guard against her sharp tongue.

“When you say cooperate…”

“It’s nothing much. Let’s stick together. It seems like the safest option.”

“Indeed. It makes sense.”

If a disaster occurred after everything was settled, it would be embarrassing. So, I had to agree to her request here.

“Alright, here.”

Similar to taming a dog, Serin extends her hand in a new form. I quietly took her hand. Her hand was very soft, and the warm heat rose on her thin fingers.

“But… isn’t there too much sweat on your palm?”

I should recommend a doctor’s examination before parting ways. With that determination, we walked down the street.

◇

“Wow, this is crazy.”

Our male lead really does this. If you’re this gentle, how should I send you off? His hand is big, but the calluses don’t catch, so the sensation is directly transmitted to my fingertips.

“The air tastes good… My heart is threatening to join a labor union… A waterfall flows in my hand…”

If I play my cards right, he might even link arms with me. I have to roast this innocent man in the next few hours. Guilt and anticipation mix in a delicate balance like the Taeguk pattern.

“The original female lead gaslit someone so well…”

I raise my head and look at Lian. In return, Lian, with a masked face, turns to me. When I smile broadly, Lian’s eyes narrow slightly. Even though she’s masked, it was transparent that she was smiling along with me.

Oh, darn it. I can’t gaslight him. How can I say mean things to my beloved who smiles at me?

Well, of course, at this point, even if I call a tree a deer, it would make sense, but… it’s still beyond me.

“Ah, what should I do with you.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I don’t know. I’m still debating when to take off my mask. I’m also unsure when I’ll turn into a beast.”

So be cautious, my little kitten.

“Thank you for the advice… But. Since Serin came into my life, I have never loosened my guard even for a moment.”

“Huh, what’s with the long backstory?! That’s not your type!”

“Serin made me this way.”

Goodness gracious, Lian. Please don’t speak as if I gaslit you. I’m barely holding back.

But with this wording, it seems like I really tamed a wild child.

I’m just, well, simple.

Our male lead looks only at me.

He can’t go a day without me.

The original female lead doesn’t even look at him.

Is that enough to satisfy you?

“Taming has crossed the line!”

There’s no such thing as gaslighting in this world. My beloved will be protected by me.

“Since we’re at it, let me make one more.”

Our kind male lead, Lian (alias).

Shall I bring out just one sentence?

“Lian, have you ever held hands and gone on a date?”

“No, I haven’t.”

“First date?”

“That’s correct.”

It’s my first date too. I came to meet you after studying hard for the college entrance exams.

“They say you never forget your first date. I won’t forget. How about you, Lian?”

“I…”

“But if you forget quickly, I’ll be too upset. You’ll be misunderstood for crying with tears every night on your bedsheet.”

“…”

“So don’t feel pressured and speak up. You know I always respect you, right?”

Perhaps touched by the considerate language, Lian tightly held my hand and finally spoke.

“… I won’t forget.”

“For a lifetime?”

“That’s right.”

“So you’ll think of me every day?”

“I…”

“Oh, tears are already welling up…”

“I will, I will.”

Well, Lian did quite well for himself, but isn’t he a bit lacking? If you leave out the subject and object, the truth turns into a lie.

“If you don’t tell me exactly, I won’t know.”

Hmm, I really have no idea.

As I pretended to wipe my dry eyes, Lian, with his head bowed, spoke with a trembling voice.

“… I will think of Serin every day.”

“Wow.”

What should I do? Instead of an answer, admiration slipped out. As of today, my heart… is prohibited from joining the labor union.

“You did really well.”

I sincerely expressed my joy, tightly embracing Lian’s arm.

Everything is going according to plan.

“Hehe…”