TCCIO 11

Chapter 11. It’s Our First Time, After All
“Why? What is it?”

Aaron’s sharp vigilance dissipated, melted away by Delia’s clear voice.

“That one. That flower over there, the Primrose. Commander, go pick it for me.”

Aaron’s brow twitched at the prisoner’s bold command. His hand, which had been reaching for her hair, froze mid-air.

“You want me to go pick that flower?”

“Yup. I really love that flower.”

Golden strands of hair tangled by the wind of Mount Tarens fluttered about, but the prisoner in front of Aaron was simply gazing at the flower. Aaron lowered his hovering hand and clenched it into a fist. What on earth is she saying? The sharp tension had vanished, replaced by utter disbelief.

“You’re telling me—the Empire’s sole Grand Duke and Supreme Commander—to go pick a flower?”

“Well, I’m tied up and can’t go. So you go get it for me.”

“Just endure it. You’re a prisoner, not some noble lady out for a stroll with flowers in hand.”

“You said you wanted to use me, right? That you’d keep me alive to use me. So go pick the flower.”

Delia yanked back her captured hand as if throwing a tantrum. She pulled with all her strength, but Aaron’s hand didn’t budge. On the contrary, the light tug he gave brought her even closer. Glaring at Aaron, Delia snapped,

“I feel like I’m going to die. If I don’t get that flower, I might really die.”

Aaron’s brazen prisoner demanded a flower—as if her life depended on it.

“I want that Primrose so badly. I might die without it.”

“You won’t die just because you don’t have a flower.”

“How would you know that? If I die, will you take responsibility?”

“I told you already, I won’t let you die before the prisoner negotiations are over.”

“Then go pick it. If you really don’t want to, untie me and I’ll go get it myself.”

Aaron stared at Delia’s deeply furrowed face. What’s she playing at? She couldn’t be asking just because she likes flowers. Maybe she’s plotting an escape. He followed her gaze to where the flower bloomed. Is this some prearranged signal with her allies? A trap? His suspicious eyes scanned the surroundings. The wildflowers swayed in the breeze as chaotically as Aaron’s confusion.

“Dyke.”

Aaron called his aide with a cold tone.

“Check the area thoroughly. Especially for any resistance fighters.”

“Yes, Commander.”

“And bring that flower while you’re at it.”

Delia’s face brightened instantly at Aaron’s command. The dramatic shift in expression made Aaron chuckle in disbelief. Maybe she really just likes flowers. Still, Delia shouted gleefully toward Dyke’s back:

“Hey, I see some wild berries between the thorn bushes. Get those too while you’re at it.”

A prisoner was ordering the Empire’s soldiers around. Aaron, watching her dazzling smile in the sunlight, contemplated seriously. Should I just devour this cheeky captive? She doesn’t even know her situation or who she’s been captured by, and she’s blabbering about flowers. Finding it absurd, Aaron muttered at her:

“Trying to seduce me now? A prisoner, of all people, keeps smiling like that.”

Delia smiled even more brightly at his complaint.

“What if I am? Are you going to fall for it?”

“I’m too old for that to work.”

Aaron replied nonchalantly and resumed walking, leading Delia across the field of wildflowers.

“By the way, Commander. When are we leaving?”

“Where to?”

“Aren’t we moving toward the main camp? We should hurry and regroup.”

“We will. Once you’re recovered.”

The wildflowers at Delia’s feet swayed lightly in the breeze. She tilted her head at his puzzling words.

“What? You’re waiting until the prisoner recovers?”

“Thanks to someone, we haven’t been able to begin our main assault yet.”

The troops stationed in Royeni and Kirens were gathering at the Iorenti border. The plan had been to take advantage of everyone’s focus on the border to sneak across Mount Tarens and launch a surprise attack on the Iorenti capital. But even before the attack began, the capital had fully fortified—thanks to this troublesome prisoner.

A premature attack now could bring heavy losses. As a result, both Iorenti and Stileitz were stuck in a tense standoff, watching each other.

“Because of you, we’ve suffered considerable setbacks. So you’d better reveal your identity and help us recover what we lost.”

“Commander, let’s get this straight. We’re the ones being invaded. If anyone’s been harmed, it’s us.”

“Let’s just say it’s a matter of perspective.”

Delia pouted. A fragrant breeze swept between them, carrying the scent of wild herbs and earthy soil.

“Commander, here it is.”

Dyke and his men returned with armfuls of primroses and wild berries. Their imperial uniforms were stained with colorful splotches. Their hands bore small scratches, likely from the thorn bushes.

“Did you notice anything unusual?”

“No, sir. Nothing of concern.”

Even as he gave his report, Dyke scowled at Delia. She clearly had played them. Sensing their frustration, Delia giggled. Watching Imperial soldiers waste time picking flowers, she couldn’t help but tease.

“Your men are good at gathering flowers too.”

As she taunted, she scanned Dyke quickly—his modern rifle, his sharpened blade. Even on a walk, the Imperial soldiers were fully armed. Despite their return, artificial rustling sounds echoed faintly nearby. Just a walk, yet such tight surveillance. Could she escape at all?

Quickly collecting her unease, Delia smiled brightly.

“Commander, thank you kindly.”

She calmly reached out to receive the pouch—

“Ugh, Commander! Loosen this, will you? I can’t do anything like this!”

Delia snapped at Aaron, still gripping her hand. She groaned as she struggled to free her arm. Aaron frowned at her.

“Sigh. I’ve never seen a prisoner like you in my life.”

Delia twisted her arm, grumbling nonstop.

“Well, I’ve never been a prisoner before. It’s the first time for both of us, so do we really have to stay like this?”

Aaron clicked his tongue, feeling the struggle through his hand. If she keeps that up, she’ll reopen her wounds.

“Hold still. I’ll untie you.”

Aaron finally pulled out a knife and cut the rope binding her wrist. The slack rope slid away, leaving deep marks behind. The way her skin was chafed, it seemed delicate—or she’d tried hard to escape. Neither was favorable.

“You could’ve done that earlier instead of making me suffer.”

“That doesn’t mean you’re free to run.”

He quickly grabbed her freed left wrist and gently rubbed the rope mark with his thumb, as if that might ease the pain.

“Well, then untie the other one too.”

Delia grumbled as she rotated her right arm to loosen the stiffness. One free hand gave her at least partial freedom, and her expression visibly brightened. She held out her hand to receive the pouch Dyke offered. The pouch smelled richly of berries, a sweet comfort for the anxious captive. Just as she was about to enjoy it, Delia suddenly frowned.

“How am I supposed to eat this? Can’t you untie the other hand too?”

“No. I know you’ll try to run.”

“Then how am I supposed to eat?”

Delia looked genuinely troubled. Her left hand was held tightly by Aaron, while her right held the pouch. Switching her gaze between them, she muttered,

“I want to eat these berries…”

Aaron stuck his hand into the pouch she was holding and pulled out a berry. He brought it directly to her mouth.

“Here. Say ah.”

Delia stared wide-eyed at the berry in front of her lips, her eyes drawn to Aaron’s hand.

“Commander, this is weird. Instead of untying me, you keep trying to feed me.”

The tiny berry in Aaron’s large hand looked even smaller—just like her hand in his.

“Come on. Say ah already.”

Prompted, Delia reluctantly opened her mouth. As Aaron fed her, her lips brushed the soft skin of his fingers.

“Mmm. It’s good.”

Her lips moved as she chewed the berry, now tinted redder thanks to its juice. Aaron stared silently at them before walking on again.

“I knew it. Our berries are the best.”

“A berry’s a berry. They all taste the same.”

“Nope. Iorenti’s wild berries are special.”

Delia continued chattering as she walked, still holding the pouch. Aaron matched her pace, occasionally feeding her like a bird tending its chick.

“If you just untied me, I could eat by myself.”

“Dream on. Not happening.”

Eventually, the path narrowed into a forest trail. The rustle of footsteps startled nearby birds into flight. A squirrel, eyes wide, watched them from a tree branch. Dappled sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting shimmering shadows on the trail. Light danced in Delia’s blue eyes.

“This is strange.”

“What is?”

“It’s so peaceful.”

It felt like just yesterday that she was fighting with a racing heart and bloodied blade. Yet now… this peace? While the Empire occupied neighboring Royeni and Kirens, Iorenti had been in a rush. Analyzing strategies, scouting situations, negotiating with mercenaries, recruiting reinforcements—she’d traveled the entire kingdom, barely holding it together to muster troops and send them to the Kabat Plains. She had then rushed with a small unit to Mount Tarens, just in case. All those days, breathless, desperate for Iorenti—flashed through her mind.

“It’s so peaceful, I can’t believe it. Feels like a dream.”

Delia closed her eyes, as if lulled by the sweet serenity.