episode_0004

The headquarters of the mercenary group that visited while Serin was kidnapped was located in a small town near the border. Therefore, it was easy to obtain the necessary supplies for the journey. The problem arose when I saw Roderick’s ugly face as we were about to depart after making preparations.

“Ah, my innocent child. Will you not be devoured by the wicked Hwang… family instead?”

If she wasn’t a heinous monster, her worries seemed foolish. So, I lightly ignored his mysterious attitude and set off on the journey, riding alongside Serin.

As we left the town and entered a quiet forest path, the only sounds that filled the air were the chirping of birds and the sound of hooves on the dirt road.

A free-spirited landscape to enjoy after a long time. The summer shadows of the trees swaying in the wind provided a pleasant coolness, and I quietly closed my eyes, enjoying the serene atmosphere.

While I was enjoying horseback riding without a care, Serin’s eyes occasionally turned towards me. Her hesitant and contemplative expression, with her lips occasionally twitching, was puzzling.

Even though she was raised by the Hwang family, who always spoke their minds even in difficult times, I could already see the differences between them and Serin.

‘Ah, is that it.’

It was something Roderick had taught me shortly after we met. Silence to ordinary people signifies awkwardness. It was unusual to remain silent all the time like me.

The method to resolve this was simpler than I thought.

“The weather is nice today.”

I had heard that just repeating this phrase with my face would lead to a conversation.

“Ah… yes. It’s refreshing.”

However, Serin only replied to that extent and then firmly closed her mouth. Even though it seemed like the conversation would flow well when I asked for her name, what made her suddenly change like this?

“Um… maybe… really? Hmm, hmm.”

Serin’s murmured words were carried by the wind to my ears.

Even the conversation method Roderick had taught me didn’t work, and she didn’t seem to have the initiative to approach me, so our midday journey ended in silence.

◇

The incident occurred during the evening when the campfire crackled and the firewood burned brightly.

With a little distance left to the next village, we were forced to camp for the night. As I silently prepared the ingredients in the pot, she approached me hesitantly.

“Excuse me, Rian.”

“Yes, what is it? Serin.”

“I have a few things I’m really curious about and want to ask… would it be bothersome?”

“I don’t mind at all.”

As I gave my permission, Serin breathed a sigh of relief and spoke up.

“What exactly does Rian do?”

“I…”

I tried to answer, but my words got stuck. I realized that I was unsure of what I actually did.

When I was young, Roderick made most of the decisions for me, and now most of the work was handled by the subordinates. It had been quite rare for me to take matters into my own hands lately.

Self-doubt crept in.

“…I might actually be a very useless person.”

“W-why all of a sudden?!”

“I just realized. I haven’t changed at all since I was young.”

The bright full moon in the evening sky seemed to aid in introspection. Moreover, the dusky blue sky and the crimson light of the campfire casting shadows on the forest path created a strange sense of emotion.

“No, that’s not true! Why, you’re here making dinner for us… and most importantly, you saved me. I’m really grateful.”

Serin’s final thanks stabbed at my heart once more. What expression would she have if she knew I was the culprit behind the incident?

“…I apologize for causing you trouble. I should have just let you be.”

“If you saved me, that’s enough. How dare you see me as such a shameless person?”

I was the most shameless one, but for now, I decided to bury it in my heart.

“If you feel uncomfortable… please allow me a few more questions.”

“Feel free to ask as many as you like.”

“Well, I know this is a really weird question. Please don’t make fun of me or anything, okay?”

“I will comply.”

Even though I agreed, Serin couldn’t easily part her lips.

It was when she opened her mouth that the sound of sparks flying could be heard. The surrounding cicadas stopped their cries as if curious about her question.

“Ahem! Um, have you ever… felt any emotions or sentiments when you look at me?”

“Emotions and sentiments?”

“Yes…”

‘Is this a psychological test?’

Impressions of the princess are directly linked to the impression of the royal family. As Roderick said, powerful people are sensitive to even the slightest words. So, the answer I should give is clear.

“Serin is beautiful.”

“Huh?”

“From the neatly combed black hair to the eyes like faint stars remaining in the dawn sky.”

“Wait, I…”

“From distinct features to flawless skin like transparent stream water. She is flawless.”

“Uh…”

I wonder about the expression on her slightly furrowed brows. It was difficult to guess her facial expression as her skin turned crimson in the flickering firelight.

“I meant something different from that… No, but really. Are you really that…”

Serin hesitated for a moment before asking pointedly.

“Do you have any complexes about your appearance? Usually, people who are so…! Well, those who lack confidence don’t usually do this, right…?!”

“The one expressing sentiments is Serin herself.”

“That’s true… but…”

Serin bowed her head in response to the correct rebuttal. With lips parallel to the ground, she murmured slightly.

“This is strange… I feel like the male lead is clear. I can’t just ask that directly.”

“Who is the male lead? Serin.”

“Ah!”

As soon as I spoke, Serin jumped up.

“Did I just say it out loud?”

“Yes.”

“Oh… so, um, that, the alcohol! The alcohol’s name is the male lead!”

“It seems you like alcohol.”

“I really do! It would be perfect to drink green bottle soju here while stargazing…”

Although the meaning of the words was unclear, it was clear that Serin was fond of alcohol. She must be longing for the secret silk fabric that exists only in the royal palace.

“The smell is so delicious.”

“The stew is ready to be served. Shall I pass you a plate?”

I offered her a bowl of stew in a brass pot. Serin eagerly accepted it with an expectant face. As soon as she took a sip, her eyes sparkled.

“Wow, it’s delicious!”

“It’s a simple but decent dish.”

The taste of stew with meat is pretty much the same everywhere. However, the ambiance and taste created by the atmosphere cannot be ignored.

“I usually eat a lot of greasy food, so eating something light like this feels so good…”

Serin seemed unaware that greasy food couldn’t be served as abundantly on an ordinary dining table. In this aspect, she was a truly pure person. A modest woman who sings while cooking a simple dish.

“Sometimes there are things that I don’t understand, you know? Just grilling pork belly until it’s crispy is tastier than most dishes in the world.”

“The same goes for fish. Just sprinkle some salt and grill it, and it becomes very delicious.”

“Then, have you ever tried eating raw fish with salted skin?”

“I’m sorry, but that seems a bit barbaric.”

“Oh, that’s really a prejudice! How delicious raw fish is…”

Is it a trend in noble society these days to eat raw food? If it’s true, it would be a revolutionary change in the culinary industry. It was truly a vibrant and dynamic culture.

“I knew this would happen, I should have attended a cooking academy.”

“The academy that specializes in teaching cooking has been established in the institution.”

Every word she spoke was always refreshing. It was definitely a good decision to travel with the princess. When else would I have the opportunity to learn the culture of the upper class that my parents used to serve?

After we finished our meal, I gathered the used dishes and approached the nearby stream. It was to do the dishes. Unexpectedly, Serin naturally followed me and shared the task.

“Are you trying to experience something this time?”

A fleeting misunderstanding.

I couldn’t help but admire her figure as she vigorously wiped the washed utensils with a cloth.

“… Why, are you good at this?”

“What? What do you mean?”

“No, nothing. Never mind.”

“Geez… We’ve only spent a day together, but I can already tell that Lian is quite unique.”

“I’d like to bring a mirror, Serin.”

The evaluation changed. Serin was as peculiar as I had imagined.

As the moon rose and the dishes were all done, she stretched and gazed at the night sky.

“Ah, sitting on a horse all day and then bending my waist, my whole body feels sore. Aren’t you feeling anything, Lian?”

“No. I’m fine.”

“Ugh… It’s leg day today… How could I skip it.”

“What… leg day?”

She may have muttered softly to herself, but unfortunately, my ears were quite sharp.

Thus, I couldn’t close my mouth in the face of the grotesque reality. It seemed as if I had glimpsed a dark side of the palace flowing from her lips.

“Could it be that Serin… the princess is being subjected to periodic abuse?”

Eating raw fish.

Leg day every Friday.

Very skillful dishwashing.

Every detail clearly indicated that the princess was being mistreated in the palace.

At that moment, I pondered whether bringing Serin to the palace was the right thing to do. Perhaps her happiness lay outside the glamorous life.

“But it will be difficult to hide Serin as the princess forever.”

I know very well how miserable an outcast can become. The despair I felt when I lost my parents and ran away from the institution was closely related to the emotion of despair.

If Loderick hadn’t tried to kidnap me, I would have been wandering around until now.

In the face of the grim reality, there was only one thing I could do.

“… Serin.”

“Yes? Lian.”

Handing her a small token from my pocket, I spoke as gently as possible.

“This… please, take it. Hm…”

“Lian? Why are you like this? Suddenly looking sad…”

“No, no. It’s nothing. Really.”

I stammered like a fool. At this moment, I was truly grateful that a mask covered my face.

“What is this? It looks like a token of identity…”

“It’s a proof that whenever Serin wishes, she can unconditionally receive my help once.”

“Why would you give me something so precious. No, rather, why would I need help from Lian…”

“It’s okay. Keep it. Please.”

“Ah… Um, well, okay. Thank you, I’ll treasure it.”

“You must.”

She had a troubled expression. However, her discomfort also clearly stemmed from her kind nature, which did not recognize the abuse.

I made a silent vow to give Serin a sense of liberation on this trip, etching that determination into a corner of my heart.