The room was quiet except for hurried breathing.
Lady Elara Valenwood stood near the bed, her hair slightly disheveled, cheeks flushed. Jorin had one hand on the wall beside her, leaning close, his usually calm composure completely shattered.
"You should leave," she whispered, though her fingers still clutched his shirt.
"You said that ten minutes ago," Jorin murmured.
"And you didn't listen."
"I rarely listen when you say things like that."
Elara tried not to smile, but failed.
"You are a terrible knight."
"Only when you ask me to be."
She lightly pushed his chest, but the push turned into another kiss before either of them realized it.
Jorin had just begun to pull her closer when—
Knock knock knock.
Both of them froze.
Another knock followed.
"My lady?"
A maid's voice.
Jorin stepped back instantly.
Elara covered her mouth, trying to calm her breathing.
"Just a moment!" she called.
Jorin looked around the room like a soldier preparing for battle.
There was only one place to go.
The balcony.
He slipped outside quietly just as Elara hurried to the mirrorless vanity table to fix her hair.
The door opened moments later.
The maid entered politely.
"My lady, forgive the interruption."
Elara tried to look composed.
"Yes?"
"There is a visitor asking for you."
Elara blinked.
"A visitor?"
"Yes."
The maid lowered her voice.
"She says she has traveled far to speak with you."
Elara frowned slightly.
"What name did she give?"
The maid hesitated.
"She introduced herself as Lady Iselle."
Elara didn't recognize the name.
But the woman had apparently insisted on speaking with her personally.
After a brief moment of thought, Elara nodded.
"Very well. Bring her to the receiving room."
The maid bowed and left.
Elara exhaled slowly and turned toward the balcony.
"You can come back in now."
Jorin stepped inside again.
Except—
His face was stained with bright red lipstick.
Elara stared.
Then burst out laughing.
"You look ridiculous."
Jorin touched his cheek and sighed.
"…wonderful."
He wiped it away with a cloth while Elara quickly fixed her dress.
Moments later they walked together toward the receiving room, Jorin now standing behind her in his usual quiet guard posture.
The visitor was already waiting.
A young woman stood near the window.
She wore elegant traveling clothes and a light hood that partly hid her features.
Princess Isabelle of Dermouth Kingdom turned as they entered.
Of course—
She did not introduce herself as a princess.
She bowed politely.
"Thank you for receiving me, Lady Valenwood."
Elara nodded.
"You said your name was… Iselle?"
"Yes."
The false name left Isabelle's lips smoothly.
"I apologize for arriving without proper notice."
"That depends on why you are here," Elara replied calmly.
Isabelle smiled faintly.
"I heard something interesting during my travels."
Jorin watched silently behind Elara.
Isabelle continued.
"A blind mercenary knight traveling with your escort."
Her eyes flicked briefly toward Jorin.
"They say he is unusually talented."
Elara raised an eyebrow.
"And?"
"I would like to meet him."
The room fell quiet.
Jorin's gaze sharpened slightly.
That request was… strange.
Elara folded her hands calmly.
"Why?"
Isabelle shrugged lightly.
"Curiosity."
"That is not a good reason."
"Perhaps not."
But Isabelle's smile remained calm.
"I enjoy meeting unusual people."
Jorin finally spoke.
"Many people are curious."
His voice was polite.
"But not many travel across kingdoms to satisfy it."
Isabelle turned toward him.
"And you are…?"
"Her guard."
Jorin's tone revealed nothing.
Their eyes held for a brief moment.
A silent exchange.
Both of them measuring the other.
Elara noticed the tension immediately.
After a moment, she sighed softly.
"Very well."
Jorin looked at her.
She shrugged slightly.
"It's not exactly a secret who Con is."
Jorin still looked suspicious.
But eventually nodded.
"…fine."
He turned toward Isabelle.
"I will take you to him."
The walk through the streets was quiet.
Isabelle walked beside him calmly.
After a few minutes she spoke casually.
"So."
Jorin glanced at her.
"You are staying with Lady Valenwood."
It wasn't really a question.
Jorin gave a neutral answer.
"I am her assigned guard."
Isabelle smiled slightly.
"A very dedicated one."
Jorin did not respond.
She tried again.
"You have been there all week?"
"Yes."
"Day and night?"
"Yes."
Isabelle raised an eyebrow.
"Impressive dedication."
Jorin said nothing.
His silence revealed absolutely nothing useful.
After several more failed attempts at conversation, Isabelle gave up.
Soon they reached the small inn where the boys were staying.
Jorin stopped outside one door.
"His room."
Isabelle nodded slowly.
For some reason—
Her heart was beating faster.
She lifted her hand to knock.
But before her fingers touched the wood—
The door suddenly flew open.
BANG.
Jorin immediately stepped forward protectively.
But before he could react—
A figure rushed out.
Straight toward Isabelle.
Arms wrapped around her before anyone could stop him.
Isabelle froze in shock.
Con stood there, breathing hard, holding her tightly as if afraid she might disappear.
"I—"
He sounded breathless.
Relieved.
Almost desperate.
"I finally found you."
His voice softened against her shoulder.
For a moment—
Neither Isabelle nor Jorin moved.