RETURN OF THE FEMALE KNIGHT

49. Come Here

Lalisa didn't like the way Jungkook deceived her, nor was she amused at the pleased expression on his face.

'You don't know how much I've been looking for you...'

As a child, Jungkook seemed to be in danger of something, as if he would suddenly vanish if she didn't reach out to him. And so she made that promise to him when they were young. When she returned to the palace, she searched among the servants of similar age and was disappointed she couldn't find him.

'Then this bead ring was given by Kookie.'

She looked down at the ring with new understanding. It was the same blue as Jungkook's eyes, and the detail made her feel ashamed for some reason.

"This ring, didn't you say it belonged to your mother?"

"I did."

"I may be late, but I'll return it now."

As she made to pull off the ring, Jungkook raised a hand to stop her.

"You keep it."

"But–"

"I don't intend to take it back now. You will be my princess anyway, and it's the same as me having it."

Lalisa also had a sentimental attachment to the ring as a reminder of her last life. But somehow it felt different knowing that it belonged to Jungkook's mother prior.

"Are you sure you want me to keep it?"

"I'm relieved that you have the ring. So I'd like you to keep at as close to you as much as possible."

"You're relieved?"

"Yes. It's hard to believe, but I feel like it's some kind of talisman. When something dangerous happens, it will protect you one time."

She gave him a questioning look at the vagueness of his words, but Jungkook smiled as if he didn't intend to explain.

"I have a few questions that I can ask you now. After you left did you come back to find me?"

Of course she did. She searched for Jungkook for days and days and met with each of the palace servants. But Lalisa did not intend to tell the truth.

"No. It was a promise from my childhood, but I quickly forgot it."

She felt hurt at all the times Jungkook lied and hid himself from her. In the meanwhile, Jungkook's expression turned bitter.

"...I see."

There was a subtle change in the atmosphere, but Lalisa glanced over it. It was strange to think that the child at that time was Jungkook. He seemed a little shabby before, but even then he was still rather good-looking. However, his personality before felt quite different from the arrogance of Jungkook now. At that time, he was small and delicate enough to stimulate her protective instincts, but now she felt sad that that boy had turned into a haughty and cruel young man. What happened to Jungkook all those years? How did he grow up? She was flooded with curiosity all of a sudden, but she had no idea if he would answer if she asked him directly.

As Lalisa was staring at Jungkook, she was startled by a sudden realization.

"Oh, that's right."

She had left Roseanne outside when she came running to Jungkook. Lalisa had wanted to see him immediately, but Roseanne couldn't run with her, and so Lalisa had told her sister to wait. It was impossible for her to forget her sister even for a moment.

"I just remembered that I left Roseanne waiting. I'll be right back."

"Of course."

Lalisa rushed towards the door, then paused and turned back towards Jungkook. He remained the same as usual, but at that moment she thought again of her hidden memories of him.