ELND Chapter 51

Chapter 51

Did You Think I’d Let You Go Just Like That?

“…So I finally found you.”

Cedric murmured as he leapt down from the massive black horse in one swift motion.

Then, like a predator with no interest in anything other than its prey, he raised his sharp eyes and began moving straight toward me.

Step by step.

With each closing step, an indescribable sense of intimidation wrapped around me.

“Cedric, how did you… end up here?” I asked.

Finally, when the distance between us was close enough, Cedric’s large hand gripped my shoulder tightly.

His blue eyes, looking down at the hand holding me, flickered briefly with a hint of relief.

But it was only a fleeting moment; his gaze quickly hardened again as he looked at me.

“Rebecca.”

The grip on my shoulder tightened gradually.

“Did you really think I would just let you leave like that?”

His voice, slipping from his lips, was as chilling as a midwinter wind.

Whatever had happened overnight had darkened the skin under his eyes, and his usually neat black hair was now tousled without care.

Even his usually clear blue eyes showed visible signs of fatigue.

On top of that, he muttered words that were increasingly hard to understand.

Startled by this version of him—so different from the usual—I blinked and looked up at him.

“Leave? What… what do you mean by that?”

At my question, Cedric ran a hand roughly through his black hair and let out a deep sigh.

“Answer me.”

Up to that point, his gaze had been sharp, but now it softened slightly, mixed with a hint of sadness.

“Were you really planning to run off with another man?”

Muscles tensed sharply on Cedric’s square jaw as he paused, clearly enraged as he repeated the words he had just spoken.

“Then just say it was to punish me. If that’s the reason, I can bear it.”

I could only stare blankly at him, murmuring incomprehensible words.

To have a proper conversation, I realized I first needed to calm him down.

So I tried to pull Cedric’s hand off my shoulder.

But noticing my attempt, he only gripped me tighter.

His hold strengthened, and his gaze became cold and piercing once more.

“…No, actually, it doesn’t matter what answer you give.”

The corners of his lips twisted in a sharp, almost bitter curve.

“Even if you say you’re leaving, I have no intention of letting you go peacefully—none at all.”

The more he spoke, the more my head spun.

Blinking slowly, I finally found the courage to speak.

“Cedric… why are you even here?”

“….”

“And what is this nonsense about me leaving with another man?”

Cedric let out a long breath, tinged with fatigue.

“Stop pretending you don’t know, Rebecca. Then why were you dressed like that at dawn, carrying all that luggage—where were you even going?”

As he ground his teeth and spoke in a low voice, I hurriedly looked around.

“…Oh no.”

Countless villagers’ eyes were all fixed on us.

Even if the misunderstanding could be cleared later, stopping him before things got more embarrassing was my first priority.

“Cedric, I think there’s some kind of misunderstanding. Let’s just… talk about it slowly later—”

But Cedric seemed determined not to stop.

“Misunderstanding or not, it doesn’t matter now. As long as you come back with me, I won’t ask why you ran away.”

No, seriously! Listen to what I’m saying!

I glared at Cedric, frustration clear on my face.

Cedric exhaled sharply, his expression bitter, and continued speaking.

“…Yeah, I know.”

“…?”

“You must be wondering why I’m acting like this now after being so cold to you before. But, Rebecca…”

“…Hah.”

If this confusing conversation continued, it seemed impossible to reach an end.

I forcefully pulled Cedric’s hand from my shoulder and gestured around.

“Cedric, do you even realize where we are right now?”

Cedric slowly rolled his eyes at me.

“…Hmm?”

It seemed my vague suspicion was correct.

Cedric had no idea where he was or how many people were around.

Finally noticing Devon, the village chief, Cedric blinked slowly as their eyes met.

“Devon? What are you doing here…”

Cedric began to carefully observe the surroundings.

The villagers alternated between looking at Cedric and me with disbelief, while my maids smiled warmly at the scene.

Just then, the sound of a horse galloping at the village entrance echoed.

It was the Twins family carriage.

Through the window, someone leaned out and waved a small hand vigorously.

“Your Highness Bianca! Over here, over here! Bianca is here too!”

…Even Bianca?

Everyone’s eyes, except Cedric’s, went wide in shock.

‘Why… is the Twins family suddenly all here?’

The carriage raced into the center of the village and came to a stop.

“Your Highness!”

“Ah, Princess Bianca…”

I hugged the child who ran straight to me, unable to hide my stunned expression.

As I patted Bianca’s back, murmurs of surprise rose again from the crowd.

“Princess Bianca… in the arms of that woman?”

“She used to be scared even when the Duchess was nearby. What’s happening?”

“Why is His Highness clinging to that woman…?”

Shock colored the villagers’ faces.

Bianca, sniffling in my arms, asked:

“Your Highness, where were you since dawn? You weren’t planning to leave us for the Duke, were you?”

“Leave? Cedric, Bianca—why would either of you think that?”

I looked at both of them with a puzzled expression.

At that moment, Devon cleared his throat and stepped slightly forward.

“Your Highness, it’s good to see you, but… why are you suddenly here?”

Cedric, looking even more bewildered, asked back:

“Then Devon, why are you here?”

I let out a faint sigh as I looked at Cedric.

“This is Greyzone Village, Cedric.”

Upon hearing my words, Cedric glanced around again.

Finally, he seemed to realize that everyone surrounding him was a mixed-blood demon.

“So… you really weren’t running away?”

“Why would I suddenly run away?”

I glared at him in annoyance, prompting Cedric to clear his throat awkwardly and continue in a low voice.

“I thought… when you took a carriage at dawn dressed suspiciously…”

“I did it to avoid being attacked by bandits like last time. And the luggage was gifts for the people of Greyzone.”

“….”

“The gifts haven’t been given yet because you suddenly appeared.”

I gestured to Mina, who giggled and set down the bundles of gifts at Devon’s feet.

Once all the maids put down the luggage, Devon blinked in surprise.

“All this… prepared for us?”

“Strictly speaking, not exactly for you.”

I looked at the village children and continued.

“Since this village is up the mountains, I thought the children might need things—like toys or snacks.”

“….”

“They’re at the perfect age for such things. Including our Bianca.”

I playfully scrunched my nose at Bianca, who smiled shyly in my arms.

“Your Highness, why did you suddenly come here? I was so surprised since dawn.”

Bianca asked in a somewhat whining voice.

Cedric also looked curious about my reason.

“I came today to apologize to the people of Greyzone Village.”

“Apologize? You… to the villagers?”

Cedric echoed in disbelief.

“Yes. They were insulted because of me, and some even lost jobs they were proud of.”

I looked around at Devon and the villagers and continued.

“Even if you want to blame or scold me, please allow me to apologize to all of you. I know it’s shameless, but I’m asking.”

The villagers exchanged conflicted glances.

All eyes turned to Devon.

Yet Devon’s lips remained sealed.

At that moment, Bianca’s tiny, cute footsteps echoed as she approached him.

“Long time no see, Chief Devon!”

“Yes, Princess. You’ve grown into a fine young lady.”

Devon smiled warmly, like a grandfather watching his granddaughter.

“Devon, can you please listen to what Her Highness is saying, just this once? I’m asking you, okay?”

“Princess, but…”

“Her Highness has completely changed. Not only does she care about me, but she treats the staff kindly as well!”

As Bianca spoke, murmurs among the villagers grew louder.

“Bianca is right, Devon.”

Cedric slowly nodded and added:

“Rebecca has changed more than you could imagine. I guarantee it.”

Even Devon seemed shocked by the source of this statement—none other than Cedric.

But Cedric continued speaking calmly.

“However, I understand why it’s hard for you to believe. I felt the same at first.”

“….”

“Even if you normally trust me without question, it’s hard to believe Rebecca has changed so suddenly.”

Cedric paused, stroking his chin with a pensive expression.

“Then how about this, Devon?”

Bianca, who had been quietly whispering with her maid and Mina, stepped forward.

“Yes, Princess? What is it?”

“You can’t really believe it until you see it with your own eyes, right? So…”

She glanced at the maid and Mina behind her.

Seeing this, they nodded repeatedly, giving her encouragement.

Gaining courage, Bianca closed her eyes tightly and shouted:

“Devon, please let these two stay overnight in the village!”