Since the act was brief, after successfully completing the operation, they expected to quickly reveal their faces and explain the situation.

Reyna seemed too surprised, so Lucan stopped complaining about his bitten hand, awkwardly scratching the back of his head.

Lionel apologized again.”
“…I’m sorry, Lady. Are you hurt?”

Reyna, still crouched with a trembling gaze that seemed not to have calmed down, didn’t respond.

“…I apologize for not telling you in advance. We had to stage it like a real kidnapping. We thought it wouldn’t take long, and once we were in a safe place, we could explain. Our apologies for the oversight.”

“…You must have been very surprised. I’m sorry. Are you okay?”

Reyna remained silent.

Even when Lionel hesitated and offered a blanket, Reyna, showing signs of caution, flinched. Lucan narrowed his eyes, briefly tilted his head, and gestured to stop.

Lionel retrieved the blanket.

Lucan couldn’t say anything and just scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

The two men, who had experienced much greater dangers on the battlefield, failed to anticipate Reyna’s fear, who was feeling a real threat to her life for the first time.

Lionel began to explain.

“…Um. So, first, we are heading to Grandma’s place. We won’t go back to Julius Mansion. It’s estimated that Lady was kidnapped from Julius Mansion.”

“…”

“First of all, it doesn’t seem safe for Lady to be there, and if Lady was kidnapped at this timing, it could put Julius in a difficult position. So, it happened like this.”

“…”

Kidnapped?

Reyna stared at them as if piercing through.

“Until the next place is decided, you will stay there safely with Grandma for a while. Now, don’t be mindful and take a walk comfortably while resting. We, the knights, will guard you. Taylor Lawrence will accompany you.”

“…”

Reyna’s eyes showed no sign of relief.

“Um… so.”

Lucan subtly pulled Lionel, who was struggling, and shook his head again.

It meant not to bring up more scary stories right now.

Reyna, who was already very guarded, seemed not to trust these sudden stories.

Lucan showed both palms to Reyna, trying to explain.

“Anyway, you probably don’t understand what I’m saying right now. Once you arrive and calm down, I’ll explain it slowly again. I’m sorry for surprising you, but we had no choice. Please understand.”

“…”

And Lucan pulled a small dagger from his belt, holding the blade and offering the handle towards Reyna.

“…”

Reyna’s gaze suspiciously focused on Lucan.

“Hold this towards us. It will give you peace of mind.”

“…”

Reyna seemed wary, but she willingly accepted the dagger Lucan was offering.

Lucan smiled.

“Oh. Is the posture good? You probably don’t need to worry. Be careful not to drop or cut yourself. If Lady gets hurt before calming down, I’m afraid Sir Arthur or Sir K will be very upset.”
Lucan’s surrendered hand, holding the reins, still bore the imprints of the force with which Reyna had bitten him.

To some extent, it seemed intentional.

“…”

Reyna’s expression softened slightly.

The carriage, now out of the city, traveled along an empty dirt road for a while. Passing through a forest with autumn leaves, crossing a few streams, and traversing a secluded suburban path, it finally entered a sparsely populated forest path.

“…”

In Reyna’s eyes, still full of suspicion and holding a dagger, the first change appeared as the carriage window revealed a small cottage by the vine-covered stream.

“…”

Through the glass, Reyna’s gaze reached the old man and young man standing in front of the house.

They seemed to be waiting for Reyna while taking a stroll in front of the house.

The young man, who first noticed the carriage, affectionately touched the old man’s shoulder, who was watching a flying dragonfly. Pointing towards the carriage where Reyna was, he said something to the old man.

‘Hmm?’ The old lady’s gaze turned towards the carriage.

‘Ah…’

Suddenly, tears welled up in Reyna’s eyes.

Perhaps it was because all the tension was finally released.

Her only friend inside the carriage was discovered by the young man, who warmly smiled, waved, and shook hands with Reyna.

“Reyna!”

If the old lady hadn’t been there, it seemed like they would have run for a month in joy. Instead of rushing towards Reyna, Taylor wrapped his arms around the old lady’s shoulders and spoke something to her.

The old lady also shook hands with Taylor while holding a cane.

A lump formed in Reyna’s throat.

The carriage began to slow down.

“Oops, Lady! It’s dangerous…”

Before the carriage came to a complete stop, Reyna opened the door, staggered out, and hastily ran towards them. She ran as if she were about to fall, quickly reached them, and embraced the old lady and Taylor with both arms.

Reyna finally relaxed, letting out a loud cry.

“…”

Taylor, with a bewildered face, hugged Reyna along with the old lady and comforted her.