Fearing that he would freeze after falling unconscious in the stream, Fiona gathered dry branches and leaves to start a fire and keep him warm. The sun gradually set behind the distant mountains, and beside the small stream, the flickering flames cast shadows on Julian's pale face. His breathing was heavy, and his limbs trembled uncontrollably. She sat down beside him, gently touching his forehead, only to find it burning hot he must have developed a high fever.
Suddenly, Julian, with his usual cold demeanor, jerked upright, shoving Fiona away, his eyes filled with anger.
"Don't lay your filthy hands on me..."
Fiona froze for five seconds, then immediately shouted:
"Don't touch you? Fine, then I'll throw you back into the stream so you can blend right in! I just saved you, and that's what you say to me? You ungrateful brat let me just toss you back in!"
She grabbed his collar as if ready to follow through with her words, but Julian suddenly collapsed again from exhaustion. Fiona burst into laughter.
"Hahaha... You look like a sickly little lamb. Just stay put, okay? Big sis here will go get something for you to eat."
With that, she hurried home to prepare some food. Sneaking into the kitchen, she quickly grabbed a bit of rice, a small pot, and whatever leftover vegetables she could find. After making sure no one was watching, she rushed back to the stream.
The campfire was still burning, and Julian lay motionless, his breathing labored. Fiona sat down, stoked the fire, and placed the pot of water over the flames. Once the water boiled, she added the rice and vegetables, stirring patiently as she waited for the porridge to cook.
Before long, the fragrant aroma of the porridge spread through the air. Fiona scooped a spoonful, blew on it gently, then brought it to Julian's lips.
"Here, eat. I saved you, and if you die of hunger now, all my effort would be wasted!"
Julian kept his eyes closed, his hoarse voice murmuring:
"Go away... stop bothering me..."
Fiona raised an eyebrow, set the bowl down, and placed her hands on her hips.
"Oh? So your pride is still intact? Fine, then I'll just dump the porridge! Let's see how long you last without food."
Julian turned his face away, stubbornly refusing to eat. Fiona studied him for a moment, then suddenly grabbed his chin, forcing him to face her.
"Come on, little sick kitty, open wide! Aaaah~"
He didn't respond, but his gaze screamed that he thought she was crazy. Losing patience, Fiona scooped up some porridge and pressed it against his lips.
"Food is being handed to you, and you still refuse? Do you think you're some noble or royalty?! ...But whatever, right now, you're just a patient, and I'm your healer!"
Julian remained resistant, but the warmth of the food against his lips made him unconsciously swallow. Fiona grinned triumphantly.
"See? It's good, isn't it? If I cooked for the royal chefs, they'd be in awe of my skills!"
Julian scoffed weakly, still unwilling to acknowledge her.
"Your cooking... is only fit for my warhorse to eat."
Before he could say another word, Fiona shoved another spoonful into his mouth. This time, Julian didn't resist. Though it was just simple porridge, he ate as if it was the first warm meal he'd ever had.
Seeing him eat, Fiona chuckled and pushed the bowl toward him.
"Here, finish it. Otherwise, you'll starve to death."
Julian turned his face away, cheeks slightly red. Fiona smirked, bent down in front of him, and teased:
"Oh my, someone's blushing. Don't tell me you've fallen for me~?"
Julian stiffened but immediately glared at her. Fiona laughed, clapping her hands as she stood up.
"Alright, I don't know who you are, but for now, just focus on eating and resting. It's already dark, so I'll stay here and watch over you until you recover. Once you're better, I'll let you go! Your horse must be hungry too I'll go fetch it."
With that, Fiona set off to find Julian's horse. She soon spotted it lying by the stream, looking weak. Moving carefully, she took hold of its reins and led it back to the campfire.
When she returned with the horse, Julian's eyes widened in shock, his face filled with disbelief.
"How did you touch Juk?!"
Fiona paused, tilting her head in confusion.
"His name is Juk? And what do you mean, 'touch' him? I love horses! Back at the camp, even horses that have never met me before would run up and let me ride them."
As she spoke, she casually stroked Juk's head before suddenly swinging herself onto its back.
Julian was dumbfounded. Juk was a purebred Destrier, an extremely rare warhorse known for being untamable. Even the most experienced warriors struggled to control him. Yet Fiona a mere common girl had not only touched him but had climbed onto his back effortlessly.
However, just as she settled in, Juk suddenly reared up on his hind legs, preparing to bolt like a storm.
Panicked, Fiona screamed:
"Stop! I don't know how to ride !!!"
Without thinking, Julian grabbed the reins and swiftly leaped onto the horse behind her, taking control.
His face was pale with frustration as he snapped:
"If you don't know how to ride, why the hell did you get on?!"
Fiona stammered, gripping his clothes tightly:
"I-I mean, I love horses... but usually, my father holds the reins for me while I just sit there... I-I never actually learned how to ride on my own..."
Juk dashed a short distance before coming to a sudden halt. The abrupt stop nearly sent Fiona flying off, but Julian caught her just in time.
Heart still racing, Fiona clung to Julian's shirt, gasping for breath.
"That was terrifying! I almost died just now!"
Julian was still in shock. Juk, a royal warhorse that had never accepted anyone but him, had allowed Fiona not only to lead him but also to ride him.
Unable to comprehend, he gently stroked Juk's mane, his expression unreadable.
"How strange... He's never let anyone else near him, yet you not only touched him but also rode him?"
Still recovering from the scare, Fiona suddenly burst into laughter.
"Haha, maybe Juk likes me? Hey, Juk, do you like me?" she asked playfully, rubbing the horse's head and winking at him.
Juk flicked his head indifferently, as if too proud to answer.
Julian watched in silence, feeling an unexpected irritation. He crossed his arms and said coldly:
"Don't flatter yourself. He's loyal only to me. He probably just... hasn't realized what kind of creature you are yet."
Fiona shrugged.
"Well, at least I didn't fall off. But wow, riding Juk was amazing! I should do it again sometime!"
Julian's eyes darkened as he growled:
"You want a 'next time'?"
Fiona grinned. "Of course! He's such a magnificent horse it'd be a waste not to!"
Julian: "..."
This girl... does she have no sense of fear?!