- 1 day ago
Irresistible Warrior Husband
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Short filmTranscript
00:00was born with huge boobs. My lady feared her husband would touch me, so she sent me off to
00:03General Bennett, who came back from the war half-dead. As she walked me out, she kept guiltily
00:07talking me into it. Sure, Leon Bennett can't get it up. At least you'll dodge the agony of childbirth,
00:11so relax. If a guy's useless in bed, maybe he shines elsewhere. But I ended up begging for
00:16mercy every night. I really wanted to ask her, why is General Bennett so good at everything?
00:20Leon Bennett, the young war hero, was dragged back, drenched in blood, barely alive. He was
00:26the Bennett's only son. Madam Bennett was widowed young and was about to bury her only child.
00:31Someone suggested she arrange a ghost marriage for him. My lady, Fiona Clark, loved playing matchmaker,
00:36so she offered me to Madam Bennett. She held my contract, so I couldn't say no. She warned that
00:41if I refused the match, she'd hand me to some retired eunuch. She still resented my past
00:46involvement with her husband, so I knelt and swore to the heavens I'd never lust after him again.
00:50She jabbed my forehead in fury. An oath means shit. Look at those boobs. Know how much trouble they
00:55cause? Hunched my chest. Silent tears sliding down. Dragging these two giant boobs around right
00:59in front of men. Who wouldn't be tempted? It's not that I don't trust you, I just don't trust men.
01:05Her face finally softened. She bent and wiped my tears. The Bennett family's top tear. If my mom
01:11weren't friends with Madam Bennett, someone else would have snapped up this match ages ago.
01:16Choking back tears, I rasped. Miss, I don't want a ghost marriage. Worst case,
01:21I'll hide in the kitchen. I'll never. Before I could finish, two loud slaps smashed across my
01:25cheeks. My face burned like fire. Elaine, don't you know what's good for you? If I hadn't vouched
01:30for you with that slutty look of yours, Madam Bennett wouldn't even spare you a glance. You
01:33wouldn't even qualify to be his ghost bride. I was about to tell her that I'd already bound my chest
01:38flat, kept myself tightly covered, and even suffered heat rashes in midsummer. I begged her for mercy.
01:42At that moment, the house matron came rushing in, panting. Miss, the general's manor just sent word.
01:47General Bennett's awake. At that moment, the house matron burst in, panting. Miss, the general's
01:53manor just sent word. General Bennett's awake. My lady dragged me to the general's manor. Only a
01:57screen separated us, and the frail silhouette flickered behind it, and sometimes a soft cough
02:01drifted over. Madam Bennett wept uncontrollably, gripping my lady's hand. Fiona, thank you for
02:06everything you've done for Leon. He's out of danger now. The ghost marriage is no longer needed.
02:09You've worked so hard these days. My lady's dark eyes shifted craftily. Mrs. Bennett, the wedding
02:13still has to happen. Maybe Elaine's horoscope is just that strong. The moment the engagement
02:17was set. General Bennett woke up. If they actually marry, General Bennett will bounce right back and
02:23win more military glory. Madam Bennett wavered, glancing over at me. She was about to speak when
02:28a physician stepped out from behind the screen. He looked torn. Madam, General Bennett is... No
02:32outsiders here. Whatever it is, speak freely, sir. General Bennett may be conscious, but an arrow
02:36struck deep in his inner thigh. I fear from now on he won't be able to. Won't be able to
02:39what? My lady was
02:40even more anxious than Madam Bennett. He can't perform sexually. The words hit like a bolt of lightning.
02:44Madam Bennett's knees buckled. I lunged to steady her, keeping her from collapsing. Her bloodshot
02:48eyes were fixed on me, full of despair. Girl, are you... are you willing to marry a man like
02:53that? Don't worry. I'll never let you suffer. Just think of it as becoming my daughter.
02:58My lady blurted out. She's willing. Totally willing. With her slave status wiped clean,
03:01why wouldn't she be? For a moment, I was speechless. I was born free, actually. My dad was an imperial
03:05physician. I was his concubine's daughter and lost my mother young. Luckily, dad was always gentle and kind.
03:10After he died, his principal wife, eyeing the estate, decided to sell the concubine's daughters to
03:14traffickers for cash. The night before they came, I begged for help from a poor scholar I'd fed every
03:18day. I'd heard he'd just become an imperial scholar, yet he refused me outside the door.
03:22He stood inside the door, not even bothering to open it a crack. Miss Hart, I'm engaged to the
03:25grand tutor's daughter. We should keep our distance. It's improper to open the door. Here's a bag of
03:29silver. Consider it repayment for the meals you gave me. Please leave. A money bag was tossed out from
03:33over the wall. My heart felt like it was pricked by a needle, aching dully. Later, on the street,
03:38I struggled with my stepmother. She threatened me. If you resist again, I'll sell you to a brothel.
03:42Fortunately, the grand tutor's wife passed by. She bought my freedom and kept me as a maid in her
03:45household. Soon, that scholar became my young lady's husband. I acted as if I'd never known him,
03:50serving my young lady diligently. But unexpectedly, she found out. Resisting further was pointless.
03:55I lifted my skirt and knelt respectfully before Madam Bennett. Madam, I'm willing to marry General
03:59Bennett to bring him luck and serve you until old age. Madam Bennett kept her word. She prepared a
04:04decent dowry for me. My young lady specifically chose a day when her husband was away on business to
04:08marry me off. She stuffed my contract into my hand and said guiltily,
04:10Although Leon Bennett can't perform as a man, at least spared the pain of childbirth. Don't worry.
04:15A man who's lacking in that area might excel in other ways. Don't worry. A man who's lacking in
04:21that area might excel in other ways. Honestly, that never even crossed my mind. I thought I'd
04:25serve a new household. The bridal sedan stopped. The matchmaker carried me into the general's
04:28manor. General Bennett looked half dead. I exchanged vows with his sword. On our wedding night,
04:33other brides would have sat on the wedding bed waiting for their grooms to lift the red veil.
04:36I pushed the door open and saw my husband in a crimson robe, already half reclining on the bed.
04:39General, I whispered, barely audibly, afraid a louder voice might break him. He turned toward
04:44me, his face breathtakingly handsome, yet drained of all color. Never meant to take a wife. If you
04:48don't mind, we can just be like siblings. He gestured to the bed nearby. It's our wedding night,
04:52but to keep mom from worrying, could you crash there for tonight? You can sleep in the guest room
04:56tomorrow. Okay. He thought of everything. Nothing like I'd imagined. Before I left home,
05:01the matron whispered to me, Between husband and wife, you don't always have to use that spot.
05:05There are other ways. Learn a few tricks. It's just that you can't get pregnant. Might come in
05:09handy someday. What? She'd slipped a little booklet into my hand. I opened it, blushing as my heart
05:15pounded. Are you feeling warm? Leon's clear eyes were locked on me. Flustered, I muttered,
05:20the wedding robe was too heavy, so I felt warm. Then wash up and get some rest early. I'll turn
05:24in
05:24first. He yanked the quilt closer and lay down to sleep. He must have been beat, because soon I heard
05:28his soft, steady breathing. I walked to the vanity, took off the phoenix crown, and shed the wedding robe
05:34layer by layer, until only a sheer slip was left. Staring at myself in the mirror, full breasts,
05:39a tiny waist, red lips, slender arms, eyes shimmering with tears. My lady always said,
05:43A woman like this is shamelessly wanton and should stay wrapped up tight. Suddenly,
05:46I spun around, about to duck behind the screen, and met a pair of eyes. Leon's face was even redder,
05:52his chest heaving, Adam's apple bobbing. I snatched the robe from the floor and shielded my chest,
05:58murmuring nervously, General, weren't you asleep? After a pause, his voice came low and strained.
06:04Can sleep later. My heart lurched, and I froze as he rose, his tall, lean frame looming over me.
06:09After a pause, his voice came low and strained. Can sleep later. My heart lurched, and I froze as
06:14he rose, his tall, lean frame looming over me. My heart pounded like crazy. My head was full of
06:19those images from the little booklet. We were even breathing in sync. After a moment, Leon turned
06:23toward the door. The night breeze rushed in, snapping me back to reality. He'd already vanished
06:27into the dark. I wondered why his eyes were full of shock when he was looking at me just
06:31now. Did I scare him? Before bed, I decided to bind my chest even tighter tomorrow. Half
06:37asleep, I sensed Leon come back. Water still dripped from his hair, so he'd just taken a
06:41bath. Next morning, when I woke, he was already gone. The maid, Nina, came in to do my hair.
06:46Outside, a man kept sneezing again and again. The nanny asked, concerned,
06:49General, you wanted to bathe last night. Why didn't you have me heat the water? It may
06:54be summer, but the nights are still chilly. Look at you, frozen from that cold bath. You've
06:58probably caught a chill. I'll make you some ginger tea right away. Look at you, frozen
07:02from that cold bath. You've probably caught a chill. I'll make you some ginger tea right
07:05away. Looked up, then asked Nina, does the general really like taking cold baths? I don't
07:10know, my lady. I told her to leave. Then I locked the door. I bound my chest, layer
07:14after layer. These days, frailty was the fashion for women, but I was all curves. No wonder
07:18the general hadn't been interested in me. I went to pay my respects to Madam Bennett.
07:21Leon was already sitting beside her. She greeted me with a warm smile, but the moment Leon
07:25coughed, her face fell. Leon, I need a few private words with Elaine. Go rest for now.
07:31Leon nodded and left. Madam Bennett waved me over and had me sit close to her. She took
07:35my hand, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Sweet girl, Leon's lucky to have you. Given
07:41his condition now, it must feel terribly unfair to you. Her smile faded, and her words grew
07:46wistful. The physician said his vitality is gone. No one knows how long he has left.
07:50Some in the clan have urged me to have him adopt a child just for an heir. But wouldn't
07:54that ruin your whole life? But wouldn't that ruin your whole life? I'm so thankful you'd
08:00marry him to help him get better. I can't hold you back for the rest of your life. I've thought
08:03it all through for you. If that day really comes for Leon, I'll have him write you a release
08:07letter. So the rest of your life in peace. I'll also add some land and a house in your name.
08:12I wiped the tears from her eyes, my heart aching. Mother-in-law, thank you for thinking
08:16of me. I only thought I was here to serve as a maid. Never dreamed she'd planned so
08:19far ahead for me. And then I thought of the mother I'd never met. If she were alive, if
08:24I'd grown up under her care, I wouldn't have ended up like this. Madam Bennett broke into
08:28a tearful smile. Look at me. How did I even make you cry? Elaine, don't be so formal with
08:33me. Just call me mom, like Leon does. Sweet girl, I have one more favor to ask. Fiona said
08:37you can cook medicinal meals. From now on, for Leon's daily food and care, I'll have
08:41to trouble you. I just want him to live a bit longer. That's my little selfish wish.
08:46As she went on, her voice started to crack again. I nodded. Her voice started to crack
08:50again. I nodded. I'll head to the kitchen to prep the ingredients.
08:53The last time I made medicinal meals was years ago. Back then, Gregory wasn't yet Fiona's
08:56husband. His parents were both gone. He lived alone in a run-down courtyard behind my house.
09:00To save money for his studies, he often lived on just one meal a day. One day, he collapsed
09:03at my back door. I was the one who revived him. I felt sorry seeing him study so hard.
09:07I dug through my dad's medical books, made him medicinal meals daily to soothe his stomach.
09:10Only, he and I knew about this. It must have been him who told Fiona, just so he could drive
09:14me away, he really went to a lot of trouble. I carried the steaming food to the bedroom.
09:18Leon was telling the help to pack his clothes.
09:20General, what are you doing? Didn't we agree I'd move to the guest room?
09:23His handsome face didn't show the slightest change. In a low voice, he said,
09:27I don't own much. I should be the one moving.
09:29General, eat first, then pack.
09:30I set the dishes on the table. He gave them a cursory glance, then sat down by the table.
09:33From now on, let the servants handle this.
09:35You can do it.
09:36No, you can't.
09:37His voice was still cold.
09:38From now on, let Nina do it.
09:39His voice was still cold.
09:41From now on, let Nina do it.
09:41He downed the soup in a few gulps, then instructed the servants. He brushed past me like the wind.
09:45At that moment, I was sure of one thing. He probably didn't want to see me. I did exactly
09:49as he said, having Nina take the medicinal meals to his study every day. Each morning,
09:53when I went to greet Madam Bennett, she kept praising me.
09:55During his daily visit, Imperial Physician Scott said Leon's pulse was far steadier.
09:59He looked much healthier to me.
10:00It was all thanks to you, Elaine.
10:02She was so pleased that she gave me a gold bangle. Back in my room, I put it into my
10:06jewelry box. Inside were all sorts of ornaments Madam Bennett had given me.
10:10Nina said,
10:10Mrs. Bennett, you don't usually wear these. Isn't it a waste to keep them stored?
10:13How is that a waste?
10:14One day, I'll trade them for cash. That's my rainy day fun.
10:17These were all gifts for Madam Bennett. Really selling them all?
10:20Not now. But if we ever part ways, I'll definitely sell them and keep cash for myself.
10:24Nina looked baffled.
10:25As she turned to leave, she whispered,
10:27General,
10:28Turned and met Leon's eyes, dark as ink.
10:30Madam Bennett's eyesight must really be failing.
10:32I turned and met Leon's eyes, dark as ink.
10:34Madam Bennett's eyesight must really be failing.
10:35Leon looked even paler than before.
10:37His eyes were razor sharp. He'd fixed an icy stare on me.
10:40It had freaked me out a little, but I hadn't let it show.
10:42General, what brings you here?
10:44Left some old things in this room. Came to pick them up.
10:46Let me help you, General.
10:47Somehow, Nina was gone.
10:50Leon said,
10:51It's a notebook.
10:52General, do you remember where you put it?
10:54No idea.
10:55Dug through boxes and drawers, making random small talk as I went.
10:58After a bit, spotted a notebook shoved at the back of the top shelf.
11:01The moment I stretched up on tiptoe to grab it, another hand landed on it, too.
11:04The skin he brushed instantly burned hot.
11:07For the first time, I gazed at his face up close.
11:09He was gorgeous.
11:10Skin like porcelain, strong brows, starry eyes, deep as a mountain pool with no bottom in sight.
11:14I swallowed hard and turned to take the notebook, but lost my balance on tiptoe and tumbled right into his
11:19arms.
11:19In that split second, my chest crashed into his.
11:22I scrambled up, flustered.
11:23Leon's chest heaved violently.
11:25His face was on fire.
11:27Leon's chest heaved violently.
11:29His face was on fire.
11:30General, here's your notebook.
11:31I won't see you out.
11:32He took it and walked off without a word.
11:35Now he probably thinks even less of me.
11:37After that day, I did everything to avoid running into Leon so I wouldn't upset him.
11:41He was a patient.
11:42He needed to stay cheerful.
11:43But I got a new headache.
11:45Gregory kept sending people with notes.
11:47He wanted to see me.
11:48I never even read them, just stuffed them into a box.
11:50Today, Nina slipped a note into my hand and whispered,
11:53Mrs. Bennett, this time it's more than a note.
11:55He's waiting at the side door.
11:57He says if you won't see him, he won't leave.
11:58I clenched my fists and stormed out, fuming.
12:01I glimpsed a figure in the yard trailing me, but I ignored it.
12:04I opened the door.
12:05Gregory was standing there.
12:06Elaine, you finally agreed to see me.
12:08Neighbor's son-in-law, you should be calling me Mrs. Bennett.
12:10He paused, then lowered his voice.
12:12Mrs. Bennett, do you realize asking to meet me like this over and over could ruin my name?
12:16I know, I just wanted to tell you, I'm about to get promoted.
12:19I know, I just wanted to tell you, I'm about to get promoted.
12:22By then, I won't have to rely on my father-in-law anymore.
12:24Elaine, I'll buy us a mansion.
12:25Stick with me.
12:26It's better than sticking with that sick man.
12:28As he got more worked up, he even reached out trying to hug me.
12:30I stepped back and sneered.
12:32So you want me to be your mistress?
12:33Gregory nodded in all seriousness.
12:35I burst out laughing.
12:36Why would I give up being the general's wife just to be your mistress?
12:39Everyone in the capital knows Leon Bennett's got one foot in the grave already.
12:43He won't last much longer.
12:44Besides, he's not even a real man.
12:45His eyes drifted to my chest.
12:48Wouldn't that be a waste on you?
12:49Felt a surge of disgust.
12:51Gregory, I know exactly what you're after.
12:53I once saved you, but when I needed you most, you shut the door on me.
12:56Now, to ease that tiny bit of guilt, you want to screw up the rest of my life?
12:59He grew even more anxious.
13:00Give me some time.
13:01I'll convince Fiona to let you in as a concubine.
13:03I'm not going to be anyone's concubine, and I'll never be your mistress.
13:06So stop pestering me.
13:07My husband's a war hero, a celebrated general.
13:10If he finds out, what future will you have left?
13:12My husband's a war hero, a celebrated general.
13:14If he finds out, what future will you have left?
13:17I'd hit where it hurt.
13:18What he cared about most was his own prospects.
13:19The second I finished, his face went pale.
13:21You'd rather marry a cripple than pick me?
13:24Glared at him.
13:24My husband fights to defend this land.
13:26Those scars are his medals.
13:27You benefit from his sacrifice, so you've got no right to badmouth him.
13:30In my eyes, he's a real man.
13:32Unlike you, sound body, filthy heart.
13:35At that, I slammed the door.
13:37I turned and saw Leon draped in a teal robe.
13:39He stood tall, less than half a foot from me.
13:41General!
13:42I stammered.
13:43Guilty.
13:43A faint razor edge flickered in his gaze.
13:46Weren't you just calling me your husband?
13:47Why so distant now?
13:49Don't get me wrong, General.
13:50As long as I live in your manor, I'll keep to a wife's duty and never stray.
13:54It's getting late.
13:55I need to prepare your medicinal meal.
13:57Head lowered.
13:58I spoke while walking off, just wanting to bolt.
14:00As I passed him, his big hand clamped around my arm.
14:03And before I steadied myself, I fell into his arms.
14:05His big hand clamped around my arm.
14:07And before I steadied myself, I fell into his arms.
14:09My eyes met Leon's dark, unfathomable gaze.
14:11He only had to lean in a little, and our lips would touch.
14:13His warm breath brushed my face.
14:15My heart went wild.
14:16Heat rushed to my cheeks.
14:18Leon swallowed hard.
14:19Word by word, he asked.
14:20What's with as long as I live in your manor?
14:22So you'll leave one day?
14:23Couldn't very well tell him that I'd leave when he was dead.
14:26So I denied it flat out.
14:27No, that's not what I meant.
14:29General, it hurts.
14:30Was everything you just said for real?
14:32Blinked.
14:33Which part?
14:34He sighed softly and let go.
14:36I felt like a kid caught red-handed and bolted.
14:39For the first time, his face held some color.
14:42His cheeks were burning.
14:43That night, I had a strange dream.
14:45In it, Leon's lips brushed against my cheek, his hand tugging at my underrobe, his voice
14:49low and tempting.
14:50Want it, m'lady?
14:51Spellbound, I nodded.
14:52His kiss crashed into mine, fierce and hungry.
14:54A soft silken drizzle wrapped around us.
14:56I jolted awake, flustered.
14:57My heart hammered in my chest.
14:59A soft silken drizzle wrapped around us.
15:00I jolted awake, flustered.
15:02My heart hammered in my chest.
15:03Nina knocked and stepped in.
15:04I told her to fetch a basin of cold water.
15:05She stared at my sweat-damp hair, muttering to herself,
15:08It really is getting hotter and hotter.
15:09Scooped up cold water and slacked my face.
15:11Suddenly, I remembered how Leon took a cold bath on our wedding night.
15:14Could he also?
15:15No way.
15:16He's injured.
15:16He should be keeping his desires in check.
15:18At noon, Madam Bennett's maid brought me a message.
15:21Madam Bennett wants dinner in the garden tonight, and she insists you be there.
15:24Lately, to dodge Leon, I'd been skipping meals in the main hall.
15:28Now that Madam Bennett had sent word, I couldn't refuse.
15:30I stepped into the garden, where a pomegranate tree blazed in full bloom.
15:33A breeze swept through, making the fiery blossoms flare like flames.
15:35A few blood-red petals drifted onto the stone table in the pavilion.
15:38It was piled high with all my favorite dishes.
15:41Madam Bennett motioned for me to sit.
15:42Leon said today's your birthday, and he had the kitchen make all this for you.
15:46Leon said today's your birthday, and he had the kitchen make all this for you.
15:51Looked up and met those smoldering eyes.
15:53My cheeks went hot.
15:54Leon calmly slid the chestnut cake right in front of me.
15:56I asked him,
15:57General, how did you know it's my birthday?
15:59Even I forgot.
16:00My birth mother had died in labor, so no one had ever marked the day for me.
16:03He dropped his gaze, avoiding my eyes, and murmured,
16:05It's on our marriage contract.
16:06Your birth details.
16:07My heart fluttered for no reason.
16:09Elaine, this jar of peach wine is my prized stash.
16:12I'm opening it just for you.
16:13You two don't drink yourself silly.
16:15With that, she stood and added,
16:16Summer nights are breezy.
16:17Then she left us to drink alone.
16:18The moment Madam Bennett walked away, the air seemed to freeze.
16:21To break the awkward silence, I started knocking back cup after cup.
16:24The peach wine was sweet but strong.
16:26Before I knew it, my head was spinning.
16:28I groped for the empty plate,
16:30and looked up and asked Leon,
16:31Where's the last piece of chestnut cake?
16:33His lips twitched as he whispered,
16:34I ate it.
16:35God knows where I got the nerve, but I leaned in close to his face.
16:38His lips twitched as he whispered,
16:39I ate it.
16:40God knows where I got the nerve, but I leaned in close to his face.
16:42I said crossly,
16:44Who allowed you?
16:45Spit it out.
16:45Leon instantly opened his mouth.
16:47Come get it yourself.
16:48I bent down, peering into his mouth.
16:49Leon chuckled.
16:50You're not going to find it.
16:51Tipped my head back, staring at him, and asked,
16:54Then how do I find it?
16:55Faint blush rose on his cheeks.
16:56Keeping a straight face, he said.
16:57Try using your mouth.
16:58My gaze slid to his slightly reddened lips.
17:00I swallowed hard.
17:01Without thinking, I kissed him.
17:03Leon froze.
17:04His breathing quickened.
17:05He soon took control,
17:06clasped the back of my head,
17:08pulling me in and deepening the kiss.
17:09We didn't break apart until
17:11footsteps sounded behind the flowers.
17:12General, the night's getting chilly.
17:14Madam sent me to bring you two cloaks.
17:15No idea how much she saw.
17:17I shot to my feet,
17:18but the next second,
17:18the world spun,
17:19and I collapsed.
17:20When I woke with my head splitting,
17:21it was already morning.
17:22Shot to my feet,
17:23but the next second,
17:24the world spun,
17:25and I collapsed.
17:26When I woke with my head splitting,
17:27it was already morning.
17:28I remembered I'd promised Madam Bennett
17:30to go with her to Grace Abbey
17:31and offer incense.
17:31I scrambled to get ready.
17:33Mrs. Bennett, take it easy.
17:34Just now I saw the coachman
17:35still hitching up the horses.
17:36Tina, you helped me back last night, right?
17:38No, Mrs. Bennett.
17:39The general carried you in.
17:40I turned and stared at her to make sure.
17:41She nodded seriously.
17:43I didn't babble anything crazy, did I?
17:45Oh, you did.
17:46After General laid you on the bed,
17:47you grabbed his sleeve
17:48and wouldn't let him go,
17:49calling him your husband.
17:50The general's face went bright red.
17:52Tina, stop talking nonsense.
17:53She covered her mouth,
17:54laughing as she ran out.
17:55I headed to the front gate
17:55to meet Madam Bennett.
17:56Grace Abbey was on Lion's Hill
17:57outside the Capitol.
17:58I sat in the carriage,
17:59spaced out,
18:00replaying the kiss I forced on Leon.
18:02Madam Bennett might have read
18:02too much into it, she said.
18:04Elaine, do you have someone you like?
18:06These days I've seen you dodging Leon.
18:08Please don't blame me
18:08for arranging that dinner
18:09for you two yesterday.
18:10These days I've seen you avoiding Leon.
18:11Please don't blame me
18:12for setting you two up
18:13for dinner yesterday.
18:14Figured if you can't be husband and wife,
18:16you can still be friends.
18:16If you feel uncomfortable or want out,
18:18just say so.
18:19I'll make him divorce you.
18:20I won't hold you back.
18:21Mom, no.
18:22I was thinking about something else.
18:24What is it?
18:25I was trying to figure out how to say it.
18:26Suddenly the carriage lurched violently.
18:28A shrill whinny pierced the air.
18:29The horses bolted,
18:30racing toward the woods.
18:31I stuck my head out the window.
18:33The coachman was already gone.
18:34The horses tore through the mountains like crazy.
18:36We were tossed around inside,
18:38flung up, down, side to side.
18:39It hurt like hell.
18:40Mom screamed and burst into tears.
18:42Elaine! Elaine!
18:42What do we do?
18:44Braced myself.
18:45Leaned farther out the window.
18:46Shit!
18:47There was a cliff ahead.
18:48Mom, don't panic.
18:49Hold onto me tight.
18:50I'll protect you.
18:51Let's jump.
18:51We can't.
18:52We'll get hurt.
18:54Mom, the cliff's right in front of us.
18:55If we don't jump, we're dead.
18:57Shielded her.
18:57And the moment the horses stumbled,
18:59we leaped off and tumbled down the cliff.
19:00Luckily, I grabbed a branch
19:02jutting from the cliff with one hand
19:03and clung to Madam Bennett with the other.
19:05I grabbed a branch
19:06jutting from the cliff with one hand
19:07and clung to Madam Bennett with the other.
19:09Below her yawned a bottomless abyss.
19:11Mom, don't look down.
19:12Hold onto me.
19:13Nina and the others are right behind us.
19:15They'll be here to help us any second.
19:16The branch creaked.
19:18Through her sobs, Madam Bennett said,
19:20Elaine, let go.
19:21You can't hold us both.
19:22That branch is going to snap.
19:23I'm already old.
19:24Not much time left.
19:25You have to keep living.
19:26Rush of grief flooded my chest.
19:27How could I just let go?
19:28In my heart,
19:29she'd long been my real mom.
19:30Mom, I'd rather die with you
19:32than stand by and watch you fall.
19:34Hang on, please.
19:35They'll be here any second to pull us up.
19:37Truth was,
19:37I wasn't sure we'd make it.
19:38It felt like my body was about to tear in two.
19:40The pain so bad, it had gone numb.
19:42Hopeless.
19:42I started hearing things.
19:43It was Leon.
19:44Elaine, don't move.
19:46I'm coming down to get you.
19:47He'd never called my name before.
19:48Suddenly, a strong arm caught me.
19:50He tied the rope around my waist,
19:52then climbed down and secured Madam Bennett.
19:54Everyone up top hauled together.
19:55We were saved.
19:56It wasn't just my imagination.
19:58Everyone up top hauled together.
19:59We were saved.
20:00It wasn't just my imagination.
20:01Leon really saved me.
20:02He held me in his arms and said,
20:04frowning,
20:04Why is there so much blood?
20:05Madam Bennett said,
20:06Elaine shielded me.
20:07When we leaped,
20:08she shielded me.
20:09I'm completely unscathed.
20:10She's the one hurt.
20:11She covered her face and sobbed.
20:12My eyelids were as heavy as lead.
20:14Elaine, don't fall asleep.
20:15I'll get you to a doctor.
20:16He lifted me into the carriage.
20:18I curled up against his chest.
20:19Tiny beads of sweat dotted Leon's forehead.
20:21He cracked the whip with one hand
20:22while he kept talking to me.
20:23Elaine, stay awake.
20:25I'll buy you chestnut cakes.
20:26I'll load you up with gold and jewels.
20:28Okay?
20:29You needn't wait till I die.
20:30I'll write the divorce letter right now
20:31so you can leave any time.
20:33My heart clenched again and again.
20:34Something wet,
20:35a drop,
20:35landed on my face.
20:36I forced my eyes open
20:37and caught a flash of the blue sky.
20:39But it wasn't raining.
20:40The next moment,
20:41everything went black.
20:42I opened my eyes.
20:43My whole body felt like it had fallen apart.
20:44Mrs. Bennett,
20:45the imperial physician said you mustn't move.
20:46The pain in my body told me I was still alive.
20:49Nina brought over a bowl of medicine
20:50and fed me slowly.
20:51Mrs. Bennett,
20:52thank goodness you didn't break any bones.
20:53Nina brought over a bowl of medicine
20:54and fed me slowly.
20:55Mrs. Bennett,
20:56thank goodness you didn't break any bones.
20:57But you're covered in scrapes and bruises.
20:59If you don't want scars,
21:00you'd better stay in bed.
21:01Your wrist dislocated too.
21:03She kept rambling on,
21:04but my eyes and thoughts
21:05were already been at the door.
21:06When I finished the medicine,
21:07I asked her,
21:07Where's the general?
21:08He went to look into the runaway horse.
21:10Was it intentional?
21:11Yes.
21:11They found cold food powder in the feet,
21:13a drug that hypes the horses up.
21:14Who would have been gutsy enough for that?
21:16Dared mess with General Bennett?
21:17Delayed in bed for a whole month.
21:18I hadn't seen Leon once.
21:20Madam Bennett had been so shaken.
21:21She kept her door shut day and night.
21:22Everyone in the house was tense and cold.
21:24Like something awful had happened.
21:25I asked Nina,
21:26but she said nothing.
21:27Today,
21:27I finally was able to get up.
21:29And ran right into a cool, aloof figure.
21:30Leon stood there in a dark blue robe,
21:32making his features look even sharper than before.
21:34He handed me a wooden box.
21:35Puzzled, I opened it.
21:36Inside was a land deed,
21:37a house deed,
21:38and a divorce letter.
21:38My whole body went rigid.
21:40Like some invisible force was holding me.
21:42I wasn't able to move.
21:43General, are you kicking me out?
21:44My whole body went rigid.
21:46Like some invisible force was holding me.
21:48I wasn't able to move.
21:48General, are you kicking me out?
21:50When Leon looked at me,
21:51his eyes were cold.
21:52No, you've waited for this a long time.
21:54You avoid me whenever you can,
21:55because you don't want any ties to me.
21:57When I die,
21:58will you be able to leave freely?
22:00I'm just setting you free a bit early.
22:02Elaine, just go.
22:03From now on,
22:04you've got nothing to do with me.
22:05A sour ache flooded my chest.
22:07My mouth opened and closed,
22:08and only after a while
22:09did any words come out.
22:10So in your eyes,
22:11that's what I am.
22:11He turned his back to me,
22:12never once looking back.
22:13Get out, now.
22:14I don't want to see you again.
22:15Leon's figure vanished
22:16from the courtyard in a flash.
22:18The servants practically
22:19shoved me out of the gate.
22:20Just as I was leaving,
22:21Nina climbed into the carriage with me.
22:23Mrs. Bennett?
22:24No, miss.
22:25General said you're used to me here,
22:26so he wants me with you.
22:27I was speechless.
22:28We moved into a small courtyard.
22:29The next day,
22:29the authorities posted a notice.
22:31Leon Bennett had lost the battle a year ago.
22:32We moved into a small courtyard.
22:33The next day,
22:34the authorities posted a notice.
22:35Leon Bennett had lost the battle a year ago.
22:37They said he betrayed the nation
22:38and sold the defense map to foreign forces.
22:40His majesty had sentenced him to death
22:42and threw him in prison.
22:42The general's manor had been sealed off.
22:44Everyone was awaiting judgment,
22:45but Leon was a man of real integrity.
22:47How could he possibly be a traitor?
22:48He'd been so desperate to send me away.
22:50Was that why?
22:51Nina was pacing in circles, frantic.
22:52She'd grown up in the general's manor,
22:54so she wanted the f***ing safe.
22:55Miss, is there anything we can do?
22:57I forced myself to calm down
22:58and tried to remember.
22:59When dad had still been alive,
23:00he'd once saved a man dying of tuberculosis.
23:02He was with the Ministry of Justice.
23:03He'd even come to our home to thank dad.
23:05I ran into him that day.
23:06He'd even praised me a bit.
23:07I remembered his surname was Grant.
23:08After asking around,
23:09I stopped Mr. Grant's sedan
23:10on his way back from court.
23:11Mr. Grant,
23:12remember me?
23:13I'm Elaine Hart.
23:14He stroked his beard and chuckled.
23:16You're all grown up now.
23:17Sir, to be straight with you,
23:18I'm here to beg a favor today.
23:19That's why I had to stop you.
23:20My husband's locked up
23:21in the Imperial prison now.
23:22Please, let me see him just once.
23:23Mr. Grant frowned.
23:24Who's your husband?
23:25Leon Bennett.
23:26His face tightened.
23:27I kept begging him.
23:28Mr. Grant frowned.
23:29Who's your husband?
23:30Leon Bennett.
23:31His face tightened.
23:32I kept begging him.
23:33He finally agreed.
23:34The guard who led me in
23:35kept warning me.
23:36General Bennett is a serious felon.
23:37You can stay no more than an hour.
23:39The lock clanked open.
23:40Leon rose to his feet.
23:41Surprise flickered across his face.
23:42What are you doing here?
23:43My chest tightened with grief.
23:45I peered at him through the misty air.
23:46General,
23:47is this why you kicked me out?
23:48You were framed, right?
23:50Think about it.
23:51Do you have any proof of your innocence?
23:53I'll dig around.
23:53I'll find it.
23:54I swear I'll get you out.
23:55Leon's gaze grew deeper.
23:57Suddenly,
23:57his arms shot out,
23:58pulling me into his arms.
23:59Elaine.
24:00My heart pounded wildly,
24:01but time was ticking.
24:02This was no moment for romance.
24:04I braced my hands against him,
24:05but couldn't push him away.
24:06He only tightened his hold.
24:07His voice was barely a murmur,
24:09like a feather brushing my ear.
24:10Elaine,
24:11once you're out,
24:11do nothing.
24:12Walls have ears.
24:13I can't say more.
24:14I promise.
24:14In seven days,
24:15we'll watch the sunrise together,
24:16okay?
24:17His eyes were unwavering.
24:18Not like he was lying to me.
24:19I nodded.
24:20As I walked out of the prison,
24:21I ran into Gregory on official business.
24:23I nodded.
24:24As I walked out of the prison,
24:25I ran into Gregory on official business.
24:27He blocked my way
24:28and curled his lips in a sly grin.
24:30Elaine,
24:30it's not too late to back out.
24:32Being my mistress beats being alone
24:33and trashed by everyone.
24:34Slapped him hard.
24:36Yet lost.
24:37He lunged to grab me,
24:38but I slipped past him in a flash.
24:39If you keep pestering me,
24:40I swear I'll take those notes
24:41you've been sneaking me lately
24:42and dump them at the Grand Tudor's estate.
24:44See if the Grand Tudor
24:44and his wife let you off.
24:45You used to poison Miss Clark
24:47against me,
24:48didn't you?
24:48You wanted her to kick me out,
24:49figuring I'd be cornered
24:51and crawl back to you.
24:52Too bad you never thought
24:53she'd marry me to General Bennett,
24:55a guy you can't afford to cross.
24:56His face flushed and then paled.
24:58While he was stunned,
24:59I bolted.
24:59Scum like him,
25:00the farther away,
25:01the better.
25:01Even though Leon kept swearing
25:02he wouldn't break his word,
25:03I still tossed and turned
25:04for five nights.
25:05By the sixth afternoon,
25:06Nina and I spotted
25:07an imperial notice
25:08at the court gate.
25:08Turned out,
25:09the traitors were
25:09the second prince
25:10and the chancellor.
25:11The second prince coveted
25:12the crown prince's throne
25:12and Leon was
25:13the crown prince's right-hand man.
25:14The second prince coveted
25:15the crown prince's throne
25:16and Leon was
25:16the crown prince's right-hand man.
25:18So he planted a mole
25:18into Leon's ranks
25:19to steal the defense map.
25:20He even meant to get Leon killed.
25:22So Leon had been
25:23faking sickness the whole time.
25:24Why fake being sick
25:25and claim you can't get it up?
25:26I kept thinking about all this.
25:27Didn't sleep a wink all night.
25:28By dawn,
25:29the sky was turning bright.
25:30A knock came from the door.
25:31I dashed over
25:31and flung it open
25:32and dove straight
25:33into Leon's arms.
25:34He froze like he'd been
25:35struck by lightning.
25:36Standing stiff as the board,
25:37not hugging me back,
25:37I followed his gaze down.
25:39Oh, fuck.
25:39I'd run out so fast
25:40that I'd forgotten
25:41to bind my chest.
25:42I spun to leave,
25:43but he yanked me back.
25:44Running off?
25:44You don't want me?
25:46Face burning,
25:46I dropped my head
25:47and pointed at my full chest.
25:49Who said that?
25:50He chuckled.
25:51I looked up at him.
25:52Leon leaned down,
25:53his face inches from mine,
25:54our lips almost touching.
25:55Elaine,
25:56I like every inch of you.
25:57Our eyes locked.
25:58The heat between us
25:59could melt steel.
26:01Suddenly,
26:01he swept me up
26:02and headed for the bedroom.
26:03I thumped his chest.
26:04Didn't you say
26:05we'd watch the sunrise?
26:06I want to see you first.
26:07We crashed onto the bed together.
26:08I want to see you first.
26:09We crashed onto the bed together.
26:10Leon slipped the tie
26:11at my chest loose.
26:12I covered his eyes
26:12with my hand.
26:13Don't look.
26:13I'm a mess.
26:14He moved my hand away.
26:15His breathing turned quick.
26:16His voice was gentle and soft.
26:18Oh, you're gorgeous.
26:19Leon's eyes were sparkling.
26:20My heart was pounding like crazy.
26:22I pressed my hand
26:22to his rock-hard chest.
26:23Didn't the physician say,
26:24you can't perform?
26:25He leaned over me
26:25and kissed my ear.
26:26You'll see it for yourself.
26:29In that instant,
26:29everything in my vision
26:30started to spin.
26:31Through the drowsy haze,
26:32I tried to focus on them
26:33only for Leon's gorgeous face
26:35to block my view.
26:35He murmured in my ear.
26:37Elaine,
26:38I once had a dream.
26:39What dream?
26:39He recounted it
26:40in a low, husky voice.
26:42And it was exactly
26:43the same as mine.
26:43I was speechless.
26:44My thoughts were a tangled mess,
26:46boiling over like a pot
26:47on the stove.
26:47Right before I drifted off,
26:48I cursed that physician silently
26:49who'd taken Leon's pulse,
26:50calling him a quack.
26:51He'd really dared
26:51to lie through his teeth.
26:52Leon was definitely
26:53more than good.
26:54Once the general's manner
26:54had been unseen,
26:55Leon had taken me
26:56into the palace
26:56to meet the crown prince.
26:57Once the general's manner
26:58had been unseen,
26:58Leon had taken me
26:59into the palace
26:59to meet the crown prince.
27:00The prince gave me
27:01a long, appraising look.
27:02He teased.
27:03So I finally get to see you.
27:04Elaine,
27:04your charm is something else.
27:05You even melted
27:06this block of ice.
27:07Your highness,
27:08I'm flattered.
27:08Your husband helped
27:09wipe out traitors.
27:10You deserve credit too.
27:11I'll ask his majesty
27:12to grant you a noble title.
27:13Thank you,
27:14your highness.
27:14Mrs. Bennett,
27:15don't blame your man.
27:16Pretending to be sick
27:17was just part of our plan.
27:18Too many people
27:19want Leon dead,
27:20so we had to make them
27:21think he was already
27:21on his last legs.
27:22As for the rumor
27:23he's impotent,
27:23I told the imperial physician
27:24to spread it.
27:25We grew up together.
27:26He's never had a woman
27:27by his side,
27:27always so ascetic and aloof,
27:29so I figured
27:29I'd mess with him a bit.
27:30Cynical smile flickered
27:31across the crown prince's face.
27:32Then it all clicked.
27:33It was just friends
27:34messing around,
27:34so when we fell off the cliff,
27:36that was your highness.
27:36Yeah.
27:37He nodded lazily.
27:38They tried to make it
27:39an accident,
27:40but never thought
27:40they'd hurt you.
27:41Don't be scared,
27:42Mrs. Bennett.
27:42They tried to make it
27:43an accident,
27:43but never thought
27:44they'd hurt you.
27:45Don't be scared,
27:46Mrs. Bennett.
27:46This time,
27:47we rooted it out,
27:48wiping out those
27:48damn traitors for good.
27:49Your husband's safe.
27:50Took a deep breath.
27:52Thinking of it
27:52still scared me.
27:53Court politics
27:53were downright treacherous.
27:55Back from the palace,
27:56we'd barely stepped inside
27:57when we heard
27:57a woman sobbing.
27:58Nina said,
27:59Mrs. Bennett,
28:00please go take a look.
28:00Ms. Clark burst
28:01into tears on entering.
28:02Madam Bennett can't
28:02bear it anymore,
28:03said to Leon.
28:04Go to the study.
28:05I'll deal with her.
28:06He nodded.
28:07Days ago,
28:07I heard Gregory
28:08was in the second prince's crew.
28:10Since the grand tutor
28:11knew nothing,
28:11His Majesty
28:12had let him off the hook.
28:12Fiona and Gregory
28:13were already divorced,
28:14so why was she bawling
28:15in my place?
28:16I sat down beside her.
28:17She still couldn't
28:18stop sobbing.
28:19Her haggard face
28:19streaked with tears,
28:21eyes swollen and red,
28:22with none of her usual
28:22fire left.
28:23If you keep crying,
28:24I'll have someone
28:24carry you out.
28:25Fiona shut up at once,
28:27though her shoulders
28:27kept shaking.
28:28I misjudged him.
28:29I thought marrying a man
28:30from a humble family
28:30meant he'd bend
28:31to my every whim.
28:32Never thought he'd turn out
28:32to be such a traitor.
28:33I warned you ages ago,
28:34he is bad news.
28:35I rolled my eyes.
28:36Now that I was
28:37no longer her maid,
28:38I didn't need to hold back.
28:39Now that I was
28:40no longer her maid,
28:41I didn't have to be
28:41so restrained when I spoke.
28:43Your warning was too subtle.
28:44She just turned
28:45and looked at me tearfully.
28:46Back then,
28:46I treated you like crap.
28:47Did you hate me for it?
28:48No, miss.
28:48You just say what you think.
28:50You're not a bad person.
28:51I did curse you in my head,
28:52but I don't hold grudges.
28:53What?
28:53You cussed me out in your head?
28:55I shrugged.
28:55Yeah?
28:56You gonna punish me?
28:57Fiona shot me a glare,
28:58then gave a tearful smile.
28:59Sorry.
29:00To force you to marry,
29:01I even slapped you.
29:02Did it hurt?
29:02I forgot ages ago.
29:03Then slapped me back,
29:04so we're even.
29:05She closed her eyes
29:06and bit her lower lip.
29:07I lifted my hand
29:08and gently brushed her cheek.
29:10Her eyes flew wide
29:10and stared at me in shock.
29:11Already got Gregory back
29:13for that slap.
29:14Then stop calling me Miss.
29:16Call me Fiona.
29:16Can we be friends from now on?
29:18Forget it.
29:18I don't like crybaby friends.
29:20Fiona bugged me for ages,
29:21and I only escaped
29:22once it was dark.
29:23Heading back to my room,
29:23the candles were still burning
29:24in Leon's study.
29:25I pushed the door open
29:26and walked in.
29:27Someone suddenly jumped out
29:28behind me
29:28and put an arm around my waist.
29:29Bastard!
29:30I'm the general's wife,
29:31and you still dare.
29:32Someone suddenly jumped out
29:33behind me
29:33and wrapped an arm around my waist.
29:34Bastard!
29:35I'm the general's wife,
29:36still dare act up?
29:37I've been drooling over you
29:38for ages, ma'am.
29:38Tonight,
29:38I'm finally tasting those lips.
29:40Leon is really into this.
29:41His lips crashed onto mine.
29:42Ink, brushes,
29:43and paper clattered off the desk.
29:44I started to panic.
29:45I braced both hands
29:46against his chest.
29:47Really doing this here?
29:48Mmm, right here.
29:49My mouth kept saying no,
29:50but my body was all in.
29:51Before I knew it,
29:52my hand was tracing his abs.
29:53He murmured in my ear.
29:54Elaine,
29:55you don't even know.
29:56In this study,
29:57I've dreamed of you
29:58over and over.
29:59Wanted to curse him out,
30:00but with all the rocking,
30:01I couldn't get a single word out.
30:02When I came to again,
30:04dawn was already breaking.
30:05Leon was already awake.
30:05He was sitting up in bed,
30:07his eyes on me.
30:07His gentle gaze was almost too much.
30:09Wake?
30:09He asked softly.
30:10He brushed the stray hair
30:11off my forehead.
30:12I nodded
30:13and rubbed the sleep from my eyes.
30:15Suddenly,
30:15I remembered he'd said
30:16we'd watch the sunrise.
30:17The sunrise!
30:17Shot upright.
30:18A bit anxious,
30:19I blurted out.
30:20Leon chuckled.
30:20He reached out
30:21and pressed me back down.
30:22Don't rush.
30:22There's still time.
30:23Leon Bennett had chuckled.
30:24He reached out
30:24and pressed me back down.
30:25Don't rush.
30:26There's still time.
30:26He sat up,
30:27swung out of bed,
30:28and grabbed some clothes for me.
30:29Carefully,
30:29he helped me dress.
30:30His hands were gentle and smooth,
30:31like he'd done it
30:32a thousand times before.
30:33We left the room side by side.
30:35The dawn air was crisp and fresh.
30:36A faint scent of grass
30:37drifted around us.
30:38The sky was already
30:39been pale gray.
30:40Distant peaks
30:41faded in and out
30:42of the morning mist.
30:42It looked like
30:43an ink wash painting.
30:44We stopped beneath
30:44the pomegranate tree.
30:46Leon slipped his arms
30:46around me from behind.
30:47His chin rested lightly
30:48on my head.
30:48Together,
30:49we gazed at the lightning sky.
30:50Slowly,
30:50the sun lifted over the horizon.
30:52Gold light sliced through the fog
30:54and spilled across the land.
30:55The sky flared
30:56a brilliant orange-red.
30:57Clouds gleamed
30:57with golden edges.
30:58It was breathtaking.
31:00Sunlight bathed us,
31:01wrapping us in gentle warmth,
31:02as if every shadow
31:04and worry had melted away.
31:05You like it?
31:06Leon whispered in my ear,
31:08as if every shadow
31:09and worry had melted away.
31:10You like it?
31:11Leon whispered in my ear,
31:13Like it?
31:13I nodded,
31:14overwhelmed with emotion.
31:15A view like this,
31:16a moment like this,
31:17and the one I love
31:18right next to me.
31:19Maybe this is what
31:19real happiness felt like.
31:21He tightened his arms,
31:21holding me even closer.
31:23From now on,
31:23I'll watch every sunrise
31:24and sunset with you
31:25and be here with you forever.
31:26I turned around,
31:27rose on tiptoe,
31:28and kissed his lips.
31:29Deal!
31:30Sunlight sifted
31:31through the pomegranate leaves,
31:32dappled the ground
31:32with light and shadow.
31:34Our figures froze
31:34in that lovely morning glow,
31:36like an eternal picture.
31:37In the days after,
31:38the General's manner
31:39regained its old bustle.
31:40Madam Bennett was also
31:41on the mend,
31:42pulling me aside
31:42to chat every day.
31:43A kind smile
31:44never left her face.
31:45The servants finally
31:46breathed easy,
31:47their smiles returning too.
31:48One afternoon,
31:49I was in the yard
31:50trimming the plants
31:51when Nina came racing over.
31:53I was in the yard
31:54trimming the plants
31:55when Nina came racing over.
31:57Madam,
31:57Miss Clark's here again.
31:58She brought a bunch
31:59of stuff this time.
32:00Hearing that,
32:00I paused,
32:02then gave a helpless smile.
32:03Ever since Fiona
32:04had showed up crying last time,
32:05she'd been popping
32:05into the General's manner.
32:06She said she was making up
32:07for what she owed me,
32:08but honestly,
32:09she was just bored
32:10and wanted someone
32:10to chat with.
32:11Let her in.
32:12I set the scissors down
32:13and brushed the dirt
32:14off my hands.
32:15Soon enough,
32:15Fiona followed Nina in.
32:17She was in a plain,
32:18elegant dress,
32:19less edge than before,
32:20a bit more gentle.
32:21Her maid had lugged
32:22several food boxes behind her,
32:23packed with all kinds
32:24of pastries and fruit.
32:25Elaine,
32:26I made your favorite
32:27chestnut cake today.
32:28Brought it over
32:28for you to try.
32:29She stopped in front of me,
32:31smiling like she wanted
32:32my approval.
32:32After divorce,
32:33she'd calmed down a lot.
32:35She'd finally realized
32:36how ridiculous she used to be.
32:37I nodded,
32:38motioning for Nina
32:39to take the boxes.
32:40Thanks for the trouble.
32:41Come on,
32:41no need to be formal.
32:42Fiona waved it off,
32:43glancing around the yard.
32:45Where's General Bennett?
32:46He's not home?
32:47Fiona waved it off,
32:48glancing around the yard.
32:50Where's General Bennett?
32:51He's not home?
32:52He went back to the barracks.
32:53There's urgent business today,
32:54I said,
32:55then turned and sat
32:56at the stone table.
32:57Fiona sat down with me.
32:58She passed a piece
32:59of chestnut to me.
33:00Try it.
33:00I asked the Imperial Kitchen Chef
33:02just for this.
33:02It's gotta taste better
33:03than what the General's Kitchen made.
33:05I took the cake from her
33:06and took a small bite.
33:07Soft, sweet, and chewy.
33:08It was better than
33:09the General's Kitchen.
33:10It's amazing.
33:11Thanks.
33:11If you like it,
33:12have some more.
33:12Fiona's eyes curved
33:13in a smile.
33:14She grabbed another piece
33:15for herself.
33:15Honestly,
33:16being stuck at home lately
33:17is boring as hell.
33:18My dad keeps pushing me
33:19to pick another fiancé,
33:20but I'm just not interested.
33:21Hearing that,
33:22I looked up at her.
33:23Marriage is a big deal.
33:24You should think it through.
33:25I know.
33:26Fiona sighed.
33:27A hint of loneliness
33:28crossed her face.
33:29But after what happened
33:29with Gregory,
33:30I'm afraid to trust people
33:31so readily now.
33:32She paused
33:33and looked at me,
33:34eyes tinged with envy.
33:35She paused
33:36and looked at me,
33:37eyes tinged with envy.
33:38You're the lucky one.
33:39You snagged a great guy
33:40like General Bennett.
33:41He dotes on you
33:41and has your back.
33:42And he's a war hero.
33:43It was just a stroke of luck,
33:45I said softly.
33:46When it comes to love,
33:47it's all about destiny.
33:48You can't force it.
33:49Fiona nodded
33:50and said no more.
33:51She just quietly nibbled
33:52on her chestnut cake.
33:53The courtyard went still,
33:54only the wind rustling the leaves.
33:56After a long while,
33:57she suddenly called my name.
33:58Elaine,
33:59about that slap
34:00I gave you before.
34:00Do you really forgive me?
34:01I set down the chestnut cake,
34:03met her earnest gaze,
34:04and gently shook my head.
34:06Really don't.
34:06The past is past.
34:08No need to dig it up.
34:09Honestly,
34:10I'd forgiven her ages ago.
34:11She was not bad at heart.
34:13She was just spoiled
34:14and a bit willful.
34:15When Fiona heard that,
34:16her eyes reddened.
34:17Thank you, Elaine.
34:19Back then,
34:19I married you off
34:20to General Bennett.
34:21Partly I feared you'd
34:22rekindle things with Gregory.
34:24And partly I truly believed
34:25General Bennett was a good,
34:26he'd treat you right.
34:27And partly I truly believed
34:29General Bennett was good,
34:30he'd treat you right.
34:30I just never thought
34:31he was only faking sick.
34:33Speaking of that,
34:34she looked a little embarrassed.
34:35I cracked a smile.
34:37It's all in the past.
34:37Things are pretty good now,
34:39right?
34:39Yeah,
34:39everything's great.
34:40Fiona nodded.
34:41Relief spread across her face.
34:43From now on,
34:44let's be friends.
34:45Is that okay?
34:45I won't treat you like before.
34:47Sure.
34:48I nodded.
34:49Warmth loomed in my chest.
34:50Letting go of old grudges
34:51and becoming friends
34:52might be the perfect ending.
34:54So we just sat in the courtyard,
34:56snacking and chatting.
34:57From daily trivia
34:58to gossip from the Capitol,
34:59nothing off limits.
35:00Sunlight streamed
35:01through the gaps in the leaves,
35:02warm and comfortable.
35:03Moments like this
35:04are quiet and beautiful.
35:05Toward evening,
35:06Leon came back from the barracks.
35:07He spotted us in the yard,
35:09surprise flashing across his face.
35:10Then he smiled gently.
35:11What are you two talking about?
35:13You look so happy.
35:13We're talking about you.
35:14Fiona laughed,
35:16saying you are a big liar,
35:17that you fooled everyone
35:17by faking ill.
35:18Leon sat down beside me,
35:20that you fooled all
35:20by faking ill.
35:21Leon sat down beside me.
35:22He reached out
35:23and took my hand.
35:24His eyes sparkled with joy.
35:25Fooling my wife into marrying me
35:26was my greatest stroke of luck.
35:27My cheeks flushed.
35:28I shot him a light glare.
35:29Seeing that,
35:30Fiona couldn't help but laugh.
35:31All right, all right.
35:32I'll stop crashing your couple time.
35:33I should head back.
35:34She stood up
35:35and said goodbye.
35:36Elaine,
35:37I'll swing by again tomorrow.
35:38Okay, take care.
35:39Nodded
35:39and watched Fiona walk away.
35:41Leon turned to me.
35:43Too made up, huh?
35:44Nodded.
35:45What's past is past.
35:47No need to cling to it.
35:48Leon smiled,
35:49squeezing my hand,
35:50and he said,
35:50that's great.
35:51He knew I'd suffered a lot before.
35:53Now that I could finally let go
35:54and live happily,
35:55he was genuinely happy for me.
35:57The sun began to set.
35:58Golden light spilled
35:59across the courtyard,
36:00washing everything in warmth.
36:01We sat together
36:02by the stone table,
36:03gazing at the distant horizon.
36:04Our hearts brimmed
36:05with peace and joy.
36:06The days drifted by
36:07just like that,
36:08quiet and beautiful.
36:09Leon stayed busy
36:10with the army and court affairs.
36:11Leon stayed busy
36:12with the army and court affairs,
36:14but he always made time for me.
36:16He'd watch every sunrise
36:16and sunset with me.
36:17He'd wander mountains
36:17and rivers by my side.
36:18He made me the happiest woman alive.
36:20Madam Bennett was healthy as ever.
36:21She wore a smile every single day.
36:22The whole general's manner
36:23was full of harmony.
36:24Not long after,
36:25the crown prince did seek
36:26the emperor's edict,
36:26and I was titled Madam
36:27by imperial decree.
36:28On the day the decree arrived,
36:29the general's manor
36:30was decked in red,
36:31overflowing with joy.
36:31Leon personally helped me
36:33into my new court robes.
36:34His eyes brimmed with pride
36:35and adoration.
36:36My wife is truly
36:37the most beautiful.
36:37I gazed at my reflection
36:38in the mirror,
36:39draped in splendid robes,
36:40my hair glittering with jewels.
36:42My heart overflowed with emotion.
36:43From a helpless concubine's daughter
36:44to the madam by imperial decree,
36:46only I know how hard
36:47that journey was.
36:48All this happiness
36:49came from the devoted man
36:51beside me.
36:52After the celebration,
36:53Leon whisked me away
36:53to Southmere.
36:54Its clear rivers
36:55and green mountains
36:56were breathtaking.
36:56Far from the capital's
36:57din and stripe,
36:58for the rest of our lives,
36:59year after year,
37:00we would stay side by side,
37:01taste life's purest beauty,
37:02and grow old together.
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