Home/I confined you, but I have no ill will/ch 87

87.

"Unknown appeared?"

"Yes."

"And he said your grandfather is alive?"

"Yes."

Kite clicked his tongue.

"Why does that man keep appearing in others' dreams?"

He looked ready to tear Unknown apart on the spot. Ibelin shifted slightly away—she still clasped her hands, but felt better.

"My dreams aren't ordinary—they show the future, as I've said. Yet Unknown appeared. I don't know how, but he did."

Unknown was like her, yet he could do what she couldn't—interfere with her prophetic dreams.

"His words didn't seem like lies."

"Hmm—who officiated the funeral?"

"I did."

Noble funerals usually lasted days, gathering distant relatives—but Baron Frillie had insisted on a quick burial. So he was interred within a day, with only Ibelin watching.

"Forgive the impertinence—did you see the body?"

"Yes."

In the coffin, her grandfather lay as she'd last seen him—pale, still, lifeless. A painful memory.

"I believed he was gone."

"But you have reason to trust Unknown?"

"Yes—I remembered unusual medicine in the capital house."

She explained the medicine—Kite tapped the table.

"I've heard of such drugs, but thought they were fairy tales."

"Grandfather was with Intelligence—you knew?"

"Of course."

He shrugged.

"I couldn't keep a suspicious person nearby without knowing."

"Was I that suspicious?"

She narrowed her eyes.

"Ask anyone—even without the prophecy, you're different from other noble ladies. They don't fight that way."

"Some aim to be knights."

"Your fighting style isn't knightly."

Just as knights and mercenaries differed, she stood out.

"You caught a bear as a child—normal kids don't."

"You could have."

He said incredulously.

"I'm a Swordmaster now."

She nodded.

"True."

Having delivered Unknown's message, they needed to plan.

"I want to hurry to the capital."

Now that she knew her grandfather was alive, she couldn't wait—she had so many questions.

Why fake death? Why leave her?

But Kite shook his hand lightly.

"No—we'll rest a few more days."

"Why?"

"You've pushed hard—and you've barely rested since the North. Once in the capital, more hardships await. It's better to recover."

"I'm not tired!"

"Then let's say I am."

"But—"

She knew he was right. They'd been driven north by Draven, who wanted the throne; Kite had chosen to break through rather than avoid the trap.

Returning would bring more trouble. But she couldn't hide her anxiety—her grandfather's whereabouts were unknown.

He was her only family, though other relatives existed; blood didn't make family.

"He won't be hurt easily, will he?"

Kite knew Kailun's identity and calmly reassured her.

"...No. He's stronger than me."

Even in old age, he was formidable.

Amazing.

Kite patted her drooping head.

"Then he'll be fine. I'll send word ahead to find him."

"Thank you."

"I have my reasons—I want something too."

"Like what?"

"It's only natural to meet your spouse's family before marriage."

She flushed again.

"You don't need to worry—Grandfather always called you his benefactor. He'll approve."

Her voice faded, but Kite heard—he smiled and pulled her close.

---

"What?"

Kailun felt an itch in his ear, scratching and blowing—an ominous feeling.

"I don't like this."

"Like this!"

Martin smacked his back.

"Agh—you witch!"

"Shut up and focus!"

"You can't ignore my intuition! Something's happened—I'm sure."

"What—your granddaughter's safe with Kite on the way back?"

His face twisted.

"Wipe that look."

"Does this make sense?"

"What now?"

"Even if Ibelin is charming, clever, and talented—making her a fiancée! Even fake, you have to think of the future! I already have a list of proper suitors!"

What a doting grandfather. Martin glanced at him—he never stopped boasting. It'd fill a book.

"A husband should be faithful, kind, diligent, just—flexible enough not to be fooled."

"Handsome too?"

"Of course—it's basic. Look at Ibelin's looks; her partner must be fitting."

She wasn't that beautiful, but in his eyes she was. His standards were impossibly high.

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