Park Noah began to slice the pie she brought at the inn, enjoying the momentary silence in their room. “This is very delicious. Right?”

“Yes, but the uncle told me not to let Noah eat unhealthy food. Or else, I won’t have dinner.”

“No. You’re going to have dinner, too. If I don’t eat three meals, I get sick quickly, and I think I’m just like that now.”

Adrian Rossinell listened to their conversation, his chin rested on the palm of his hand. Across him, Muell finished his portion, licking the tip of his fingers in delight. 

Park Noah embraced the child and leaned her head against the window. I think I’m getting better from the sugar, or maybe not…

Then, Muell, who had been gazing outside the window, tugged Park Noah. “Noah.”

“Yes.” She breathed in deeply and closed her eyes. She then opened her mouth to speak to the man who was staring intently at her. 

“Adrien, you. You said you broke up with me. Two years ago.”

“Yes, we had a big fight in the capital.”

“Do you still have any lingering feelings for me?”

“Well, I’m not sure if I can call this lingering.” Adrian Rossinell replied without a hint of humor in his words.

Park Noah fluttered her eyes half open and looked back at him. “If there’s something left, whether it’s love or regret or not having a partner, I can’t give you what you want.”

“And if I don’t care?”

“But I don’t want you to chase after me.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t do that. I’m interested in you now as I was back then. And I think I’m more interested in you now…” He continued, his voice becoming husky as the last words trailed off from his lips. He leaned his arms against the window frame, mimicking Park Noah.

“You seem different from before, so I’ve become more attracted. I want to dig into every detail of what’s in your head.”

“You don’t intend to kill me, right?”

“You’re not weak enough to die in my hands, are you? Why do you keep asking me meaningless things?”

Contrary to the man’s earnest gaze, reflected on his eyes was a weary Park Noah with her lips chapped. 

“I’ll give you my special permission. To follow me.”

“Ho.” Adrian Rossinell perked his eyebrow, surprised at her remark.

“But it’s not for free. I’m not feeling well right now, so let me ask you a favor.” She shifted her gaze to the window, staring into the looming shadows of the dusk.

“Go outside and take care of those assassins for me.”

A while ago, Muell had signaled a warning. But Park Noah wasn’t certain whether Yulem’s assassins boarded the train after discovering they had missed their target on the train bound to Central Edman or if another organization was also after her neck.

Behind the room’s door, she could sense another’s presence attempting to sneak in. Certainly, Adrian Rossinell must have noticed it too and saw Park Noah react without panic.

She stared at him in silence. A strong man who is interested in me, who has no intention of attacking me, and who will follow me for a while. 

After a moment’s thought, Park Noah decided to assign the man a role. “If you’re going to follow me, you should deal with the other guys who keep sticking around.”

Adrian Rossinell looked as if he had heard a complete surprise. On the other hand, Park Noah fixed her eyes outside and muttered, “If you don’t want to, go out now. Make your decision quickly. Hurry up. I won’t last a second if I face those guys. I’m exhausted.

“If you would, go quickly. Don’t hurt other passengers and handle it quietly.”

She closed her eyes, awaiting the man’s reply. After a brief silence, he spoke slowly.

“Then call my name, one more time.”

“…..”

“Quick. Then I’ll get rid of everything out there right now.”

I have only one word to say.

“The payment will follow the completed task.”

Park Noah could hear Adrian Rossinell standing up quietly. Then, the sound of the door opening and closing followed. Peaceful silence took place in the small cabin. The sound of raindrops gently tapping on the window slowly caused her to feel drowsy.

Park Noah hoped that when she awoke, her cold would be no more. Not long after, she fell into a blissful sleep.