Chapter 29
Even in the darkness, the sight of Aiden’s bare torso was so vivid that Raylenne felt deeply embarrassed. Aiden quickly put on his clothes without a word. The loose outfit only required him to slip his head and arms through three holes.
Obediently following her instructions, Aiden stood quietly, looking at Raylenne.
“The reason I came here at this hour is,” she began, feeling awkward about her plan to take him outside. It seemed like an act of generosity, and she didn’t want it to appear that way. However, seeing Aiden staring intently at her without blinking made her feel she should quickly explain.
“I came to take you out of this cell tonight.”
Aiden’s eyes widened.
“Don’t misunderstand, I’m not helping you escape. It’s just to get some fresh air for a while.”
Despite her clarification, Aiden still looked shocked.
“Really…?”
Raylenne nodded firmly.
“Yes. There’s no reason for me to lie to you at this hour.”
Still, Aiden seemed incredulous as he stared at her.
“It won’t be easy,” he murmured.
Raylenne stepped forward and jingled two keys she had taken out of her pocket.
“One is to unlock your shackles, and the other is for the back door of the underground prison. I’ve already checked the area to make sure no one will be around, so it should be fine to get some fresh air.”
“If we get caught, you might be in danger.”
Why was Aiden worrying about her in this situation? He should be jumping with joy at the prospect of escaping this stifling space, even if just for a while. Raylenne was not pleased with his reaction.
“Don’t worry about me. I wouldn’t have offered it if I hadn’t considered the risks.”
“…Why?”
Aiden muttered, lowering his gaze before looking back at Raylenne.
“Why are you taking such a risk?”
She had anticipated this question. Aiden always sought a reason for her actions, whether out of suspicion or expectation. She thought it might be moving from the former to the latter.
“It’s a repayment. You introduced me to Cashwood. Seeing his confident demeanor, I have high hopes that he will find Helen.”
“…”
“So, this is a small repayment for you. After all, it’s about my life.”
Aiden’s gaze dropped again.
“…I see.”
His voice was faint. Ignoring it, Raylenne shifted her focus to his shackles.
“Now, I will free you from these shackles.”
Aiden would taste freedom, albeit briefly. Raylenne had something to say before she removed the heavy shackles.
“Before that,” she began.
Aiden answered by looking at her.
“Do not think of escaping the duchy.”
Raylenne knew Aiden wouldn’t do that, but it was better to be clear for both their sakes.
“The duchy’s defenses are strict. As you’ve seen, the walls are more than twice your height, and beyond them are steep cliffs.”
“…”
“The only way out is through the front gate, guarded by knights. You wouldn’t be able to fight even one armed knight in your current state.”
It was a harsh reality. Though Aiden’s body was recovering, without weapons or armor, it was impossible for him to fight his way out.
“Do you understand?”
“You didn’t give me the most significant warning.”
Raylenne wondered what she had missed. Aiden looked at her and spoke quietly.
“If I escape, you will be in trouble.”
“…”
“I won’t do anything that would cause you problems.”
His words struck Raylenne, leaving her momentarily speechless.
“If I escape, you, my watcher, would be held accountable.”
Was that really his reason for not escaping? Raylenne appreciated his consideration, but it was a complication for her future plans. She nodded with a complex mix of emotions.
“Fine. I’ll unlock your shackles now.”
Lowering herself, Raylenne inserted the key into the shackle’s hole. With a click, the shackle opened, falling from Aiden’s ankle with a clink.
Raylenne stood up and watched Aiden, who was staring at his freed foot. He lifted each foot alternately, as if fascinated by the newfound lightness.
Raylenne watched with a sense of satisfaction but quickly composed herself and spoke to Aiden.
“Let’s go. We don’t have much time.”
Raylenne briskly walked out of the cell, followed by the sound of Aiden’s footsteps. His long strides quickly caught up with her. Walking down the corridor alongside Aiden, who had been confined in the cell, felt strange.
‘He must feel the same way,’ Raylenne thought, glancing at Aiden. She noticed his lips slightly curved upwards. Aiden rarely smiled.
“Are you happy?”
Aiden’s smile broadened.
“Yes. It’s amazing to be out of the cell, walking this corridor with you.”
His refreshing smile seemed to bring a brief hint of greenery to the dim prison.
Raylenne stared at Aiden for a moment, lost in thought, before she registered what he had said.
‘Yes… I suppose it would be surprising,’ she thought. It must have been an unexpected outing for him. How much he must have longed for this moment. Unconsciously softening her gaze, she felt embarrassed and chided Aiden to cover it up.
“Aiden, I told you not to address me so informally!”
“Yes, my apologies,” Aiden replied calmly, still with a soft smile on his lips. The happiness and excitement he felt were palpable, making her own heart race.
When they reached the back door, Raylenne paused and looked at Aiden.
“There are a few things you need to be aware of,” she began. Aiden looked at her, puzzled.
“You mustn’t make any noise. If you need to say something, whisper it in my ear,” she instructed. Aiden stood still for a moment, then responded.
“Understood.”
His reply was slightly delayed, but Raylenne continued without concern.
“We’ll stay outside for about 15 minutes. After that, we must return to the cell.”
Raylenne had carefully considered the 15-minute duration. While 10 minutes would suffice for observing Aiden’s aura, it seemed too short for him to enjoy the outing. However, 20 minutes felt too long and risky. She glanced at Aiden, worried he might be disappointed by the short time, but he merely nodded with his usual expression.
“If you behave well, I’ll bring you outside more often.”
Once she familiarized herself with the route and the patrol patterns, it wouldn’t be difficult to repeat the process occasionally. Aiden’s faint smile deepened.
“Thank you for your consideration.”
“Con…consideration? As I said, it’s only if you listen to me!” Raylenne turned her face toward the door, knowing her cheeks were reddening. Fortunately, it was dark, or Aiden would have seen her embarrassed face.
‘This is troublesome,’ she thought. Since seeing Aiden’s smile earlier, she felt she had lost her composure. Raylenne hoped everything would go smoothly tonight and slowly opened the door to peek outside. As expected, no one was there. Only the rustling of leaves in the lonely forest filled the quiet air.
‘Perfect,’ she thought.
Raylenne stepped outside slowly. Aiden, however, stood at the door, gazing up at the night sky with a slightly dazed expression.
“Aiden?” Raylenne whispered. Startled, Aiden broke his gaze from the sky.
‘Focus and follow me,’ she mouthed silently. Aiden nodded in understanding.
Raylenne led the way into the forest. It was a small forest, and they reached the center within a few steps. When Raylenne stopped, Aiden stopped too. She waved a hand in front of his eyes to catch his attention and mouthed silently again.
‘Enjoy the night sky here.’
Aiden gave a short nod in response.
Raylenne sat on a large rock, while Aiden leaned against a tree, once again gazing up at the sky. Despite the wind blowing his hair around, Aiden didn’t blink.
Raylenne watched him, curious about his thoughts.
‘What could Aiden be thinking now?’ she wondered. Did he wish to return to his family? Given what the Bedeusian family had done to him, probably not. Perhaps he just longed for freedom. There was something lonely about Aiden’s skyward gaze.
‘Oh, right, I shouldn’t be wasting time,’ she reminded herself. The main reason they had come out tonight was to check if Aiden emitted a dark aura under the moonlight. Raylenne squinted and scrutinized him.
‘Hmm…’
Though there was some distance between them, she saw no aura around Aiden. To be certain, she decided to check more closely. Raylenne rose from the rock and approached Aiden.
midori
thanks! a nighttime DATE! HAHAHA