However, Luke could not answer that. It was not like he was bored enough to wander around the entire city. He only came there to meet a relative.
Oriana was careful with her wording. "I mean, if someone were to search for a person, is it easy to find them?"
Luke glanced at her. "Who are you searching for?"
"Me? Did I say ’me’?"
"Get to the point."
’This guy. Why is he so tactless? It seems he won’t say more unless I come clean.’
She decided to be honest as it was really difficult to fool this guy. She stopped walking in the middle of the road, forcing Luke to stop as well. "I will tell you the truth, but you have to promise me that you won’t tell it to anyone, especially your mother."
In return, he wordlessly stared at her.
"Don’t look at me like that. It’s not like I am plotting treason against the royal family."
"You better not mess with royalty," he commented.
"Of course. How could I even mess with those powerful people? Even crossing the lowest-ranked noble can have me beheaded, much less them." She then waved her hand in the air. "Anyway, I am not doing anything bad. I plan to head to Karlin City to search for an apothecary. I need him to treat my grandfather, but Grandpa doesn’t allow me to come near the capital so I need to hide this from him."
"Listen to Old Phil. He must have his reasons."
"No, I can’t. This is important. I need to see that particular apothecary—"
"There is an old apothecary in town. There must be plenty more skilled in Jerusha too."
Oriana shook her head. "Apothecaries also have specialties in the field of medicine. Only that apothecary has knowledge about it. Besides, he personally treated Grandpa in the past. I also worked under him in the previous village we used to live in, so I know he is trustworthy and reliable."
Luke didn’t comment back and continued to walk.
’This guy, he acts dense when he needs to be quick,’ she sighed inwardly. "You know how much I love my grandfather. Please tell me—"
"I am going to Karlin for some work in the coming days. You can come with me."
She could not be happier than this and immediately held onto his arm. "Thank you so much, Luke! I knew I could rely on you for help."
Luke turned his head to look at the short guy clinging onto his arm recklessly like a little girl. Only his little sister acted as spoiled as this to their father. He wanted to shrug his arm away, but seeing those beautiful eyes twinkling in joy, he didn’t have the heart to do so.
The young man sighed and looked away, only to be spotted by the group of village boys led by Frank.
"See, didn’t I say something is going on between these two?"
"Disgusting."
"Turns out that Big Idiot Luke is into pretty boys."
Oriana immediately let go of Luke’s hand. Luke glared down at them, his expression visibly dark.
"Oh, have we offended you, Luke? Is this why you won’t agree to marry my cousin?"
"Heck, he even refused the daughter of that blacksmith from the other village—"
Standing beside him, Oriana could feel that Luke was shaking in rage. He was about to start a brawl, but Oriana held him back. "Ignore these boors, Luke."
The muscles on the arm she grabbed tensed, but he did step back obediently. Oriana began scolding those guys. "Hey, Frank, why don’t you and your little lackeys scram back to your mothers? You good-for-nothings cannot even stand one punch from Luke. I don’t understand how small your brains are to insult a man who can turn you into a punching bag."
"So what if he punches us? Doesn’t change the fact he likes pretty boys."
"He is not like that—"
Frank merely snorted as he proceeded to walk past them. "Hey. Luke, you better stay away from this skinny herbalist, or else everyone will think you are into boys. I swear this gossip is spreading not just in our village. I already feel sorry for your parents..."
Hearing the venom in those words, Oriana immediately let go of Luke’s hand. The urge to hit them in the face was strong, but she had no will to argue with these morons.
"Luke, I’m sorry. I will see you later," Oriana turned to leave but—
A large calloused hand held her more delicate hand, forcing her to stay. She looked at the scowling man. "Luke?"
"Let’s go."
Still holding her hand, Luke took her away, leaving Frank and the other boys speechless.
Once the two were out of sight, the guys started gossiping.
"What was that? Is that a declaration? Is he admitting he’s truly into that Orian?"
"Looks like it. He seems serious. Better not tease his guy, or he will beat us for real."
"Agree, last time he almost broke my nose with that punch."
Oriana was shocked as she let the cold-faced guy drag her away. What was the meaning of this action?
"Luke, release my hand. You are making them misunderstand you."
The hunter only let go of her hand when they arrived at the town of Gerona. Without saying a single word, he walked towards one shop where he proceeded to buy meal ingredients. Though puzzled, Oriana followed behind him like a shadow.
’So difficult to understand him. It would be better if he talks things out like a normal person, but he is always like this, finding conversations a chore. Does he not realize it will affect his family and future if the rumors go out of hand? Does he really not care? Ahh! Why can’t I understand this guy?’
She slapped her cheeks, as if trying to wake herself up.
’Alright, calm down, Ori. Luke knows what he is doing. Focus on the present and be grateful you have a good friend accompanying you to the capital.’