Chapter 39
“It doesn’t seem like there are any beasts inside right now.”
Bennight had explored the cave’s interior and came to that conclusion.
Ailie only nodded in response, silently staring outside the cave.
The fortunate thing was that the rain had eased slightly compared to earlier, but that was all—there was no sign it would stop.
What time could it be now? The sky was so dark that it was hard to guess. Probably about four or five hours since they had entered the forest.
Then it must be evening now.
Night would come soon. Even if the rain stopped, wandering the forest in the pitch-black darkness was impossible. And they weren’t familiar with the area. So tonight, finding the villa would be out of the question.
Then I guess we’ll have to spend the night in the cave.
Spending a night in this damp cave. Ailie naturally felt a sense of aversion, even though she accepted it as unavoidable.
She had been raised as the youngest daughter of a count, spoiled all her life. Unlike Brenina or Lykiar, Ailie wasn’t particularly adventurous.
Getting lost while exploring a hill, sneaking off to sleep in the stables instead of a perfectly good bed, sitting all day in front of her father’s study just because she was bored… she had never even thought of attempting any of these things. She had never enjoyed hiking or camping before, even in her previous life.
But that’s not the main concern.
Ailie’s worry lay elsewhere.
It was…
Bennight.
She glanced at Bennight, who stood silently. He was undoubtedly her husband, but… she had never once shared a bed with him. He had always been indifferent. When he suddenly excused himself on their wedding night claiming he didn’t feel well, she let it go, but even as time passed, Bennight never sought out her quarters. Not even at recent banquets had they spent time together.
And then I saw him with Donata Seidler in my room… I had no choice but to go to the Empress Dowager, utterly shocked.
In short, sharing a bed with Bennight felt awkward. She knew she would toss and turn all night, unable to sleep.
Ailie surveyed the cave, trying to find a way to keep some distance from him. The cave was deep enough that perhaps she could manage.
“Ailie.”
At that moment, the quiet Bennight called her name.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Go inside; I’ll watch outside.”
She had planned to keep her distance anyway, so she didn’t expect him to make the suggestion first. But when she looked at his silver hair, dripping with rain, she hesitated. It was natural after hours in the downpour.
Meanwhile, thanks to the shawl Lykiar had given her, Ailie’s head and shoulders were mostly dry.
So if one of them had to stay outside for the night, it would be her. In this weather, she would likely catch a cold wherever she slept…
“Aren’t you cold?”
“Well, winter’s over.”
“I mean, your hair is soaking wet from the rain.”
Bennight didn’t answer; he simply brushed his wet hair back and settled near the cave entrance.
Stubborn, as always.
He had no intention of giving in.
“If you get sick, it could be serious, Your Majesty.”
Ailie curled up beside him. He could be stubborn, but if he fell ill, finding the villa would become much harder. How could she care for him in this forest, with nothing around? And even if they found the villa, how would she help him move there if he got sick?
If things became too difficult and, because of illness, he abandoned the Emperor of the Empire and ran off alone… that would be disgraceful, especially during the ritual meant to show their love to God.
I can’t let that happen…
Her worry wasn’t for him—it was selfish. Ailie justified it to herself as she silently studied Bennight’s eyes.
“Go inside.”
“…There could be beasts. It’s safer if I stay outside.”
Finally, Bennight revealed his reasoning. He was concerned about the monster warning sign posted near the cave. After all, they had entered the cave only to escape the rain, but it was dangerous to sleep there. They could be attacked at any moment.
Ailie rested her chin in thought, then spoke.
“I can watch carefully and let you know if anything happens.”
“You plan to stay awake all night?”
“And you, Your Majesty?”
“…”
Neither of them seemed willing to budge.
In the end, Ailie sat down and unfolded her shawl. Bennight’s gaze followed her.
“You’re telling me to go inside.”
“This is your last chance; go inside, Your Majesty.”
“…Alright, then we’ll stay here together for the night. That works, right?”
“…What?”
Bennight’s eyes widened in disbelief. Ailie let out a small laugh, spread the shawl over her shoulder, and carefully draped the other side over Bennight’s shoulder. Startled by the foreign touch, he twitched.
The shawl had been a gift from Lykiar; she couldn’t just give it to him. Sharing it was the only option. If both of them wanted to stay alert, it made sense to share it. Considering their awkwardness, they wouldn’t sleep well anyway, so this arrangement was perfect.
“Ailie…”
Bennight called her name with a half-laugh, half-sigh. He wouldn’t yield, so she wouldn’t either.
“Until we find the villa, I can only rely on Your Majesty. So please, take care of yourself too.”
“…Yes.”
“Don’t you agree?”
Whatever they felt inside, cooperating to find the villa quickly was the priority. Both had to stay safe. Ailie nodded in approval at her own logic.
Bennight’s silent gaze shifted into a small smile.
“You’re right. I was being shortsighted.”
It was the first time she had heard such a cheerful tone from him.
Drip… drip… drip…
Some time later, the torrential rain that had seemed endless finally stopped, as if it had never happened. Water droplets fell from leaves into the large puddles the storm had left behind.
The surroundings were silent. Ailie regretted not resting an extra day in Carpa.
She stared blankly outside the cave.
Even though the rain stopped, it’s still pitch dark. What time is it?
It was fortunate that the rain had stopped. Once it got light, they could search for the villa. She worried briefly about their scattered companions, but at least there was the carriage for shelter, supplies were inside, and three knights plus a doctor were with them.
…No need to worry then.
The real concern was just her and Bennight. She now understood how their companions must have felt, stranded across the river and unsure what to do.
All they had were extra coin pouches, Bennight’s sword at his waist, and a single waterproofed shawl.
Is… that it?
It seemed almost impossible that Bennight, raised as the heir to the throne, could stay so calm. Surely he had never been left so lightly equipped in a forest like this.
Ailie glanced at his side profile. His pale blue eyes calmly met hers. He wasn’t scared or disheartened. His composure was impressive. Was this a quality expected of the new emperor?
“I’m glad the rain stopped,” Ailie said.
“I was worried it might keep pouring. Thankfully, it’s over.”
“As soon as it’s light enough to see outside, we’ll move.”
“Alright.”
After finding the villa and regrouping with their companions, they’d head to the temple. Unless something happened, they’d arrive in two days.
I wonder how the ritual will go…
With the rain gone, she could think ahead. They needed to show their love and pray for the empire’s well-being.
…But how do you show something that isn’t there?
Ailie felt a slight fear of divine retribution.
“Your Majesty.”
“Yes?”
“I’m glad we’re not apart. I heard it’s customary for companions to stay together during the ritual.”
Bennight gave a small, incomprehensible nod. Ailie stretched lightly and admired the peaceful forest. No beasts… nothing.
Wait.
She focused on the area behind a tree, hoping she was mistaken.
No… it can’t be…
Her amber eyes caught movement: to the right of the cave, behind a huge tree, something approached…
“Y-Your Majesty! Do you see it?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Over there… to the right…”
Glowing red eyes. A massive beast covered in black fur stood there. Starving, it drooled dark purple saliva. This wasn’t just an animal; it was a dangerous monster, ruling over the forest creatures and hunting intruding humans.
Thud… thud… thud…
The monster began moving, its heavy footsteps growing louder. It had noticed them. Ailie swallowed hard, shivering. She barely stood, but there was no escape.
Inside, the cave dead-ended; outside, the beast would surely catch them.
Then, Bennight suddenly stepped in front of her, drawing the sword at his waist. The empire’s emblem glinted on its hilt.
Thud… thud… thud… thud…
The beast’s footsteps quickened, closing in like a predator tightening its grip…
In the next moment, a massive black shadow filled their view.
