Chapter 3

✨Chapter 3 - Embers and Suspicions

“So you’re saying you came from another world… and you don’t know why you ended up here?”

Landon’s voice was cold enough to frost the air.

I resisted the urge to sigh out loud.

This man was exhausting.

He looked at me as though I were a criminal being interrogated under candlelight, he was sharp, unblinking, and deeply unconvinced.

The sun was already sinking, staining the horizon in bruised gold.

The three of us sat around the small bonfire Maribelle had built, the fish she caught slowly roasting over the flames.

I feel exhausted, my feet hurt.

My shoulders hurt.

My patience was on life support.

“Yes,” I answered simply. “That’s right.”

“How?”

There he goes again.

I pressed my lips together.

Seriously… does he ever stop?

Before I could muster the energy to reply, Maribelle spoke smoothly from beside me.

“Isn’t it already surprising that we all woke up here?” she said mildly. “How much more shocking would it be if someone from another world appeared as well?”

I nearly teared up.

As expected of the main character.

She even winked at me.

I smiled back gratefully.

Landon exhaled through his nose not quite a scoff, but close.

“So,” he said slowly, dangerously, “you also conveniently found a girl claiming to be from another world.”

His pale gaze sharpened.

“Tell me. What scheme are you planning?”

Excuse me???

I straightened immediately, offended.

Maribelle only sighed, sounding deeply, spiritually tired.

“You may think whatever you like, Duke Marcellus,” she said coolly. “For your information, I am not scheming anything  and I certainly did not kidnap you. I woke up here just as suddenly as you did.”

Her eyes hardened slightly.

“If you still fail to grasp the situation, then feel free to overthink yourself into exhaustion.”

Ouch.

Even I felt that.

Landon went completely still.

For a brief moment, his lips pressed into a thin line  not quite anger, not quite surprise either.

Interesting.

I kept very, very quiet.

Because honestly?

If he kept looking at me like that, I might actually confess to crimes I didn’t commit.

After a long pause, he finally spoke.

“…It is not impossible.”

Relief quietly loosened my shoulders.

But of course, his gaze slid back to me, sharp as ever.

“But I will be keeping an eye on you.”

“Especially you.”

Jeez.

Hostile much?

From the corner of my eye, I saw Maribelle rub her temple.

Yeah, same.

“On the other hand,” Landon continued, because apparently peace was illegal, “do you have any idea why you are here?”

I resisted the urge to flop face-first into the sand.

“I really don’t know,” I said, keeping my voice small and careful. “I was on my way home from the academy. I was about to cross the road… and when I blinked, I was here.”

“I see.”

He propped his chin on one gloved hand, studying me like a specimen under glass.

“Where did you wake up?”

Ah.

Time to perform.

“…Actually…”

I hesitated deliberately, fingers twisting together.

Both of them watched me.

“Lady,” Landon said, patience thinning, “actually what?”

There was the faintest hint of something warmer in his tone not kindness, exactly… but attention.

Good, he's hooked...perhaps.

I took a small breath, lowering my gaze.

“When I first arrived… there was a man lying on the sand,” I said quietly. “I didn’t know him. But when I tried to look around…”

I paused and let the silence stretch.

“…he suddenly woke up. Grabbed my ankle. And pinned me down.”

Both of them went very still.

I swallowed, deep breath.

Commit to the bit, Vianna.

“—He tried to kiss me.”

My ears could hear as the silence exploded and their eyes widened.

…Sorry, my beloved Kaiden.

Your reputation is collateral damage.

“He—he—HE HARASSED ME!”

Okay that one was dramatic but we move.

Landon’s head snapped up.

“He what?”

There it was.

A flicker of something sharp and dangerous in his voice.

Maribelle peeked sideways at me.

I gave her my most righteous,

wronged-maiden expression. Her eyes widened further.

“Oh no! Are you alright?” she asked quickly, gripping my shoulders. “How did you escape?”

Bless you, Belle.

You're officially my method acting partner of the year.

“That man…” Landon muttered, eyes narrowing. “So there is another person here.”

His gaze locked onto me again.

“Do you remember his face?”

I looked down, lashes trembling.

“I… I don’t really remember…”

I lie beautifully with commitment.

“That is… unfortunate,” Landon said quietly.

“I—” I started weakly.

“Lady Vianna,” Maribelle said gently, patting my head, “don’t force yourself.”

Hehe.

Teamwork makes the dream work.

“No need to call me Lady,” I told her softly. “Just call me Vianna.”

She smiled warmly.

“Then call me Maribelle,” she said. “Or Belle.”

“Ahem.”

We both turned.

Landon looked… composed again, emotion locked back behind ice.

“I believe the fish are ready,” Maribelle said smoothly, standing.

She picked up one of the largest roasted fish and offered it to him.

For a split second, he looked surprised then the wall slammed back down.

“I will take my leave.”

Cold and flat.

He pushed the fish back toward her and stood.

Ah.

Tsundere northern duke mode.

Maribelle simply handed me a fish instead.

I happily accepted and immediately discovered it tasted like seasoned disappointment.

Well, it's understandable, it's not like I can just complain.

“Oh!”

Both of them looked at me.

“I do remember,” I said brightly.

Landon frowned.

“Remember what, Lady?”

I smiled sweetly.

“He was very handsome. That’s all I can recall.”

They're speechless.

I calmly continued eating and reached into my backpack.

From inside, I pulled out my remaining vitamin drinks, three precious bottles of modern civilization.

I handed one to Maribelle and one to Landon.

Maribelle instantly recognized it meanwhile

Landon looked deeply suspicious.

So I explained.

It's orange-flavored with essential vitamins, definitely not poison.

He still looked unconvinced until Maribelle popped hers open and chugged enthusiastically.

I saw Landon’s eyes widened slightly.

“What are you—”

“The juice is delicious!!!” Maribelle declared proudly, lifting the bottle like a commercial model.

She was really committing to the bit while

Landon looked genuinely bewildered.

“…Try yours,” she insisted firmly.

After a long pause, he finally drank.

His expression froze.

“…How does something like this exist?”

I smirked quietly.

“See? I told you!” Maribelle beamed.

Landon looked at me again, even more suspicious.

Without another word, he turned and moved to a nearby rock overlooking the sea.

Oh, that was fast, he switched on silent sentinel mode.

I leaned toward Maribelle and whispered,

“How did you even convince him to help make the fire?”

She whispered back immediately.

“I told him if he didn’t cooperate, we’d all starve or freeze.”

…Effective.

“He’s so mean,” she added under her breath.

“For real,” I muttered. “Original Maribelle really traumatized this man.”

We ate in peace after that.

Night fell quickly.

The hut they built was meant for two people.

Now?Three of us were packed inside like emergency rations.

“Are you cold?” I asked Maribelle.

She nodded slightly.

I was just reaching for my coral blanket

when Landon silently removed his robe and placed it over her shoulders. Then he immediately like it meant absolutely nothing.

Maribelle blinked in surprise.

I still pulled out my blanket anyway and Landon noticed.

“Why do you look prepared?” he asked, eyes narrowing.

“After classes, I either go to work or home,” I explained easily. “I work in a cold place for eight hours. I carry necessities.”

His gaze sharpened.

“Why are you working instead of focusing on your studies?”

I met his eyes calmly.

“What would I eat if I didn’t work?”

As if struck by unexpected fact, he couldn't utter a word.

“I’m an orphan,” I added lightly.

Landon didn't respond, instead his expression softened subtly meanwhile Maribelle looking like she doesn't know how to comfort me.

She pressed her lips as if swallowing the supposed words and chose to listen instead.

“…I was unaware,” he said at last.

Speaking about it now, I feel uncomfortable.

“It’s fine,” I replied gently. “We just met. It’s normal to learn about each other.”

Beside me, Maribelle returned his robe.

“Thank you,” she said softly, “but I’ll share with Vianna.”

Landon looked genuinely bewildered.

“You used to covet my things,” he said flatly. “Even when they weren’t yours.”

Maribelle closed her eyes.

“I realized that wasn’t right,” she said simply. “So I changed.”

A scoff.

“I don’t believe you.”

“I don’t care,” she muttered tiredly, turning away.

We settled under the blanket and sleep came quickly.

~~~🦋

Morning arrived quietly.

When I opened my eyes, Landon was still sitting upright like a statue carved from exhaustion.

“Good morning,” I greeted, stretching.

He looked at me blankly.

When I finally saw his face, I almost screamed.

Dark circles shadowed his eyes.

Oh. This man really didn’t sleep.

Maribelle stirred beside me and quickly noticed his condition.

“…Don’t tell me you stayed awake all night?”

“How could I sleep,” he replied flatly, “while wary of the two of you?”

This guy.

Maribelle stared into space for a moment then she rubbed her temple.

“Think whatever you want,” she muttered, already grabbing her harpoon. “I’m going hunting.”

Honestly, I'd rather go hunting too than talking to this wary guy.

I quickly grabbed a basket and knife and followed her.

Before we fully left, Maribelle called back casually.

“If you’re not going to sleep, Your Grace, could you at least make a fire?”

I added sweetly, “And maybe gather some bamboo?”

Landon’s eyes widened slightly, then we left him behind.

Hehe.

The sea was still low tide, it's perfect.

Maribelle headed toward a shallow pool full of trapped fish.

“I’ll gather clams,” I told her.

She looked surprised.

“You know how?”

“Of course,” I grinned. “We’re surviving together, remember?”

She studied me curiously.

“How did you learn all that?”

Ah.

“My grandmother taught me,” I said softly.

“She loved agriculture… and collecting clams near the sea.”

My chest tightened.

“…I miss her.”

Maribelle immediately dropped her harpoon and cupped my face.

“Hey… don’t be sad.”

Her voice was gentle, warm and understanding.

I blinked rapidly and wiped the tears threatening to fall.

I don't like being dramatic but when someone casually cupped my face like I'm some lost child, I lost control of my tears.

“I’m okay,” I said with a small laugh. “She’s happy where she is now.”

Maribelle’s eyes softened painfully then

she pulled me into a hug.

“I understand,” she whispered. “More than you think.”

My heart squeezed.

“…Thank you, Eungje.”

She froze.

Then slowly smiled.

“Guess I don’t have to hide with you,” she said, patting my head.

I froze yet she laughed.

And for the first time since arriving on this cursed island, the morning didn’t feel quite so heavy.

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