Episode 54
Kaiden nodded lightly, and Reina peeked out from behind him, looking at Arteon.
He quickly met her gaze and said.
“Is this the Princess Reina who recently married into the North?”
Kaiden blocked his view again at the interest shown.
“That’s right.”
“As beautiful as I heard. No lie.”
Arteon’s casual grin made Kaiden’s eyebrow twitch.
Sensing Kaiden’s menacing aura, Arteon spoke.
“Ease up on the hostility. Looking doesn’t wear her out.”
“If you don’t like it, stop looking.”
“How do you not look at what’s in front of you?”
Arteon shrugged, unusually bold for a first meeting.
But Reina sensed a sharp, probing gaze beneath his carefree demeanor.
No hostility, though.
Chirp, chirp.
Ritsi chirped softly, announcing itself.
Arteon recoiled dramatically.
“Ugh, a bird!”
He seemed terrified of even a tiny sparrow.
Reina didn’t mention Ritsi had been there all along.
The manager, noticing the bird, shifted the tense mood.
“Quite a rare breed.”
“You recognize it?” Reina asked.
“Of course. This is a ‘Rediglin,’ said to be a phoenix descendant.”
“Rediglins are extinct,” Kaiden said.
“I thought so too, but apparently not. Seeing an ‘extinct’ creature with my own eyes—what a life.”
Arteon, hiding behind the manager, glanced at Ritsi.
Ritsi puffed up proudly, as if mocking Kaiden’s poor discernment.
The manager continued.
“Rediglins are small and cute as chicks but grow as large as a man, becoming dangerous beasts. Hard to tame, but fiercely loyal.”
He mistook Ritsi for a rare Rediglin.
‘Technically, it’s a divine beast with phoenix blood…’
Reina was impressed by the manager’s insight.
Only a bird expert would recognize it instantly.
Noticing her gaze, he added.
“I studied birds once. The Earl picked me for my knowledge. The company started to safely transport rare species.”
Arteon rubbed his arm.
“Phew, if Father saw that, he’d want it stuffed.”
Chirp!
Ritsi exploded, flapping furiously and pecking Arteon’s head.
He yelped.
“Argh! Is this bird crazy? What’s its problem?”
“Ritsi, come here.”
Huffing, Ritsi landed on Reina’s palm, nuzzling her.
The manager marveled.
“It already sees you as its master. Impressive.”
After some talk, the manager bid farewell.
“See you soon, Your Grace.”
“Take care.”
Arteon extended a hand to Reina.
“Princess, see you then.”
Before she could shake it, Kaiden intervened.
“I was offering the princess a handshake.”
“Safe travels.”
“You’d have to let go first, Your Grace.”
Arteon’s hand trembled.
Kaiden glanced at his pale hand and muttered.
“Such a drama queen.”
Keep that up, and you’ll lose that hand.
Arteon swallowed his retort, guessing why Kaiden was hostile.
He’d only come to check on his friend’s sister.
Now he had a different worry.
Shaking his head, he muttered.
“Jeffery, your sister’s stuck with a tough guy… What now?”
Well, a husband at odds with the palace wasn’t bad.
* * *
At the restaurant, Reina studied Kaiden.
He seemed irritated, but she couldn’t tell why.
“Kaiden, try this. It’s delicious.”
She offered a forkful of roasted mushroom.
Staring, he grabbed her wrist and ate it.
“!”
Her hand, moving to a plate, was pulled along.
“Tasty.”
His crooked smile made her flush.
What a strange man.
Sometimes so open, other times keeping distance.
He cut his meat and offered it.
“Try this.”
“Thanks.”
As she reached for her plate, he held out the fork.
“Just take it.”
“Huh?”
“Open up.”
“What?”
“How long will you keep saying ‘what’? My hand’s tired.”
Grinning, he urged her.
She opened her mouth.
The meat melted in her mouth. Her eyes sparkled.
“Delicious! What is it?”
“Snowflake pork roast. Usually greasy, but this place cooks it well.”
As he explained, he offered another dish.
“Try this too.”
She hesitated at the new forkful.
Once was fine, but twice felt embarrassing.
“I’ll eat it myself.”
She gently refused, but he was firm.
“Open.”
His eyes said he’d wait.
Suddenly stubborn, Kaiden insisted.
“…Fine.”
She gave in, opening her mouth.
She ate like a baby bird fed by its mother.
She couldn’t tell if food went in her mouth or nose.
The awkwardness eased with repetition.
It felt infantilizing, yet cared for, making her heart flutter.
As they finished, the sun was setting.
Kaiden looked troubled.
“Damn, we’re late.”
“For what?”
“Hm.”
He seemed anxious, then turned his back to her.
“Get on.”
“What?”
“Your pace is too slow. Hurry.”
“Oh, okay.”
She climbed on, and he walked quickly.
‘Where’s he going…’
Assuming it was urgent, she stayed quiet.
Grown woman on his back, passersby glanced.
Feeling like an overzealous lover, she ducked her head.
Her breath grazed his neck.
It tensed him, but he didn’t show it, adjusting his hold.
His shoulders stiffened, and his grip tightened.
