Chapter 104
As Aiden continued to recover after leaving the cell, his physical condition had noticeably improved. Muscles that had seemed to reach their peak had become even more defined. He now appeared almost as muscular as Caverion, making it hard to recall the gaunt figure he once was.
‘If he can fully utilize the power of an awakener in this state, he’ll become even stronger…’ Raylenne thought, recalling the prophecy that hailed him as the greatest awakener. Though Aiden hadn’t yet mastered his powers, it was clear that his potential was immense.
Curious about his abilities, Raylenne asked directly, “Aiden, what can you do if you fully harness your powers as an awakener?”
Aiden pondered for a moment before replying, “Well… I’ve rarely used my powers to their fullest, so I’m not entirely sure. But I think it would enhance my physical abilities and allow me to project energy.”
Raylenne probed further, “How much do your physical abilities improve?”
“When I escaped from the castle, I could jump over the walls with ease,” Aiden answered.
Raylenne’s mouth dropped open in surprise. ‘He could jump over those high walls?’ It hadn’t crossed her mind at the time, but Aiden had re-entered the castle with surprising ease, bypassing the guards at the main gate. It seemed likely he had indeed leaped over the walls, a feat reminiscent of a superhero.
“So… can you hear better and see further as well?” she asked, fascinated.
“Although I was quite excited at the time and don’t remember clearly, I do recall spotting you through a window in an instant,” Aiden said.
Raylenne was awed by his abilities. “Do all awakeners have abilities like yours?”
“For the most part, yes, but there are awakeners who use their powers in entirely different ways,” Aiden explained.
“Different how?”
“Some don’t have enhanced physical abilities but can control or manipulate others’ minds,” he said.
Raylenne shuddered at the thought. The idea of someone controlling minds was both fascinating and terrifying.
“Of course, such powers are very rare among awakeners. These abilities are usually subtle, so people around them might not even notice,” Aiden added.
Raylenne nodded thoughtfully, relieved that she had never encountered such an awakener. Then, suddenly, she remembered something.
“Ah, right!” She grabbed Aiden’s hand, her eyes shining. “Aiden, do you have any plans right now?”
Aiden looked down at their joined hands before lifting his gaze. “No, I don’t.”
“I just wondered because you’ve been so busy lately,” she said.
Aiden had been devoting himself to additional training, specifically swordsmanship, after their sessions. Despite his increased strength from awakening, he seemed uneasy about neglecting his sword skills.
Raylenne couldn’t quite understand his concern. ‘He’s become much stronger than before his awakening, so what’s he worried about?’ she thought. Nonetheless, she respected his dedication, which mirrored Caverion’s commitment to never neglecting his own training.
“What’s going on?” Aiden asked.
“I just thought we could go for a walk together,” Raylenne whispered into Aiden’s ear. “My brother isn’t around today.”
Caverion disliked seeing Raylenne and Aiden together outside of training. Thus, days when Caverion was away were perfect for spending time with Aiden outside.
“How about it?” she asked.
“That sounds good,” Aiden replied, never having refused her before. His constant willingness to spend time with her softened Raylenne’s heart even more.
Recently, Raylenne felt closer to Aiden, spending much more time together than when he was confined. Back then, they had been limited to brief visits, but now they were together for hours during training, and his room was right next to hers. Just knowing he was close made her feel giddy.
‘This is really bad,’ she thought, trying to hide her reddening cheeks as she led Aiden outside. The harsh winter had begun to ease, making it more pleasant to be outdoors.
“Today, we’re going there,” Raylenne pointed towards a corner of the castle wall where a tower stood. She had once visited the tower with Lavita and remembered the breathtaking view from the top. Even in winter, with only bare branches in sight, the vast landscape was still impressive. Spring would soon transform the scenery into a lush green, but Aiden was set to leave for Bedeusian in a month.
The thought of Aiden returning to the Bedeusian family left Raylenne feeling conflicted. It was good that he was reclaiming his rightful place, but she worried that he would not find the genuine care and love he deserved there. The Duke of Bedeusian might try to win Aiden over, but she doubted Aiden would appreciate it. He would have to endure it, though, to take on his duties.
‘And most of all…’ Raylenne thought she didn’t want to be separated from Aiden. While she understood that he needed to return to his family, she dreaded how long they might be apart. The idea of not seeing Aiden daily was depressing.
“You don’t look well,” Aiden noted, concerned.
Raylenne spoke softly, “I was just thinking about how we won’t see each other as often once you return to the Bedeusian family. It makes me sad.” She expressed her feelings honestly, not wanting to hide the truth from him.
Raylenne’s feelings for Aiden had grown significantly stronger, and with the longstanding enmity between the Ergen and Bedeusian houses no longer a concern, there were fewer obstacles to worry about. Well, except for Caverion’s slight disapproval, which still lingered in her mind.
“I will come back to you, Raylenne,” Aiden stated with firm resolve.
“Yes, but we won’t see each other for a while, right?” Raylenne replied, her voice tinged with sadness.
“I won’t be gone for long,” Aiden reassured her, his voice resolute. “I’m not going to wait for my father to pass down the title.”
Raylenne’s eyes widened in surprise. “Then…?”
“I’ll find a way to make him step down,” Aiden said decisively.
It was clear he intended to dethrone the current Duke of Bedeusian, much like Caverion had done with the previous Duke of Ergen. However, Raylenne knew this would not be easy. It had taken Caverion years of preparation to achieve his goal, and Aiden, who had no real foundation, would likely need even more time.
Raylenne’s doubts must have shown on her face because Aiden spoke with conviction, “I will finish this before winter comes around again.”
Raylenne found it hard to believe. “You’re saying you’ll take over the title within a year?”
Aiden nodded confidently. “I will return with everything in place within that time.”
“But…” Raylenne started, but Aiden gently interrupted her.
“I don’t have a choice. If I don’t do this… I won’t be able to stand it,” Aiden said, lightly caressing her cheek.
The warmth of his hand calmed Raylenne’s anxious heart. “I will come back fully prepared, so even your brother can’t deny me as a suitor.”
Aiden’s lips curled into a charming smile, a smile Raylenne wanted to keep all to herself. Sometimes, her possessiveness towards Aiden surprised even her. Whenever he showed different expressions, she wished no one else could see this side of him.
‘How greedy of me,’ Raylenne thought, pushing away her selfish thoughts. “Yes, I believe in you, Aiden,” she said, even if it seemed like an impossible task.
If Aiden promised to return within a year, she would trust him to do so. “You’re not leaving today, so why am I feeling so unsettled?” she wondered aloud.
“That’s why it’s good,” Aiden said, leaning closer until their noses almost touched. “Every time you express your feelings honestly, I feel like my heart might burst… but I love it.”
His ash-gray eyes sparkled in the sunlight before he closed them slowly, his eyelashes trembling slightly. “I really do.”
The sound of Raylenne’s own heartbeat was loud in her ears, a testament to the intensity of the moment. Just then, footsteps echoed from below the tower.
“Seriously, leaving a sword in a place like this… Oh?” The man who appeared at the top of the tower was Haele, looking surprised to find Raylenne and Aiden there.
Raylenne was just as surprised. “Haele…”
She quickly stepped back from Aiden, her face slightly flushed, though she hoped he would think it was due to the cold air. Of all people, it had to be Haele who saw her standing so close to Aiden. Haele had witnessed many of their moments together, making this encounter even more awkward.
As expected, Haele seemed puzzled by the situation. “Lady Raylenne…? And Aiden… Lord Aiden? Why are you both here…?” he asked, clearly baffled.
