TOOCM | Chapter 050

Episode 50

“I’d prefer if no one knew I was sick.”

“Why?”

“I want my birthday to be quiet. …Kaiden, will you stay with me until I open my eyes? I’ll feel anxious if no one’s there.”

“I promised I’d stay.”

Even without a promise, he’d have stayed.

Her pleading eyes left him no choice but to reassure her with it.

That day, Kaiden kept vigil, eyes open.

Just in case her prediction was wrong and danger came.

He didn’t care if it was overthinking. Reina was no longer just a contract partner.

As she said, her fever began to fade at sunrise.

When the sky fully brightened, she opened her eyes.

Staring at him, she murmured softly.

“I’m relieved.”

“Relieved about what?”

“I was scared this was all a dream when I opened my eyes. That I’d be forced into unwanted things again… But seeing you makes it feel real.”

Her cryptic words came with a tearful smile.

She closed her eyes again, waking after half a day.

Kaiden pondered her words.

She seemed to have nightmares while sleeping.

Her groans and furrowed brow had startled him.

“So this is how it feels.”

Muttering, he caught Aiden’s curious glance.

Noticing Kaiden’s distraction during the meeting, Aiden asked.

“You’ve been zoned out. Something up?”

“…”

“Are you even listening, Your Grace?”

Aiden waved a hand in front of him.

Kaiden finally registered him, staring blankly.

“What’s got you so lost?”

“Reina.”

“Huh?”

“Thinking about Reina.”

Sighing, Kaiden rubbed his aching forehead.

His mind was cluttered with worries he’d never entertained before.

All because of Reina.

She’d quietly overtaken his life.

Aiden, stunned by the response, grinned mischievously.

“Finally need my help?”

“You don’t even know my problem.”

“If it’s about Sister-in-law, what else could it be?”

Aiden made a heart with his fingers, smirking.

A month ago, Kaiden was gloomy, but now he was noticeably brighter.

Kaiden frowned, already exasperated.

“Don’t do anything, whatever it is.”

“I’ve got a track record with unrequited love. I’m better at this than you.”

“…”

“Want your little brother’s help?”

“I said no.”

Kaiden steeled himself, replying contrarily.

But Aiden wasn’t deterred.

He began nagging, hands on hips.

“You’ve been too much.”

“What’d I do?”

His accusatory tone hit hard.

“Since Sister-in-law came North, she’s barely left the castle. It’s lonely in a strange place, and her husband doesn’t even care.”

Ouch.

Seeing Kaiden flinch, Aiden continued.

“No birthday gift either, right? I can tell.”

“She said it wasn’t needed.”

“She didn’t say don’t give one. You’re supposed to do it thoughtfully. At least flowers or a letter. You really did nothing?”

Kaiden nodded reluctantly, and Aiden smacked his forehead.

“Knew it. If I were her, I’d have cried to go home. Shouldn’t her only husband be kinder? No gift, not even a note.”

“…”

“Her cast comes off in a week, right? Take her out to see the sights. Bet you never thought of it. You’d know if you’d ever dated.”

Kaiden sighed at the relentless jabs.

He admitted he’d neglected Reina.

Thanks to her, the Goreth subjugation succeeded, yet he’d only promised rewards without giving any.

Aiden was right—taking her out with a gift sounded good.

Humbly, Kaiden asked.

“So, what should I do?”

* * *

A week later, Reina tested her lightened leg.

The doctor’s ointment worked well, healing her wound quickly.

“Scars remain, so keep applying it.”

“Thank you.”

As the doctor left, Kaiden, loitering by the door, entered.

“Ahem.”

Clearing his throat, he caught Reina’s attention. She waved.

He glanced at her ankle.

“You can move freely now.”

“Yeah. The crutches were tough.”

Her relieved expression made him lick his lips.

“Start with a formal date invitation.”

“How do I do that?”

“Ugh, you’ve got a long way to go.”

Aiden’s advice echoed, but asking for a date felt awkward.

As he hesitated, Reina noticed something off and spoke first.

“Got something to say?”

Seizing the chance, he blurted.

“Are you free tomorrow?”

He’d rehearsed it, but it sounded threatening.

“I’m free, but…”

She studied his serious face, growing tense.

He’d seemed like he had something to say.

‘Is something wrong?’

The Goreth issue was resolved, so she thought things were fine…

As she grew serious, he said stiffly.

“Come out with me then.”

“Where?”

“Just… around.”

He dodged, trailing off.

That fueled her suspicion, and she asked earnestly.

“Is something up?”

He tilted his head.

“No? Nothing.”

“You just look serious.”

Asking for a date made normal conversation hard.

He denied it firmly.

“It’s not like that.”

She sensed he didn’t want to talk.

Relieved but deflated, she said.

“Good then.”

Her darkened expression made him anxious.

‘Does she not want to go out with me?’

The thought dented his confidence.

“So, you’re free, right?”

He pressed, needing confirmation.

‘He’s acting weird.’

Checking her schedule, she said.

“I’m free after lunch. I’ll keep it open.”

Satisfied, he nodded.

Turning to leave, he froze at the mirror by the door.

‘Did I ask her out with this face?’