Black Chain

Chapter 13

Roetingen was a name used to refer to most of the northern region of the Lupel Empire. It was a vast area, but its cold weather made it a quiet place. At the center was a large port city, and everything around it was considered part of Roetingen. This was where the new Margrave (a noble ruler of a border region) arrived—with only ten guards by his side.

After traveling at full speed for several days without rest, everyone except Akelans was completely exhausted.

“Was it always like this?”

Hasollan looked around, trying to remember. Roetingen was a place she had only vague memories of. About thirteen years ago, during the Civil War, she had passed through the North, but she had never stopped to look around like this.

“It’s a big city.”

Indeed, it was massive. The city stretched far beyond the port, with grand buildings in the northern architectural style. Since it was a trading hub, shops were filled with goods from all over the world. There were stores selling fabric, parasols, and umbrellas, and since department stores had not yet been established, most products were handmade by artisans. But Hasollan had only caught a brief glimpse of the city’s surface.

“The Margrave has arrived!”

A loud announcement rang out as they crossed a deep moat, climbed a small hill, and reached the enormous Roetingen Castle.

“Welcome, Your Highness.”

The castle, which had been without an owner for some time, had been hastily cleaned. However, the place was far too large, and there had been too little time. The staff who came to greet them looked flustered. To make matters worse, the Margrave had arrived with only a handful of guards—and a mysterious woman in tow. It was shocking enough that he had been unexpectedly appointed, but even more shocking was his unusual company.

Yet, Akelans simply surveyed the grand castle as he dismounted his horse.

“There’s a lot to fix. What about the supplies from the capital?”

Before he died, the late Emperor Lowell had ordered that essential supplies be sent to Roetingen. He knew that neither Usman nor Bessa (other nobles in power) would bother to send help.

“Yes, they’ve been safely stored.”

Sir Vitaly, the castle’s chief steward, tried to remain composed. However, the attendants and knights around him failed to hide their shock.

Wrapped in a luxurious, soft, and shining cloak—clearly belonging to Margrave—the mysterious woman was suddenly pulled down from the horse and into his arms.

“P-put me down…!”

Hasollan struggled in surprise. She hated breaking formal rules. She also feared it—especially when it came to Akelans. Going against him never ended well.

Yet, without hesitation, he carried her inside.

“You can barely stand. How do you expect to walk?”

She had pushed herself to keep up with the relentless pace of their journey. Akelans had noticed everything.

“Do you want me to carry you over my shoulder instead?”

“You can’t—this isn’t proper!”

Hasollan protested, but Akelans ignored her.

“Vitaly!”

The steward jolted at the sudden call.

“Y-Yes, Your Highness!”

Vitaly cursed himself for just standing there, frozen as Margrave strode inside with a woman in his arms.

“Where is my room?”

“The library and the master bedroom are available, but—”

“Bedroom.”

“Ah, this way, Your Highness! Apologies, it hasn’t been fully prepared yet!”

“We arrived in a hurry.”

Akelans followed Vitaly, holding Hasollan so tightly that she couldn’t escape. The steward led them to the bedroom, but even as he did, he couldn’t stop a very improper thought from crossing his mind.

“He arrived with a woman… and the first place he goes is the bedroom? This looks… bad.”

“She injured her foot. Bring medicine and warm water.”

A maid rushed off to fetch them.

Hasollan was set down on the only furniture in the room—a bed.

“I’m fine! It’s nothing serious!”

She blushed furiously and tried to stand, but Akelans effortlessly held her foot in place.

“Nothing serious? You’re used to wearing soft shoes. You pushed yourself too hard.”

He clicked his tongue, looking at her blistered, red feet.

“I’ve lived through worse. Since when did you start caring?”

She snapped, trying to pull her foot away.

Akelans had forced their journey at a brutal pace, exhausting even his elite knights. Hasollan had managed to keep up—she had always been able to—but it had taken a toll. She suspected it was because of the assassins trailing her or Count Bessa’s spies watching them.

“I started caring… a few years ago.”

A few years? That was ridiculous.

Still, she gave up struggling as the maid returned with a basin of steaming hot water.

“That must have hurt.”

Akelans gently washed her feet, frowning.

Hasollan couldn’t handle it.

The Emperor—no, even if he was just Margrave now, he had still been born an Emperor—was kneeling before her, washing her feet. This was insane.

“I can do it myself, please!”

She reached out desperately, but he ignored her.

“Hey!”

If they had been alone, she might have endured it. But with people watching, she couldn’t stand it. She kicked out, trying to break free.

Sir Vitaly and the maid froze.

Did she just try to KICK the Emperor?!

“You’ve always struggled to hold back your temper around me, haven’t you?”

Akelans laughed softly, catching her foot effortlessly.

“Yeah, I have! So what?! Let me go! People are watching!”

“Vitaly.”

“Y-Yes, Your Highness?!”

“Is there another room prepared?”

“No, we weren’t expecting guests…”

“Figures. I didn’t tell anyone my consort was coming.”

“W-What?!”

Akelans turned to Vitaly, still holding Hasollan’s hands with one of his own.

“Prepare a suitable room for my consort.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Vitaly and the maid rushed out in a panic.

Hasollan kicked him.

“People just SAW THAT! What will they think?!”

“That you’re my consort.”

“No! They’ll think I’m some woman you picked up and brought here!”

“Solaris, don’t say things that don’t make sense.”

“I’LL SAY WHAT I WANT!”

Akelans chuckled and gripped her foot tightly.

“So… have you thought about what you want?”

His voice was warm and gentle.

“Why ask when you won’t listen?”

“Because I’m about to propose.”

Hasollan froze.

Akelans knelt on one knee.

“A dragon kneeling?”

“Marry me.”

She stared at him, completely speechless.

“Why—why do you say things without thinking?!”

Akelans looked at her seriously.

“I’ve been thinking about this since the day you died.”