Tales Of Hearts | Liskook

Chapter 12

“Come on, let’s go out.”

Finally, Jungkook, who made her wear leather shoes on her feet, said. She nodded with a blush. They went out of the room came upon a wooden staircase. Taking Jungkook’s hand into her own, they went down. The armor-clad knights sat in their seats inside the cluttered tavern, where tables and chairs were closely packed.

“Leader, I thought we were still staying. So we are leaving now?”

One of them grumbled with his arms folded over his chest. But Jungkook only took hold of her hand and went outside, completely ignoring them. Then a knight standing by the door chased after him and complained.

“Leader, are you going to continue doing that? It’s not like we’re used to it, but don’t just take it for granted.”

“Quiet! I told you not to say anything.”

Lisa looked up at the knight that had been talking with a puzzled look. The young man with large build and curly hair shot her with disapproving eyes in return. She hid herself behind the Jungkook, daunted by the piercing gaze that was not mixed with any goodwill. The blond man standing behind the knight snorted loudly.

“It’s not funny. Only because she’s the daughter of the Duke of Croix.”

“I told you to shut your mouth.”

Jungkook growled vehemently. The men clammed up at his ferocious spirit at once. He turned around again and pushed her into the carriage.

“Don’t mind what they say.”

Jungkook, who was then on the wagon, said, and closed the door roughly.

“They don’t look to kindly to your father. But you’re madam Calypse, not Croix anymore. You are my wife. I’ll warn them not to be rude again.”

She couldn’t find a word to answer, only gazing at the back of her hand on her lap. ‘Only because she’s the daughter of the Duke of Croix,’ the words reminded her of how this relationship with him took place.

“Are you offended by my men?”

Seeing her sit quietly, he asked in a nervous tone. She looked up in surprise. Has anyone ever cared about her feelings at all? She smiled unconsciously as she looked at his troubled face. What a strange man, she thought.

“… you know what?”

“Yes, w-what?”

“You smiled at me… this is the first time.”

Jungkook, who was staring down at her face with an indecipherable expression, slowly reached out and stroked her cheek. Lisa was caught up in his intense gaze and stopped breathing. The man, whose lips were half open, as if to say something, soon pulled his hand away. Then, he yelled at the men outside, as if nothing had ever occurred a moment ago.

“What are you waiting for? Who was the one who begged us to get going!”

She heard murmurs from outside and soon the carriage rolled. She glanced at his face in an awkward silence. Jungkook had his head against the carriage window, closing his eyes as if he was tired. Feeling a little relaxed now, she also leaned her head against the wall.

The carriage shook and tossed, feeling like the rhythm of a cradle. Perhaps, with the tension of several days finally reaching its peak, she gradually fell asleep.

***

Leaving the village where they stayed on the first day, they traveled through the vast greenery all day long. Running a carriage on a poorly managed dirt road only made them reach a small village near the forest when it was completely dark. After traveling in a cramped space for the first time, Lisa was beyond exhausted. Jungkook, who had gone outside first to identify himself, returned to the carriage to pick up his sleeping bag and lamp from the luggage compartment.