Under the Oak Tree

Chapter 117 – A Warm Winter (2)

“I w-want to s-see it.” Her voice whispered with hints of joy.

“It’s too cold now, let’s go if it gets a little hot.” His voice also subsided little by little. Finally he succumbed to exhaustion.

Max waited until he sunk deep into his sleep, then embraced his waist stealthily. Riftan hugged her face to face naturally.

The lovely warmth seemed to fill the big void in her heart. Only then did she realize how hungry she was for affection. Because he filled her, she noticed she was empty.

Max felt joy and fear both at the same time. She could no longer deny that he occupied the deepest part of her heart.

Riftan may have deeply wound her soul, or may have completely deprived her of her energy to live. If he no longer wanted her, she would have to live the rest of her life in the void. Just imagining such a miserable future made her dizzy. She looked up at his sleepy face peacefully with terrified eyes. A completely different kind of fear came to mind in one corner of her mind, such that she had never felt for her father.

Even though she was exhausted, Max couldn’t fall asleep easily.

Riftan went out early in the morning to check for problems at the castle. It wasn’t until noon that Max woke up, washed her face and groomed herself. Winter clothes are ready, so there was no more work left for her to pay attention to in Calypse Castle.

Max decided to go back to the book that Ruth had given her to read and sat at her desk. There was a late breakfast set up next to the books stacked up by Rudis.

“I prepared food that is easy to eat while reading a book.”

Max smiled and thanked Rudis for her care. The tray contained a small crepe with grape jam, an oatcake with walnuts and warm milk with honey. Max opened a thick book on her desk, flipped the pages, putting a small piece of bread in her mouth.

It was not very difficult to understand the contents of the book. Perhaps because Ruth has chosen the right book for her level. Max worked hard on the parchment, stepping through the basic theories in her head.

A few days after having started her studies, she already had a bunch of parchment that she wasted this way. But she didn’t feel like she was becoming a wizard or any changes. She wondered if someone could do magic just by studying like this. When she opened her eyes in doubt, she heard a knock on the door. Max closed the book and turned her head.

“W-Who is it?” She looked at the door and said.

“It’s me. I’m coming in.”

Since it was Riftan, she hurriedly set aside the book and parchment. He opened the door and stepped in, wearing black robes that reached down to his knees. Even when she was in the same castle, it was unusual to face him in broad daylight, so she was happy to see him.

“Did you sleep well?” Riftan kissed her forehead and whispered sweetly.

Max nodded shyly. “I-I am so-sorry I woke up l-late..”

“Don’t worry about it” Looking down at her, his gaze was very gentle.

“B-But, Ri-Riftan you w-wake up and I a-am still sl-sleeping….”

“I told you, you don’t have to worry. You don’t have to fit into my lifestyle.”

Max was a little sad as the tone of his voice seemed to draw a line. She shook her head. He must be saying that to show he cares for me… she thought to herself.

Comforting her, he wrapped his arms around his shoulders and touched the hem of her dress with his palm.

“Aren’t your clothes too thin?” He didn’t seem to like it.

“It’s o-okay. I am wearing thick layers inside.” She reassured him.

“Come here.” He pulled closer, opened the box, and put her hand on a velvet cape.

Max opened his eyes. “W- Where are we g-going?”

“I’m not trying to get out of the castle. Follow me. I want to show you something.”

Riftan grabbed her hand and went out of the room. Max followed after him without knowing what was going on. He went down the stairs to the kitchen, then through the side door. In the cool air, she curled herself up. Noticing it, he quickly wrapped around her shoulder and put a hat on her head.

“It’s cold,isn’t it? Hang in there a bit,” he said softly.

Max wondered where he was leading her. She could only see bare trees and shabby walkway. She reined in her curiosity and quietly followed him along the icy road.

He turned to the back of the castle and entered the wide stable located among the trees. She slipped off her hat from the warm atmosphere. The horse smelled terrible, but the stable was well maintained and quite comfortable with a thorough wind.

“A-are we here to s-see the horse?”

“Shh!” Riftan placed his forefinger on her lips.

A startled Max agreed to shut up. What the hell is going on? She inwardly rolled her eyes.

Riftan pulled her arm and carefully stepped into the stable.