Chapter 17. I have a premonition that I will see you again
***
I didn't say anything sarcastic or cutting.
I just wanted to enjoy the beautiful scenery in silence.
"Honey, do you realize we're only two more hours away from the Remzi Empire?"
Bordeaux said, staying close to my side.
As he spoke, I could see a small dot of land on the other side of the reddish sea.
This was the Remzi Empire I was looking forward to.
"That means we have two hours to part ways with Mr. Cheater."
"Isn't that a shame?"
"It's not a shame, we hardly know each other."
Bordeaux didn't like my answer, and he began to babble.
I added something to make him feel a little better.
"But I've enjoyed talking to you, and it's the first time in a long time that I've realized that I can actually have fun joking around and talking to someone."
"Renee................"
And I didn't forget to draw the line.
"Make no mistake. It doesn't mean I don't want to get to know you in the Remzi Empire."
"Then grant me one last wish."
"A servant may wish upon his master."
Bordeaux grabbed the hem of my robe once more and shook it.
"Oh, come on."
..................It was kind of cute, honestly.
I wondered where my taste went.
My taste was for fine lines, beautiful faces.
Bordeaux's white face glistened in the setting sun.
It was the kind of face you couldn't look away from.
In the old days, before I met Henderson, I might have had a reasonable crush on Bordeaux.
But my heart was too tattered to fall in love with anyone.
I was tired of people, tired of love.
It was impossible to resist him.
"Tell me about it."
Bordeaux said, his face serious and waiting.
"Show me your face."
Unfortunately for him, I could never grant his request.
"I can't."
I didn't want to do anything that might give away my identity. Even if it was hidden by a wig.
"Then meet me in the Remzi Empire."
"Not even that."
"My dear, there's something very charming about your bitterness."
Pishik made a laughing sound, and Bordeaux added a meaningful one.
"You said no to anything, but I have a feeling I'll see you again."
There was a strange certainty in his words.
I got goosebumps at the certainty of his words, as if he could foresee the future.
His smile deepened, as if he was enjoying my bewildered reaction.
I didn't know what to respond, and a silence fell over me.
The sunset light that had once tugged at my heartstrings faded without a sound, and all that was left was silence.
The darkness enveloped us in an instant, like sinking into a deep trench.
***
The ship in the harbor made a loud rumbling noise then stopped.
We had finally arrived in Pamphia, the capital of the Remzi Empire.
I stood in the middle of the long line that stretched from the gate and waited to disembark.
Behind me was my faithful servant, Bordeaux.
I wasn't offended by his attachment, since I had to pretend to be married to him on board anyway.
But I'm sure I'd be a lot calmer on the boat than I am now.
Soon enough, I would set foot on land for the first time in nearly a day.
I stood there and stared at the view in front of me.
It was late at night, but the city was still well lit.
The view of the city, lit by many lanterns, was not unlike the Lopez Empire.
They were allies, so they had frequent contact, and they were not too far apart, so they had similar living conditions.
"It's getting late, so where do you think we'll stay?"
Bordeaux stood casually beside me, enjoying the view of the capital together.
"Well. We'll stay at a decent inn and leave the capital early tomorrow morning."
I didn't want to take up residence in the capital, where so many imperials and nobles lived.
I was thinking of living in the southern part of the Remzi Empire, in a region called Ezra.
I had never been there, but I knew it was a warm, livable place all year round.
I wanted to raise Eddie in a warm place.
I hoped the child would not feel the cold, both physically and emotionally.
I felt sick thinking about it.
I realized in hindsight that I had told Bordeaux the details of my plan.
"I had fun on the boat. I'll be going."
I walked ahead.
I wondered if Bordeaux would follow me, but for some reason I didn't hear his footsteps.
"Honey, I'll see you at home!"
Instead, I heard a ridiculous goodbye that seemed to continue the skit.
I hurried on without a backward glance.
***
"There's no room left here?"
I sighed.
Nearly all the inns near the marina were full.
I had never stayed in an inn before in my life.
I had assumed that if I had the money, I could get into any inn, but I hadn't assumed that an inn could be fully booked.
I never knew there were things money couldn't fix.
I sighed heavily as I walked out of the seventh inn.
Night had fallen beyond repair, and drunken tramps staggered along the roadside.
They glanced at me, and I could see the malice in their eyes, and I felt a fearful appreciation.
"I'll have to find somewhere to stay for the night.”
I pulled my robe tighter and walked to the eighth inn.
"There's no room there either."
At the sound of a familiar voice, I turned my head back and caught a glimpse of Bordeaux.
"You've been following me?"
Bordeaux didn't answer, but smiled.
"I wasn't following you, but I was worried. I don't think there will be an empty inn."
"..."
Wasn't that what I meant?
"I was only going to watch you enter the inn, I swear."
"..."
"Let's go to my inn. I have a room for you there."
I stood there, looking at him suspiciously.
"I told you I have several businesses, and one of them is lodging."
"That's a lie."
"Follow me. I'll prove I’m not lying."
"Can I trust you...............?"
Bordeaux smiled a beautiful smile that melted the heart of anyone who saw it, and then he replied.
"I am your servant, and a servant does not defy his master, and I want to repay you for your help."
"...."
"Trust me. I will not betray your trust."
Betrayed by my family and those I trusted, I didn't trust anyone except Eddie.
But for some reason, I wanted to believe Bordeaux.
I wanted to believe him, not for the rest of my life, but for this moment.
Maybe it was the sincerity in his words that made me believe.
I was also exhausted from the journey. I longed to lie down, anywhere.
I didn't want to wander the dangerous streets any longer.
"Lead the way."
"Yes, master."
Bordeaux, who had a pleasant laugh, took half a step ahead of me.
He glanced at me as we walked, making sure I was keeping up.
With Bordeaux with me, the bums on the street stopped looking at me.
I suddenly found myself trusting him.
This, of course, would be a credit granted only for tonight.
We hadn't walked far when we came upon a quiet-looking inn.
It wasn't a very large inn, but it was clean.
Bordeaux opened the door to the inn with his usual ease, allowing me to enter.
I cautiously stepped inside.
The inside of the inn was just as clean as the outside.
The lobby had a desk, a neat-looking couch, and a large painting on the wall.
The only staff member was a woman manning the desk.
The woman gave me a quick nod, but said nothing else.
It seemed to know that Bordeaux was expecting me.
I nodded to the woman, then turned my attention back to the most prominent painting in the lobby.
It was a meadow, a golden field bathed in warm sunlight.
I liked the painting, a harmonious mix of green and gold.
Just looking at it made me feel calm.
'A meadow for Eddie to run around in. Where is it?'
I envisioned Eddie running through the meadow, sunny and cheerful.
I couldn't stop the corner of my mouth from curling up.
"Do you like that painting?"
Bordeaux's gaze landed on the painting.
"Yes. It's nice. Who painted it? A famous artist?"
"No. I painted it."
***
To donate for extra chapters for my series or to tip me visit my personal kofi page
Write a comment
Lolwtin (Monday, 20 May 2024 12:53)
He is the prince right?