Chapter 14
“What are you doing here…?”
“More importantly, could you get off me?”
If anyone saw us like this, they would definitely get the wrong idea.
Aiden quickly got up from atop Raylenne.
“I’m sorry. I thought I was being ambushed…”
“Who would ambush you in this cell?”
“I know, but you were so close…”
Aiden trailed off, looking at Raylenne. Suspicion lingered in his narrowed eyes.
“Come to think of it, why were you so close to me?”
“Whatever you’re thinking, I was only checking your temperature because you were coughing! Monitoring the health of prisoners is part of my job!”
As Raylenne explained, Aiden nodded.
“…I understand.”
Despite his response, the pause conveyed, “I’m very suspicious, but I’ll let it go.”
Hiding her embarrassment, Raylenne started pulling out the food she had brought. In her hands was a ceramic bottle with a stopper.
“Ouch, hot!”
The bottle, filled with hot stew, had heated up. She had insisted on bringing it immediately, even though the chef was in the middle of preparing breakfast.
[Favorite food… I don’t really have one.]
[But… I do miss warm food.]
She remembered Aiden’s hesitant words. Cooking hot food directly here wasn’t possible, but if she brought it quickly, he could eat it while it was still warm. Raylenne hurriedly transferred the stew into a bowl and handed it to Aiden.
“Here, hot stew. Eat it before it gets cold.”
Raylenne looked at Aiden with sparkling eyes.
“…”
Contrary to her expectations, Aiden didn’t devour the stew immediately. Instead, he just stared at her.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
Did I look too expectant? Raylenne wondered why Aiden, with delicious food in front of him, seemed so composed.
“…Sana grass.”
Huh?
“What happened to the Sana grass?”
He’s not eating because he’s curious about that? Raylenne found it surprising that Aiden was more interested in the Sana grass than the delicious stew in front of him. Aiden hesitantly asked,
“If you don’t mind… Can I check if your body still smells like Sana grass?”
Raylenne blinked.
“Smell…?”
“Besides leaving star-shaped spots, using Sana grass also gives off a faint scent. I can tell by smelling your body.”
She had checked this morning to see if the star-shaped spots were gone, but they were still there, which worried her. Although she knew it took time for the effects of Sana grass to completely leave the body, she was relieved not to detect the herbal smell anymore. The spots would disappear soon, but it would be reassuring to be sure. Steeling herself, Raylenne cautiously extended her hand.
“If you want to smell my wrist, you can.”
Aiden looked down at her wrist and frowned.
“The wrist won’t do.”
“…Why not?”
“The faint scent from the wrist won’t be enough to tell.”
Aiden approached Raylenne, looking down at her closely.
“It has to be your neck.”
He looked like a beast ready to bite her neck. Despite his shackles, Aiden exuded a commanding presence. Raylenne found herself nodding involuntarily.
“Are you giving me permission?”
“Y-yes.”
With her consent, Aiden lowered his head. Raylenne’s heart pounded as his face came closer. Her pulse echoed loudly in her ears. Aiden buried his face in her neck, taking a deep breath. She worried he might hear her racing heartbeat.
‘This is driving me crazy.’
Raylenne wished for the situation to end quickly, but unlike last time, Aiden didn’t lift his head right away.
“Why is it taking so long?”
Raylenne turned her face slightly to ask Aiden. Through his lowered lashes, his eyes looked deep and calm.
“The smell… is faint.”
His voice sounded even lower.
Caught in a strange feeling, Raylenne managed to speak.
“Then… let’s stop.”
“I think I’ll know with just a little more.”
Seeing his serious expression, Raylenne reluctantly nodded.
‘I guess I have no choice…’
Aiden pressed his nose against her neck again, taking shallow breaths. Raylenne fervently hoped he would finish soon. As if her wish was heard, Aiden finally lifted his head.
“It’s done.”
“…Does it smell like Sana grass?”
Aiden pulled away as he replied.
“There’s no smell of Sana grass now.”
Just as she had thought. She had bought new flowers this time without any traces of Sana grass.
Could it be that Helen and another accomplice realized what was happening in the meantime…?
While Raylenne was deep in thought, she noticed the stew was getting cold.
‘Oh no, it’ll get cold.’
“Aiden. Forget about the Sana grass for now and eat this before it gets cold.”
When Raylenne pushed the bowl toward him, Aiden took it, somewhat bewildered. Fortunately, the stew was still steaming.
“…Thank you for the meal.”
Aiden glanced between the stew and Raylenne before picking up the spoon. This time, he didn’t gulp it down but ate it with a spoon.
‘Even though he’s eating quickly,’
Aiden finished the bowl in an instant. Raylenne watched him with a satisfied expression.
“How do you find the cooking of the Ergen household?”
“…It’s delicious.”
His honest review came promptly. It was hard to believe that this Aiden, who calmly acknowledged the taste, was the same person who once glared murderously at Caverion. He seemed less hostile now.
‘It would be best if he acted like this when Caverion visits the cell later to avoid any trouble.’
Helis, of course, was another matter.
[An uncooperative beast should be beaten into submission. Pain is something both beasts and humans understand.]
Considering such words, if Aiden showed even a hint of defiance, Helis would not hesitate to strike him. Raylenne clicked her tongue internally, when she heard Aiden’s voice.
“Is this just being given to me…?”
Do you think I’m selling it to you?
Raylenne wanted to snap at Aiden’s suspicious question but understood why he was asking. He probably found it hard to believe in kindness without a reason.
“It’s a reward.”
When Raylenne explained, Aiden’s gray eyes filled with doubt.
“You told me about the existence of Sana grass, didn’t you?”
Aiden tilted his head, looking at Raylenne.
“But you said you’d bring sweet potatoes as a reward.”
Did I really…?
[Aiden, tha…!]
[I’ll bring sweet potatoes next time.]
She had hastily changed her words to bringing sweet potatoes while trying to thank Aiden.
This guy has an annoyingly good memory.
“It’s my decision, are you dissatisfied?”
When Raylenne glared at Aiden, he shook his head. Silence fell between them. Raylenne thought it was time to leave the cell when Aiden spoke again, almost pleadingly.
“Have you found the culprit who tried to harm you…?”
I was just about to ask Caverion about that when I got back. He had been furious and determined to find Helen yesterday.
“Not yet.”
“Sana grass is an herb that ordinary people can’t possibly obtain. So the one trying to harm you must be someone with considerable power.”
‘A person with great power…’
That would exclude the servants of the Ergen household. As expected, apart from those like Helen who were acting under orders, the real culprit was someone else. Raylenne, deep in thought, suddenly became curious.
“Why did you give me that information? The real culprit could be someone from the Bedeusian family.”
Aiden didn’t answer immediately. He slowly met Raylenne’s gaze.
“…Because I don’t like them.”
Does he mean the Bedeusian family members?
Well, it made sense. The people who had sent him to this place were from the Bedeusian family, so there was no reason for him to care about them.
Raylenne, coming to a conclusion on her own, nodded.
“Alright. I’ll be going now.”
Oh, I almost forgot.
Raylenne took out a clean set of clothes from her pocket. Aiden’s clothes were too worn and filthy.
“Wear this.”
Aiden stared at the clothes in Raylenne’s hand.
‘He never accepts anything right away.’
“Do you want me to dress you?”
Finally, Aiden quickly took the clothes.
“I’m giving you these new clothes because my aesthetic sense can’t stand those rags. So don’t misunderstand.”
With a cold tone, Raylenne gave Aiden one last look before leaving the cell. She secretly felt pleased, imagining Aiden looking more presentable the next time she visited.
* * *
As soon as Raylenne went upstairs, she sought out her brother, Caverion. She needed to ask about what had happened with Helen yesterday. Luckily, she saw Caverion wandering in the hall. He seemed lost in thought, not noticing her approach until she was close.
“Brother.”
When Raylenne called out, Caverion turned, surprised.
“Raylenne.”
His eyes landed on her outdoor clothes, though it was just a dark blue robe.
“You’ve been somewhere?”
“I’ve just come back from the underground prison.”
“This early…?”
The morning had just begun. Raylenne quickly explained.
“I woke up early and had nothing to do…”
Why do I have to be so cautious about this? Fearing the conversation might shift to Aiden, Raylenne swiftly changed the subject.
“Brother, you went to catch Helen yesterday. What happened?”
“I was just about to tell you. That maid, Helen,”
A crack appeared on Caverion’s broad forehead.
“She disappeared without a trace.”
midori
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