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~Chapter 17~
“The one who said she was going into the village wasn’t even in it. I figured if you really were going to meet people, you’d have brought me.”
“…”
“So, what were you doing in there? Did you find something?”
Calix approached gently, smiling—yet to Rena, he had never looked so terrifying. She quickly hid the ring-holding hand behind her back and shook her head.
“No, I just dropped something while peeking inside… out of curiosity.”
“Oh, really? And you found it?”
“Yeah. Let’s head back.”
As she slipped the wrapped ring into her coat pocket and moved to walk past him—
Calix caught her wrist.
“Wait, Rena. I’m not done talking.”
“…About what?”
He stepped in closer. The tension thickened. She looked up, trying to stay calm.
“So, what is it?”
Calix lowered his face near hers and whispered:
“Can I see what you found in the well?”
“H-Huh? It’s nothing—just a brooch I dropped.”
She played it off casually. Calix’s smile deepened.
“Still, I want to see it.”
“…”
“Is that a no?”
He tilted his head, charming as ever. She almost gave in—but forced herself to resist.
“No.”
She stepped back firmly.
“Ah, what a shame.”
His tone betrayed no real disappointment, but Rena’s heart pounded. She turned, but as she did—
Calix was holding the familiar white handkerchief, unwrapping it.
“…Cal…”
She froze. Her breath caught in her throat.
“Ah, Rena,” Calix smiled warmly.
“I had a feeling. And sure enough—it was here.”
“You… that’s…”
She reached to check her pocket—empty.
When?
Of course—when he got close earlier.
“You knew?”
“Knew what?”
She had no choice but to ask.
“That the Troxia ring was hidden here…”
“Of course not.”
He walked closer, the ring gleaming in his hand.
“But I knew you’d come looking for it.”
“How…?”
How did he know she’d come here, and that the ring mattered to her?
Calix gently tucked her hair behind her ear.
“Rena.”
“Yes?”
“Do you think it was a coincidence you overheard me talking about the ring?”
“…”
“I knew if I showed even a hint of searching for it, you’d rush to find it first. You’re smart like that.”
“So… you dropped that info on purpose?”
“Let’s say I did.”
She felt dazed.
Had he agreed to come here solely for this? Had it all been calculated?
“Surprised I’m like this?” Calix asked gently.
“You don’t hate me, right?”
He guided her hand to his cheek, like a child seeking affection.
Seeing his fragile expression, she withdrew her hand.
“I knew you were like this. That’s not why I’d hate you.”
“But… it’s weird. You’re usually better at hiding it.”
Calix flinched, guilt visible.
“I didn’t want to do this… I just got desperate.”
And he looked genuinely regretful.
“Calix. What do you plan to do with the Troxia ring?”
He smiled—half like he’d waited for that question, half like he hoped it wouldn’t come.
“Let’s talk once we leave here. Staying too long might seem odd.”
“…”
“Come on. Please?”
She hesitated, but took his hand.
Even as they exited the woods, Rena’s mind was a storm of thoughts.
She wanted to shake answers out of him, but feared the truth.
“Calix.”
“Yes?”
“At least let me keep the ring.”
“Of course. It’s yours—it belongs to you.”
No hesitation, no disappointment on his face.
Had he only wanted to confirm she had it?
They reached her old house again.
“You left the door open.”
“Ah… sorry. Slipped my mind.”
But he didn’t look sorry at all. Still, Rena let it go.
The door didn’t matter. The ring did.
Inside, she let go of his hand.
“You brought me here just to find the ring, didn’t you?”
“…Yes. There’s nothing else to do now.”
They gave the house one last look before leaving.
Villagers greeted them warmly, asking for help and favors.
A small injury here, a letter to deliver there…
Time passed more quickly than expected.
After heartfelt goodbyes, Rena waved sincerely.
“I’ll come again!”
“Bring tasty treats next time!”
Will I really come back?
She didn’t know. But she had formed attachments here.
Leaving like she did last time had weighed on her.
Calix waited silently beside her the whole time. Once out of view, he offered his hand again. She took it without protest.
The knights were waiting with the carriage.
Rena climbed in with Calix’s escort.
This was her first return to Troxia since the fire.
She had lived longer away from the estate than within it.
But every memory she did have there included Calix.
In the carriage, she held the ring in her palm, quietly contemplating.
It was back in her hands, after all this time.
And the feelings were anything but simple.
