Chapter 8
Adelion’s furrowed brow deepened, displeased with the knights’ conversation.
Sensing the sudden chill in the atmosphere, Beren muttered in mild frustration.
“It’s not entirely wrong. His Highness has never been so kind to anyone, man or woman. He only shows affection to those he considers his own.”
“Do you think I don’t know that? But this woman’s identity is unknown. The fact that she lost her memory is suspicious. With our enemies plotting to kill His Highness, even the tiniest ant could be dangerous.”
Adelion’s words were not without merit.
It was widely known that, unable to defeat Blayer militarily, the enemy relentlessly sent assassins and spies, targeting Ruban, their leader.
Beren let out a small sigh. He had always hoped that even someone like Ruban, who constantly lived under the threat of death, might have a place to rest.
Seeing how Ruban treated this woman over the past few days, Beren quietly hoped that maybe, just maybe, his wish could come true.
Ruban was a lord he respected, a brother-like figure, and Beren wanted him to be happy.
Other knights also let out muted sighs.
Seeing them resignedly nod, Adelion called out loudly toward Ruban.
“Your Highness, we must hurry back to Blayer! It’s time to leave!”
Ruban, who had never taken his eyes off Nayeun, finally turned to acknowledge the knights.
“Wait here. I’ll be back shortly.”
Without waiting for objections, he spurred his horse forward, taking Nayeun away from the knights.
Away from the cliff, they came upon a large tree with thick roots spreading across a wide clearing in the forest.
Ruban stopped his horse, leapt down lightly, and extended his arms to Nayeun.
Hesitant, she briefly paused but then reached out, letting him lift her.
Carefully, he helped her down, seating her on the roots of the tree.
“Does your head hurt?”
“No… it doesn’t, but…”
Her pale face grew even paler.
A moment of silence passed, broken only by the gentle rustle of the wind through the forest.
Ruban observed her quietly, swallowing before speaking.
“Inael.”
At his voice, Nayeun slowly lifted her gaze to meet his.
“How about coming to Blayer with me?”
Caught off guard, she nervously parted her lips.
“You… mean you’ll take me with you?”
“If you want me to.”
His firm, unwavering answer caused her large eyes to tremble.
Though grateful for his kindness despite barely knowing her, she could not fully understand it.
Sensing her confusion, Ruban spoke softly.
“I know it’s not an easy decision. But right now, you’ve lost your memory—you can’t choose where to go.”
“But… why? Taking me along must be inconvenient in many ways… Why help me like this?”
Her lips pressed together as she waited for his reply.
Seeing no answer coming, she forced a small smile and looked down.
“If it’s because of my injury, you don’t need to feel guilty anymore. You’ve already done more than enough.”
She knew, for now, following Ruban was the best choice.
Yet, she didn’t want to take advantage of his guilt any longer.
“Don’t worry about me. If you take me back to Morona village, Roziana will be there too…”
Her eyes, once meeting his, now dropped to the ground, and Ruban’s throat tightened.
He quickly shook his head and spoke.
“No. If it were purely guilt, I would have left you at the physician’s and gone already.”
Stepping closer, Ruban bent one knee, bringing himself level with her.
“Look at me.”
There was a sense of urgency in his persistent gaze.
Meeting his eyes again, Ruban spoke, lips moving with determination.
“I’ll be honest. Inael… I’ve fallen for you.”
Nayeun’s jaw dropped in shock.
“…What did you say?”
“I said I’ve fallen for you.”
“No, you can’t just say—”
Caught completely off guard, Nayeun could only move her lips without forming words.
Seeing her flustered, Ruban exhaled softly.
“I know… I feel like I’ve gone crazy too.”
He muttered with a faint smile before becoming utterly serious, revealing his heart.
“To be honest… I’ve never felt this way before, so I can’t promise it will last forever. But now that I’m taking you, I will make sure you are happy in Blayer, no matter what.”
Even amidst her confusion, she felt the sincerity in his words.
Unlike shallow promises of eternal love, his honesty made him all the more trustworthy.
He gently patted her hand resting on his knee.
“If we part now, I feel I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”
The steady gaze calmed her anxious heart.
Yet, she could not easily answer, for she had a place to return to.
After a long pause, she asked softly, addressing his patience.
“What if, after staying with you, I regain my memory and want to return home? Then what?”
Having wrestled with the same question countless times, Ruban answered calmly to reassure her.
“I promise. When that time comes, your choice will be my priority.”
He warmly held her trembling hand.
The gentle touch made her eyes flutter.
‘Just for a short while… maybe it’ll be okay. I don’t know anyone here anyway. And…’
Her eyes grew warm as she looked into his gentle gray gaze, completely focused on her.
Rubbing her tears, she nodded.
“…Take me with you.”
Ruban, who had been nervously waiting for her answer, visibly brightened.
He exhaled lightly and extended his hand once more.
Nayeun grasped it, steadying her racing heart.
‘Until I find a way back… I’ll live as Inael, just for now.’
As Ruban and Inael descended to the base of the cliff, Beren approached.
“I’ll escort the lady to the village and follow right after.”
“No need. Inael will go to Blayer with me.”
“Your Highness, but—”
“Adelion, I know your worries. But I’ve already decided. I’d like you to follow.”
Ruban’s calm yet firm tone was both request and command.
Though Adelion initially opposed, he had anticipated this possibility after observing Ruban for several days.
Recognizing the futility of his objections, Adelion relented.
“…Understood. Let’s move quickly. We must exit the forest before dark.”
Ruban nodded and immediately urged his horse forward.
The knights followed closely, watching the pair’s retreating figures.
A mix of concern and quiet hope lingered.
They wished that this woman could become a source of comfort for their lord, whose life had often been lonely—just as Beren did.
After leaving the forest and traveling for some time, night had fallen when they reached a village.
Passing the quiet outskirts, they entered the bustling central street.
Despite the cold, people crowded the streets, browsing shops or sitting at outdoor tables with drinks, and lively music filled the air.
Recognizing the village, Ruban and the knights guided their horses effortlessly, stopping in front of the largest building.
Larger than the inn in Morona village, its exterior suggested it was also an inn.
As Ruban and the knights dismounted, the door swung open, revealing a small, dignified middle-aged man rushing out.
“Your Grace, it’s been a while.”
“Indeed. Do you have rooms for all of us tonight?”
“Of course. I’ll make sure Your Grace and your knights can stay comfortably. You must be tired—please, come in.”
“We’ll also need a room for the lady.”
“Eh… a lady?”
The innkeeper’s eyes widened in surprise as he realized that the woman riding with Ruban was Inael.
‘My goodness… it’s not just anyone; the Duke of Blayer himself brought a lady…’
Beren coughed discreetly, and the innkeeper, startled, quickly nodded.
“I’ll prepare the cleanest and nicest room for her immediately!”
Bowing hastily, the innkeeper summoned the staff and rushed inside.
The knights laughed as they led the horses to the stables.
Ruban handed the reins to a waiting knight and gently guided Inael inside, lightly nudging her back.
“We’ll stay here tonight and depart again after breakfast.”
“How far is Blayer from here?”
“About ten days. Riding all day today must have been tiring. I’ll arrange a carriage for tomorrow.”
“No, don’t trouble yourself because of me. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to continue on horseback.”
Knowing she had delayed the schedule, Inael’s shoulders sank with a heavy sense of responsibility.
