Chapter 103

Far Away (6)

Ivan, who picked up the letter from the table, looked back at the lord who had quickly moved away. “Where are you going?”

“I’ll be there in time for the sunrise, so wait at the gate.”

“Where are you going? You’re going to your wife, right?”

Vlad turned his head slightly and looked back. “Ivan. There’s a limit.”

“…” The priest quickly closed the door.

Vlad walked unhesitatingly. He descended the stairs and walked through a hall with many pillars.

Sunrise arrived, the sight of the knights’ reflective armor truly spectacular.

Senior knights were waiting in line on either side.

“Salute to the Lord!”

The sound of armour clanking echoed loudly.

They bowed down at the same time.

Even though the bustling ceremony was omitted, it was the appearance of the duke.

All of the knights as well as senior knights were present.

Vlad lightly climbed on a huge black horse. Looking through his men with an uninspiring gaze, he slowly opened his mouth, “Do not leave any gaps in the safety of the castle. Hya.”

The sound of hooves pounding on the ground mixed in with shouts.

A look of wonder appeared on the faces of the knights who bowed inside the corridor.

“That’s not a castle gate…”

The warhorse’s muscular legs swayed in the dry snow.

Heading towards the centre of the fortress, the horse gradually slowed down as it entered the large courtyard.

Four long bridges headed towards the chapel, a huge box-like rectangular building.

When the lord appeared, the guards waiting at the door stiffened as if they had iron bars stuck into their spines.

“Lo..!”

“Quiet,” Vlad hushed.

The soldiers swallowed their dry saliva and slowly lowered their hands.

After getting off the horse, he walked up the stairs and stopped in front of the dark red wooden door where the paint was peeled off.

The original old door was distorted by the strong wind.

“…”

The harsh breathing of the nervous guards was annoying.

Vlad furrowed his brows. “It’s noisy. Go to the yard.”

As if they were familiar with the consequences of not doing so, the soldiers disappeared beyond sight without any questions.

As if his feet were rooted in front of the door, he closed his eyes only then.

Numerous noises tickled his ears.

The sound of the dead body shaking in the cold wind penetrating its bones. Sand blowing in the wind, and even the chittering of a small insect.

The fearless creature passed by and crawled through the twisted door gap.

Kneeling in front of a wooden platform until it touched her back.

Lily.

Her breathing was thin, almost confessional. There was not even a slight rustling.

She herself seemed to have become a sacred statue as she prayed in front of the altar.

How did I not tear down the chapel?

He even felt grateful for this damn building, which he had thought about smashing with his own hands, because the place held a spot in her heart.

…How can I say goodbye?

If he met her again, he couldn’t have gone out on a trip.

He opened his eyes slowly.

She was clearly visible between the cracks. A thick silver robe right over pyjamas. Her silhouette was engraved in his eyes so clearly.

“…Please forgive me.”

The hair on his neck raised.

What are you asking forgiveness for?

Didn’t everything in the world deserve forgiveness from her?

…Even herself.

Words that could not be said lingered in his mouth.

[You…]

A rough, unpleasant voice came to mind.

[Don’t… leave… anything… behind…]

That voice was like a noose wrapped around his neck for the rest of his life.

[Live… and… die… alone….]

Vlad shook his head slightly as if to erase the ghostly voice. He couldn’t help but feel sorry for her, who didn’t show even the slightest amount of disgust from his actions.

Why in the world am I showing my feelings on this day? Is there anyone more pathetic than me under the sky?

He turned and quietly stepped down the stairs.

Soon after he got on the horse, he slowly moved to the entrance of the courtyard and stopped in front of the guard.

The cape he had worn was released and casually handed over to the guard.

“Hand it over when my wife finishes with her prayers.”

“I’ve received your order. Do you have any additional comments?” Cloud-like breaths clouded over the lips of the guard.

It was freezing cold.

After squinting for a while, he threw a bleak gaze at the chapel.

“Okay.”

He kicked his horse again toward the dimly bright sky.

Just like that, winter was coming to an end.