* * *
After that, David looked at Adam’s face with amusement.
His cheeks and ears were flushed like ripe tomatoes.
That shyness was probably why the Dukes adored him so much.
In truth, David thought Adam was quietly adorable, even without looking like the type.
“Anyway, Adam—today we’re planning a light outing.”
“An outing?”
“Yes. Also at the Dukes’ request. They thought you’d get lonely staying home all the time, so they said you should go on a little excursion with everyone. Apparently, you once mentioned wanting to see the waterfall?”
At that, Adam made a face of realization.
The ticklish warmth in his chest deepened.
He fiddled with the edge of his book and smiled faintly.
‘They really have been thinking of me a lot.’
Because of that, there wasn’t a trace of loneliness in him.
Just knowing those two were always looking out for him was enough to make his heart race.
“I’ll follow the Dukes’ wishes. When should we leave?”
“Let’s get ready now. If we go too late, the sun will set. We can eat there and take our time before heading back.”
The news of the trip lit up both Lily’s and Dean’s faces.
The lively pair preferred the outdoors to staying at home.
The mention of a meal after seeing the grand waterfall made them grin from ear to ear.
“Hehe, I think we’re more excited than Adam.”
“If everyone’s happy, then I’m happy.”
Adam’s words were genuine.
At his gentle tone, Lily brushed his arm lightly in thanks.
Before long, the carriage arrived in front of the villa.
Inside, there were soft pillows and blankets prepared—meant for the comfort of a pregnant traveler who might feel chills or drowsiness.
“Lie back and relax, Adam. My wife and I will be riding with you.”
“What about Lily and Dean?”
“They’ll be on horseback. Too many people in here would be cramped.”
David signaled to Lily and Dean, and the sharp-minded pair quickly joined the guards by the horses.
Watching them mount up brought a smile to Adam’s face.
“Not uncomfortable?”
“Not at all! It’s fun!”
Dean called out brightly.
“Alright then. Let’s make your comfort the priority, Adam. If you feel even a little tired on the way, you’ll tell us, right?”
“Yes, I will.”
“Good. Then hop in.”
Adam climbed into the carriage.
The moment his head hit the pillow, drowsiness washed over him.
As he slowly blinked, the lady tucked a blanket over him, telling him to rest.
Though it was midsummer, the heavy fabric felt only warm and snug, not hot.
Adam soon fell asleep, unconsciously resting a hand over his belly.
“Quite a big escort party.”
“Of course—he’s precious. If anything were to happen, it would be a disaster.”
The villa workers chatted among themselves.
Then one of them stopped with a puzzled “Huh?”
“Isn’t that Colin?”
A man was loitering at the forest’s edge.
One of the workers, blessed with sharp eyesight, recognized him.
“What’s he doing out there alone? Shouldn’t he have gone with them?”
“Probably dawdled. That Colin’s going to get an earful from the butler.”
“Well, he should just head back to the villa then… Huh? He’s going into the forest.”
“Really? I can’t see him.”
The worker pointed toward the trees.
But Colin was already gone.
“Guess I saw wrong…”
“Maybe. Anyway, let’s just get back to work.”
And so the villa bustled with activity—none of them imagining the trouble that was about to come.
Up close, the waterfall was magnificent.
Everyone stared, jaws hanging open at the sheer roar and tumbling mass of water.
Adam too watched without blinking, until droplets—big and small—splashed across his face.
“Oh my!”
The lady hurried to wipe him dry.
“Aren’t you cold? Maybe you should get back to the carriage.”
“Would it be bad for me to stay?”
“It’s not too bad, but… you do tend to feel chills.”
“If it’s alright, I’d like to watch a little longer.”
Adam loved the sight of it.
Even with his hair soaked, he didn’t feel discomfort—rather, there was a strange sense of relief and refreshment.
He took it in fully, breathing deep the scent of water and trees.
“Haah…”
The pleasant feeling brought a smile to his lips.
After a few more deep breaths, his eyes lowered—landing on his stomach.
It was still quiet, looking no different from anyone else’s.
The lack of any visible sign of pregnancy made Adam feel strangely awkward.
“Hm…”
After a moment’s hesitation, he murmured softly,
“Do you like it too?”
Of course, there was no reply.
Which only made him feel as though he’d spoken to thin air.
He gave his belly a gentle pat and hoped the child inside had enjoyed it.
“Did you like the waterfall, Adam?”
Once they were back in the carriage, David asked in his good-natured voice.
He opened a basket and took out grapes.
Everyone now knew Adam had a particular fondness for them.
“Yes—it was beautiful.”
Adam accepted the grapes and popped one into his mouth.
The sweet-tart flavor made his mouth water.
“We’ll head further down to eat. It’s too rough here for a picnic. You saw it, right? Just a dense wall of trees. In a place like this, you could get lost if you’re not careful.”
David said it with a teasing tone, earning an exasperated look from the lady beside him.
“You really will say anything, David.”
“What do you mean, ‘something you can’t say’? It’s just a figure of speech. And besides, it’s true, isn’t it? If someone went missing here, it’d be hard to find them. That’s the problem with these deep mountains. As beautiful as they are, they can be dangerous.”
“Don’t mind what David says, Adam. He’s just teasing you to tell you to be careful.”
“Of course, I know.”
Adam smiled.
“I’ll stay close to you all. Just so I don’t get lost.”
“That’s right. And later, when we go down, don’t go wandering off alone.”
Adam was about to say he understood—
But he never got the chance.
A sudden, piercing shout tore through the air.
The unexpected noise made Adam’s face harden.
“…?!”
What in the world was that?
Adam turned to look at the two people inside the carriage with him—and saw they were just as startled.
His heart sank like a stone.
Something was wrong.
“Kyaaa!”
A high-pitched scream rang out—a girl’s voice, young and panicked. Adam froze.
Lily!
“Lily!”
The moment the carriage stopped, Adam moved to jump out.
David caught him.
“It’s dangerous! I’ll go first—stay here.”
And with that, David leapt outside.
Adam’s eyes shook as he saw the open door.
What entered his view were several gleaming blades.
“What the…?”
The swords were in the hands of unfamiliar men.
All of them wore masks and vests made from animal hides.
Bandits?
Adam’s gaze darted around.
“Ughhh!”
The men were locked in fierce combat with the guards.
The Carlisle family’s guards were all skilled swordsmen, yet even they were struggling to gain the upper hand against this sudden attack.
‘Clang! Clang!’
Each time blades met, a sharp, grating ring echoed.
That was when Adam saw Lily collapsed on the ground.
He rushed over and pulled her up by the arm.
“Are you okay?!”
“A-Adam…”
She was trembling like a leaf in the wind.
Adam gripped the frail girl’s shoulders and hurried her back to the carriage.
As he was getting her inside, David shouted urgently.
“Adam, get in the carriage!”
Then, raising his voice at the driver:
“Go! Drive, now!”
“Wait!”
Adam’s face twisted.
“What about everyone else?”
And where was Dean?
All he could see was the chaos of people clashing, making it impossible to pick him out.
David quickly shook his head.
“Our top priority is protecting you.”
* * *
