Chapter 95

“…”

As Ejed paused in embarrassment, Annie added her words playfully.

“I’m not cursing, so please don’t get me wrong.”

“No, no. You can do whatever you want, if it relieves your anger.”

“Hmm. Really?”

“Yes.”

His voice was full of sincerity. Even his eyes were severe and unwavering, but his appearance overlapped with Ejed.

It was bizarre. Although he was a child, he seemed to understand her heart better than anyone else.

‘Because they look alike.’

Annie continued her words.

“I got involved because of work, but I enjoyed my time with His Majesty. However, I am honestly sad that we separated without saying goodbye properly.”

“…”

“After that, there wasn’t even a single letter.”

“That’s the case… No, no. You go first, Annie.”

Ejed, who was about to say something, stopped talking. Then, as if Annie had been waiting, she unpacked her story.

“His Majesty was really bad, wasn’t he? He shouldn’t upset a woman like this.”

“Yes. It was bad.”

The tone was so firm that Annie blinked in surprise. He looked a little angry, and the gentle face he had before was just gone.

‘It didn’t seem like Jade hated His Majesty.’

Ejed continued to emphasize.

“Next time you meet, you should get angry directly. You can curse in front of him.”

“Well, Lord Jade, then I would die.”

“He won’t kill you.”

What Emperor would let go of the one who insulted him? It was not surprising to even be severely punished.

But Ejed tried to convince Annie that that would not happen even if the sky were falling.

‘Don’t keep it in your heart. I hope you get it out of your mouth and relieve the pain.’

‘Hey… You’re really mature.’

Ironically, the story was genuinely comforting. It seemed like her heart was being relieved.

Annie stroked his hair. Ejed was used to it now. To be honest, it was excellent.

“Even though I’m so angry, I don’t hate His Majesty. I’ve only been angry for a while. Well, His Majesty and Lord Jade are good people too.”

“…”

“I’m so glad I got to know you two.”

Rather, it was something that Ejed wanted to tell.

Thanks to Annie, he learned what happiness was in a world full of responsibilities. And that responsibility was something to be grateful for.

“Well, Annie.”

“Yes?”

“Actually…. I lied to you a lot.”

Was it because of the child’s appearance? Annie was noticeably more comfortable with him than before, so he spoke.

Ejed apologized with a sigh.

“I’m sorry. It’s because of my greed.”

“…”

“I’m really sorry.”

Annie looked at Ejed like that and stretched out her arm.

Ejed, who was in her arms, held his breath. There was a faint scent of grass from the warm body temperature.

“I’ll cut you some slack because you’ve been by my side today, but you can’t do that next time.”

“…”

“Please be honest with me.”

The afternoon sun fell on the peaceful hillside.

The smile of the two people facing each other.

And two hands clasped together.

All in all, it was very warm.

***

Ejed found Sev hidden among the sheep’s fur, and he got along well with the children.

Even Carla, who had been unable to take her eyes off her children, was able to let go of her worries and enjoy a nap.

The children ran non-stop up the hill.

“Brother, here, here!”

“Brother! Here!”

“It’s dangerous to run around like that!”

“Ouch!”

Ejed clicked on his tongue after screaming unusually. He comforted the fallen child and brushed off dirt on the clothes.

Annie, who was resting in the shade of a tree, looked at the scene and smiled.

As a result, the day went by quickly.

Kiik.

The coachman opened the door, and the two women cautiously stepped out. Before they knew it, the surrounding was dark and quiet.

They looked at the three children sleeping soundly in the carriage.

A smile appeared on the lips of the two of them.

“They sleep like little angels.”

“Yeah.”

They began a quiet conversation as if they had promised.

“Lord Jade must have been very tired today.”

“It must have been. We rode the carriage for a long time.”

“Shall I wake him up?”

“No. I’ll take him, so you go right back.”

At Carla’s suggestion, Annie shook her head.

The children were still in the carriage, and even Carla showed signs of tiredness.

“Don’t worry. You have to take care of your children too. I can do this much.”

Annie smiled and held Ejed, who was sleeping soundly in the carriage, in her arms.

She was a little clumsy, but her arms were tight.

Carla greeted her master as if her stubbornness was lost.

“Get in. My Lady.”

“Yes, go back safely, Carla. You’ve worked hard today.”

As Carla got into the carriage where her children were sleeping, Annie walked in the opposite direction. She walked through the garden of the night where the grass beetle sang.

“…Huuh.”

Annie paused at Ejed’s sleep talk. But luckily, he only wiggled for a while and didn’t wake up.

‘You were so mature before.’

Annie lightly kissed him on the head and moved. Even though he was young, the boy was quite heavy.

Even when the guards around her said they would help her, Annie refused.

“It’s all right. I’ll take him.”

The guards chuckled at how Annie cared for the child.

Of course, she cared for children, but she had other reasons for doing this.

It was because Ejed was subtly wary of people. He tried to avoid most family members as much as possible and spare his words.

Annie realized this early on.

She was just heartbroken at him.

‘How much did the little child endure…’