Matthias let out a chuckle, as if her concerns were absurd. Leaning back against the carriage wall, he crossed his legs, striking a noble pose. Shabby clothes aside, there was no denying the lingering aura of his knight commander days.
“Do you even know what I truly desire?” he asked.
“Wealth, power… success? Perhaps a peaceful life?” she ventured.
A wry smile played on Matthias’s lips as another chuckle escaped him. “You seem to have a rather shallow perception of me.”
“But that’s what I promised, wasn’t it?” Odelliana countered.
“What I desired wasn’t wealth, power, or success. It was your leadership, your responsibility for me.”
“Which ultimately leads to wealth and power,” she persisted.
“And you’d be by my side through it all,” said Matthais. “What I want is a person.”
Odelliana blinked, a dawning realization washing over her. She pulled him into a hug, patting his shoulder gently.
“You’re right,” she admitted. “There’s nothing more valuable than the warmth and affection of another person.”
A heavy silence followed.
“You’ve been alone for a long time, haven’t you?” she asked softly, her voice filled with empathy. She understood the weight of solitude all too well.
A single, choked laugh escaped Matthias. “Hah.” His amusement grew, causing Odelliana to pull back slightly in confusion.
“Why are you laughing?” she inquired.
“It’s enough that I’m happy, even if you don’t understand everything,” he replied.
The silence returned, broken only by a sigh. “Yes,” he finally admitted, “I’ve been incredibly lonely. A hermit for far too long.” He burrowed deeper into her embrace. “Promise me you’ll never leave my side. Don’t abandon me.”
“And I promise the same,” Odelliana replied. “Unless, of course, you abandon me first.”
“A disciple abandon their master? Impossible,” he scoffed.
Odelliana squeezed him tighter. “Right. Let’s hope that sentiment never changes. I hope I am always your priority..”
Odelliana pulled back from Matthias as she sensed someone approaching. A hint of regret flickered across his face just as Blair entered the carriage, pushing open the previously closed door.
The carriage retraced its path, thankfully without encountering any bandits that could have jeopardized their newly acquired gifts. However, Matthias’s earlier warmth towards Odelliana vanished the moment Blair joined them.
An awkward silence filled the air. Blair made no attempt to initiate conversation, and Matthias’s responses were curt. It was astonishing how a mere change in atmosphere, achieved through pursed lips and serious expressions, could be so suffocating. Despite no apparent reason for hostility, the tension between the two men lingered until they arrived back at the mansion in Anatolia.
As the carriage rolled to a stop, Odelliana almost let out a sigh of relief. However, their respite was short-lived. Adella greeted them with a bombshell.
“Young Master Blair, Miss Odelliana,” she began apologetically, “I understand this news isn’t ideal after your journey, but you must prepare to depart immediately.”
“Leave?” Blair echoed, confusion lacing his voice. “Where to?”
“The master has issued an urgent order for both of you to return to the main estate.”
