I was able to rest in the carriage Lawrence had brought.
Seeing the size of the carriage and the supplies it containedfood, combat gear, dical items, and moreI realized how well-prepared they were for their search.
Had they not found , would they have scoured the area, eradicating all the criminals hiding in the forest?
Regardless, after hastily treating my wounds and lying down in the carriage, fatigue overwheld . The world spun, and soon, I drifted into sleep.
I awoke when night had almost fallen.
Stirred awake by a shaking hand, I regained consciousness.
As soon as I opened my eyes, a savory scent tickled my nose.
....Cayden, eat sothing and then sleep.
It was Judy. She was sitting inside the carriage, next to .
There was not a single ray of sunlight, and we had already left the forest, settling in a plain.
The soldiers, near my carriage, had lit a fire and were taking their rest.
They sang songs, danced, and enjoyed food, expressing their joy for the completion of their mission and the happiness of having found .
Seeing awake, they cheered but soon let rest, continuing to enjoy their night among themselves.
I sat up and took the porridge Judy offered .
....Thank you.
Mhm.
Judy sat huddled next to , holding her bowl and filling her stomach. She sat with her knees raised, the bowl cradled in her arms, bringing the spoon to her mouth with minimal movent. Her blank stare was an added touch.
....Judy.
.....Hmm?
When I called her, she jolted from her thoughts and looked at .
Why do you eat like youre so pitiable?
......
Judy slowly checked her posture at my words, then unfolded her hunched legs and corrected her position.
I waited for her reaction to my teasing, expecting her to show her usual embarrassed expression or get angry.
But when Judy didnt respond for a while, I leaned in to look at her face... and she was smiling.
...Whats with the smile?
.......
She kept smiling, bringing the spoon to her mouth.
I too followed her lead, filling my hungry stomach with soft, easy-to-digest food.
anwhile, Judy was no longer just smiling; she began to shake slightly and burst into full laughter. Once she started, it seed impossible for her to stop.
....Whats so funny about what I said that youre laughing like that?
I asked, spooning another bite of food into my mouth.
Strangely, even though I hadnt eaten in a long ti and thought Id want to eat my fill, I felt full after just a few bites.
After a long laugh, Judy wiped her tears and looked at .
The fire built by the soldiers flickered, beautifully illuminating her face. Their singing filled our silence.
Judy, looking at for a while, finally said,
.....Im just happy to hear your teasing again.
.......
Now it was my turn to be silent. As I simply focused on filling my stomach without reacting, Judy laughed again. The tables had turned, and she was enjoying my reaction.
We didnt talk anymore. The silence wasnt uncomfortable; it was just a mont of rest, leaning on each others presence.
As ti passed and the singing subsided, the soldiers who were on watch duty took turns guarding the area. The rest of us, including Judy and , prepared to sleep.
I lay back down in the carriage I had climbed into earlier... and Judy did the sa.
Neither of us questioned the situation. Lying next to each other was as natural as water flowing.
As the night deepened, thoughts of my siblings, grandmother, and the recent urgent events filled my mind. Then I heard Judy moving.
-Swish. Rustle.
That brief sound approached closer and settled beside .
Before I could even think about what it was, Judy pressed her body against mine.
Her soft, warm skin touched , sending a tingly thrill through my chest. Instinctively, my body felt happiness from this contact.
She wrapped her arms around , nestling her head deep into my arm.
I didnt resist, offering my arm as a pillow.
As I embraced her shoulder with the arm providing the pillow, we ended up in a complete embrace.
Judy sighed contentedly and held tighter. Though it was the first ti for both of us in such a position, there was no reluctance or hesitation.
It felt as if we had shared warmth like this hundreds of tis before. Perhaps because we were accustod to intertwining swords, any physical interaction felt natural.
A sense of psychological comfort also erged. Judy and I had so much in common that it almost felt like we could read each others thoughts without speaking.
As only those who share the sa ailnt can fully empathize with each others hearts, Judy and I, being so alike, naturally shared our pain.
Lying together like this felt like receiving unspoken consolation. Perhaps this is what it ans to be strengthened rely by soones existence.
Moreover, I had already made up my mind. I didnt want to be apart from Judy anymore.
Then, she spoke.
.....Cayden, Asena promised .
At the ntion of Asenas na, breathing beca slightly difficult. The news of their current situation kept nagging at . Maybe I felt guilty because I had forgotten and relaxed just monts ago.
......Asena?
.......She said if I bring you back, shell turn a blind eye to you and getting married.
....What?
Our breakup might have been because of family issues... but Ill try to fix it. There are so problems with my father... but Ill sort them out. Your family already secured a promise, so it should be fine.
........Judy.
...I know Daisy might not like it. Like I said, it doesnt matter if Im not the official wife. If Daisy finds it botherso, Ill stay out of sight. Its not hard for , whos been avoiding Nera like this... So, even if its as a concubine... Cayden. I think... youre all I have..
She held tighter, her tone and actions conveying strong conviction.
.....You feel it too, right? You and I are of the sa kind. We have so much in common. Just being together like this... we comfort each other. We give each other strength. Dont give up on . saying this... ans youre all I have.
Her earnest and honest emotions were palpable to .
Youre also at fault. If you didnt want a troubleso woman like , you shouldnt have approached in the first place. Shouldnt have offered friendship. Youre at fault for coming close without knowing anything about .
This ti, I could feel that her words were forced out with effort.
.....But... if you really dislike ... Ill give up. If Ive overstepped my boundaries, forgotten my place... I wont do it anymore. Youre my only friend... Im clumsy even with this. So, Cayden, so...
This ti, I could feel her fear of being hated.
This was her true self. The abrasive Judy from before was just putting up defenses to avoid getting hurt... This vulnerable and tender side was her true nature.
I wrapped my other arm around her, pulling her into my embrace. One hand on her shoulder, the other on her waist.
Judys body tensed for a mont before settling into my hold.
Embracing Judy felt different from the twins. When I hugged the twins, they lded into like liquid, like cats, conforming to every part of my body, while Judy felt like a large, sowhat firm puppy.
Even though she didnt have the fluidity of a cat, holding her felt good.
.....Judy. Before... and even now. The reason I cant make promises recklessly... is because I dont want to disappoint you.
.......
Yes, Ill be honest. I dont want to be apart from you either. I know the comfort you feel from ... because Ive felt it through you too. But, Judy. I have a promise with Daisy. I like you, but that doesnt an I want to hurt Daisy.
......I said Id be okay even as a concubine.
Sensing my next words would be of rejection, she spoke with a voice soaked in emotion.
....I dont need a promise that youll definitely take in, Cayden. Just... just promise this one thing. That youll try. Try to accept as a concubine. Okay...?
I ran my hand through her hair once.
Even with my gesture, she seed anxious, hesitating to speak.
Before she could say anything, I nodded.
In truth, the mont I embraced her like this, I had already made a decision.
....Listen to first... Ive never been greedy in my life... but from now on, I want to be. Ill try. Really. Thats what I wanted to say.
.......
...Do you trust ?
I asked the last question with a hint of laughter in my voice. The last ti I said this, it was a clear promise that we would et again.
Considering that promise would have been hard to keep if it werent for Judy, it was brazen of , who hadnt given her any reason to trust , to ask again.
Judy, responding to my words, chuckled, lightening the serious mood, and began to smile brightly.
Then, with laughter still in her eyes, unable to hide it, she pursed her lips and said, her feigned anger was adorable.
Thats really too much teasing. But, Cayden...
Our already close distance drew even nearer.
She slightly lifted herself up and kissed . It was a light but warm kiss.
Her previously feigned angry expression softened, and she looked at earnestly and said,
...I trust you. I will always trust you.
--- End Of The Chapter ---
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