Episode 33
The sun had set, and night quietly arrived.
Dinner was lavish—so many dishes that even tasting each one left Yuriel feeling full.
“It feels like the food keeps getting better every day.”
She thought with amazement.
Ever since her morning sickness had passed, everything cooked by Seong tasted so delicious it sometimes brought tears to her eyes.
Unbeknownst to Yuriel, the head chef had been pouring his heart into every meal, especially after noticing her leave food untouched once.
Satisfied and with a full belly, Yuriel made her way back to her bedroom.
“It would’ve been nice if he’d joined me…”
She thought wistfully.
Akron had said he couldn’t make it to dinner because something urgent came up.
But she wasn’t upset or worried—he’d told her in advance and said it was just for today.
“It helps when he tells me things like this.”
Ever since he returned from that sudden monster-hunting trip, Akron had always told her if he had a schedule or sudden errands.
Even just knowing what he was doing, big or small, gave her peace of mind.
“It’s amazing how a few words can be so comforting…”
She didn’t know if it was because she was strange or if words held some kind of power.
Just as her maids were helping dry her hair after her bath—
“Yuriel.”
The door to their bedroom opened, and Akron stepped in.
Yuriel’s eyes widened in surprise.
“You’re back?”
But the surprise only lasted a second—her smile blossomed with happiness.
Ren, the maid drying her hair, quietly stepped aside and left the room. The others followed, and the door closed behind them.
Now it was just the two of them.
“Yeah.”
Akron’s reply was short as he strode over to the couch where Yuriel was sitting.
His black cloak swayed with each step, like it was dragging the night behind him.
He sat beside her and pulled her gently into his arms.
He smelled of the outdoors—cool wind and crisp air still clinging to his jacket.
“…I can breathe again.”
He buried his face in the crook of her neck, breathing in her warm scent like he’d missed it all day.
Yuriel blushed.
Somehow, hugging had become a little ritual between them—sharing their scent, sharing their peace.
She slowly lifted her hand and stroked his hair.
His relaxed breathing echoed in her ear.
Each time her fingers ran through his hair, it felt like she was calming a wild beast.
“Yuriel, what plans do you have tomorrow?”
Akron asked after a while, his voice soft and sleepy.
“Huh? Plans?”
She thought about it, but couldn’t think of anything special.
“Nothing in particular.”
She felt a bit awkward saying that.
He probably had dozens of things packed into his day, while she… had nothing. It made her feel a little self-conscious.
“That’s good. We’re going out tomorrow morning.”
Yuriel blinked in surprise.
Out? Outside the castle?
Ever since she came west, she’d only stayed inside the enormous castle, never feeling trapped, but always a little curious.
“Are you coming too?” she asked hopefully.
Akron smiled and gently patted her head.
“Of course.”
“Then I’d love to go!”
Yuriel beamed like a child.
The idea of leaving the castle made her heart race with excitement.
This would be her first time stepping beyond the walls.
“We’ll leave early, so try to sleep.”
He helped her lie down on the bed, placed her head on his arm, and softly rubbed her belly with warm hands.
But Yuriel’s excitement wouldn’t let her rest.
“I don’t think I can sleep,” she whispered.
“Close your eyes anyway.”
When he gently covered her eyes with his hand, the world melted into comforting darkness.
Even with all the fluttering thoughts, his warmth made her body relax.
“I can’t wait,” she murmured.
Akron chuckled softly next to her ear.
Everything felt so warm… so peaceful.
Despite her earlier words, Yuriel soon drifted into sleep.
The next morning, she woke up easily, probably from the excitement.
After getting ready with the help of the maids, Yuriel walked through the garden toward the castle’s main gate.
There stood a grand carriage made of polished blackwood, engraved with the dragon emblem of House Veiharz.
Six majestic white horses were harnessed to it—their large, well-built frames creating a striking contrast with the dark carriage.
“Get in,” Akron said, holding out his hand.
No need for a footman—he lifted her as if she weighed nothing, setting her inside with ease.
The plush seats were so soft, it felt like she’d landed on a luxurious bed.
Akron sat across from her, and the door closed.
The carriage started moving. It was so smooth, she didn’t even notice until she saw the scenery outside changing.
We’re leaving the castle…
Yuriel pressed her face close to the window, watching the world go by.
Soon, the carriage passed through the forest and headed deeper into the countryside.
“We’re not going to the village?” she asked.
“Next time. Today, we’re going a bit farther.”
Yuriel nodded, a little disappointed but still thrilled just to be outside.
Eventually, they entered a wide, golden plain, full of crops swaying in the wind.
Yuriel had never seen anything like it before. She cracked the window slightly, and warm breezes brushed gently against her cheeks.
While enjoying the breeze, she turned to him.
“Now that I think about it… I don’t even know where we’re going.”
She’d been so happy just to go with him that she hadn’t asked.
Akron chuckled playfully.
“You’ll see when we get there.”
The carriage continued for hours, but she didn’t feel tired or bored.
“Let’s take a break.”
At one point, they stopped to rest.
They stepped out into a shaded area—despite the bright sun, tall buildings blocked the light above them.
“What is this? A relic?” she asked.
“That’s right,” Akron nodded.
These were ancient magical structures from a forgotten era, when even ordinary people could use magic.
Relics like these had been used to travel long distances instantly, powered by magical energy.
Now, only one relic still worked—back in the capital.
Yuriel remembered her amazement when she first arrived in the West through that active relic.
This was her first time seeing one up close, though it no longer functioned.
“If only these still worked… maybe the west wouldn’t feel so isolated.”
She felt a little sad at the thought.
They sat nearby and opened a picnic basket Roinah had prepared: sandwiches, fruit, water, and juice.
After a light meal, they returned to the carriage and continued their journey.
Eventually, they arrived at their destination.
“Wow…” Yuriel gasped.
After the meal, Akron had drawn the curtains, so she couldn’t see outside.
But the sight that greeted her when she stepped down from the carriage exceeded all her expectations.
The sky was painted in stunning sunset colors, casting a magical glow over the land.
But even more breathtaking—
“I’ve never seen anything like this…”
—was the endless sea of flowers before her.
Rows and rows of tulips stretched out in colorful lanes.
Beyond them, a field of roses bloomed, each with its color and scent.
And countless other flowers filled the landscape.
It was so vast that exploring it all on foot would be impossible—they’d need to ride the carriage for an entire day just to see it all.
Looking down at her delighted face, Akron said with a quiet smile:
“This is the flower farm owned by our family.”
