Chapter 49
If There Is a Next Meeting, Then.
Cheilen recalled how Ellua had looked annoyed earlier when those men tried to approach her, and he asked:
“If I’d been a little later, it seemed like you were about to pull something out. Did you still have the sword I gave you tucked inside your coat?”
“Of course. I got it for free, so I might as well put it to good use. It’s mine now anyway. No—more importantly…”
Ellua, who had been speaking to him, suddenly frowned and pressed him.
“I’ve been wondering for a while—why do you keep talking down to me? Between people who barely know each other, using honorifics should be the default.”
“Then you can talk casually too.”
When Cheilen shamelessly flipped the complaint back at her, Ellua refused to back down. In fact, she felt even more stubborn about it.
“Fine, let’s do that. I was hoping you’d say that.”
And without missing a beat, she immediately dropped the formal speech. Cheilen chuckled at her quick compliance and downed another drink.
Still, beyond that, he grew curious about why she was even here.
“So you came out drinking alone at this hour? Not that it’s particularly dangerous, but…”
“Not sure you’re the one who should be saying that. And by the way, stop sneaking sips from my drink.”
“I couldn’t sleep, so I came out for a drink. I’ve got something really important tomorrow.”
“And just how important could it be?”
Instead of answering, Cheilen turned the question back on her as she took another sip. Something about her presence made him think she might actually tell him everything if he pressed, so he quickly shifted the topic.
“I gave you my reason. Now it’s your turn, isn’t it?”
“About the same. I couldn’t sleep either. Too many thoughts weighing on me.”
Ellua gave a small laugh, almost amused at herself. Here she was, saying such things to someone she’d only met twice.
But maybe that was why it was easier—to think of him as just a stranger. Add in the alcohol, and her words flowed more freely.
Yet if she stayed longer, she really might end up saying too much. She had drunk enough anyway. Time to leave.
“Then I’ll go first.”
She paid her tab and walked out without hesitation. Seeing her actually leave, Cheilen instinctively rushed after her and caught her wrist.
“Wait a moment.”
“Ah!”
She cried out from the sudden sting. Cheilen, startled, immediately let go.
But realizing he hadn’t gripped her that hard, he gently took her wrist again—this time with a much softer touch.
“What’s this about?”
“Hold still.”
When he looked closely, he saw a dark bruise blooming across her wrist.
That mark…
Ellua noticed his gaze and quickly pulled her hand away, but it was too late—he had already seen.
“What happened? That bruise looks like someone grabbed you pretty roughly.”
“It’s none of your concern.”
“I know you’re not someone who’d just let that happen.”
Cheilen’s persistence made Ellua even more eager to get away, so she turned to leave.
But instead of pressing further, he did something else.
“What are you doing?”
Without answering, Cheilen stepped closer and carefully wrapped her wrist with his handkerchief, covering the bruise. His movements were as delicate as if he were handling glass, making sure not to hurt her.
If Arun had seen it, he would’ve fainted from shock.
Once he tied the handkerchief snugly, he released her hand.
Ellua looked at the fabric wrapped around her wrist, then back at him.
“Keep it covered. If someone grabs you again without knowing, it’ll hurt.”
“Oh… thank you.”
The unexpected kindness flustered her, but it also warmed her.
That’s surprising. I thought he wouldn’t care about things like this.
“Well, I’ll be going now.”
Worried someone at the palace might notice her absence, Ellua hurried to turn back. That was when his voice called out behind her.
“You really won’t tell me your name?”
She stopped at those words, staring at the dark handkerchief around her wrist—something that suited him perfectly.
He only ever uses things that fit him well.
After a brief hesitation, she made up her mind and looked back at him, still watching her.
“If we really meet again by chance… then we can introduce ourselves. After all, if you meet three times by coincidence, maybe it’s not coincidence anymore.”
With that, she turned and walked away. Cheilen sighed, wearing a wry smile of defeat.
“She really defies every expectation…”
Which only makes me look forward to the next time.
He stayed there until her figure disappeared completely, silently wishing that third meeting would come soon—and that, just maybe, fate was on his side.
Ellua returned to the palace with a clearer head, perhaps from the alcohol, perhaps from the night air.
“Maybe I’ll actually sleep now.”
But as she walked, she felt a presence trailing behind her.
She glanced around, but the late hour left the streets empty. And this path led only to her quarters. No one else should be here.
Which meant—
Someone really is following me. But who?
She slipped her hand inside her coat, gripping the sword hilt, ready to draw and strike at any moment. Slowing her steps deliberately, she let the distance close, then spun around, blade halfway drawn—
“Princess?”
That voice…
Recognizing it instantly, Ellua pulled her hand away from her weapon and looked up.
“Sir Vandel?”
“My apologies. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
He had spotted a lone figure at this hour and followed suspiciously, only to realize it was her.
Seeing her startled expression, Vandel quickly apologized. Ellua shook her head, feigning composure—relieved beyond words that she hadn’t actually drawn on him.
“It did surprise me, but it’s fine.”
He relaxed at that, though curiosity remained. Why was she out here so late, and dressed as though she’d gone out?
“May I ask why you’re outside at this hour?”
“I couldn’t sleep, so I went out to clear my head.”
“Alone?”
As he frowned in concern, he caught the faint smell of alcohol. His eyes widened.
“Did you… drink?”
“Hm? Oh—does it show that much? I didn’t drink a lot, I thought it wouldn’t be noticeable.”
Embarrassed, Ellua checked herself, realizing the faint scent did linger.
“At this hour, it could be dangerous. You should have someone accompany you.”
“I’ll do that next time. I didn’t want to wake anyone tonight.”
It wasn’t really an issue for her, but she nodded obediently for his sake.
Seeing her about to head off alone again, he spoke firmly:
“Allow me to escort you back to the palace.”
“That’s not necessary, I don’t want to trouble you—”
“I insist. Even inside the palace, it’s still late.”
He clearly wasn’t going to back down. Ellua accepted his offer.
“Then I’ll leave it to you.”
She gestured at her side, and after a moment, Vandel fell into step beside her.
Now it was her turn to ask:
“But why are you out at this hour? Isn’t it time to be asleep?”
“I lost track of time while training.”
Of course. That’s so like Vandel.
She found it admirable but also worried he might be overworking himself.
“Diligence is good, but don’t overdo it. Rest is important too.”
“I know. But when I’m training, my mind clears. The distractions disappear.”
Ellua understood. That had once been her method too—something she had casually mentioned to him long ago, which he then adopted for himself.
So you’re still using that trick…
She worried he might be struggling with something, but for now all she could do was offer a few words.
“When it gets too heavy, share it with someone. It’ll ease the burden, even a little.”
“Just hearing that means a lot. Thank you.”
“What? You don’t actually believe me?”
She feigned a pout at his earnestness.
“Of course not. I’d never doubt your words, Princess.”
“I really meant it, you know. You’ll make me feel a little hurt if you don’t take me seriously.”
Playfulness sparked in her, and she stepped closer.
He stumbled back in alarm, so she closed the gap further with a teasing smile.
Something about Vandel always made her want to play tricks on him—as though her old self would suddenly resurface in his presence.
“Princess, please… step back a little…”
“Not until you answer me. Do you believe me now?”
“Yes—of course!”
Desperate for her to retreat, he nodded quickly. Ellua laughed, finally stepping back.
“Then I’ll believe you this time. Ah—we’re here. I’ll go the rest of the way alone. Thank you for walking with me.”
She waved lightly and headed toward her chambers. But as she pulled away, Vandel suddenly called out:
“Princess.”
“Yes?”
“If something like this happens again… I’ll go with you. It’s too dangerous to be alone.”
“And if I refuse, you wouldn’t tell anyone I snuck out, would you?”
“Never.”
She had meant it as a joke, but his grave tone left her speechless.
This is why I can’t ever win against him.
“Alright then. But you’ll have to drink with me too, if it comes to that.”
“That…!”
Caught completely off guard, Vandel stammered. Ellua laughed outright, waved at him once more, and disappeared into the palace.
Left standing alone, Vandel felt oddly dazed—like the darkness of the night itself had bewitched him.
