Between them, a lightly bitten navy grape skin popped. Before even chewing the flesh, the tangy and sweet juice spilled out, tingling the tongue. Rensley slightly furrowed his brow and exclaimed in admiration.
“Oh, the best! It’s the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten!”
On Rensley’s knees lay a variety of fruits—grapes, plums, wild apricots, peaches, oranges, and raspberries. All of them were so large, firm, and fresh that they would be hard to find even in a large market or orchard. Rensley smiled at the wolf looking up at him.
“These fruits were common in my hometown, but they were hard to come by in the north. There are dried ones, but they can’t compare to freshly picked ones.”
[Eat as much as you want. These fruits are abundant throughout the year.]
“With such a place existing, why don’t people in Aldrant know about it? I’ve only heard stories about how dangerous it is to walk alone in the forest, not about this paradise-like place.”
Rensley lay down on the soft, lush grass. The gentle sunlight, not piercing the eyes but warming the body pleasantly, caressed his entire being. The feeling of filling his stomach with sweet and fresh fruits alone was luxurious.
He had walked the cold forest path with tension instead of sleeping at the usual time. Now, drowsiness finally overwhelmed Rensley, and he yawned. The eyelashes slightly moistened with tears sparkled in the light.
[This is a world I govern. It may look like a place similar to where you lived, but it exists in a different dimension. Without me opening the door from this side, humans cannot find it or set foot in it with their bodies.]
Perhaps because he was the king of this world, the wolf’s tone, despite its bulky appearance, was unexpectedly elegant and soft. Rensley contemplated the words he had just heard. Despite being expressed in a somewhat difficult manner, did this mean… he wasn’t dead? Rensley raised himself up and looked at the wolf with a puzzled face.
“So, in the human world, am I considered dead?”
[What are you talking about? This is not the afterlife; it’s my forest. You are a specially permitted human who has visited in return for helping my child. Occasionally, I meet humans I want to invite here. It happens about once every hundred years. Haven’t you heard stories like that? I’ve heard that those who return to the human realm occasionally brag about their experiences.]
Rensley nodded instead of answering. Although he couldn’t specifically identify the stories about this place, the experiences of those who claimed to have traveled to other worlds were transmitted across eras through books or the words of poets.
He thought they were all fabricated stories, but there might be some truth mixed in. Even if it’s not a forest governed by a talking wolf, there are likely all sorts of mysteries in the world that Rensley has never heard of.
[My child is still young, ignorant of the ways of the forest, and keeps wanting to go out into the human realm. It was a situation that occurred between the gaps in my watchful eyes. Since you are a benefactor to my child, you are welcome to stay as much as you want.]
“Thank you. Even if you didn’t offer, I was pondering where to go.”
[For what reason were you walking the forest path in the dark dawn?]
‘Well, where should I start the story?’ The tale is lengthy, and he wondered whether the wolf, akin to a mountain god ruling the forest, would fully comprehend the intricate human affairs.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
[You seemed to be making a secret escape.]
“…You saw it accurately. There were reasons for it. I was serving as a royal guard in a country called Aldrant, but I ended up defying the Duke’s orders.”
[So, you attempted a rebellion? It seems like that Duke is quite violent.]
“Not at all. He is, in fact, a benevolent ruler. Perhaps if I had pleaded more elaborately, he might have changed his mind.”
[You speak incomprehensible words. But why did you run away on such a dangerous path?]
As a Duke, fulfilling his duty, he chose to take a new wife as the Duchess, who would bear him a child, while keeping the man he loved as a trusted knight by his side. This decision aligned perfectly with the secular order. However, the indecisive human Rensley Maelrosen couldn’t decide anything. He didn’t want to witness the person he loved becoming someone else’s partner, nor did he want to imagine their nights together or face the child born between them.
However, asking to be made the Duchess was a different matter. It was not only an impossible request to begin with but also one that involved bearing the weight of a position that granted power second only to an emperor in a country. Could he handle the responsibilities of such a significant role? Moreover, in the body of another man?
Even just imagining it made his head shake. Despite living as a royal guard and harboring countless desires to achieve recognition from others, there were limitations. All he wanted was to be accepted as an ordinary person anywhere, never desiring to compete with enemies for the throne, as if he had never harbored such ambitions.
“There are many things I dislike and don’t want to do, but without clear answers, all I can do is run away.”
Although he wanted to advise against holding a new marriage, he had no confidence that he could be a true partner. Even if he were to receive a proposal first, Rensley would likely take steps backward. If everything was unpleasant, the only option left was to leave it all behind. Moreover, even while deceiving the one who poured affection on him and secretly escaping, he managed to accumulate and fulfill what he wanted to do until the very end. He enjoyed his favorite dance at the banquet and even confessed his love.
…Upon reflection, Rensley realized that all the problems began with his impulsive actions.
From the beginning, Gezell Jivendad showed kindness to the foreign guest as a Duke should, and the special closeness that developed between them was no different from the friendship felt between peers. It all started with words.
It was Rensley Maelrosen’s impulsive actions that led the situation to become the tragedy’s main character. He couldn’t help but think that Gezell’s kindness and the special intimacy that arose between them were no different from the friendship between peers. At first, it was just words.
The person who impulsively kissed someone who had never experienced such a thing, seduced him persistently, and dragged him into bed, even though he had no intention of formalizing the marriage and refused when he didn’t want to. Rensley’s head began to clear as he basked in the sun, looking at the clear blue sky after eating his fill of fresh fruit.
As Rensley reflected on each event, he felt as if he had distanced himself from being the tragic protagonist and could now look at himself from a distance. And when he stripped away the unnecessary details, he realized he could summarize the core of what he had done.
“….”
He had impulsively seduced an innocent man one year his senior who had never kissed anyone before… And before the conflict arising from the difference in status became too serious, he ran away.
“Ugh….”
As Rensley groaned while wiping his face with both hands, the white wolf kindly spoke.
[If your stomach hurts, I’ll give you medicine. Humans can sometimes get upset if they eat too many fruits at once.]
“Thank you, Forest King.”
With the donkey, the wolf cub, and various animals from the forest joyfully frolicking on the grassy field without distinction, it was definitely a sight not commonly seen in the human world. Rensley, who had finished his soulless expressions of gratitude, stared blankly at the peaceful scene and pondered the future.
…It’s a place he has already left. Even if he realizes the truth of the situation, there is no reason to go back. The situation remained unchanged with no satisfactory answers, and meeting the Duke again would likely result in a repetition of the same cycle.
Duke Gezell might be feeling absurd or angry. In the end, he thought that recalling Gezell’s appearance while silently embracing even anger or sadness without reservation was truly painful. The young and beautiful Duke of Aldrant was a special person in Rensley Maelrosen’s short life, like magic, who brought the fruits of the warm southern sun to the cold and barren lands of the north.
A person who allowed him to reap the bounties of fresh fruit to his heart’s content. Even if he continued to live in a different way, the traces Gezell Jivendad left in his heart would never disappear. He will miss him for a very long time, even at this very moment. But like all farewells, he hoped that someday he could look back on the memories and find solace.
It’s sad that Rensley Maelrosen, who will remain in the memories of that man, betrayed his affection and trust. It was an uncomfortable reminder in the corner of his heart, as if he had sown groundless distrust in such a benevolent person. However, wishing for crafty actions and even refreshing one’s conscience was indeed extravagant.
His actions were undoubtedly moving and genuine. Rensley did not doubt that all the kindness Gezell had shown him was pure affection that transcended secular and political discussions.
I don’t doubt the size or sincerity of his heart, but Duke Gezell Jivendad is a Duke of a country with responsibilities far more significant than a devoted knight. It won’t take long for the memory of the foreigner who briefly stayed by his side to fade away, especially after welcoming a new Duchess. After all, living means encountering villains or odd characters and having various unpleasant experiences. With time, Rensley Maelrosen will become just one of those ‘characters.’ Even if he becomes a cowardly and wicked character, disappearing quietly from the scene would be the right choice when viewed from a distance.
‘Where to go…’
Rensley unfolded a map to clear his mind of unnecessary thoughts. There were two maps—one depicting the surroundings of Aldrant and the other the entire continent.
Aldrant is like a floating island within the continent. To travel overland to neighboring countries, one must traverse vast plains and mountain ranges that act as a barrier between Aldrant and other nations.
Though there are inns and restaurants for travelers scattered along the way, they are sparse. Rensley still remembered the day they arrived in Aldrant when they, due to the group diverting from their path to avoid the cold winter wind on the plains, almost froze to death.
Large nobles and wealthy travelers sometimes use magic to move quickly over long distances, but for most people, travel by land using horses or carriages, followed by sea routes, is the standard.
“If we had followed that merchant, our journey might have been more comfortable…,” Rensley muttered, running his fingers across the map.
[Are you planning to ride that donkey?]
As Rensley diligently studied the map, a voice echoed softly, like an echo, from above. Rensley looked at the donkey carrying the wolf cub on its back and smiled.
“For now, yes. I can switch to a horse when we reach a lodging. These local donkeys may be slow, but they endure the cold well, so traveling long distances is actually better with them.”
[When you decide on your destination, I’ll assist you in moving. If it’s a place I can send you from my territory, I can open a connecting door for you.]
“Really?!”
[It might not be a city that humans like, more like a door leading to the forest in that area.]
“That’s perfectly fine! It might even be better if it doesn’t stand out.”
With the wolf’s words, the worries and burdens of a long journey disappeared in an instant. Rensley’s heart warmed, and he laughed heartily before lying down on the grassy field. The wolf cub, which had been playing around, ran over and courageously stepped on Rensley’s stomach after a short cough. Despite its quite substantial weight, Rensley chuckled even after a short hiccup.
“You’re a child of a king too, huh? Quite bold. Can this little one still not speak human language?”
[Not yet. But it won’t be long before it can.]
Reaching out to embrace the wolf cub, the Prince of the Forest, who seemed to take a liking to Rensley, curled up and lay down. Feeling the warmth of the furry creature, Rensley yawned repeatedly and mumbled.
“A prince as well as you seem to have a talent for gaining the favor of esteemed royals….”
[Humans cannot be a mate for that child.]
“Huh? Oh well, that’s true. I, being a male, wouldn’t dare to dream.”
To receive favor but be unable to marry—such situation was remarkably similar. Was it truly an inborn fate? Rensley chuckled inwardly, blinking his eyes. As the sky remained unchanged, it was challenging to gauge the exact time, but it seemed like evening would arrive after spending a night. Perhaps due to the relief of resolving the journey, drowsiness had been building up uncontrollably since a little while ago. The mysterious sunlight of this world, different from the human world’s, was warm and vivid, yet it did not disturb his sleep.
“Forest King, I’ll just take a short nap….” As soon as he finished speaking, sleep overcame him. Rensley didn’t even hear the wolf’s response. Drifting into the profound world of slumber, the last thing Rensley thought of would be nothing more than the wind of unconsciousness, unable to recall any memory.
The mysterious sunlight in this world was warm and bright, yet it did not disturb his sleep.
‘I hope Your Grace is not too surprised or saddened. And I hope you don’t hate me too much…. Your Grace, I’m sorry….’
As Rensley drifted into sleep, the wolf cub that had been lying quietly on his body seemed to close its eyes and fell asleep too.
With both the rare guest and the cherished child sleeping simultaneously, the owner of the forest silently sent a warning, biting anyone around who made noise. The only exception was the donkey brought by Rensley, leisurely enjoying its time nibbling on grass nearby.
A gentle breeze swept through, revealing a vast expanse of blue grass as far as the eye could see. The long and lush blades of grass, lying in one direction, created a gentle rustling sound, resembling calm waves when viewed from a distance. The breeze from afar caressed Rensley’s chest, lifted the fur of the sleeping wolf cub, and tousled Rensley’s golden hair. The collar of the clothing around his neck swayed gently, brushing against his bare skin.
Now, various translucent shapes of different colors, which had not revealed themselves until now, floated in the air like soap bubbles. Resembling sparkling dandelion seeds or large fireflies, they suddenly appeared and fluttered around the sleeping Rensley, murmuring incomprehensible melodies like a lullaby.
[This is…] The white wolf mumbled to himself, but it was very brief. He chose not to voice his thoughts and swallowed his words.
While the forest spirits floated around Rensley, the slumber that had visited once showed no sign of waking up. It was a deep sleep that engulfed everything, from the bright sunlight to the lingering worries.
What’s going on?! Sparkling magic?!
I’m not a good reader, I would like for the two of them to be back and honest with they emotions.
I have to physically stop myself from spoiling y’all😭😂
The free spirited MC is kinda new to me coupled with this innocent ML that I come to like somehow since yandere types been a common place in BL novels recently.
Tho having this kind of MC is more fun than those Gary sue characters I find my self more biased with the ML this time around. And this last chapter shows why, the MC really is the reason their relationship is tilting to the angsty side.
All the decision made by the ML shows his consideration to the MC while making adjustment the best he could despite his low EQ and his lack of knowledge about love. MC did indicate a couple of times that he didn’t want to be the grand duchess so the ML did considered that and made adjustments tho the result ain’t really appealing because who would want to be the mistress?, MC definetly wouldn’t want that. They both love each other and MC sure knew that already but still escaped. lmao🤣
So MC as a free spirited person would love to travel instead of being tied by the responsibility that comes as a package with his so called beloved person🤣
This is just my thoughts with my few braincells so it might not make sense.
Again Thank you very much translator sama! you guys are a wonderful gift☺☺
PS. please spare me coz english aint really my forte✌
So seeing it from another point of view, Rensley did try and communicate a few times but Gezell failed to understand Rensley’s emotions and his own emotions in time so they couldn’t communicate effectively QAQ
I don’t really blame any of them for this volume’s conflict but me being more biased toward Rensley, I just love seeing Gezell suffer lmaoo this is literally my favorite volume looks away in shame
thank you so much for sharing your thoughts I really love discussing this novel with others since the only one I talked to about this since the only one I could talk to about this was my friend and it was just a one sided conversation since she wouldn’t read it😭😭💛
and your english is fineeee don’t worry about it~ <33333
Dang I really felt like wolf could’ve dropped some wisdom on Ren situation