THSMW 41

chapter 41

Whooooosh.

The blowing wind swept through the silent forest. Hair stuck to my cheek.

I wanted to brush it away but was too lazy, so I just wrinkled my nose. Then, Siegfried’s other hand gently wiped my cheek.

“…Don’t touch me sneakily like that.”

“That’s only because you’re making me worry.”

“Actually, you did well. Thank you.”

“You’re the only one who teases the prince.”

“Thrilling, isn’t it?”

I started nodding off while having a quiet conversation with Siegfried. Maybe because I relaxed, sleepiness washed over me like a tide.

I wanted to think more about how I was so sure Siegfried would have taken a hit on his shoulder if I hadn’t grabbed the arrow. And also how he knew beforehand that Siegfried would be hypnotized by the siren.

Ah, now that I think about it, Siegfried asked me twice if we had met somewhere before…

The chain of thoughts stopped there. I quickly fell asleep.

When I opened my eyes again, I realized something solid was supporting my neck. If Siegfried, who was sitting with his eyes closed, hadn’t been in my sight, I might have mistaken it for resting my head on a rock.

What is this? Could it be Siegfried’s thigh?

“…Don’t lie down that way.”

He said this just as I was trying to get a more comfortable angle to look at his face, but he had his arms crossed.

I thought he was sleeping because his eyes were closed, but Siegfried was awake.

“You look really beautiful from this new angle.”

“Turn your head.”

“You never say that usually.”

I pouted. I turned to face Siegfried properly, but he gently pushed me away. If that’s the case, why did he let me rest my head on his thigh?

“This situation is different from usual. You were sleeping so uncomfortably, I tried to make you comfortable, but now I’m about to go crazy.”

Siegfried quickly spoke, blinking his eyes tightly.

If he wanted to say my head was heavy, he could just say it outright. I wouldn’t be hurt by that.

Of course, I might be waiting for the perfect chance to slap Siegfried again next time.

“I’m getting up now. Thanks to you, I slept really well.”

“Not now.”

Siegfried fanned himself as if he were hot, then quickly pushed me down when I tried to sit up. His hand on my shoulder felt like it was burning. Without thinking, I grabbed his hand.

“…Stop!”

Startled, he flapped and pulled his hand away from mine. Siegfried covered his suddenly bright red face with his hand. Ah, I see.

“Your Highness, I think I understand now.”

“…”

“I think it’s better if I get up.”

“Th-then people will see.”

“No, I’ll face away. How about you go behind that tree and take care of it?”

“…”

Siegfried fell silent.

I untied the handkerchief he had tied and got up. He didn’t stop me anymore. I turned my back to him and fumbled to hand him the handkerchief.

“Don’t take too long. If it gets completely dark, I’ll be a little scared.”

“Staying still helps.”

“How is that better? I think it’s better if you just go.”

“Let’s stop talking about this. It’s embarrassing, I want to die.”

“It’s a natural thing, why are you acting like that!”

Siegfried just sighed deeply without saying a word. To ease his embarrassment a bit, I started talking.

“I’ve had a stomach ache too. It was a hot summer day. I was drinking iced lemon tea…”

“…Stomach ache?”

His voice cracked harshly. Siegfried looked utterly bewildered.

“What kind of conversation have we been having until now?”

“That’s why I said you should keep a handkerchief.”

“I don’t need it. And I’m better now.”

“Can I turn around then?”

“Sure.”

I sat facing Siegfried again. His complexion had calmed and returned to its usual pale color.

But when I moved closer to lean my back on a tree and accidentally brushed his fingertips, he gasped almost like having a seizure.

“Are you really okay?”

At that moment, distant voices calling for us echoed.

“Your Highness! Arieeel!”

“Miss! Your Highness!”

Miliad’s voice almost sounded like a shout. The rest of the group had finally arrived. I got up for Siegfried and clasped my hands, calling out toward the voices.

“We’re here!”

The sound of galloping hooves grew closer. Even in the dark night forest, Abusion’s bright blond hair was easily noticeable.

“Is anyone hurt? Did you meet more assassins?”

“We’re fine. How about you?”

“I’m fine too. Miliad hurt her arm and five knights were seriously injured.”

Abusion and I quickly exchanged status updates. The rest of the group arrived meanwhile.

“It’s gotten too dark to get out of the forest. We should rest here and leave at dawn.”

Since no one mentioned assassins, it was obvious Abusion had handled them all. He was thorough in this regard.

No one probably knew who had sent the assassins. We did not mention anything about Aisa.

Abusion ordered the uninjured knights to set up a simple tent. The injured were laid down there.

Then he had several attendants prepare dinner. Since there was still some meat left from the inn, we could have a simple meal.

Siegfried sat quietly through the whole process. I guess he was still planning to sleep well.

By the way, I was worried about Miliad’s injured arm. We had to treat it quickly.

“What’s that, Ariel? Stop making that annoyed face. I’m not dying.”

I worried for no reason. Cancel that.

“Yeah, Miliad will be fine. Once we get out of the forest, the village is just ahead.”

I clung to Abusion’s side and pulled Miliad’s head. Abusion was big and warm, very useful for sleeping outdoors, so Miliad and I took the spots beside him.

The firewood crackled in the campfire. After dinner, tiredness weighed on me, and I quickly fell asleep under my blanket.

When it was bright enough to see clearly, the group started moving again.

As Abusion said, once we exited the forest, the village was right there. However, Siegfried ended up riding my horse until we reached the village. I guessed it was because I was the lightest.

But Siegfried didn’t seem happy about riding behind me. He didn’t say it, but I could tell from his expression.

So I tried to give my horse to Siegfried and planned to ride Abusion’s or Miliad’s horse.

“Don’t go. Just ride with me.”

Siegfried grabbed my sleeve.

“No, it’s okay.”

Since we were the count’s party, it was sure to attract attention when we arrived. But if the count’s daughter rode the same horse as the prince, it would only fuel the already exaggerated rumors.

I explained this meaning to Siegfried. But he didn’t let go of my sleeve, nervously chewing on his lips.

“If we’re careful not to touch each other… maybe it’ll be okay.”

What was that supposed to mean?

“We have injured people; we can’t keep them waiting longer.”

When I urged him, Siegfried bit his lip as if making a big decision. Then he took the seat behind me.

“Abusion said he’ll hurry, so we’ll run fast. You have to hold tightly onto my waist.”

His face flushed bright red as he nodded. I hesitated but then grabbed his hand that was resting on my waistbelt. Surprised, Siegfried was pulled in, and I felt his firm arms wrap around my waist. After confirming that, I started riding the horse.

If I acted strong, he would get all obedient like that—but why does he have to provoke me? I laughed out loud and dashed forward quickly.

Since Siegfried was bigger than me, it looked like I was in his arms, but I didn’t really mind.