Home/I confined you, but I have no ill will/ch 84

84.

The guard tensed at the sight of the knights and horses surrounding the wagon, but Alex's friendly manner soon put him at ease.

"You've arrived at the perfect time—the village is preparing for the Apple Festival starting tomorrow. There'll be plenty to see and eat."

"Ah—so that's why."

Alex nodded, looking at the line of people at the entrance.

"Yes—more visitors than usual. It's not an ancient festival, but its regulars are growing. Nobles stop by too, so you'll enjoy yourselves."

The expensive carriage, warhorses, armed men—though relaxed, they stayed alert. It wasn't hard to guess they were nobles, so the guard recommended the largest inn.

At the mention of nobles, Alex hesitated briefly—then quickly changed his expression, so the guard didn't notice. They claimed a knight's title and entered.

"A diligent guard."

Alex led everyone to the recommended inn.

It was modest but clean, with staff dressed alike and maintaining politeness—the claim of noble guests seemed true.

"Do you have a room?"

The staff checked quickly.

"Only one remains."

Trouble—Alex looked at Ibelin and Kite.

"Only one?"

Ibelin's eyes widened.

"Should we try another inn?"

"It's festival season—they'll be full too. Ours fills last."

The staff explained carefully, wary of troublesome nobles.

"Take that room."

At Kite's words, Alex secured the key.

"Second floor, end of the hall."

"I'll check the room."

Ibelin took the key from Alex.

"We'll find other lodgings."

"How?"

"There's a way."

Alex waved and left.

Ibelin and Kite stood alone—Alex could find a place, but what about the two of them?

One room—she'd never considered that! In the North, they'd slept side by side, but not here. If someone saw them...

She fiddled with the key and handed it to Kite. He took it, puzzled.

"Wouldn't it be better if you took the room?"

At her cautious words, his eyes narrowed.

"What made you think that?"

"Nothing specific—"

She waved her hands—it was practical. She'd heard you defer to higher rank; her grandfather said so, to avoid trouble.

So she'd followed his advice.

Kite sighed.

"Ibelin."

"Yes?"

"What are we?"

"To be engaged?"

"Yes—and I'm a knight. What's a knight's duty?"

"Protect the weak, uphold justice."

Now you understand. His expression said it.

So I'm the weak one? The weak included the elderly, children, and women—she glanced down at herself.

She wasn't weak—she fought better than most Nordin, though a Swordmaster was different. She'd never seen him fight seriously.

"Fine—I'll take the room. But where will you sleep?"

"Follow Alex—I'm not picky about where I sleep."

Years on the northern battlefield made him adaptable.

"No."

She gripped the key—she couldn't let him be uncomfortable.

"Men are beasts—stay away from them."

Her grandfather had said that, but Kite wasn't a beast—she'd forgotten his reputation.

"Let's go together."

"Where?"

"The room—one of us can sleep on the floor."

He was speechless for a moment.

"What if someone sees?"

"Let them—we have nothing to be ashamed of."

Her proud words made him laugh. He offered his arm—an escort. She didn't need it but accepted, and they went upstairs.

The room was good—bedroom, bathroom, a small sitting room—plenty for two.

"Enough space."

Kite looked at her smiling face and thought: How naive.

What made her trust him in the same room? His lack of romantic scandals, maybe—she'd gathered enough information to know that.

Still—

They'd come to like each other. He didn't know the depth of her feelings, but he knew his own—far greater than she thought. Restraining his impulses wasn't easy.

Her dust-smudged face was cute; her shooting and kicking were spirited. Everything about her made his heart race and desire grow.

At first, holding hands was enough—but not for long. Desire grew quickly. He wanted to kiss her round cheeks, to see her reaction—surprise? Embarrassment? Maybe she'd like it.

What if he aimed for her lips? His eyes darkened.

He'd held back well, but his growing desires were hard to manage. Yet she suggested sharing a room? He didn't care about appearances, but he didn't want to hurt her—he wanted her to see only good things, to be happy.

"I can sleep on the floor!"

"Ibelin—I told you."

"I'll take the bed!"

Thankfully, she understood.

"I'll sleep on the sofa."

The three-seater was large enough, with a blanket—not a bad bed.

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