~Chapter 55~
Cedric asked a question first, then carefully observed Eileen’s expression. Her calm face had a slight crack in it. It was a subtle change, but one Cedric could spot because of his habit of watching her closely.
“How did you know about that?”
It was something Eileen hadn’t decided on yet, and Cedric bringing it up forced her to think about making a decision right then.
But, unlike her usual decisive self, she couldn’t come to a conclusion.
“It’s not that important.”
“Did you give an order to keep an eye on me because you don’t trust me?”
Eileen, feeling a little defensive, threw back a sharp question. She couldn’t help feeling a bit wronged. Honestly, the meeting set up by Lord Rotner felt like a trap.
Of course, looking at the results, she was thankful for it. It was nice to see a familiar face after a long time, and there was some comfort in grabbing onto traces of a peaceful life that she could never get back.
“No. Why would I do that? Do I have something to feel guilty about?”
“You’re saying that, but it almost sounds like I’m selling Lowell family secrets. Not that I even know any,” Eileen responded sarcastically.
“…Aaron told me. He followed you because he was worried.”
Cedric stepped back a bit. He didn’t want to argue with Eileen. He had hoped that this time, things would be different. Maybe it was just wishful thinking, though.
Eileen sighed deeply and relaxed her shoulders. Even though it was probably true that Cedric was right, being questioned like this still didn’t sit well with her.
“It wasn’t dangerous. I didn’t meet anyone dangerous.”
“Then why did you meet them?”
Eileen seemed surprisingly ready to answer, and Cedric relaxed, eager to hear what she would say.
“…It’s nothing. I just had to meet them.”
Before she could say more, a knight suddenly appeared. Both Cedric and Eileen realized just how close they had been, almost face-to-face, in their conversation.
Eileen stepped back a few steps, and Cedric’s map, which he had drawn, got smudged. It was the part where he had marked their current location. It almost seemed like it was showing the uncertainty of where they were headed, just like their relationship.
“What’s going on?” Cedric asked, noticing something was wrong.
“Please, come quickly,” the knight said.
Cedric didn’t have time for a long discussion, so he had to leave and check it himself. He sighed silently, wondering if he wasn’t even allowed a moment to step away.
“Go ahead. I’ll stay here.”
Eileen’s calm voice echoed. She hid the earlier worry and quickly returned to her usual emotionless expression, making sure Cedric wouldn’t know what she was thinking. But in reality, she did have a decision in her mind.
“I’ll be here. Don’t go anywhere,” she said, not wanting to leave their conversation unfinished.
Cedric left, and the knight, Ruth, led him out to where an older knight with grayish-brown hair was waiting.
“Lord Dane, what’s going on?” Cedric asked with a respectful tone, though it was clear Lord Dane was part of the family.
Cedric knew that Lord Dane had been assigned to him by his uncle, who needed someone reliable in battle situations. Lord Dane was the best advisor Cedric had at the moment.
“We’ve talked to the steward. It seems they didn’t only take food, but also winter supplies. With all that, they should be able to hold up in this weather.”
“…Unfortunately, they won’t freeze to death, then.”
Lord Dane hesitated but continued, “There are many caves in the mountains to take shelter from the snow.”
Cedric frowned. “Why did they prepare so much? What’s their reason?”
“It seems they were comrades who survived many battles together in the past. That’s what the steward knows.”
But Cedric suspected there was more to it. Lord Noheel was a man of advanced age, and his connection with the steward must’ve been strong enough to overlook other details.
‘If my father were here, things would be different,’ Cedric thought, frustrated at his own lack of judgment.
He sighed deeply and ran his hand over the sword’s hilt. There wasn’t much he could do at this point. For now, he had to act cautiously.
“I don’t trust the guards here, so don’t let your guard down. Everyone needs to take turns resting. They’re tired from the long journey,” Cedric said.
“You should rest as well, sir,” Lord Dane suggested.
“I’ve got things to take care of.”
Cedric turned to leave but noticed a faint light coming from the guesthouse where Lord Rotner was staying. He understood that Lord Rotner hadn’t gone to sleep yet, likely because of the situation.
Cedric’s gaze shifted between the guesthouse and Eileen’s large residence. “Something’s going on,” he muttered to himself.
As Cedric stared out into the distance, Theo Arwyn, the foreign prince, approached him, breaking his thoughts.
“Something happened?” Theo asked, showing some concern.
Cedric almost forgot that Theo was still around. This wasn’t just a matter of family business; it involved Cedric’s mistakes.
“I don’t have much going on. I plan to head back to my country once the sun comes up,” Theo replied, but his tone showed something was bothering him.
Cedric could tell that Theo was anxious, but they didn’t have time for small talk. There were more important matters at hand.
“The situation in your country… I hope it gets resolved,” Cedric said.
“Please give my regards to Lady Cashier as well,” Theo added.
“Of course.”
As Theo walked away, Cedric realized that the prince was likely hurrying to deal with his own issues back home. He didn’t want to be here any longer, as it made it easier for things to go wrong.
Once Cedric took care of things here, he would have to focus on his duties back home.
