coobybook Chapter 22: Do You Remember Me?
Chapter 22: Do You Remember Me?
Chapter 22: Do You Remember Me?
Most of his face was covered by an iron helmet, so the only thing that could be seen were his violet eyes. However, since I already knew he was Cassadin before hearing his voice, I wasnt surprised.
Did you know it was me from the start?
Cassadin asked in a slightly surprised voice. It looked like the violet eyes inside his iron helmet narrowed.
How could I not recognize you?
Hearing that, Cassadin rapidly turned his head to the side. With the helmet on, I couldnt see what expression Cassadin was making.
Cassadin?
When I called out to him, Cassadin responded with his head still turned to the side.
Yes, Sister.
By the way, why are you here?
Honestly, I was surprised at first. I did think it was strange that I hadnt seen Cassadin in the morning, but I never imagined he would be at the Imperial Palace until I saw him strolling by casually.
Am I not allowed to come?
Cassadin said shamelessly. Now that I think about it, where did he steal that red Imperial Knight uniform and helmet from?
Its not stolen. I borrowed it. Ive made sure the owner of these clothes will stay unconscious for exactly one day. When they wake up, they wont even remember they passed out.
His tone was calm and composed, but his comment was far from sane. I was so taken aback by how nonchalantly he said it that I couldnt speak.
Seeing my silence, Cassadin tilted his head.
What is it, Sister?
Cassadin, what if you get caught by someone else?
I looked around nervously. Although there was no sign of people near the grungy tower, there might have been a few people on the way here who suspected the helmeted individual on their way here.
In response to my concerns, Cassadin confidently declared,
I was sure I wouldnt get caught. I completely memorized the knights patrol routes and movements the night before.
Thats not the point. You were lucky to get away with it last time, but if you get caught this time
Are you worried for me?
At some point, Cassadin turned his head back towards me. Even inside that iron helmet, his deep violet eyes sparkled like beautiful jewels. His eyes could not conceal their anticipation. Seeing his childlike innocence made me smile, and then I said to him.
Did you know Cassadin? From the moment I open my eyes every morning to when I fall asleep at night, there hasnt been a single day that I havent worried about you.
It was the truth. Cassadin was already my family. Even if we did not share a drop of the same blood, even if he didnt consider me his family, it didnt matter.
Cassadin was going to be my kind younger brother who would volunteer to go to the battlefield in the stead of our father, and the sturdy shield that would protect me from Damian.
But he was also a wild beast that was hard to tame. It was Cassadin who tore up all of the books in the library and tried to assassinate the Crown Prince.
Cassadin was a time bomb that could go off at any moment. But I liked even that part of him.
Thats nice to hear. That Sister worries about me.
Then a soft laugh echoed from inside the helmet.
Cassadin, did you come to the palace because you were worried about me too?
Cassadin fixed his eyes on my face without uttering a word. Since it wasnt a question that I expected to be answered, I had diverted my eyes from Cassadin and looked towards the large black tower when,
He must have sensed my gaze, as the man stopped flipping the pages and opened his mouth.
Whos there?
Damian put down the book he was reading on the bed and stared at me. His leisurely manner of speaking made it feel like this place was his mansion, rather than a prison.
As soon as our eyes met, Damian immediately recognized me.
Its you, the young lady I saw last time.
Do you remember me?
Of course.
Damian rose from the bed he had been sitting on and approached me. Now close to the iron bars of the cell, Damian smiled brightly at me. We stood facing each other, with the iron bars dividing us.
Youre Lady Aren of the Serkia Earls family.
How did you know?
I tend to remember the people Ive seen once.
With a smile still on his face, Damian alternated his glances between me and Cassadin.
This knight seems new, though I feel like Ive seen him somewhere.
Hes the imperial knight who brought me here.
I must have mistaken him for someone else, being locked up in this prison and all.
Damian shrugged his shoulders. The corners of his mouth were lifted high, displaying his unchanging composure.
But, what brings you to this prison, even bringing an imperial knight?
This place is off-limits to outsiders.
He wasnt behaving like a prisoner at all. It was as if he was expecting to be released from prison in the near future. I could tell just from his confident attitude.
I forced myself to smile, then responded.
His Highness, the Crown Prince, granted permission.
His Highness allowed it?
Yes.
With a smile that was now more genuine, I added,
His Highness personally guided me to the entrance of the tower.
Do you mean His Highness, the Crown Prince, personally escorted you?
Yes.
Damians head tilted slightly at my answer. With narrowed eyes, he seemed to be gauging whether I was telling the truth. And his light green eyes shone sharply.
May I ask why?
Grand Duke, the truth is
Deliberately trailing off, I then continued while looking at the man in front of me.
I know that you arent the culprit.