Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 139

As Roel’s proposal ended, Kyden finally took a deep breath, feeling as if a weight had been lifted. His gaze trembled as he looked at her. Then, like a knight pledging loyalty, he knelt on one knee.

“Kyden…”

Roel blinked rapidly with a tense face. He looked up at her and gently kissed the back of her small hand.

“I was always going to dedicate myself to you.”

His voice was so sweet that Roel felt her cheeks flush.

His eyes sparkled like flecks of gold as they fixed on her. Within him swelled praise and admiration.

Roel resembled an ice flower bravely raising its head amid the bitter cold, having endured the harsh winter and regained her brilliant smile. She was a marvel.

They say everything wears out with time, but she seemed different.

He imagined a distant future while gazing up at Roel. Even when his hair turned gray and the years etched themselves on his face, her vibrant and warm smile would remain unchanged. She was someone who could still smile brightly after enduring a long, harsh winter.

And his heart that beat with that beautiful smile would not change either. Whether it was the first time he saw Roel five years ago, their reunion in the cabin, under the fireworks, or even now, every time she smiled, warmth surged within him, filling him with utter contentment. His once bleak and arid heart had softened and melted.

Unbeknownst to him, her smile had become the goal of his life, causing his throat to tighten at that realization.

“Be with me, Roel.”

He took out the ring he had kept in his pocket, the one he had carried since the festival, now ready to give it to her.

Though the moment wasn’t as grand or atmospheric as he had planned, he felt a strong impulse to propose to her here.

In the place where he first met Roel, he confessed his heartfelt desire to promise her eternity, unable to keep it hidden any longer.

“Forever.”

His hand trembled as he slid the ring onto her finger.

Seeing Kyden so nervous tugged at Roel’s heart, and she smiled back at him willingly. She pressed her lips tightly together to hold back her tears, feeling as if her father was watching over her from somewhere in this house. She forced herself to smile to show him her happiness.

‘Dad, I’m back. With the person I love…’

Roel hugged Kyden, and he held her securely as she melted into him.

Roel didn’t care if her skirt collected dust as she clung to his neck, taking deep breaths. She was realizing just how overwhelming happiness could be.

“Yes, forever.”

Burying her face in his neck, she nodded. He sighed deeply, brushing her trembling shoulders.

“Madam, you’ll get hurt.”

“Calling me ‘madam’ feels a bit awkward.”

“Do you prefer Roel?”

“Yes, I’m still getting used to it, so please call me by my name.”

Kyden stood up suddenly while holding Roel. As he tidied her tousled hair, he raised an eyebrow.

“We have to be formal with each other in front of others, so start getting used to it, Madam.”

“Why do we have to be formal in front of people?”

“That’s the etiquette among nobles.”

There could be those who looked down on her background, so he needed to show extra respect for her in public. If he treated Roel with honor and respect, his vassals and the townspeople would also come to hold her in high regard.

As Kyden placed a soft kiss on her round forehead, Roel stumbled as soon as he let go.

The emotions had caused her legs to weaken. Kyden chuckled softly and caught her again.

“Do you want me to carry you?”

“Oh, no. What if people see? Just hold my hand.”

“Think of it as my way of expressing my feelings.”

“What nonsense are you talking about?”

Roel laughed it off, but he was serious. In the future, Kyden would be there for her, becoming her support and bowing down countless times as her loyal servant, ready to rush to her side whenever she called.

Since she had promised to be his and he as hers.

“You’re wobbling like a newborn foal.”

“I’m fine now. I can walk by myself.”

Roel tightened her legs as if to prove her point. She pressed her lips together, puffing her cheeks out.

He wanted to poke them, but he wondered how she would react. Although he anticipated her response, he couldn’t help but poke Roel’s cheek.

“What was that for?”

With her cheek squished, Roel narrowed her eyes at him. Then, as if to show she could walk well, she swung her arms widely and marched ahead. Her stiff, wooden soldier-like appearance made him chuckle.

Before leaving the house, Kyden turned and bowed deeply. Even though no one would be there to receive his greeting in the dust-covered ruins. He offered his heartfelt gratitude.