A Sudden Ride and the Late-Night Guard's Laugh
p>Suddenly, a fleeting glance from Sylvia caught Cloud's eye. She scanned him carefully for just a moment—her body, her face, the clothes she wore. It was a gaze that lingered, as if she wanted to understand exactly who this man named Cloud truly was. After all, Cloud himself had never realized how little he knew about her. They had been so close, sharing a conversation without a single hidden agenda. It made sense that two people who barely knew each other would want to learn more about one another.
p>“You have the horse and the weapon ready, right? Where are they?”
p>“Huh? What do you mean? Why don't you just go back to your family's place and fetch them? You're the lord's daughter, after all.” Sylvia's face twisted in clear bewilderment.
p>“Do you think that's something easy? How is there no plan at all, you? You've always been like this!”
p>“Can't you just walk in and bring them out?”
p>“Leaving the city unnoticed has already been difficult enough. What exactly can I do in a situation like this?”
p>“What? You're sneaking out, yet you're the one who called me here at this hour?”
p>“I told you I wanted to spend some time with you during the day.”
p>“Is that the only reason? Heh, you really are an irresponsible girl. You have a unique sense of color, too.” Cloud's words made Sylvia's expression twist completely.
p>“I'm no less reckless than you!”
p>“Admitted.” Cloud nodded his head honestly.
p>“Still, how do we do this… I can't just ride off without a horse or a weapon, hands empty.”
p>“Men are usually obsessed with martial skills. Are you any good at fighting?” Sylvia suddenly brought up an odd topic.
p>“That kind of thing is probably the taste of those aristocratic young men who love to show off. Peasants like us don't have the time or energy for such nonsense. To be honest, my fighting ability is so pathetic that even a teenage girl could beat me. If I were any good at combat, I wouldn't have run away from you.” She crossed her arms with a displeased look.
p>“Hmph, you fool.”
p>“So that's not the real problem right now, though…” Cloud stroked his chin, deep in thought. He needed weapons and a horse that could carry them far. A map of the Tower of Light's location was already in his hands, thanks to Vivian's help back at the inn.
p>“What now… should I buy it with money?” Cloud had not a single coin on him. He glanced at Sylvia instead.
p>“Do you have money on you?”
p>“I left my wallet behind because I didn't expect to need it.”
p>“Tsk.” The moment he clicked his tongue, the sound of hooves rang out from the distance, followed by a creak. A horse emerged from the darkness.
p>“Eh?”
p>“What kind of horse is this?”
p>“I don't know either.” The two exchanged confused looks as they approached the horse and scanned their surroundings. No owner was in sight. There wasn't even a single person near it. The strangest part was the two plain swords and a water skin tied neatly to the saddle, as if the horse had been brought with its owner for exactly that purpose.
p>“Who gave this to us? Are they ordering us to take it?” Cloud didn't hesitate. He smiled with satisfaction.
p>“We can just ride this.”
p>“What if we don't know who the owner is?”
p>“Relax. Maybe a Guardian Angel is watching over us.”
p>“A Guardian Angel? You're joking.” Sylvia chided him immediately and asked, “Can you ride well?”
p>“You want to see my skills?”
p>“Well, maybe a little.” Sylvia avoided his eyes and mumbled. Cloud rubbed his hands and laughed wickedly.
p>“It's been a while since I got to show off my real ability. Don't be scared. I'm the body that was once called the Mad Wild Horse.” Cloud leaped onto the saddle. Sylvia climbed up right behind him.
p>“Hold my waist.”
p>“No! I can't hold it!”
p>“If I don't hold the waist, how do you plan to ride? You'll fall off!” Sylvia's face twisted in resignation even as she trembled with reluctance. She wrapped her arms around Cloud's waist, but her strength was pitifully weak.
p>“Hold tighter.”
p>“No! You're gross!”
p>“Want to fall off?”
p>“Y-Yes!” Cloud suddenly grabbed both of her arms and pulled her in hard, pressing her body against his.
p>“Ah, no!”
p>“This is what safety looks like when hugging.”
p>“Fine, just stop!” Sylvia finally hugged him tightly against her will. Cloud began to guide the horse. As he rode smoothly, Sylvia secretly sighed in admiration.
p>“Y-You really are… not bad…”
p>The horse and weapons had come at the perfect time, but one more problem remained. To leave the city, the lord's daughter Sylvia was the issue. If the guards outside the gates spotted her and stripped off her hood to check her face, it would be disastrous. After six years away from this city, they might not recognize her face, but the moment they demanded her identity, it would be lightning from a clear sky. Sylvia had already foreseen this and spoke up.
p>“The night guards are extra strict. How do you plan to pass them safely?”
p>Cloud pondered for a long time before answering. “Let's head to the east gate.” He immediately turned the horse toward the east gate. Past midnight, the streets were almost empty, houses dark. The bright moon served as their only light as they galloped along the eastern road—clip-clop, clip-clop. Far ahead, the tavern on the main road still burned brightly, laughter drifting from inside. They had already passed the Yolonda Temple, now close to the east gate. Cloud slowed the horse as they drew near, tension rising. Sylvia pulled her hood over her head. “Is it okay to go like this?”
p>“I don't know. But we have no choice but to try.” Cloud tugged the reins, urging the horse forward slowly. In his mind, he had one plan. He made the horse trot normally, its hooves striking the ground as they approached the gate. Soon, the soldiers waiting at the gate came forward.
p>“What are you going out for at this late hour?” Cloud spoke calmly.
p>“I'm Cloud, the shepherd caring for the temple's sheep. During the day, the sheep escaped the fence on their own. I was lying in bed and noticed the count was off, so I came out. Please allow me to step out for a while and check the sheep beyond the walls.” While Cloud spoke with perfect composure, Sylvia behind him stayed hidden under her hood, clutching his waist and remaining perfectly still.
p>“During the day?” The soldier tilted his head, clearly not remembering the escape. Cloud added nervously, “If you check my name at the temple, you'll confirm my identity. I can even take you there myself.” The soldier thought for a moment, then looked at Sylvia. “Hmm… why are you on horseback, and who is the person behind you?” He stepped closer. “Please remove your hood, the person behind.” At that moment, Sylvia swallowed hard, torn by indecision. Cloud panicked and racked his brain. Then a voice called out.
p>“Hey, you! Is the kid all right now?” A soldier walked out of the checkpoint building, coffee cup in hand—the same one who had informed Cloud earlier about the sheep's escape. He was referring to the child Cloud had been carrying on his back. Cloud sighed in relief. “Ah, she's fine. Thank you for worrying.”
p>“That's a relief. I really thought she was in danger earlier. I almost believed she had no more time left.” The soldier smiled brightly. “By the way, who is this person behind you?” He pointed at Sylvia with a puzzled look. Cloud answered without hesitation. “My wife.” The moment the words left his mouth, Sylvia flinched behind him.
p>“Heh heh, do you have a wife complex? If you didn't want anyone to see your wife, why wrap her up like this?” The soldier laughed in amusement. “So at this hour of the night, you two are going somewhere alone?”
p>“We're just going to check the sheep for a bit.” Cloud answered calmly, but his face suddenly changed. He narrowed his eyes, staring at Cloud seriously, then burst into loud laughter. “Heh, you pervert! Ehehehehe!” Cloud looked utterly confused. “Why are you laughing?”
p>“Thinking about doing such things outside the gates? You think I don't know? I know everything! When I was young, I took my wife out beyond the city walls and had outdoor fun too! Your couple has the same twisted tastes! Ehehehehe!” The unexpected reply made Cloud blink. “Hahaha…” “The moon is bright tonight, right? It's perfect. Enjoy yourself while you're still young. Once you get older, you'll never have the chance again.” He spoke to the other soldiers. “Let them through. This shepherd friend from the temple is trustworthy. Don't stop them from spending time with their wife.” The soldiers stepped back without hesitation. Cloud tugged the reins and slowly rode out. “Thanks.”
p>“You're welcome. You even know how to be discreet about these things. Go have fun outside the city with your wife, then come back later and buy me a bottle of soju for the checkpoint.” The soldier looked at Sylvia again. “Respect your husband's tastes. I'm envious. Have a wonderful night, you two! Come back safe, you! Ehehehehe!” Sylvia's face burned red from the soldier's words. Cloud felt the same heat from behind. In any case, they had passed the city gates safely. “Hyaa!” The moment they were outside, Cloud dug his heels in and spurred the horse to full speed, racing straight toward the Tower of Light.