It took nearly three hours to cross the eerily silent forest surrounding the hill.
Rayan glanced at Aria for what felt like the hundredth time during the short journey. She had surprised him yet again. He had expected her to be exhausted halfway through, but there was no sign of fatigue on her face.
Was it because of her unusual disposition?
Her brown eyes continued to take in everything around her with the same wide-eyed curiosity she'd shown since they began descending the hill.
It was easy to conclude that she had never been to this side of the hill—or into the forest at all.
His blue eyes, set in a face etched with cold features, held a somber expression as he tried to piece together the life of the girl beside him.
She couldn't have been living alone in that hut. There was another room. Then why had no one visited during his stay?
"My Lord, there's a village nearby," Maxim said.
Rayan broke out of his thoughts and glanced at him. With a nod, he decided, "We'll find a place to stay for the night."
The knights agreed. With Ulrik soldiers likely still in pursuit, blending in with villagers was safer than camping out in the open.
Fortunately, their simple clothing made them look like ordinary travelers.
They proceeded toward the village.
At the village entrance, the guard checked them over. Finding nothing suspicious, he registered them as travelers.
It was around seven in the evening. Some villagers were returning from their farms, while others busied themselves with evening chores. The market remained open a little longer.
Aria looked around in awe.
As they entered and the number of people increased—from one to two, then two to four, then a small crowd gathered under the trees—her brown eyes widened further.
So many people.
"Aria!"
She startled when Rayan suddenly pulled her back, just before she collided with someone.
Ashamed and flustered, she bowed her head repeatedly to the small human in front of her and murmured, "Li Hontey." (I apologize.)
The child stared at her, wide-eyed. Aria stared back, equally lost.
Rayan's lips twitched slightly as he watched the awkward but silly exchange.
Fortunately, the child's mother soon arrived. She apologized politely before ushering her son away. The child, however, looked back curiously.
"Mother, who was that sister? She's so beautiful…"
Aria didn't understand the child's words, but she kept watching them until Rayan gently took her wrist. Startled again, she looked up at him.
Since entering the village, they had all uncovered their faces. Covering themselves now would draw unnecessary attention. Mindful of appearances, Rayan had maintained proper distance from Aria—but he had never stopped watching over her.
After the recent close call, he sighed and held out his sleeve to her.
"Hold it," he said, gesturing.
Aria looked at the fabric between her fingers, then nodded.
As they continued walking, Aria quietly holding Rayan's sleeve, Eden let out a soft chuckle.
Magnus, walking beside him, raised an eyebrow. "What?"
Eden smirked, casting a quick glance toward their master. He lowered his voice. "Did you ever imagine a woman who could make Master behave like this? Sigh… Our master isn't just our master anymore."
He placed a hand dramatically over his heart.
Magnus shook his head with a smile. "You're overthinking. Tristan told me the lady saved His Excellency's life. It's only natural he cares about her."
Eden rolled his eyes and threw both Magnus and Tristan (a few steps ahead) a look of mock irritation. "You believe whatever Tristan says? Don't you know he's ridiculously possessive when it comes to His Excellency? He's just jealous. Of course, he'd deny it."
Magnus laughed. "If Tristan heard you…"
"He'd bite my head off like a rabid boar, I know," Eden said with a dramatic sigh. "Still, don't you think he—"
Their chatter trailed off as they finally arrived at an inn.
Usually, in situations like this, they all shared one room for safety. But this time, Rayan turned to the innkeeper and said, "Two rooms."
The innkeeper handed them keys and gave details about dinner.
Rayan silently handed one of the keys to Maxim.
Tristan looked surprised. "My Lord, you're not staying with us?"
Before Rayan could respond, Eden slung an arm around Tristan's shoulders. "Don't be scared. We're still with you. We'll make sure you sleep just fine."
Tristan scowled and looked past him, back at Rayan.
"Aria doesn't fully understand the situation. Someone should stay with her."
Rayan nodded.
"Then let me stay with the Lady. You're still recovering. You need proper rest."
Tristan's tone was earnest, but Eden clicked his tongue and—without waiting—dragged the man away.
A man like that was simply unbearable. Always interfering with their master's… happier matters.