The Grand Duchess Escape

Much to Calix’s dismay, he couldn’t ride with Asella.

It was because she couldn’t contain her contemplative expression as well as she thought she did. Calix thought it would be more dangerous if he insisted on riding together, so he gave up the idea. Instead, he stood by and watched over Asella as she mounted her horse.

“Um, are you okay? I know you must be busy…”

“I finished my schedule for today. And I’m not so busy that I can’t accompany you for an hour or two.”

“I can ride alone.”

“It’s dangerous.”

Asella felt somewhat burdened.

She was worried about how pitiful she would look to the man who wielded his sword even while riding a galloping horse. She became nervous and sweaty, thinking that he might get angry or frustrated if she couldn’t keep up with him.

“Relax. If you’re nervous, the horse will notice.”

However, contrary to Asella’s concerns, Calix taught her how to ride quite graciously. He explained step by step and even demonstrated. Even if she didn’t understand it well, he patiently repeated it without showing any signs of irritation.

“Pull the reins just a little more.”

“Like this…?”

“Straighten your back and… yeah good, that’s great.”

Sometimes he would offer simple compliments. Each time, Asella was taken aback and surprised. Compliments and encouragement were not familiar to her, who was used to being criticized and scolded.

‘It’s probably not sincere, but…’

Asella’s hand tightened around the reins.

‘I know he’s trying to trick me, but still…..’

She didn’t naively believe it. She knew it was insincere and fake, a feigned kindness. But still…

She couldn’t help but feel a little pleased. She had never had anyone tell her that she was doing well before.

‘…I want to believe it’s real.’

It had been such a long time. She was exhausted.

No matter how many times she told herself to stop, she couldn’t help but feel a little hopeful and wanted to rely on someone. Even though she knew it was a poisoned chalice, she was tempted by the intoxicating sweet taste that overwhelmed her.

‘Get a grip.’

If it weren’t for the thought that flashed through her mind like a thunderbolt, she might have ended up drinking the poison.

‘You were worried about Mariel, but you’re the one falling for sweet words.’

It was like a splash of cold water. Asella quickly regained her composure. Calix spoke while Asella was silently biting the inside of her mouth, her lips barely moving. 

“If you ride like this, there won’t be any problems.”

Asella’s gaze involuntarily turned to the man riding the black horse beside her.