TOOCM 47

Chapter 47

“Will this really work?”

Reina asked, skeptical, but Rose was firm.

“Of course.”

“Still, it feels excessive… I don’t want to worry everyone.”

Rose’s plan was simple.

Reina, unfamiliar with Crensia Castle’s layout, would “get lost” in its vastness.

Even servants didn’t know every path, sticking to familiar routes. Some had nearly frozen to death after wandering into the wrong areas.

Even Kaiden couldn’t stay idle hearing she was missing.

To catch a fleeing target, set a trap to make them come to you.

But Reina remained doubtful.

Would this really make him come himself? Wouldn’t he just send servants?

“No, this feels like troubling everyone. I should just find Kaiden myself…”

“Your Grace.”

Rose grabbed Reina’s shoulder, serious.

“With that weak resolve, you won’t see His Grace today.”

“Oh.”

“You said you have something important to say. At this rate, you’ll chase him for three days. Is that okay?”

Three days!

That was well past the fever’s onset.

Reina steeled herself.

“Alright. I’ll do it.”

“Good. I’ll keep watch nearby. I’ll signal when His Grace is close, so don’t wander too far.”

Rose vanished after speaking.

Reina walked slowly into the maze garden.

Located on the castle’s west side, it was tricky for newcomers.

Perfect for claiming she got lost.

Having checked the exit with Rose, she moved confidently.

The air was chilly, but prepared, she wasn’t cold. It felt refreshing, and she took a deep breath.

How long had she wandered?

With no signal from Rose, she was heading back when Kaiden suddenly grabbed her.

“Playing hide-and-seek, huh?”

“Oh.”

“Do you know how much I searched? Why are you here…!”

Kaiden panted, hair disheveled from rushing.

He’d clearly been frantic.

He actually came.

Reina felt a strange mix of emotions.

That he came himself, not sending servants, warmed her.

His scowl looked ready to scold her.

She smoothed his hair and asked.

“Why’d you come?”

“What?”

“You avoided me all day. Why come now?”

Her accusing tone left him speechless. Rubbing his neck, he said,

“You were missing—how could I stay put? You get cold easily. Do you know how worried I was, thinking you’d freeze?”

His voice rose, unable to hide his agitation.

He’d been that scared.

Reina confessed, seeing him rein in his anger.

“I didn’t really get lost.”

“What?”

“You fell for my trap.”

Her sly smile made him dumbfounded.

Realizing he’d been tricked, he was incredulous.

“On purpose?”

He’d searched the castle like a madman, embarrassed.

Relieved she was safe, he found himself ridiculous.

Reina said triumphantly,

“You’re easier to fool than I thought.”

No.

He wasn’t easily fooled.

It was just her.

Normally, he wouldn’t act so recklessly.

Realizing how emotionally he’d reacted, he let out a dry laugh.

‘Completely insane.’

To act so impulsively over this.

If she were truly in danger, he couldn’t imagine his reaction.

Love was terrifying.

He’d outdone his brother.

As he fell silent, Reina asked softly,

“Mad?”

“No.”

“Gonna run again?”

“I won’t.”

Relieved by his compliance, she noticed the sun dipping.

Time was running out. She grabbed his hand.

“I have something to say.”

Kaiden seized her hand, his face serious.

“Kaiden?”

“Let’s warm you up first. Then we’ll talk.”

Her hands would soon burn with fever anyway.

Rubbing them, he scolded,

“How long were you wandering? No gloves in this cold? You’ll regret it when your fingers freeze.”

Reina followed quietly.

But soon, he lifted her.

“No way. At your pace, we won’t get back today.”

Bold for someone avoiding her all day.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, murmuring,

“I’ll be warm soon anyway.”

“No chance. You’re ice-cold. Even groundwater’s warmer…”

He stopped mid-tease.

Her body was unnaturally hot.

She bit her lip, sensing the change.

“There’s something I haven’t told you.”

“What’s this? Is your body breaking? Why so sudden…?”

Grabbing her wrist, he asked sharply.

Her arm was burning unnaturally.

Her consciousness blurred.

Forcing her eyes open, she held on.

“Don’t worry too much. It’s just a sign of the divine beast’s power manifesting.”

“What…”

Kaiden’s stunned expression turned to shock.

“You knew you’d get a fever? That’s why you moved the banquet up?”

He was sharp. Skipping explanations, she replied calmly,

“Yes.”

It felt like a hammer to the head.

The divine beast’s power was uncharted.

Even royals rarely shared such private abilities.

He’d never heard of such signs.

His stomach churned.

Her disregard for her body angered him.

“Then you should’ve stayed in your room, not wandered here!”

His voice rose.

What if she’d gotten lost and the fever hit? Why be so reckless?

Even for a trap, she didn’t need to push herself.

She treated herself as a tool.

It might be far-fetched, but he feared she’d one day use herself as bait.

Reina laughed softly.

Would he get angrier if she said his anger made her happy?

“I wanted to see you that badly.”

“…”

“After the fever, I won’t see anymore.”