Mr. Kadan in the Deep Forest - Chapter 74

“Say it again.”

“Khan.”

“It really sounds good. Thank you for choosing such a lovely name.”

Luna leaned in and gently kissed Kadan’s cheek.

Whether it was because of the compliment or the quick kiss, Kadan’s face turned a shade of red.

Ruth, who had been watching, let out a soft laugh. The man who had been so formidable as a forest keeper was now a king, yet in front of Luna, he showed a clumsy side of himself.

“I’m the one who’s grateful, Luna.”

Kadan suddenly pulled Luna into a tight hug. Despite her slender frame, Luna fit perfectly into his arms.

“Your presence alone makes my life shine, and now you’re giving me such a precious child.”

“Haha, Kadan. Just a moment…”

“I love you, Luna.”

Kadan began showering Luna with kisses—on her forehead, nose, cheeks, and lips. Luna tried to remind him that there were guests, but Kadan didn’t release her from his arms.

Washud and Ruth exchanged glances and quietly stood up from the table. It seemed that the proposal was something that would need to be repeated on their side.

＊＊＊

Kadan was working in the palace workshop, only wearing pants. Sweat dripped down his chiseled muscles, glistening in the light as he hammered away.

“Why are you doing this, Your Highness?”

Dwabo, who had been watching from the side, grumbled in perfect common tongue.

“What do you mean?”

“Why are you making this yourself? What about the other guy?”

Dwabo pointed to the royal carpenter standing in the corner. The Inut carpenter bowed deeply, apologizing and speaking in common tongue as well.

There were more than just Dwabo and the carpenter who were fluent in the common tongue among the Inut people. All Inut settlers in the Brillan Kingdom had come to speak the common tongue as if it was their own native language.

Typically, conquerors sought to erase the language and culture of the defeated, but Kadan respected the cultural values shared by the people of Brillan Kingdom. Thanks to this, the people quickly embraced the new Inut dynasty and actively supported Kadan.

As a result, Kadan became a respected king, and Luna became a beloved queen.

Now, Kadan was making a cradle for the baby that was soon to be born.

“I think this is good enough.”

Kadan smiled proudly as he admired the completed cradle. He then picked it up and made his way to the corner of the garden.

“Wait, Master. You should at least wear this!”

Dwabo, holding a jacket, followed Kadan, clearly displeased with his royal attire.

“Who’s going to see?”

“Who’s going to see? Do you think the guards with their eyes all over the place are blind? You need to maintain some dignity.”

Dwabo draped the royal jacket over Kadan’s shoulders. He thought to himself, This is what keeps the king’s dignity intact… but wait, something seems off.

Dwabo furrowed his brow as he examined Kadan from head to toe.

Was it because of his sweat-slick muscles, or simply because he wasn’t wearing a shirt?

Even with the jacket on, instead of appearing more polished, Kadan exuded a rough and wild aura, and Dwabo couldn’t figure out why.

Meanwhile, Kadan arrived at the garden. In the corner of the well-maintained garden stood a modest cabin. The log cabin, built with stacked timber, oddly blended well with the delicate surroundings.

As Kadan opened the door and entered the cabin, a familiar voice greeted him.

“You’re here, Kadan?”

Luna put down the book she had been reading and smiled brightly at him. With one hand, she gently stroked her round belly, now six months pregnant.

Kadan gazed lovingly at her belly before placing the cradle he had been holding on the floor.

“I finished it.”

“My goodness, is this a baby cradle?”

“Do you like it?”

“Of course! It’s perfect!”

What can’t you do? Luna joyfully examined the cradle, and her praise seemed to please Kadan. He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a little shy.

“I’ve been reading the books you brought last time. The history book on the Inut was interesting.”

Luna held up the book written in Inut, and now, she spoke the language fluently.

“If you need more, just let me know.”

“I already asked Dwabo for a few more history books.”

“You could have told me.”

Kadan frowned slightly, feeling a little hurt that Luna had asked someone else. He quickly grabbed the jacket Dwabo had lent him and threw it haphazardly over the chair.

“You were going to ask Dwabo anyway.”

Luna’s response made Kadan clench his lips. It wasn’t that she was wrong, but he didn’t like the idea of Luna being so familiar with another man.

‘No. If I act this way, Luna will start feeling suffocated by me.’

If Luna ran away out of frustration, who would lose? Kadan steadied his thoughts, trying to quell the obsessive feelings creeping up on him. Just briefly imagining it made his spine feel cold.

Was it a bit cold in the cabin? Kadan bent down to check the fireplace and began adding more firewood to it. The warm heat spread throughout the room.

“What would you like to eat?”

Kadan asked, dusting his hands off. Luna’s expression became serious. All the dishes Kadan had made for her in the past swirled in her mind.

“Potato soup with cheese.”

“Sounds good.”

Kadan checked the neatly organized ingredients and began cooking.