The End of Your Arrogance - Chapter 11.2

“We are here.”

Right when she felt as though her heart might give out and her lungs might collapse, they arrived at the top. She could see three long windows, and on her right, there was the door that led to the balcony. The sunset filtered through the windows.

Evelyn plopped down on the floor and took a deep breath. On the other hand, Ilya seemed fine. He extended his arm towards her.

“Are you okay? Are you able to stand up?’

Evelyn took his hand and got up. When Ilya supported her and opened the door, she could feel the crisp wind that drifted inside.

“Be careful.”

She watched her steps as she walked out. The strong wind hit her as she walked towards the handrail. When she finally steadied herself, she was amazed.

“There’s still snow on top of the mountains!” she yelled in excitement.

She could see the rocky mountains. The snow made Evelyn feel like an eager child.

“You must have seen snow on mountains countless times in the Sais castle. It still amazes you?” Ilya frowned as if he couldn’t care less about snow.

“The first time I saw snow on the North Coast, I was so amazed! It’s so beautiful…,” Evelyn trailed off as she turned to look at Ilya, frowning. It’s cold and beautiful, just like you, she thought. She was unable to say that aloud.

Suzdal Castle was bestowed to Ilya when he became a knight. He was the second son so technically, there was no possibility of being a knight.  After marriage, Evelyn had also stayed at the castle with Ilya. When he had left for battle, she had waited for him there and given birth to his child.

“Maybe it didn’t matter to you much… but I really liked it there.”

She turned to look at the mountains again. Her gaze, distant and sad. She could barely see an eagle-shaped fort that encircled the snowy mountain.

“I was happy.” She really was. She had finally gotten away from her father’s abuse. She thought she had married the man she could love and carried his unborn child. She had waited for him.

“You’re making a strange face.”

“I’m just…cold.”

Ilya, who had been standing next to her, pulled her close and wrapped his robe around her. Evelyn felt calm. She could smell the winter forest on him.

Ilya gazed at her. He was curious. It might be too late…. But he still wanted to ask. “What does Livell mean?”

She looked up at him with troubled eyes then explained.

Livell Aujantice. One who is forever free.

She spoke her son’s name as if it was a song. A strong wind swept by and made her yellow dress flutter. Ilya squinted his eyes and tightened his arms around her instinctively.

* * *

“Let’s get back now.”

They returned to the annex. The sun had already set, and darkness filled the sky. Evelyn, who was drowsy on the horse’s back, could hear loud noises.

“There’s something that Sir Odin told to deliver to Madam, Sir.”

“That Maduse dog did what?”

Her body stiffened as she heard the familiar voice.

“Evelyn, what’s wrong?” Ilya asked. His hands tightened around her protectively. It calmed her a little.

“It seems he has something to tell me, after all,” she said.

“You don’t have to meet him.” He jumped down from the horse and helped Evelyn down to the ground. The knights who had been quarreling at the entrance, all bowed when they saw them approach

“What’s with all this fuss?”

A big man, who was significantly taller than the other knights, kneeled. His movement was swift, which was unusual considering his size.

“Greetings, Your Highness. My name is Igor, a knight serving under Odin Maduse.”

The man finished his greetings to Ilya and stood up. The unwanted guest stared at Evelyn from head to toe. Ilya furrowed his brow and stepped in front of Evelyn.

“You have something to say to my wife?”

“He ordered me to tell you that he feels sorry about the unpleasant incident regarding his nephew. And that he is relieved that you both are safe.”

Ilya glared at the man in suspicion. Despite the obvious hostility, the giant continued.

“He said he wishes to comfort his sister. Since even her husband is not willing to protect his own wife and child, it seems that bloodline matters now more than ever.”

A deadly silence filled the area. The giant continued talking as if he was enjoying the hostility directed towards him.

“Since Young Master was attacked, My Lady would most probably be the next target. What do you say?”