Chapter 8 Part 11
Upon seeing the sight, Jacob’s companions jeered.
“I knew this would happen.”
“He had to learn his lesson the hard way.”
Standing in front of the snickering knights, Jacob’s neck veins bulged in frustration.
“Be grateful you weren’t expelled from the camp! Start now!”
“…Start now!”
Chelsid sprang up. Jacob kicked the knight’s rear, urging him to go quickly.
Chelsid picked up his pace for the night training. As he passed by Elia, he bowed his head.
“I didn’t realize you were married. If I offended you, I apologize.”
“It’s fine. Do well out there.”
Elia waved at him, and Chelsid, looking dazed, laughed before running off in earnest.
‘How amusing,’ she thought.
Elia found it funny, considering she had never formally introduced herself or even removed her robe.
The crackling of the campfire and the night breeze put her in a good mood.
This development was different from the original plot. Since when did Aksion mingle with the knights?
Perhaps it was the nighttime atmosphere. Unable to contain her curiosity, Elia asked,
“When did you become involved with the Order of Silver Knights, my lord?”
“About three years ago.”
Jacob replied straightforwardly. Placing the bowl down, he clasped his hands together and said,
“We had no idea the young lord, who seemed disinterested in everything, would take charge of us.”
It was unclear when the storyline diverged.
Could Aksion also be hiding something, just like her?
“Thank you for telling me. I’ll take my leave now.”
“Be careful on your way back… and don’t mind that fool from earlier!”
Elia nodded with a smile.
She felt a bit intoxicated even though she hadn’t drunk any alcohol. As she slowly walked past several tents,
‘…The Crown Prince?’
Elia inadvertently hid when she saw the golden hair illuminated by the torchlight.
‘I’ve wandered too far.’
She had only intended to take a brief walk, but her feet had brought her close to the Crown Prince’s quarters.
Memories from earlier in the day resurfaced.
‘I thought he would be more forceful.’
That aspect of him was unexpected.
Accidentally eavesdropping, she saw Prosek beside Varlan.
“This herb is said to aid with sleep. It only grows in the north.”
Prosek pulled out dried leaves from a small pouch.
“That’s Trosha flowers.”
Trosha flowers were rare herbs from Richard’s estate, known for their significant effect on insomnia.
Risha had brought some to Elia a few times, so she recognized them well.
‘Is he struggling to sleep?’
Unintentionally, she overheard their conversation.
Varlan, peering into the pouch, asked,
“How do you use it?”
“You burn it to release the scent.”
That was the correct usage. Varlan nodded as he fingered the dried leaves.
“Light it.”
As the Crown Prince was about to enter his tent, Elia called out,
“Wait a moment.”
Both men turned towards her.
Feeling a bit impulsive, Elia decided to speak up.
“Burning the Trosha petals is correct. But for the full effect, you need to immerse the ashes in water to diffuse the scent properly.”
If the ashes weren’t put into water, the efficacy would be halved.
“Then… I hope you sleep well.”
It was up to them whether to trust her advice. As Elia turned to leave, she heard,
“Thank you.”
Pausing briefly, she continued walking.
Elia returned to her tent and stopped in front of the mirror. As she removed her robe, her golden hair cascaded down her back.
Her violet eyes were strikingly similar to Varlan’s.
‘He saved me, so I simply returned the favor.’
After all, it was just a piece of advice from an ordinary spirit mage, not a princess.
So it shouldn’t matter. There was no reason to lose sleep over it.
Her fingers touched the cold mirror, leaving fingerprints behind.
A firm arm pulled her away from the mirror.
“I never realized it would be this frustrating not to acknowledge you as my wife.”
The possessive tone made her heart race.
As Elia turned around, Aksion moved closer. His presence made her tremble.
His red eyes, however, were infinitely serious.
“Have you had a hard time?”
“I didn’t do much today.”
That was the truth. She hadn’t cast any large-scale illusions or spells.
The only thing that bothered her was,
“The Crown Prince feels a bit awkward. As I mentioned before, we weren’t that close.”
Elia lowered her gaze. At that moment, she felt she hadn’t been entirely honest with Aksion.
‘He’s helping me without even knowing why.’
Elia hesitated. At crucial moments, she always held back her words.
Seeing her hesitance, Aksion asked,
“Does the Crown Prince also despise you?”
“…I’m not sure.”
Her candid response was the truth. He was also a target of her revenge.
Seeing him a few times wouldn’t erase those memories, yet she hesitated.
Aksion’s arm encircled her. She widened her eyes as her cheek rested against his chest.
“In that case, we can find out from now on.”
His gentle voice seemed to settle over her like a blanket. It was what Elia had wanted. This voice gave strength to her wavering heart.
“Thank you for your advice.”
If she truly didn’t know, she could confirm it. Then she would be sure.
“The stew was delicious today. Will you make it again?”
“Of course. Next time, I’ll make something even tastier.”
Food carries memories. Aksion’s cooking was a taste she would always remember.
“The stew was indeed delicious. I think it was fun because we all ate together.”
He smiled silently at her laughter.
“…We have to move early tomorrow. We should get some rest.”
Aksion led Elia to the makeshift bed.
Caught off guard, she lay down but couldn’t sleep. She saw him about to leave.
‘Is he not staying with me tonight?’
His magic had long stabilized, not clashing with her divine power.
There was no need to stay close for resonance. But still,
“Um, will you sleep with me?”
Elia clutched his sturdy back. She patted the spot next to her, inviting him.
The forest night was cold. It would be better to stay together.
In truth, it was just an excuse. She knew that.
“I want to be with you.”
Being with Aksion calmed her anxious heart.
He looked at the bed for a moment before approaching her.
“I was going to leave tonight.”
“Why?”
At her innocent question, his lips curled into a slow smile.
“Because I might want to do this.”
Their lips met. The warm touch burned away the moisture, making the night disappear.
Her cheeks flushed with a warm light. Elia exhaled and nestled into his embrace.
“Goodnight.”
“…Sleep well.”
A large hand stroked her golden hair.
Her radiant blond locks glowed beautifully even in the dim light.
Eventually, the sound of steady breathing filled the tent. Aksion watched her sleep for a long while before rising.
‘It seems she no longer dreams.’
Her sleeping face looked peaceful. He found it endearing that she felt safe in his arms.
‘To think I’d fall this deeply.’
The thought of his initial plan to use her now seemed absurd.
He placed protective stones around her tent. Stronger than barrier stones, they would guard the night.
After watching Elia for a moment, Aksion turned away.
He headed to the mage’s quarters.
Inside, Rien was diligently polishing gold coins. Jacob, looking weary, was beside him.
Jacob clicked his tongue at the sight of the miser before noticing Aksion.
“You’re here, my lord.”
“You’re late. My services aren’t cheap.”
Aksion tossed a gold coin towards Rien. Rien caught it deftly, snatching it out of the air.
