If You Claim the Fallen Heiress - Chapter 67

Light gray fur on its front paws was visible. The claws revealed between the fur tips were sharper than a craftsman’s famous sword. They looked dangerous enough to cause fatal wounds with just a scratch.

With each step the beast took, Geon’s appearance overlapped. The more she heard the rough breathing just before a roar, the more certain she became.

Her stopped breathing became explosively rapid. She couldn’t believe it was another beast—the beast before her eyes was familiar to her eyes and ears to an unbelievable degree.

She pressed against the ground with trembling hands and lowered her head to look beyond the wooden floor. Kim Seon was kneeling on one knee, frozen while staring at the beast. The beast, as large as a person, approached Kim Seon one step closer while emanating killing intent.

Under the moonlight, the beast’s gray fur and green eyes shone mysteriously. The fur color, eye color, and even the way it walked were unmistakably Geon’s.

Yuseol was happy enough to want to scream. She even felt elation that made her heart tingle. However, she was simultaneously engulfed by anxiety.

She wanted to run out immediately and shout to Geon. To get away from Kim Seon before soldiers came running with arrows to shoot. If he would just do that, she would ask for nothing more. She had never wanted to witness Geon’s end before her eyes.

The surroundings became quiet, and only the beast’s fierce breathing echoed. Kim Seon and the ministers slowly stepped backward. Bewildered voices rang out. They seemed surprised to see the wolf-dog that had wandered around the palace again in this place.

“No, th-that dog is Han Yuseol’s!”

“I-it seems right.”

“Summon the soldiers immediately!”

Kim Seon, who had shouted loudly, ran toward the gate first. The ministers followed behind him, and the guard warriors who had drawn their swords also slowly retreated.

When the yard was briefly empty, Yuseol urgently crawled out. Then she ran to Geon and swallowed her breath that was about to overflow, saying.

“Geon, Geon! You have to run away right now. People recognized you, so they’ll come to catch you soon.”

Myoyeon, who was standing at the doorway connected to the upper floor, watched Yuseol while being wary of Geon. She urgently ran toward the mountain-side stone wall. She felt like she needed to send Geon away first before moving to feel at ease. Urgent whispers were carried by the wind to Geon.

“Geon, come here. You have to escape quickly!”

Geon began running toward Yuseol in front of the stone wall. Dirt flew into the air from his powerful footsteps. It was the moment Yuseol blocked her eyes with her arm. Geon, who had run fiercely, put Yuseol on his back and leaped over the wall.

She grabbed the sword that was about to fall from her waist while gripping Geon’s mane with her other hand. Her vision rose to an unbelievable height and then settled stably.

Geon began running like a shot through the trees. Yuseol, feeling the fresh scent of the forest and Geon’s touch, lowered her upper body while gripping his mane tightly. Though she didn’t know the destination, her heart swelled. To meet Geon again like this!

After running a little, a bridge connecting mountain to mountain appeared. It was a suspension bridge made of wooden planks tied with rope. Geon reduced his speed and began crossing the bridge slowly. Yuseol, who had confirmed no one was behind them, slowly raised her head.

It felt like she was dreaming. She couldn’t believe she had escaped from the enemies who had been desperately searching for Han Yuseol. Her eyes tried to examine the surroundings to confirm properly.

It was a night with bright stars. The water spray from a huge waterfall and the sprouts covering the mountains created a magnificent view. Though she was crossing a dizzying single-log bridge, the fear in Yuseol’s eyes was disappearing. The pouring starlight, brilliant scenery, and Geon were all shining.

“Geon….”

Wherever Geon was became a safe and warm world. This had been an unchanging fact for Yuseol since long ago.

She exhaled her relaxed breath through Geon’s mane. The air that had always been cold felt cozy for the first time in a long while.

“Why did you only appear now? How long I waited….”

I was so lonely after you disappeared.

She swallowed the emotions welling up.

“Where and how have you been living all this time? Why didn’t you come find me….”

Time flowed endlessly. It was already near the end of the bridge. Her voice continued as if tired.

“I… experienced many things while you were gone. They were things that made me want to run away because they were too hard and scary. But I endured day by day and lived resolutely. Because I was afraid I might not be able to meet you when you returned.”

“…….”

“It’s okay if I’m the only one who misses you.”

Geon crossed the long wooden bridge and entered the mountain on the opposite side. Yuseol’s eyes, which had been smelling the fresh earthy scent, became cloudy. Though she had fortunately escaped from a life-or-death crisis, the future was too dark. What kind of incident would happen at Museolwon now? How long could she hide and live…

“Geon… shall we hide and live in the forest like before?”

It would be good to go to a forest far from Museolwon and as safe as possible, as quickly as possible. The days she had spent with Geon were vividly drawn before her eyes.

“During the day, we’ll lie on rocks where sunlight comes in and eat berries, and at night we’ll sleep inside caves. It will be dangerous and hard, but I think I can endure it. If we can be together, I can be satisfied with such a life.”

The waiting time was hard, but it was still happier than the moments when I thought you had left me.

Yuseol didn’t let go of her hand holding onto Geon for a long time.