Chapter 53
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org
The Male and Female Leads Broke Up - Episode 53
And so Aiden Byon and I set off on horseback to explore the Village.
"You know, after traveling for two years, there's always that first impression when you arrive somewhere. But Hemoa... it felt peaceful from the very beginning."
"I felt the same way. That's precisely why I chose this place as a home for the children—I sensed warmth here."
"Exactly, that warmth. It's truly rare to find such a feeling."
"I'm pleased that Belita felt it too. There's a place where you can see the entire Village at a glance. Would you like to visit it?"
"The entire Village?"
"Yes, the ground is level there—perfect for riding."
"Really? Let's go."
"Then follow me."
"Of course."
As Aiden Byon rode ahead, I urged my horse to match his pace.
The path to the Hillside was far more breathtaking than he had described.
The landscape opened in all directions, and the road was remarkably clear—as if someone had deliberately swept away every stone.
"This is truly wonderful."
I drew closer to Aiden Byon and spoke to him.
"I knew you would enjoy it."
He answered with a refreshing smile playing at his lips.
Riding through the crisp breeze felt exhilarating.
A sense of freedom washed over me, my chest opening wide.
Intoxicated by that feeling, I found myself saying something impulsive.
"Shall we race?"
"A race?"
"Yes, whoever reaches the Hillside first wins."
"And what becomes of the winner?"
"The loser grants the winner a wish. How does that sound?"
At my words, Aiden Byon fell into deep thought.
"A wish..."
"Are you afraid you'll lose?"
"Any wish at all?"
"Yes, anything within my power to grant."
Even as I spoke, I recognized how unlike myself I was being.
Since arriving here, I had never acted so recklessly.
But now, free from all restraint, I wanted only to follow my heart.
"Very well."
"Sounds good. Let's go!"
The moment he agreed, I took off immediately.
Men and women differed in physique and athleticism anyway, so this small head start seemed like a fair advantage.
I galloped forward like a madwoman.
Part of me refused to lose to him, but truthfully, if I could just keep going, I wanted to race onward without end, to anywhere at all.
An instinct kept awakening within me—to sprint unfettered, unshackled, where no one could catch me.
"Belita!"
Aiden Byon, pursuing from behind, called out to me in an urgent voice.
But I didn't stop.
To keep from being caught, I only pushed faster than before.
The rhythm of his horse's hoofbeats accelerated dramatically in response.
He kept calling my name throughout, but I never answered once.
After riding for a while longer, a hillside came into view ahead.
I wanted to keep going, but the end was visible.
The thought of reaching the finish flooded me with bittersweet longing.
Still, I was ahead of Aiden Byon. If I maintained this pace, victory was mine.
Drunk on the joy of winning, I turned to look at him chasing behind me and cried out.
"I won! I won—huh? Kyaaah!"
"Belita!"
My horse suddenly stumbled on something and pitched forward, sending my body flying through the air.
All that remained was to crash and tumble across the ground.
I curled my body to minimize impact and hit the earth with a heavy thud.
Then I rolled down the hillside uncontrollably, and after a moment, my momentum ceased.
But something felt wrong.
The impact on my body was far less severe than I'd expected.
Only then did I realize someone was holding me.
I could guess who it was.
As I lifted my lowered head, Aiden Byon came into view.
"Ai... den?"
"Are you hurt?"
He checked on my condition first.
"I'm... fine. What about you?"
"I'm unharmed."
Our proximity was so close that our breaths mingled.
I quickly regained my senses and pulled away from his embrace.
Standing up to inspect myself, I found that despite the fall, I was unscathed—he must have taken all the impact for me.
He too rose from the ground where he'd tumbled with me.
Fortunately, Aiden Byon appeared unhurt as well.
But dust clung thickly to his entire body.
Surely I looked the same, and the thought suddenly made me laugh.
"Pfft! Ah, I'm sorry. It's just that we look so ridiculous...."
"I see."
Rather than brushing off his own clothes, he approached me and gently removed the grass and dust clinging to my hair.
"I-I can do it myself...!"
Embarrassed, I stammered and instinctively stepped backward.
"...Understood."
For some reason, his voice seemed lower than before.
Was he displeased because I rejected him?
But I simply wasn't accustomed to such casual physical contact.
"By the way, thank you. I was being so careless that we nearly both got seriously hurt."
"No, I'm just relieved we're both safe."
"Still, I'm sorry and grateful. Oh? But then, who won?"
The incident had occurred before we reached the Hillside, so neither of us had actually arrived at the finish line.
I thought for a moment before continuing.
"Let's say I won the race. After all, I was faster, right?"
"Understood."
He agreed without protest.
"In return, since you saved me, I'll grant you one wish as well."
"A wish?"
"Yes, since I won the race, I get to ask Aiden Byon for one wish, and since you saved me, you get to ask me for one wish. Is that fair?"
It was a reasonable arrangement, I thought.
He seemed to agree, nodding slowly.
"Very well. But how long will these wishes remain valid?"
"Hmm, honestly, I don't have anything specific in mind right now. Let's say they're valid for a while?"
"That works."
"Yes, I like that."
And so we each left the other with one wish to claim.
We spent time viewing the Village from the Hillside before returning to the Orphanage.
"Miss!"
Mary approached me with a startled expression and asked.
"Miss, why are your clothes like this?"
"Oh, it's nothing serious."
I deliberately avoided explaining that I'd fallen from the carriage, not wanting to worry her.
"And the young master as well... um...."
"Wait, Mary!"
In that instant, I could see exactly what was running through her mind.
I urgently called out to her to dispel the inappropriate thoughts swirling in her head.
"It's not what you're thinking!"
"But miss... both of your clothes are...."
"No, it's not like that!"
I answered with confidence and clarity.
While I was still making excuses to Mary, Lian approached us, apparently finished playing with the children.
"Miss."
"Lian, did you have fun with the children? Did you introduce yourself to them?"
"Yes. But Miss, your dress...."
"It's nothing. Anyway, let's leave quickly."
Sensing that lingering here any longer might invite unwanted questions, I chose to depart hastily.
"I should be going now."
I turned to Aiden Byon, offered my farewell, and moved toward the carriage.
"Belita."
"Yes?"
At his call, I paused and looked back at him.
"Allow me to escort you."
"No, that's not necessary."
I deliberately refused his kindness, fearing that standing together would only invite further suspicion.
Yet he had already stepped forward to meet me.
"Please, get in."
"Thank you."
I had no choice but to accept his assistance, taking his large hand as I climbed into the carriage.
But his hand burned against mine like fire.
"I shall see you again at the eve festival."
"Yes, of course."
"Then until then. Safe travels home."
"You as well, Aiden Byon."
He held my gaze for a moment, gave a slight nod, and stepped back.
Mary entered next, and the carriage door closed behind her.
Once everyone was aboard, the carriage departed without delay, and we made our way from Hemoa back to the Capital.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org