TOOCM 40

Chapter 40

Kaiden frowned, glaring at Reina’s bandaged ankle. It was where the snowfox had bitten her. His voice growled with a sharp edge.

“You could’ve died if I’d been a moment later.”

Recalling that moment made his heart lurch. The image of her closing her eyes in resignation fueled his anger.

“Next time, no matter what, hold on until the end. Don’t just stand there with those ‘catch me’ eyes.”

“It wouldn’t have mattered. If you hadn’t come in time, I’d be dead.”

Her nonchalant response made Kaiden scoff.

“So, you didn’t trust me.”

“Why does it turn into that?”

Flustered, she blinked, but Kaiden said firmly.

“I always protect my people. So, if it happens again, fight to survive or run.”

“…”

My people.

Those words tightened her chest and choked her throat.

Reina was speechless for a moment.

Kaiden, frowning, pressed her.

“Why no answer?”

His expression demanded one.

His stubbornness oddly pleased her.

After a pause, Reina nodded slowly.

“…Alright. Next time, even if I lose an arm, I’ll hold on.”

“No, why so dramatic…”

“So come save me. I’ll wait for you.”

Her response left Kaiden at a loss for words.

He’d only meant don’t give up easily.

Her words stirred a strange feeling.

Was it because he’d felt her unwavering trust since their first meeting?

She never opposed him.

Feeling ticklish, Kaiden cleared his throat and changed the subject.

“By the way, about Rose. If she bothers you, I’ll replace her.”

“No need.”

“No need? You’ll keep her around?”

“I already knew the northerners don’t like me. Replacing Rose would just bring new worries.”

She meant she’d keep Rose despite lingering suspicions.

Not many would make that choice.

Kaiden muttered, a bit sheepish.

“Still, it must bother you.”

“Not at all. You just saw—Rose calls me ‘Your Grace.’”

Her casual remark made Kaiden’s eyes widen.

“You knew? That Rose didn’t accept you?”

“Of course. I knew from the start.”

Though she’d only recently learned why.

Hiding that, Reina smiled bitterly.

Kaiden, oblivious to Rose’s feelings, looked clueless.

Puzzled, he asked.

“Then why not replace her sooner?”

“She’s one of the people I need to win over. I told you—I didn’t come to the North lightly.”

“…”

“I don’t plan to surround myself only with people who like me. I may not love the North like you, but I want to do well. And…”

Reina looked up at Kaiden, her eyes clear.

Her blue eyes sparkled like a crisp autumn sky.

Staring into them, his heart fluttered.

It felt like his organs were swimming underwater.

She smiled—a dazzling, fragmented smile like snow under sunlight.

“I want to truly understand the North you love. To do that, I need to win over people like Rose.”

Her clear voice rang in his ears.

Kaiden was at a loss for words.

He hadn’t realized she thought so deeply.

He’d assumed she came to escape the Emperor.

His heart tightened.

It was like seeing a cute animal, yet different.

Unlike animals, Reina made him anxious and unsettled.

The ticklish yet stinging feeling was new and strange.

Unable to bear the atmosphere, Kaiden ruffled her hair and looked away.

“Fine, do as you please. Better to cause a scene than cower. Leave the consequences to me.”

His usual bold promise.

But unlike before, he couldn’t meet her eyes.

It was hard to pinpoint why she felt more intimidating, but one thing was clear.

Ben was right.

Reina was dangerous.

She kept making him feel strange emotions when he let his guard down.

A contradictory urge to avoid yet approach her.

This unfamiliar feeling scared him.

An inexplicable emotion he couldn’t define.

Then, she laughed lightly and said.

“You’re right. I realize I could act freely because of you. I’m surprised I could be like this.”

See? Dangerous.

“Ugh, really…”

Unable to face her smile, Kaiden looked away.

He, who never flinched before beasts, felt this was alien.

“Kaiden?”

Reina looked puzzled as he rubbed his face.

He muttered to himself.

“I brought a dangerous thing home.”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

Kaiden replied curtly and turned.

He’d spent too much time and needed to return to his study.

“I’m going.”

Grabbing the doorknob, he glanced back as Reina waved brightly.

“See you later, Kaiden.”

Her radiant smile stood out.

Like she monopolized the spotlight.

Staring intently, Kaiden frowned and left.

A person wasn’t a star—how could they shine?

‘I’m going crazy. Must be near death.’

Kaiden stood in the hallway, lost in thought.

His heart pounded like it was broken.

His breath was rough, like a newborn forgetting how to breathe.

He felt nauseous yet weightless, as if his insides had dropped.

“Strange.”

Clutching his chest, he muttered, and Ben, waiting nearby, asked.

“Are you unwell?”

“Yeah. My heart’s acting up.”

“Shall I call the physician?”

Ben leaned in, serious.

Meeting his eyes, Kaiden’s heart calmed surprisingly.

Unlike Reina’s sparkle, Ben’s dullness grounded him.

As his racing heart settled, Kaiden sighed in relief.

“Just a temporary thing, I guess.”

“Pardon?”

“It’s nothing. Let’s get to work.”

Kaiden headed to his study, refreshed.

Ben followed, a step behind, looking puzzled.