Chapter 149
“I know it is a difficult thing, Arzeletta.”
“……”
“It will be a harsh path. Every word, every step, every glance, every gesture you make will be watched by everyone in the domain. The duties of the great temple will be entrusted to you, and you will have to manage all the affairs of the domain. The Lord’s companion holds such a position.”
“……”
“For you, who easily burst into tears and whose face turns red at the slightest thing… it will certainly be a heavy burden.”
Ragnar’s voice was gentle as he spoke. Arzeletta looked up at him, her eyes already as red as roses.
Easily bursting into tears and her face flushing red… It was already just as he said.
“You will have to learn many things you didn’t know. …For a start, learning the letters will be the priority.”
Her breath hitched. Something in her heart felt as if it were breaking at Ragnar’s gentleness. He was smiling. This time, it was not a bitter smile, but a genuinely peaceful one.
He wasn’t trying to blame or tease Arzeletta. He was feeling sorry. Sorry for placing a difficult and heavy burden on Arzeletta. And for no other reason than his own desire.
“From the moment you open your eyes until you fall asleep, all your time will be governed by rules.”
“……”
“Even bad weather will be seen as your fault. There will be many nights when you cannot sleep because someone’s sigh will bother you. You will have to perform severe prayers and you will be condemned by countless people.”
“……”
“There will be many more days where there is no other way but to just endure so that you don’t collapse in the face of things you cannot accomplish…”
Arzeletta held her breath.
Ragnar now seemed to be talking to himself.
Arzeletta recalled the image of Ragnar, the owner of the domain, who had ruled over her all her life.
He was a man who seemed to have no room for even a needle to squeeze through. A person who seemed to never hesitate for a single moment, and to have never experienced such a thing as human anguish.
His back and shoulders, tall and solid as a god of war, had always seemed merciless.
…And such a man was now telling his story to her.
To the humble maid whom God had commanded to serve in the lowest place in his domain.
“I will place such a heavy burden on your life, Arzeletta.”
“……”
“But, I can promise you this one thing.”
Ragnar lifted Arzeletta’s hand. Due to the hard work she had done, her pretty fingertips were full of scars. Ragnar put his lips to her rosy nails.
Her heart ached at the kiss that tickled her fingertips. It was as if he… as if he were paying respects to Arzeletta in a way one would only do for a very noble lady.
“As my companion, properly recognized before God and the law, you will live forever as my person.”
Every single word he spoke pierced Arzeletta. It was the pain of embracing a bouquet made of roses, thorns and all.
Even though the long, hard thorns pierced her arms and chest deeply, she could not stop embracing them.
It was so breathtakingly beautiful and fragrant. It was an ecstasy that could only be experienced in a dream.
Recognition from God, the law, and the world. …A companion who vows to be each other’s forever.
Each of those words was more distant to Arzeletta than a dream.
“And as a companion sworn to God, I will be faithful to you. There will be no falsehoods or lies in my dealings with you. I will grant my body and mind to you alone.”
“……”
“I will respect you… and love you until the end of my life.”
He was a man who normally added no unnecessary words. A man whose body was ingrained with language as refined as a blade.
The words he delivered, looking directly at Arzeletta, were terrifyingly direct.
They were the most truthful vows he could offer her, with an authority and decisiveness Arzeletta could not even imitate.
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.