Episode 14
‘Did I mess up again?’
Kaiden had always been blunt.
Unskilled at subtlety, he spoke directly—a flaw that stood out in noble society.
Those close to him were used to it, but Reina wasn’t.
He was surprised to realize he’d been treating her so casually.
This could make things awkward.
Then he recalled his sister scolding him for making her child cry.
“Brother, treat girls gently, like glass. If you act like you do with me, they’ll run off crying.”
What did she say to do?
Kaiden racked his brain, recalling her advice.
He’d soothed his niece somehow.
“Oh.”
He hesitated, unsure if it would work.
With no better ideas, he decided to try.
Approaching Reina slowly, he placed a hand on her head and patted clumsily.
“???”
Reina looked up, bewildered, at the heavy, pressing motion.
His serious expression stopped her from protesting.
After an awkward exchange of glances, Kaiden cleared his throat.
“This is supposed to cheer you up.”
“…”
“Is it not working?”
He muttered, frowning.
Reina, watching him, burst into laughter.
“Pfft.”
She realized why he’d acted so oddly.
Seeing the usually confident Kaiden uncertain was oddly endearing.
As her mood softened, Kaiden looked pleased.
A knock came, and a priest announced dinner was ready.
Kaiden lowered his patting hand, naturally taking hers.
“You must be hungry. Let’s eat.”
Knowing it was for the priest’s sake, Reina still felt a strange comfort.
Touching her head, still warm from his hand, she said,
“Okay.”
* * *
After dinner, Reina visited the prayer room with the goddess statue alone.
It was a place she’d visited with her brother as a child, her top destination.
She gazed around, lost in nostalgia.
The room was unchanged.
Memories of her brother surfaced.
Holding her small hand, he’d pointed to the statue.
“Reina, pray here, and your wish will come true.”
“Really? I’ll make a wish! What’s yours, brother?”
“Can’t tell. Wishes only come true if you keep them secret.”
“Then I won’t tell either!”
She’d covered her mouth, fearing she’d spill her wish, making her smile now.
Back then, she thought they’d be together forever.
Now, unsure of his fate, she felt bitter.
The special prayer period drew a crowd.
Reina joined the line to pray, waiting quietly.
When her turn came, she placed her hand on the statue and prayed earnestly.
‘Please let my brother be alive.’
In her past life, she’d heard no news of him, likely meaning he was dead.
But if there was a chance.
If he was alive somewhere.
Clinging to a sliver of hope, she prayed desperately.
‘And if he’s alive, let us meet again.’
Hoping her prayer reached the goddess.
* * *
Returning to the room, Reina found it empty.
After showering, she hesitated.
Kaiden’s grumbling about the small bed lingered.
It’d be better to let him sleep alone.
Her small frame could manage on the sofa.
Compared to the underground marble floors of her past, the sofa was luxurious.
Resolved, she moved to the sofa.
As she dozed off, a floating sensation woke her.
Kaiden was carrying her carefully.
Their eyes met as he set her on the bed.
“Did I wake you?”
“No. What time is it?”
“2 a.m. You can sleep more.”
He pulled the blanket up to her chin.
As he headed to the sofa, Reina instinctively grabbed his hand.
“Something else you need?”
“You’re sleeping on the sofa?”
“Better for both of us, no?”
“Then I should take the sofa.”
As she tried to rise, Kaiden pressed her shoulder, stopping her.
“That’d make me more uncomfortable. Stay here. I can sleep anywhere.”
“I’ll feel bad if you can’t sleep because of me.”
Clutching his hand, she continued,
“Don’t. Sleep here. I’ll be quiet.”
Her subtle stubbornness left him no confidence to argue.
They’d end up in a standoff.
Relenting, Kaiden took the bed’s edge.
Reina smiled, relieved.
As he turned off the bedside lamp, darkness fell.
Turning toward him, she said softly,
“Goodnight, Kaiden.”
No reply came, only a low sigh.
* * *
The next day, they entered the North via portal.
The perpetually cold North was known for rugged mountains and unfrozen lakes from volcanic eruptions.
At the border, a biting wind filled the carriage.
For Reina, used to the capital’s mild climate, it was a new kind of cold.
Shivering lightly, Kaiden draped a blanket over her.
“This is cool weather.”
“You’re joking, right?”
Her incredulous look made him chuckle.
Half-joking, he held back, enjoying her reaction.
The carriage traveled the North for days.
As the scenery grew tedious, they entered Crencia territory.
Soon, Crencia Castle’s tall spires appeared.
Backed by snowy mountains, the castle’s fearsome exterior looked like a demon king’s lair.
Its grand scale drew a gasp from Reina.
It was her first time seeing it in person.
She gazed at the castle, her future home.
In her past life, it burned to ashes because of her.
Recalling the Emperor’s cruel laughter, her heart grew heavy.
Countless lives were lost.
‘I’ll protect it this time.’
As she reaffirmed her resolve, the carriage stopped at the castle.
Kaiden stepped out, offering his hand.
Reina placed hers in his and descended.
The lined-up servants bowed in unison.
“Welcome back, Your Grace. And welcome to the North, Duchess.”
