Ch.12Journey’s End (1)

The darkness of the long night was gradually being consumed by a deep blue hue. The baron’s estate, which had experienced quite a commotion, was stirring awake unusually early this morning.

When we revisited the baron’s bedroom, it was morning, when diligent birds were spreading their wings. Serin covered her mouth slightly after observing the baron’s disheveled room. She seemed quite surprised by the scene created by a vengeful woman’s wrath.

Rude was particularly hard to look at—he was so damaged that his original appearance was barely recognizable. His brown hair, once reminiscent of a wheat field at harvest time, was now dyed with dark red blood, and his once-intact legs had been shattered long ago. Moreover, if you raised your gaze just a little, you could see his thoroughly crushed groin, which seemed to be crying out.

Rude had fainted without even being able to groan. The baron was sitting on the bed in front of him, maintaining her balance as if she might collapse at any moment.

“To both of you…”

The baron took a labored breath. She seemed too exhausted to even move her lips.

“I’ve shown you something terrible. I don’t know how to thank you or how to apologize…”

We hesitated to speak. I observed the situation without any particular thoughts, while Serin seemed to be carefully choosing her words to avoid hurting the baron further.

“No need to apologize. I’m not heartless enough to demand such things in this situation.”

“Ah…”

The baron groaned. Looking at Serin, the emotion in her eyes was close to being moved. Then the baron turned her gaze to me.

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

Despite her exhausted appearance, whenever the baron looked at Rude, a spark ignited deep in her pupils. It seemed true that when a woman harbors resentment, the price to be paid is beyond words.

I held back from speaking and slowly approached. At my puzzling behavior, the baron retreated slightly, and Serin watched me suspiciously.

“I also find apologies unnecessary, but there is something I’d like to ask.”

“Ah, yes. Please speak.”

When the baron readily agreed, I whispered softly in her ear.

“Always be on the Empress’s side. No matter what she does.”

“What…?”

“That’s all I need.”

With the baron’s support, at least the Empress would be able to stand tall. Now I could ease my sense of obligation even if I were to part ways with Serin. As I discreetly stepped back and watched her, the baron nodded several times and swore.

“I will certainly do so. If you allow me, I will make every effort to the best of my ability, indefinitely.”

After making her declaration, the baron silently mouthed a request for conversation.

‘Are you keeping this a secret from her?’

‘Yes.’

She nodded to indicate that she understood. I also expressed my satisfaction with a silent bow, completing our agreement.

“What is it? Why do only you two know? Tell me too.”

“I cannot.”

“Come on, not even a hint?”

“Well… to borrow Serin’s expression… it’s something good, but I can’t find a way to express it.”

“You’re crazy.”

“Oh, your manners…! Mmph.”

The baron hastily covered her mouth. She was suffering needlessly, caught between the two of us. And so, as this cheap farce played out, the mansion kept its meaningless secret while welcoming the morning sunlight pouring down.

With daylight fully arrived, it was time for us to leave. The rest was for the baron to endure on her own. The baron escorted us all the way to the main entrance as we were about to open the door. When the door swung wide open, the baron aimed unwavering eyes at us.

“Though I may be a foolish woman who was deceived by a wicked man, I know well that trust is not an asset I possess. After all, my identity is ultimately that of a merchant, even if others look down on me. Therefore, I have never once broken a promise I’ve made. I just… wanted you to know in the end. Truly, thank you both.”

Though only a single night had passed, she seemed like a different person.

Perhaps it was just my feeling.

To the baron who bowed once more to bid us a friendly farewell, I announced one policy.

“I’ll send someone soon.”

“What…?”

I answered her question with a silent bow. The baron’s confusion would not be fully resolved for at least half a month. A small gift should be fine for her, who had promised to support Serin.

Inwardly, I hoped she would not be betrayed again.

◇

We had a long conversation.

How the incident at the baron’s estate would be handled. What kind of end Rude would meet. How amusing these things were when we stayed overnight. There wasn’t enough time to reminisce about our brief memories, no matter how much we talked.

Serin’s mouth didn’t know how to stop, like a runaway carriage. On the other hand, her sharp eyes revealed displeasure with my mask whenever there was a gap, so I couldn’t let my guard down for a moment. This must be what people mean when they say their heart is pounding.

As meaningless conversations passed back and forth, a day went by, and after spending another half day traveling, we finally set foot in the capital.

‘This is my hometown…’

It was my first return since fleeing at the age of five. The unfamiliar sensation of my heart stirring made me unconsciously clench my fist tightly. I suddenly became curious about the appearance of the lowly place where I was born and raised.

“We’ve finally arrived.”

“I’m glad you’ve returned safely.”

The time of parting approached quickly. My duty would be complete once I escorted her to the vicinity of the imperial palace. Her home was located just a few hours’ journey away.

“Hey, Rahilt.”

“I’m listening.”

“Can I ask you for just one last favor?”

“Of course.”

“Then…”

After hesitating for a moment, Serin opened her eyes wide and pressured me with an excessively sparkling gaze.

“Go on a date with me until evening!”

“A date, you say.”

Even I know what the word “date” means. It’s when a man and woman who have mutual affection share various activities and exchange affection. That was the dictionary definition of a date as I understood it.

As I hesitated and delayed my answer, Serin pouted and added:

“Oh, don’t be so burdened by the word—it’s nothing special. Let’s just hang out together. It’ll help us unwind after all our hard work.”

Only then did I relax and put my mind at ease.

“In that case, gladly.”

“Thank you, Rahilt. Thanks to you, today itself is a life achievement for me.”

Serin’s nonsense sometimes requires understanding beyond my capacity. I didn’t understand at all, but I just agreed unconditionally. I had learned that Serin would let it slide if I did so.

“Oh, right. Rahilt?”

“Yes, Serin.”

“Now that we’re here, I’d feel really unfair if I got lost and kidnapped due to carelessness.”

“I understand.”

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

A sinister… yes, a sinister intention worthy of the name was evident in Serin’s crooked lips. It was only natural that my wariness bristled.

“By cooperation, you mean…”

“Well, nothing special. Let’s hold hands as we walk around. That seems safest.”

“Indeed. That makes sense.”

It would be shameful if something were to ruin this perfect situation. Here, I should quietly comply with her request.

“Here you go.”

Serin extended her hand as if taming a dog. I quietly took her hand. Her very soft, warm hand with heat rising through her slender fingers.

‘But… isn’t there too much sweat on her palm?’

I should recommend a doctor’s examination before we part. With that resolution, we proceeded into the street.

◇

‘Wow, unbelievable.’

He’s really doing this, our male lead. If you’re this gentle and sweet, how am I supposed to feel about sending you away? Your hand is large but has no calluses, so the sensation transmits directly to my skin.

‘The air tastes delicious… My heart is threatening to join a labor union… A waterfall is flowing through my hand…’

If I coax him well, he might even link arms with me. To think I have to seduce this innocent man in the few hours I have left. Guilt and anticipation mix in perfect harmony like a yin-yang symbol.

‘The original female lead was quite skilled at gaslighting…’

I look up at Rahilt. He turns his masked face toward me. When I smile broadly, Rahilt’s eyes crinkle slightly. Even with the mask covering his face, I could clearly see him smiling back at me.

Ah, damn it. I can’t bring myself to gaslight him. How could I say anything bad to my favorite character who smiles at me?

Well, of course, in my current state, he might believe me even if I called a tree a deer… but it’s still too much for me.

“Sigh, what am I going to do with you?”

“What are you saying?”

“Never mind. I’m just wondering when to take off your mask, so be careful. I’m also wondering when I might turn into a beast.”

So be on your guard, my little kitten.

“I appreciate the warning… but ever since Serin flew into the baron’s estate, I haven’t let my guard down for a single moment.”

“What? Why are you holding such a grudge? That’s not like you!”

“Serin made me this way.”

Oh my goodness, favorite character. Please don’t make it sound like I’ve gaslighted you. I’m barely holding back here.

But with wording like that, it really does sound like I’ve tamed the child of the deposed emperor.

I just, well, modestly want:

Our male lead to look only at me.

To feel he can’t live without me for even a day.

And to not even glance at the original female lead.

Just that much would satisfy me, right?

‘Taming him is going too far!’

Gaslighting pure love doesn’t exist in this world. I will protect my favorite character.

“Since we’ve come this far, let me make one more request.”

Our kind male lead, Mr. Rahilt (alias).

Would you mind uttering just one sentence?

“Rahilt, have you ever been on a date holding hands before?”

“No.”

“So this is your first date?”

“As you say.”

It’s my first date too. I came to meet you after grinding through Korean, English, math, and physical education entrance exams.

“They say you never forget your first date. That’s how it will be for me. What about you?”

“I…”

“But if you forget it quickly, I’d be so sad. I’d soak my bed sheets with tears every night and be mistaken for having urinary incontinence.”

“…”

“So don’t feel pressured and just tell me. You know I always respect you, right?”

Perhaps moved by my considerate way of speaking, Rahilt squeezed my hand tightly and finally opened his mouth.

“…I won’t…forget.”

“Forever?”

“I will.”

“Then you’ll think of me every day?”

“I…”

“Sigh… I’m already tearing up from sadness…”

“I will, I will.”

My, that’s quite an effort for Rahilt, but it’s still not enough. When you omit the subject and object, even truth can become a lie.

“If you don’t speak precisely, I won’t understand.”

Hmm, I really don’t understand at all.

As I pretended to rub my dry eyes slightly, Rahilt lowered his head deeply and answered with a trembling voice.

“…… I will think of Serin every day.”

“Wow.”

What should I do? Instead of a reply, I let out an exclamation. As of today, my heart is… banned from joining any labor union.

“You did very well.”

I genuinely expressed my joy as I vigorously snuggled into Rahilt’s arm.

Everything is… according to plan.

“Hehe…”