Chapter 9

Just as I was about to break the silence with words, Benya's eyes fluttered open, and he met my gaze.

Remarkably, those typically languid, sky-blue eyes locked onto mine without a word. Then, his raspy voice pierced the air.

"Why are you here?"

"... I was looking for you. So, you could say I was searching for you, you idiot."

"Why are you looking for me?"

His tone was edged with a hint of scornfulness. I felt a tad baffled—what was this? It almost seemed as though I had created a fuss on my own. And why was he so sulky?

"Because I heard about what happened at last year's event, and I was concerned about you. Fortunately, it seems you didn't encounter a bear this time. I hadn't anticipated finding a valley like this here; isn't it somewhat risky to be alone?"

"Even if I did, I don't have the energy to chase it today. I don't believe it's particularly hazardous."

"Not you, but Mr. Bear up there might spot you and decide to chase you down. Did you manage to catch any foxes?"

"About two. I halted midway; it wasn't enjoyable anymore."

"Really? Is that why you're here by yourself? Didn’t you bring me here because you didn’t want to be lonely?"

"I did, but it seemed like you were having a blast with the Crown Prince. I thought I'd be a hindrance."

My chin dropped slightly. Benya averted his gaze, focusing on the distant mountains. Huh?

I shifted my position, moving closer to him. I couldn't quite put my finger on it—why was he sulking?

"Benya. Are you angry?"

"... No."

"Then are you jealous?"

"Perhaps a bit."

"I think it's more than just a bit. You shouldn't worry, though, because you're my faithful wife**."

(**read the definition of the word used here if you wanna feel giddy why it’s just ugh, so nice to read)

Only then did Benya, who had turned to face me again, sport a truly peculiar expression. Soon, a resigned laugh echoed in the air.

"Well, that's quite reassuring."

As I chuckled and settled comfortably on the edge of the rock, Benya also shifted closer and adjusted his posture. Consequently, his upper body, dripping with water, was now exposed to the open air.

"Did you manage to catch any?"

I was rendered speechless by that question. I found myself in a rather unresponsive state. For a moment, my mind felt utterly befuddled.

Truth be told, I've seen Benya naked countless times. It wasn't just Benya, either—Lethias, too.

Who could've prevented the two of them from wandering around without shirts on during the sweltering summer days within the tower?

However, that was many years ago, and Benya was no longer the little boy he once was. It was a realization that sent a shiver down my spine.

His broad, robust shoulders, his chest taut and well-contoured, his muscular arms well-defined—all exuded the utmost masculine allure without appearing overly bulky.

His neatly sculpted abdominal muscles and slim waist lent an air of intense sensuality.

It was a sight of sheer physical beauty that left me nearly sighing in awe. It was as if it is is gesturing to be touched... No, what on earth am I thinking?

Snap out of it. I hastily averted my gaze, clearing my throat in an awkward manner.

"I caught one, but while I looked away, the dogs seized it and ran off."

"You seem rather preoccupied."

"Could you not keep doing that? I was just engrossed in a fascinating tale."

As I responded, feigning an eye roll, he offered a cheeky grin.

"What kind of tale was it?"

"Well, a secret oral account involving your family and the imperial lineage. Have you heard about it?"

I omitted the story of my encounter on the balcony with Assad. I suspected he might already be privy to it, and I deemed it unnecessary to broach that narrative without cause.

"I learned about it before. During your time on Vibrato. It's not exactly a riveting story."

"Really? I found it intriguing. I'm pleased it had its happy ending."

"That's what you call a happy ending...?"

"Yes. They all emerged unscathed, and their legacy lives on through their descendants."

"Not all of them."

Benya muttered, adopting a cynical tone, then ran his hand through his damp hair. I removed my cloak and paused, tilting my head.

"Not all of them? The Crown Princess and the two royal descendants..."

"I assume you haven't heard about the nanny, the same age as the young princess."

"Truly? I was unaware. So, did the nanny perish there?"

"No. She vanished a few months after their escape. She was disposed away  overnight, under the guise of attempting to poison the Princess."

A shiver crawled down my spine. I could understand why Assad hadn't seen fit to mention that part.

"Why..."

"I can provide you with countless explanations. Rumor has it she and Emperor Rodriguez had pledged themselves to marriage."

"But they were just children. I mean, something like that..."

"Whether it was child's play or not, it doesn't change the fact that Rodriguez is a fool. He stood idly by while someone akin to his soulmate met her demise in such a manner... It's as though he wielded the knife himself."

You're absolutely right. Poor nanny. My sympathy intensifies even more, given that their situation was somewhat similar to mine.

Sniff.

They endured three years together, yet she was discarded just to make their lives marginally more bearable!

Benya seemed to gauge my expression for a moment, then slightly furrowed his brow and added reassuringly.

"That was in the distant past. It doesn't concern us."

Indeed, if it were you, you would never have permitted such a thing to happen.

Trying to shake off my melancholy, I leaned forward and removed the riding boots that had been constricting my feet.

Subsequently, after slipping off my silk socks, I gingerly immersed my feet in the water, which was adorned with iridescent droplets. It wasn't as chilling as I had anticipated.

"Ah, that's better. Now I feel a little more alive."

"Are you hurt?"

Hm? I blinked and glanced downward, noticing a bluish bruise on the top of my left foot.

"What's this? Oh, I think I accidentally bumped into the door's edge yesterday while washing up."

"…"

"Hey, could you not stare at me like that?"

I suddenly felt a throbbing in my forehead. Oh God, I'm not usually so clumsy.

"You don't seem like the clumsy type—"

"Even monkeys fall from trees sometimes."

As I swiftly retorted, Benya shook his head, seemingly unable to prevent me, and reached out with one hand to encircle my foot. Although my feet weren't particularly small, they fit snugly within his grasp.

"Does it hurt?"

"Just a slight throbbing. It'll heal on its own in a few days."

It was somewhat embarrassing to answer. As if it were a significant matter, Benya, gazing at my feet with eyes brimming with concern, lifted his hand a tad.

He then lifted the hand that was holding my foot. And on top of that, he planted a kiss on the bruised area.

For an instant, time appeared to stand still. My eyes widened considerably. Simultaneously, I wondered why I was so taken aback.

He had kissed me on numerous occasions in the past. On my forehead, on the back of my hand. I mean, the type of gesture that is customary among family members and very close individuals.

However, this time felt somewhat different. No, it was distinctly different. Benya lingered with his lips on the top of my foot for an extended period.

And I... For some inexplicable reason, I experienced a peculiar shiver coursing from my toes throughout my entire body.

My heart began to race. Fast and intense, thump-thump, its rhythm so palpable it was hard to discern whose heart it belonged to.

My breath quivered rapidly. I thought I should withdraw my foot, yet for some reason, I couldn't bring myself to do so.

Instead, almost as if compelled by some force, I leaned forward hesitantly and tenderly brushed his silver-gray hair.

When Benya ultimately lifted his head, gazing at me with those sky-blue eyes, I found myself ensnared in a blend of relief and regret. As if hesitating, my raised arm hovered nervously in the air.

Neither of us could tear our eyes away from each other as if an unusual stillness enveloped us.

Suddenly, my eyes welled up. I couldn't fathom why I was on the brink of tears. Was it due to the profound intensity in his gaze, which seemed to delve so deeply into mine?

Such an unguarded, earnest, impassioned expression—a maelstrom of emotions both bittersweet—rendered my heart aching.

After several attempts, I mustered the courage to speak. My voice quivered, as if in jest.

"You're such an idiot."

"... I know."

"Me too. We're both undoubtedly foolish—blind fools."

He twitched and widened his eyes in surprise. I added with a smile, though I had intended to say it regardless.

"… Kyaaa!"

It was completely unintentional. The slip was abrupt! Oh my, what timing!

A splash followed. Benya swiftly embraced me, but it was futile in preventing me from getting soaked up to my waist. The cold, like icy tendrils, seemed to permeate my bones. Goodness, what is this?

"Are you alright?"

I was so mortified that I couldn't even form words. Swallowing back the bitter taste of embarrassment, I clung to his neck. It probably looks like I did this on purpose!

Yes, his physique is quite appealing, but I never had any intention of being held like this!

"Sasha. Sasha?"

"... I'm fine. Just a bit damp. I'm sorry, this dress is quite expensive."

Rather than acknowledging my pitiful apology, Benya lifted me with a tight embrace, then gently settled me onto the rock.

"I’ll put on some clothes first."

Sure, of course. I turned away while he changed, and I wrung out the hem of my wet purple skirt.

Oh come on, ugh! I'm sure it's his fault that I've been acting strangely lately. That mesmerizing, snake-eyed man keeps unsettling this Noonim's usually unyielding temper...

"Ugh, the sun is setting already."

Is that so? I raised my gaze to the sky. A pinkish twilight was starting to paint the entire forest. Sun drying is dreadful. It's also chilly. Sniff.

"If we walk a bit, it will dry up. The color is dark, so it's not very noticeable, and they should have already lit a torch at the event."

I got up and collected the cloak and gun I had set aside. I should have brought a longer coat.

"Are you all right?"

"Besides feeling a bit embarrassed, I'm okay."

"Why be embarrassed?"

Benya approached with a gun slung over his shoulder, draping the coat around me. A thick taupe-checked coat cascaded down to my feet.

I felt like a child playing dress-up in my father's clothes, yet it was warm and comforting.

"Thank you… But what if you catch a cold instead?"

"I'm a cold-blooded creature, I'll manage."

This guy playfully knelt down and picked up my boots. I obediently lifted my feet as he helped me put them on.

It was a mannerism that didn't quite fit him, but there was an indescribable tenderness and delicacy about him.

"… The sun has already set. Lethy-oppa must be worried."

"He's probably preoccupied with his dear fiancée, so he'll stop worrying soon enough."

"Really? Does he really seem that way?"

"It's obvious. He always manages to put on quite the act. I don't know why you care so much."

"Getting jealous again, are you?"

"Yes."

This envious Snake Eye then helped me put on all my shoes, stood up, and gently encircled his arms around my shoulders. It felt warm and secure...

"Let's go. The concluding trumpet will sound soon."

We made our way back to the horses, holding the reins, and strolled leisurely. The autumn forest, waning in the twilight, felt enchanting.

The sensation of leaves rustling beneath my feet and the evening breeze gently brushing against my hair seemed like something out of a dream. For a moment, it made me forget everything else.

When all of this is over...

"… Ahhh!"

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Chapter 4

Chapter 11