IRER 19

Chapter 19 

 “Come With Me”:

Aidan, carrying Brody on his back and following her directions, came to a halt, bewildered by the enormous tree that now stood before them.

The tree trunk was so thick, it looked wider than an entire room. But no matter where he looked, there was no visible entrance.

Brody, watching Aidan circle the tree with her on his back, could guess what he was thinking. She let out a small chuckle, finding his actions endearing.

“It’s up there.”

“Up?”

Aidan looked up, searching for the top of the tree.

Its crown stretched so far, he couldn’t even see where it ended.

‘How are we supposed to get up there?’

Just then, Brody extended her hand, and a vine resembling a rope descended from above.

And at that moment, she realized for sure—her current physical state was the result of overusing her powers.

As soon as she used her strength, a stabbing chill spread throughout her body.

‘This is the problem.’

Having the house built high above ground was great for safety—but terrible for accessibility, especially now, when she was unwell.

But before Brody could even consider her next move, Aidan was already solving the problem on his own.

He wrapped her securely in his cloak, bundling her like a baby carried in a sling against his chest.

Climbing with both hands and feet, Brody would stay safely nestled against his body.

‘Like a kangaroo,’ Brody thought, resting lightly on his body as she recalled a memory from not long ago—when she had fallen asleep in his arms while riding south.

His strong frame and warm body gave her a sense of relief.

Even while holding Brody, Aidan climbed the tree with little effort.

“Whoa… there’s actually a space up here,” he murmured in awe as he set her down.

Branches had been woven together to form a broad floor, softened with a layer of straw. A ceiling made of grass-treated cloth offered shelter from the rain, though it didn’t cover everything—bits of the sky peeked through the trees.

A small low table sat there, along with a rattan basket filled with odds and ends. Even a shelf was fastened to the tree wall, neatly holding dishes and teacups.

“If you’re hungry, there’s some fruit and bread. Help yourself.”

Brody pointed to one of the baskets and pulled out a change of clothes from another.

Although they’d been through quite a lot, when she began changing clothes, Aidan instinctively turned his back.

She removed her wet clothes and put on dry ones, but she still couldn’t shake the chill.

She’d never imagined feeling so cold in such sweltering weather.

Her clothes were thin, and there were only light blankets.

‘This is bad…’

Brody summoned a plant known for its fever-reducing properties and began burning it.

“Ah…”

As soon as she used her power, pain surged through her again.

She’d thought she could always create remedies when needed, but now she realized that was arrogance. From now on, she needed to prepare medicine in advance.

“Can you hand me some water?”

Aidan looked around, found a kettle and a cup, poured some water, and handed it to her.

“So cold…”

Even though it was just lukewarm water, it felt freezing to her.

After barely managing to swallow the medicine, Brody shivered and pulled the thin blanket tightly around herself.

Aidan took a sip of the leftover water, and his expression grew worried. It didn’t feel cold at all to him.

“You should drink something hot.”

“There’s no way to boil water up here.”

Aidan picked up the kettle and swiftly climbed down.

He was worried that lighting a fire might produce smoke that would alert Jacks to their location, but thankfully, there was no sign of anyone.

After boiling enough water and cleaning up carefully, he returned and climbed back up.

He placed a warm cup in her hands.

Brody thanked him, but Aidan only felt frustrated with himself.

There was nothing more he could do.

‘If only I had a hot water bottle…’

A leather pouch that could serve as a hot water bottle was attached to the saddle of his black horse, Kaise, which he’d left in the village.

He thought of soaking a towel in hot water, but it would likely evaporate too quickly and only make things worse.

After some hesitation, he decided to try the method he’d been putting off.

He stood up—and then took off his shirt and pants.

Brody stared at him, startled.

But when she saw his expression, she realized he was even more embarrassed than she was.

He didn’t have to take off his pants… but in a way, he did.

He hadn’t had a chance to dry off after getting soaked earlier.

He still wore his underclothes, so he wasn’t completely naked. (Going that far would definitely have been too much.)

“Brody, come here.”

He settled down and gestured to the space in front of him.

She understood his intention, but even someone like Brody—usually shameless in the face of survival—hesitated.

She wavered between rejecting and accepting at least ten times, but then noticed his utterly embarrassed expression.

If she hesitated any longer, he might actually cry—or blush so hard his face would explode.

With that thought, Brody scooted over and sat in front of him.

As she settled close, Aidan wrapped the thin blanket around them both.

Soon, the air inside the blanket grew warm.

Brody, finally feeling some relief, snuggled into Aidan’s body.

He was surprised by how eagerly she leaned into him, while Brody tried to act unfazed by their closeness.

Aidan found himself appreciating this side of her—doing things boldly without overthinking.

He gathered his courage and embraced her, taking her cold hands in his own and rubbing them.

Slowly, warmth returned to her fingertips.

But with the tropical climate, his own body heat, and Brody’s feverish warmth all combining, Aidan started to overheat quickly.

Noticing that his body was damp with sweat, Brody asked apologetically, “You’re hot, aren’t you?”

“No.”

“……”

She could clearly see the sweat, but he still denied it.

‘Why is he so kind… It’s going to make me weak.’

Eyes fluttering, Brody let herself relax into the comfort.

…

When she opened her eyes again, darkness had fallen.

Sensing that she was awake, Aidan lowered his gaze from the stars visible through the trees.

“You’re up.”

Brody stretched, feeling much lighter.

He moved his head to the side to avoid getting in her way.

She chuckled at his consideration.

He felt a pang of disappointment, thinking she was about to move away—but instead, she shifted and leaned against him again.

“You really are like a human hot water bottle.”

For the first time in his life, the Grand Duke was called a hot water bottle—but he felt proud.

“Glad I was useful.”

At those words, Brody turned to look up at him.

His side profile came into view.

Caught off guard by her gaze, Aidan turned to meet her eyes.

“Tell me, Your Highness.”

“W-What is it?”

“You lied, didn’t you? About me being your first.”

“……?!”

His face turned bright red.

“I-I wasn’t lying…”

“Hm. Then why are you so good at this?”

Truthfully, he wasn’t good at it. From his reactions, it was clear how awkward he was.

The strange thing was actually the other side—women.

‘No way a guy like him wouldn’t be swarmed by women.’

But Brody held her tongue.

Saying it out loud would only make her feel jealous.

Instead, she turned and nestled into his chest again.

‘Let’s admit it—I have feelings for him.’

But liking him and going with him were two very different things.

At least, for her.

Looking back up at the sky, he said, “So this is where you’ve been. Looks like you enjoyed your time here.”

It was a clumsy attempt to change the subject, but Brody, deep in her thoughts, didn’t notice.

Resting against his chest, she replied, “Yes, I enjoyed it.”

Aidan listened, feeling her hair brush his skin each time she moved—ticklish, but pleasant.

“I ate well, lazed around, and did everything I wanted to. At least the things I could do.”

Seeing how happy she looked, his heart ached again.

Without thinking, he reached out and gently caressed her cheek.

Brody felt his touch. Her cheek grew warm, and startled by the heat, she blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

“My skin’s much better now, right? I found some really good skincare. It used to be so rough.”

“No—it was always soft enough.”

She had just been trying to downplay the moment, but that only made her cheeks burn even more.

She worried her ears might start glowing too, but there was nowhere to hide.

‘This atmosphere… it’s dangerous.’

Aidan, unknowingly staring at her neck through her hair, asked softly,

“You’re okay now, right, Brody?”

“Yes, of course. I feel much better.”

But the next moment, Brody realized she might have answered too confidently.

Because he lowered his head and kissed the back of her neck.

Already flushed, she shivered at the touch.

He had expected her to remain indifferent—but her reaction surprised him.

A pleasant surprise, to be honest.

“Your Highness…?”

“Brody, look at me.”

She was flustered. It was already overwhelming, and now he wanted her to look at him?

Show him her face in this state?

He’d definitely see through her feelings.

When she hesitated, Aidan shifted and gently held her cheek and neck, turning her toward him.

The darkness hid her blush, but he could feel the heat on her cheek.

Just as he’d hoped, she couldn’t meet his eyes.

The uncertainty in his heart was replaced with certainty.

She wasn’t the only one affected—she also had feelings for him.

Suppressing his joy, he kissed her eyes.

Her nose. Her cheek. And then her lips.

Thankfully, she accepted his kiss.

His heart felt like it would burst.

He tilted his head, kissing her again and again.

Her lips, still warm with fever, felt sweet against his.

When he finally pulled away, panting, he gazed into her eyes.

After catching his breath, he said,

“Brody, come with me.”

Her eyes, previously cast downward, lifted.

Her gaze trembled as she met his.

Her lips parted—and she replied.

“Your Grace… I can’t go with you.”