Chapter 68: Memories Shared
Ailea was perplexed. The words he was speaking of could cause misunderstanding.
“History is a continual loop. It’s funny. Clint Risher, the descendant of Tranen, will be stationed in Excalibur. Isn’t history a fickle thing? While it won’t seem much, but when you truly look at it, history is a linear timeline with multiple dots linked together. Very soon you find that you’re inevitably led to the next one.” Lawrence glared at Clint. The coldness of his ice-frozen eyes was like snakes filling the space in between. Clint paid it no mind and spoke with a relaxed gaze. “Because Emperor Moore has accepted the House of Risher, I will also take care of Excalibur with all my might.”
Daisy listened in with a smile. She clapped her hands and craftily said, “Your loyalty towards the country has been conveyed.”
Clint shrugged his shoulder, as if thankful for the princess’ appreciation.
Then, rain fell. Hard. No one could stay in the garden any longer.
Ailea looked at Clint with a worried gaze as they quickly headed towards the mansion. “Clint, why did you say that?”
“What do you mean? I’m not making anything up. It’s the truth.”
“I know, but… people might misunderstand.”
“How so? You think I’ll start a revolt?” Clint smiled.
Surprised by his words, Ailea covered Clint’s mouth with her hands.
He put her hand on top of his and smiled gently. Cupping her face, he said, “They dared to touch my wife. They should at least be scared, and the crown prince as well.
‘What if your reputation goes down the hills?” Ailea asked, worried.
“My reputation?” Clint took off his jacket and covered Ailea. “My reputation will be built up in the south. I don’t have to care about what those people think of me.”
“You… you acted like you wouldn’t go.”
Last night, he was quite determined not to go, but after hearing his wife’s point of view, he had a change of mind.
“Honestly, I don’t want to go, but I know you’ll just nag at me,” he grumbled.
“If you’re not lazy, I wouldn’t be nagging, you know?”
“Oh, no. It’s started. My wife’s finally nagging…” Clint snickered. “But you know, I’ll do my best. I’ll make sure you’re happy.”
“…I appreciate that.”
Ailea looked up. They would soon leave the capital and head to Excalibur. This place was filled with memories and pain; she would leave it all behind and start anew.
The rain had grown stronger. Clint covered Ailea with his large frame. She could feel his warmth so close. It reminded her of yesterday—he was guarding the door while sleeping. Her heart thumped.
“Clint, you’re getting wet…”
“You don’t need to worry about your husband, dear wife. I’ve gone through worse than this. Did you know I once slept in the snow in the middle of a harsh winter?” Clint said mischievously. With the jacket and his large frame covering her, his wife wouldn’t be fully drenched.
When they arrived at the mansion, Tarren was waiting impatiently. He had been pacing back and forth wondering if Clint and Ailea are safe from the harsh, pouring rain. He was relieved to find that they were safe and sound, though that worry had been targeted towards Ailea and less on Clint.
“Did you get rained on?” Tarren asked Ailea.
“Excuse me, Lord Tarren, I got rained on, too.”
“Ah, but you’re strong, Captain.”
“It seems I am,” Clint said, boasting. “But not as strong as my wife. She’s a brave soldier.” He looked at Tarren, as if expecting something.
Tarren picked up on his gaze and is if on cue, he said, “Ah, more than that, Captain… I brought a doctor.”