[IYFILWATIP] 2 — I Believe In Love

The royal knights, dressed in splendid uniforms were often the object of admiration everywhere, easily attracted the attention of the opposite sex. Some of the boys came into the Knights Templar after passing a difficult test, for that sole purpose alone. It was at that time, when Kirona was considering how much gold to give as a gift for his wedding that Jade laughed. 

“Why is the story like that?”

“‘Do you believe in love?’ What else would I think with that phrase coming from your mouth? Oh, I guess he’s tired from working too much and wants to settle down.”

“You don’t have to twist it. I meant it literally. I assure you, I’ll never quit. Do you think there’s anyone else who can keep up with your temper all day?” 

“If you don’t quit, you’ll get divorced. In all honesty, being my exclusive escort is not a good position. You have to be mindful and perform small tasks with me, day & and night. How many days a year do you have to rest? Sometimes, you end up in remote mountains months on end, to subdue them. I don’t think that’s a job a married man should do.” Kirona offered him some sincere and useful advice*.

*Literally, giving ‘blood’ & ‘flesh’ worthy advice; sacrifice on her part to give him up. 그에게 피와 살이 될 만한 충고를 건 네었다. 

“I didn’t know you had so many thoughts about not using married men as your escort.” 

Jade narrowed his eyes, and spoke through gritted teeth. Kirona glanced at him briefly, admitting it was true. 

“Yes, honestly, the whole empire knows I’m lecherous*. That’s one of the reasons why I’m stabbed. To contain the source of potential problems.”

*ladykiller/stud.

“So, you mean to say that if the chance arises, you’ll kick me out?”

“How can I kick you out? But if that happens, you’ll say you left on your own.”

“...Please answer me. I asked you. Do you believe in love?”

Jade repeated, throwing firewood at the fire. Sparks blew into the air, and lit up the side of Jade’s face. The jawline that traced its way up to his dark blonde wet hair was sharp. He originally did not have soft facial features, but these days, they appeared to be even more sharp.

He seemed to have lost weight. Did she go overboard? Kirona put the book she was reading down, and finally answered his random question.

“Do you believe in love? You’re talking about love. You see me live every day. Do you think I believe in that?”

It wasn’t the answer he was expecting, but Jade kept his mouth shut. Kirona felt a guilty conscience. She made him do many things she couldn’t. 

When she bathed without armour after subjugation; when she spent the night with her lover. No matter how she lived with her nerves on edge; constantly alert, there were moments when everyone was inevitably defenceless. Jade had Kirona’s back in those times.

He was her eyes and ears, so she knew what happened behind her back. How many times Kirona changed her lover. How fleeting her love was. There were times when they were in places with poor soundproofing, and the unfamiliar moans echoed vividly. 

It wasn’t something that the glorious descendants of the Eclipse would do. But he couldn’t help it. That was the only thing Kirona believed in without any doubts -- him.

“I believe in love.”

––“I believe in love.”

Jade spoke calmly. It didn’t seem like a question he was trying to answer in the first place.

“Really? You? You said before that you don’t. You’ve been saying that for a long time.”

“I believe in it now.

“What’s the point? Say what you want to say. Don’t chase clouds.”

“...that’s why I’m aiming for the position of Knight Commander this time.”

“What?”

“I’m going to the East to hunt dragons. I will follow you on this subjugation expedition. To prove my skills within the Knights Templar and accumulate achievements. Your escort will take a long leave from the guard post. Please allow it. When I come back, I will be the Commander.”

“Are you really going to quit? You’re really getting married?”

Her previous statement was merely something she said as a passing joke till then, but Jade’s attitude was serious. It seemed real. He was a person who didn’t have much desire to succeed in his career compared to his skills & capabilities, so when he was promoted because of Kirona, he didn’t bat an eyelash. Even when she took the effort, and became frustrated.

“With whom?”

“...it’s not like that.”

Jade narrowed his brows in reply. So he had a lover. Kirona pursed her lips. She wasn’t used to this at all. No matter how hard she tried to remain calm, it hurt her heart; a hand grasped and squeezed it tightly every time it happened. However, the living couldn’t always stand by the dead. It was natural for each to carve their own path.

I thought you’d at least stay with me until the baby was born. But Kirona now knew how to deal with this. Instead of whining like a child, she asked.

“Who are you with?”

“No, have you ever listened to me? When did I say I was getting married? I said I’d come back as the commander. Why did it become a narrative of marriage?”