179 Grievances (2/2)

From the corner of her gaze, Rin could feel An Sun's eyes on her foot. His eyes looked back to her face.

Rin glanced back and replied softly, ”It's better. There shouldn't be a problem unless I stand for too long. After a few more days of resting it, I'll be able to walk normally again.”

An Sun sounded a hum and looked back at the fire. Rin blinked her eyes and stared at An Sun's features through flickering flames.

He had a well-proportioned figure with broad shoulders and a slender waist, as well as attractive features. Although he always maintained an indifferent expression on his face, he possessed a charming air.

She glanced at his clothing and noticed they were commoners' clothes. It oddly made him appear more relaxed than usual. Ri couldn't hold back anymore and the corners of her lips twitched upwards in soundless laughter.

Unfortunately, An Sun was quick to notice.

”What's so funny?” The corners of his mouth twitched.

She cleared her throat. ”Nothing, it's just…your clothing. I'm rather surprised to see you wearing this type of attire. It's quite humble.”

In response to her words, An Sun's eyes widened a bit before they cast down to stare at his hands. His lips were tilted into a grievous smile.

”To be honest, I'm surprised myself. Had it been a few months ago I would rather die than be seen as a commoner. Now in my situation, it seems I'll have to stay like this for a while.”

An Sun's eyes darkened. He clenched his fist. ”I never realized it before, but, I took advantage of the clan's title. Even toward my father's orders, I accepted them willingly to avoid conflict…I was never my own man.”

Rin was slightly stunned after listening to him. Her emerald eyes flickered in guilt, ”I didn't mean to…”

”I know.” An Sun chuckled. ”I was just remembering what an entitled ass I had been.”

Though his words sounded playful, they lacked some emotion. Seeing the dark, cold aura hanging over the young man, Rin's brows creased. An Sun didn't continue speaking.

After a moment of silence, Rin was the one to softly speak up first. ”Even so, you were able to see your weakness and overcome it. Because of this, you can now become your own man.”

She sat calmly in her spot, her clear gaze staring at the blazing flames before her.

Rin looked at him, her beautiful and graceful face had her usual gentle smile on, ”You have a good heart An Sun. Continue to be true to it and only then will you be the ruler you want to be.”

An Sun turned his gaze to the girl and grew silent, although his face noticeably cooled.

”As do you.” His tone was softer.

Rin glanced up and looked at him with wide eyes. A sliver of a smile finally appeared on An Sun's face. Two pairs of eyes stared into each other – one pair blinking with surprise, while the other stared back resolutely. After a moment, Rin finally smiled and nodded her head.

The previous dreary air had turned warm and pleasant. This had been the sight Bai Han saw when he returned. In that instance, he shot a glare in An Sun's direction. Sensing the old man's cutting eyes, An Sun averted his gaze and simply stared into the fire.

With a huff, Bai Han set more wood into the bond fire before he sat beside Rin – blocking her from a certain someone. The edge of An Sun's brows twitched, but he said nothing. A satisfied smile surfaced on Bai Han's face. When he turned to look at Rin, he noticed the boy sleeping on her lap.

His mouth twitched.

”Who is this boy anyway?” Bai Han suddenly asked, his gaze shifting from Aiguo to Rin.

Rin looked down at the boy sleeping on her lap before turning to her grandfather and replying with a gentle voice, ”After I fell down the cliff, he and his sister saved and took me into their home. If it wasn't for them, I don't think if I would have…”

Rin stopped mid-sentence and bore a strained smile. An Sun narrowed his eyes as he thought of the unimaginable outcome with a hard expression. A lump formed in the back of Bai Han's throat and he gently placed a hand on top of hers. He squeezed it.

”You're here now.” He said hoarsely. ”When the boy wakes up, I'll thank him.”

Rin nodded with a smile, her eyes looking down at Aiguo.

”I want to take him in and help him grow to be stronger. To not make him suffer any more grievances...”

Both men understood the meaning of her words. From the fact that Aiguo's sister was not with them, it was clear what possibly transpired. They went silent. Bai Han felt another sharp pain spring in his heart.

He had forgotten while he grieved and searched endlessly for his granddaughter, she too must have suffered her own grievances. While he was slowly outgrowing the pain and suffering he felt without her, she was still in the process of grieving.

On the side, An Sun stared into the flames, the depths of his eyes darkened. For the remainder of the night, everyone was silent. Their gazes staring silently into the burning fire - remembering the brimming, painful memories.