Chapter 120
Roel forced a smile to shake off her gloomy feelings.
“I was just a little… jealous.”
“There’s no reason to be jealous.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Roel nodded with a bright voice, but it was clear she was only pretending to be cheerful. Kyden rubbed the back of his neck, looking somewhat troubled.
However, he couldn’t come up with a proper excuse, and Roel returned with a sulky expression. She sighed deeply as she watched Kyden’s back as he walked back towards the Count.
‘I’m upset…’
She shouldn’t be upset, but she was. It was because she liked Kyden so much and wanted to monopolize all of him.
‘Kyden likes me right now, so it’s okay.’
She steadied her heart. While her melancholy didn’t instantly fade away, it was a start.
* * *
On the last day, as the sun set, they arrived at Count Horman’s estate the following noon. Surrounding the main estate was a large village bustling with residents, alive with activity.
Roel explored the village, which was quieter than the capital but more prosperous than a mountain village.
“Miss! You can get off here, right?”
“Yes! Thank you!”
While the Count’s march retinue headed straight for the main estate, Roel decided not to enter but to stay at a local inn instead. Although it wasn’t as glamorous as the hotels in the capital,
Kyden had informed her it was the best inn in the village.
He planned to meet his long-time companions and formally receive his title and lands. He promised Roel he would come back for her as soon as he finished his busy tasks.
‘How long will I have to wait?’
Roel thought as she bid farewell to the coachman with a hint of regret. She watched the carriage leave before stepping into the unfamiliar inn.
“Welcome!”
A cheerful voice greeted her. True to its reputation as the best inn in the village, the entrance was adorned with the mounted head of a large stag, and a clean carpet covered the floor. Ornate glass lighting sparkled on the walls and ceiling.
The first floor was spacious, and it had four stories, suggesting there would be many rooms, likely larger than the ones in the Double Axes Inn where Roel had worked.
“Hello. I’d like to stay for a few days. How much is the rate for one night?”
“A single room is one silver a night. How many days do you plan to stay? Long-term stays can be discounted.”
The price was double that of the Double Axes Inn. Although Kyden had given Roel a generous amount for living expenses, her thrifty spending habits made her heart race a little. If Kyden hadn’t mentioned staying at this inn, she might have considered looking for another one.
“How much would it be for a week?”
“For a week, it’s five silver. Would you like assistance with the room?”
“Yes, please.”
A young employee led the way. As she sneaked glances at Roel’s face, she cautiously asked,
“Miss, what brings you to our village?”
“I’m just here to meet someone I know. Also… I’m not a noble.”
“Oh my, you’re so beautiful that I thought you were a noble. Even if you’re not, you must be a valued person, right?”
“Ah, no.”
Roel denied it, but the girl didn’t seem to take her at her word. The luxurious dress and her refined, clean face didn’t look like that of an ordinary person.
The employee continued to glance at Roel’s face in admiration, thinking a face that pure and beautiful would never grow tiresome to look at.
“I’ve prepared a room for you on the fourth floor with a great view. The restaurant is on the first floor, and it’s open from 8 AM to 9 PM. Meals will be charged separately.”
“Thank you.”
“Then enjoy your stay!”
Roel entered room 402, which, while not as nice as a hotel with separate living and sleeping areas, was still comfortable and spacious.
It had a bed, a small table, and a large window. Roel set her things down on the table and let out a short sigh. As the travel fatigue hit her all at once, she thought,
‘I wonder if Kyden arrived safely. Is he greeting everyone?’
The uncomfortable thoughts she had pushed deep inside her heart pricked at her.
There was a woman he almost married… Could she still be in the estate? Will she warmly welcome Kyden back? Since it had been a long time, hadn’t she become an adult by now? Did she want to marry him again?
Could that be why he hadn’t taken her to the estate?
Such thoughts tormented her. She had resolved not to think like this. Roel shook her head vigorously, trying to dispel the unnecessary worries.
It had been only a few hours since she’d been apart from Kyden, yet she already missed him.
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