Chapter 4 third chapter

The man is clearly out of his mind, and he's really determined to marry her.It just doesn't make sense.God only knows, she argued, pleaded, prayed, tried everything but force to bring him to reason. But none of it worked.It seemed that she had to consider giving up being a lady.She stomped on his foot hard, hoping he would understand her thoughts, but he barely moved.She put more weight on her feet, but had to grab his arms to keep herself from falling and humiliating her.Fortunately, it only took her a minute or two to regain her dignity, and let him go.Then she started reasoning again.She was so proud of herself that she didn't raise her voice for a moment as she calmly listed hundreds of reasons against their union.But she seemed to be talking to the wind, the savage was so motionless, she wasn't even sure he was breathing.he just listens

She talks, folds her arms across her chest, and has that look on her face that you're bored.She thought he must be suffering from insanity, but suddenly he quietly grabbed her arm and dragged her towards his horse. The saint was about to be irritated, and she had to find a way to escape from all this.She tried to come up with a plan, praying to God for help.Her thoughts and prayers were interrupted by Kunlan's voice, how to deal with them? Quinlan pointed to the group of English soldiers. The highlander didn't even think about it or even stop before sending a wicked order behind him, to kill them all.

No.Mina screamed loudly, her voice trembling with fear. He wasn't surprised by her reaction, was he? No.she yelled again. Why? Dear God, what kind of person would ask such a question? He finally had his full attention on her.He turned to face her and waited patiently for her answer. She found that he would not let go of her hand.They made no threat and you took their swords. No, I didn't take their swords, they threw them away when I walked into the camp.Why should they live?In this situation, his voice actually made her sound at ease, what is their first duty?What is their only sacred duty?

She felt as if he was going to be angry.His voice became more and more cold, and his hand holding her arm began to tighten, and her arm was already starting to hurt.Their job is to protect. He let go of his grip, and who were they supposed to protect?he asks. First of course the King, and then the Baron to whom they swore allegiance. Then?he continued. Too late, she finally realized what he was referring to.God help her, she couldn't escape the question. I. So did they do it? It's none of your business what they do or not. Of course it's none of my business.He corrects her, those people have no sense of honor, they are damned.

You have no right to make this kind of decision. Of course I have the right, his voice was suddenly cold as hail, I can't let such a coward live. There's another reason you can't kill them.She stammered, God, please help, let me figure out a way.She lowered her head and stared at the ground, eager to think of some clever reason to convince him. I am waiting. So does she, but God doesn't seem in the mood to help her.You don't understand, she whispered. I don't understand what? If you kill my father's soldiers, I will not marry you. Yeah? His voice sounded like he was about to laugh.She looked up to see if he was smiling, thank God he wasn't.He still looked the same dark and cold.

Yes, I said you wouldn't understand.if you're not a heathen I am not a heretic. She didn't believe it, this man's face was painted with oil paint.Only pagans have this irreverent custom. Connor wasted too much time discussing this issue.He looked at Kunlan, intending to let Kunlan release those soldiers, of course not because of her powerless protest.No, it was her fear, the fear he had given her that changed his mind.His enemies should be afraid of him, but it is wrong for a wife to be afraid of her husband. She did not give him time to show his magnanimity. Wait, she yells, is it important to you to marry me?

He shrugged.She seemed to justify the rudeness, and yes, it did matter. Don't you want to explain your reasons? I don't need to explain to you. But I thought maybe I'd better explain what I'm thinking.She answers, and then you'll understand.If you are not a heathen, then how did you marry me?Did you just inform family and friends that you have a wife?Or will we take an oath before the priest, and he will bless our union? There will be a priest. Her brow furrowed.A priest and church of good reputation? He laughed, he couldn't help himself.Lord, she is suspicious.A priest of good reputation.He promises.

The joy of victory seized her, and she said a quick prayer thanking God for his help, promising that she would get on her knees later and ask God to forgive her for thinking that God had ignored her pleas.She said, how are you going to make me repeat my vows in front of the priest? you will. Yeah? She probably doesn't know how important it is to her to agree to marry him.He wasn't worried about the pastor's or Mina's behavior at the wedding ceremony.He will bully them if necessary.What worries him is Kim Ah Yeol.The relationship between Kang Nuo and this elder brother is quite tense now, if Jin Yalie thinks that Mina does not agree to marry him, then he will be severely punished.Although he can handle it, if Ariel wants Mina to be owned by McNeil's pig, Connor will definitely resist.

It pleased her to see his smile disappear.Now I think you understand, she said, I hope you can get my soldiers off unscathed, and let them go to Patriarch McNair or go back to my father. This innocent woman really thought she was saving the lives of those soldiers.Connor understood much better than she did.McNair would have a good time torturing the soldiers before finishing them off, and as for her father, Connor thought, he might not be so cruel, but since the soldiers had humiliated him, he would kill them anyway. So if I accept your unreasonable bargain, you will agree to get married?He was amused in his heart, but he tried not to let his voice leak his thoughts, and he continued to ask, I hope you can agree and accept it.

Does it make a difference? Of course, he replied, sooner or later you will understand. Do you expect me to give you my promises and at the same time keep me in the dark about what I promise? Do you expect me to spare twelve cowards who pollute the air I breathe? Now that he was frowning at her, she couldn't help worrying that he might change his mind.She decided not to challenge her good luck, she just won an important victory, didn't she? She wasn't too happy about it, though, and I'd agree, and I'd take it. You have a kind heart. She was stunned by his compliment, thank you.

It's not a compliment, he snapped, and I hope you get rid of your weakness. It left her speechless, how could she argue with him on that point? His retinue was as strange as their leader.They didn't even try to hide their disappointment when Conor ordered them to let go of the soldiers.They pouted like babies.She stared at the group of Highlanders as their leader pulled her away.Kunlan actually had the guts to smile at her. The man she had just promised to marry didn't speak to her again until they moved away from the others. Mina? What are you doing? I'm not always so easy to talk to. She could tell he was serious, but she still wanted to laugh and then cry.She was about to lose control, and she forced herself to calm down.She needs to clear her mind while figuring out a way to escape this nightmare. Lord, what has she got herself into? Damn it all!And none of this was her fault.She knows the truth, though she doubts her family will ever get it, especially her father.Hadn't she threatened to rebel against the marriage when she was forced out?Dad would surely think this was her reckless revenge. If my father blames me for our marriage, you've got to tell him.You gotta tell him I didn't plan this, promise me. He didn't answer and she knew he heard her every word because she raised her voice shamelessly. promise me.she repeated. He lifted her onto her horse, and though he was very considerate, she did not thank him. She grabs his hand when he lets go of her waist, promise me?she asked again. Not sure if you'll ever see your family again.Your worry is kind of silly. He thought he was very reasonable. She thought he was being cruel on purpose.Tears welled up in her eyes at the thought of never seeing her family again. She pushed his hand away, I'll see them again, you can't wish me Didn't your mother ever tell you that it's rude to walk away when someone talks to you? Connor couldn't believe what he had just heard.She was actually blaming him.No one had dared to talk to him like this before, and it was even more incomprehensible for a woman to dare to do this. God knows, he didn't know what to do.If she was a man, he would know what to do, but she was not a man, and it made him feel tricky.Mina certainly wasn't like any other woman he'd known.Most women would avoid him, and those with a little courage would only dare to bow their heads before him in a show of submission. His reaction to Mina is also confusing.She made him want to laugh, even when she frowned at him.In fact, she was so different from the others, so fresh, that he couldn't even imagine how cowardly she would act in front of him.Her strange behavior pleased him, but he knew it would be a big mistake for her to think she could provoke him like this.Of course, at most this can only be regarded as a bad start.He would be her lord, and she had to understand what that meant. She'll appreciate him after that and he's going to be reasonable so he puts his hand on her leg and gives it a little pinch and stares into her eyes, you don't get it yet so I'll be patient. What the hell am I not understanding? Your place in my family.Soon you will understand the honor that I bring you by marrying you, and learn to appreciate it. Her eyes turned a dark blue almost purple.God, she was so pretty when she was angry. Yeah?she asked. Yes. She put her hand on his and began to squeeze hard.She is not gentle at all. Maybe you should give that honor to someone who understands it.she suggested. He ignored her words and went on explaining that when you learn to appreciate the gift I have given you, I hope you will only speak your mind when I allow you to.I can't stand the arrogance, now promise me you will listen to me. His rude orders neither affected her nor threatened her.After all, a woman can only accept so much, which is almost reaching her limit.She should wake up from this nightmare any moment now. I can't speak my mind?she asked. You can't do it in front of my men, he said, but in private, you can do whatever you want. I want to go home. That's impossible. She sighed.Going home meant facing her father, and she really didn't want to face him until someone told him the truth. If you promise me that you will explain it to my father, I will grant your request. I will not bow to you. I will not bow to you either. He ignored her boast.Since you are so afraid of me and your future, I intend to make an exception.If it is possible for me to meet your father, I will explain it to him. But you don't have to go into the details of the proposal, and even though I was just a kid, my father probably wouldn't understand it. I won't mention your marriage proposal. Her smile lit up her face, thank you. He looked down at her hands, which were resting on his.In gratitude she was patting his hand. He couldn't help teasing her that it was inappropriate to court me in front of English soldiers. She withdrew her hand suddenly, I didn't show my favor to you. No, you're trying to be nice to me. He likes to let him finish the conversation.As he turned to leave, she saw him smiling.He has a really weird sense of humor.Are all the people who live in the Highlands as weird as this guy?Mina hoped not.How on earth should she get along with such a strange person? God, she's starting to think about her future with this savage.What happened to her?Instead of thinking about what it would be like to live with him, she should try to find a way to escape from him. Her reaction to him was inexplicable.She felt relieved and grateful when he promised to explain to her father, but she had no reason to believe he would keep his word. She thinks there's only one reason for her weird behavior, he's got me as confused as Beatrice oh god Beatrice She actually forgot her maid.In some bush the poor woman might be trembling with fear. Mina dismounted and ran to her father's soldiers.They were on their feet now, silently picking up their swords.She called to them, but no one looked at her, so she moved a little closer. Quinlan blocked her way.He didn't touch her, he just stood in front of her so that she couldn't take another step forward.The other Highlanders also came and stood between her and the group of soldiers. If she didn't know, she would think they were protecting her.The idea was ridiculous, so she thought they were just being rude. I want to say a few words to my father's soldiers. Kunlan shook her head, your lord will not be happy. He was not her lord, she was English, but she knew she would get nowhere by arguing with him.She needs his cooperation, not his anger.I guess your lord won't mind, she said, just a minute, I promise. Kunlan gave in reluctantly.He stood beside her with his hands behind his back and said, you can talk to them here. She wasted no time.Harold, please don't forget Beatrice.She hid near the creek.I'd appreciate it if you brought her home. Although Harold didn't look at her at all, he nodded in agreement. Can you tell my parents not to worry? Harold muttered something in a low voice that she didn't catch.She wanted to get closer to hear him, but Kunlan stopped her with her hand. She frowned broadly at the Highlander, letting him know her displeasure with him, and turned back to Harold. what did you just say?she asked, I couldn't hear you. The soldier finally looked at her. Your father will make war on them, miss.That's what I just said. She felt her heart sinking suddenly. No, no, he can't start a war because of me.Make him understand, Harold. Hearing the fear in her voice, she paused, took a deep breath, and whispered again, I won't let anyone go to war because of me.Tell my father I want this marriage, I made the Highlanders come to me. You want to marry McNair?Harold asked, clearly misunderstanding her. No, no, I never wanted to marry McNair, I wanted to marry God, she was so flustered that she couldn't remember the name of the lord.i want to marry She glanced at Kunlan in a panic, what's your lord's name? He Kangnuo. He Kangnuo, she shouted, I want to marry He Kangnuo.Please remind my father that he met him long ago. It's time to leave, miss.Kunlan suggested, because he just noticed that Kang Nuo was looking at the side of the open space.The lord didn't seem at all pleased with what he saw. One last request.she begged. She didn't give Quinlan time to object, Harald, tell my father not to come after me.i want him to celebrate mine Your what, miss? She had to choke out the word, my happiness. She ran back to her horse and was already in the saddle when Conor came to her.He sits on the back of a huge black stallion that looks as evil as its owner. She shouldn't have looked up at him, and dropped the reins in fright when she saw the anger in his eyes.She immediately lowered her head and pretended to be busy adjusting her position on the horse, not wanting him to see that she was trying to escape his anger. He doesn't want to be ignored.Did she want him to think that he was relying on her protection from her father's wrath?The idea is both humiliating and amusing. He brought his horse closer until Mina's legs were pressed against his, and lifted her chin so she could look up at him. Why? She knew what he was asking and didn't want to pretend she didn't.War means death.she answered. He shrugged, yes to some.He admits. Even one death is one too many, she explained, and I don't want anyone fighting over me.My father had a huge army, but it was too hard and too much trouble for him to come after me.He would insist on leading the soldiers himself.Also, I worry that you might What could I possibly be? kill him. His anger subsided.She wished she had the strength to push him off the horse.He was such a pompous and arrogant man.And she just took advantage of his two flaws to achieve her own goals, making him think that she believed that he would be better on the battlefield.Of course he had the advantage physically, he was younger, taller and stronger, but the number of her father's soldiers would make up for that weakness.That would be a massacre, and in the end, He Kangnuo would die covered in wounds. Why did she lie to Harold just now?For God's sake, she really didn't know why.She had just closed the door to her father, because she knew that if her father heard the message from his entourage, he would fly into a rage.He's not going to calm down, let alone waste time thinking it over, and he'll probably think she's behind the trick.Not only did she not have the heart to plan, but she even had no time to plan. But Dad would blame her, and then he'd put her behind him and never acknowledge her as his daughter again.He will hate her, but he will live.No one will die. I don't want to trouble my father.However, I thought about it and found that my wish was useless at all.Lord McNair must have sent for me, and I'm sure his men will kill most of you.I wait for them to show up anytime. No, they won't come after you. He seemed pretty sure.It would be too much effort to refute him, and she was too tired to worry about anything else.Thinking of her family's pain was so intense, she couldn't control her emotions and tears welled up in her eyes. Unfortunately, they gave her too long self-pity.They left the clearing a minute later, and no one spoke to her afterward into the night.She was squeezed between two impassive-looking soldiers who didn't even glance in her direction.Jillie, her gentle filly, disliked the approach as much as she did. Connor was nowhere to be seen now.He left everyone an hour ago and hasn't come back yet. A conversation would break the boredom, but no one was in the mood to talk to her.Watching them carefully for a while, she suddenly realized that they were fully focused on protecting her, and they searched the woods for threats from time to time. Strange as it was, she had to admit that their vigilance reassured her.She felt as if someone had slapped her on the back, and she decided to do what her mother taught her, that suffering would lead to heaven, while those poor lost souls would go to hell.She didn't understand how those pains found their way to heaven, but rules are rules, and she decided to follow them. Yes, she could live with discomfort, and confessing past sins would cleanse her soul, but Gilly shouldn't have to suffer this.Her filly slowed as they began to climb the hill.Her horses did not have the proper training and stamina to withstand such a strenuous journey.The poor little thing is exhausted. Mina wants to take a break but doesn't know who to ask.Of course, Kang Nuo was the first choice, but he wasn't here, and if he wanted to hear her request, she might have to shout. She figured it might not be a good idea to speak up now.The stern expressions on the faces of the soldiers and their obvious tension indicated that they were passing through local territory. She found herself wondering if Conor had friends.She thought about this question for several minutes, and finally concluded that there was no.Of course he can only blame himself.The lord looked like a wounded bear ready to attack at any time. The thought amused her.Then she thought of poor Jilly.She decided to tell Kunlan her concern, and reached out to touch him to get his attention. He reacted as if she had pinched him.He withdrew his hand quickly and turned to face her, frowning at her at her interruption.Before she could express her concern, he put his hand to his lips and told her to keep quiet.She pointed at Ji Li immediately. That warrior is not blind, he can definitely see how tired her horse is. Kunlan ignored her and just urged the horse to run out.She watched him until he disappeared into the woods ahead. She didn't lose protection, though.As soon as Kunlan left, another soldier stepped forward to take his place. They were still going, and she was exhausted.She guessed that Kunlan should have found Kang Nuo, but it seemed that it would take the two of them a lifetime to get back.She closed her eyes and rested for about a minute or two. When she opened her eyes again, she found that Connor had come to her side and lifted her onto her lap.She was too tired to push him away, and her last thought before falling asleep was that she couldn't let herself lean back against him. She woke up and found herself completely wrapped in this man's arms.In her sleep, she actually turned around, wrapped her arms around his waist, spread her fingers until they touched his warm skin, and for some reason, she actually climbed onto his lap by herself.Her face was pressed against his neck.The heat radiating from him was warmer than a dozen thick woolen blankets.It felt so good. It made her suddenly feel ashamed.Her mouth was pressed against his skin, and it was still slightly open, which made her behavior all the more repulsive.Thank God she thought of Jiri, which allowed her to put her own embarrassment aside for the moment.How far can her horse go before it can't hold on?Mina tries to get away from Conor, trying to get him to stop before her horse gets hurt.But he squeezed her waist, forcing her to stay where she was.She pinched him, trying to get his attention.His response was to tighten his hands even more so that she could barely breathe.She understood that he was ordering her to be quiet.No doubt if she looked up she would see his scowl.The man seemed to have nothing but anger. She was wrong, Connor was laughing, he found her audacity rather funny.He knew that he had forced her, and he had seen the worry in her eyes more than once, but she still had the guts to pinch him.She is such a contradictory woman.If she was afraid of him, why did she always try to irritate him?One day when there are not so many important things to deal with, he must ask her this question carefully. She was about to scream like a madman, but she managed not to embarrass herself.Connor finally decided to stop for the night.She was grateful, but not thankful, for the torture he put her horse through. It may take a week of intensive care for this gentle pony to recover. Conor dismounted and turned to help her.He caught her as she slid off the horse. You don't need a saddle. None of us use saddles. She ran around him to her horse.Every time she took a step, her legs hurt so much that she wanted to scream, and she could imagine Ji Li's pain.She found that her saddle was missing, and supposed one of his men had removed it for her, and she was grateful for their thoughtfulness. Connor didn't want her to see Ji Li's discomfort, so he handed over the task to Owen, a soldier with a big scar on his face, and his smile was very charming to Wen Na.She pestered him, told him how to take care of her horse, then thanked him for his help, then watched him lead her horse aside like a worried mother.Her horse is very cooperative, but she worries that this is the sign of the horse before it tries to mess up.Because several times before, it has hurt several grooms who underestimated the enemy.Minna warned Owen loudly, then turned to look for her luggage. The valley that Kang Nuo chose to rest is surrounded by dense trees. Whether it is low plants or tall trees here, they fully show their vitality in brown or green. Gradually wake up.A thick vault of yellow-green branches hung like a tent over her head.The moonlight falling between the trees gave her enough light to walk to the edge of the lake. Kunlan had already pointed her in the direction of the lake, which was not far to the south. Mina has enough privacy to deal with her own personal issues.Ten minutes later, Connor thought that she had enough time alone, so he set off to find her.He found her kneeling on her pouch, searching through her things, talking to herself.The ornaments of several women's dresses were scattered around her. She didn't even notice what she was doing, her mind was still thinking about how she could somehow escape the chaos.Thank goodness, she thought, she still has time, and once she gets her wits back, she'll figure it out. Connor walked up to her, waiting for her to notice him.After a few minutes he gave up waiting and handed her her towel, which he had picked up hours earlier. Are you looking for this? Yes, thank you.She replied blankly that I must have just lost it, or I would have noticed.I am alert. He didn't expose her, and he didn't intend to give her back the blue ribbon she had thrown together by the creek.He decided to keep it a little longer, to remind himself that he already had a wife.It is very likely that he will accidentally forget this fact. Mina, wash your face.You have paint on your mouth. She straightened up suddenly, almost flipping backwards because of her speed.I didn't put paint on my face.She was terrified by the thought.Only those women who are going to hell can do such pagan behavior. It's my oil paint. I remembered how I had you, you tricked me into proposing to you again, and then, without my permission, you kissed me. Yes, he admitted, just wanted her to hurry back to camp.In his opinion, the lips of the two just touched briefly, which was not a kiss at all. It was just a symbolic contact, nothing more. The pastor is waiting for us, get over it quickly. She couldn't believe what she heard, she stopped, now?The pastor is waiting now?Why did he have to wait? Connor was confused by her, she seemed to have just been blown by a strong wind.He's here to get things done.he explained. She was puzzled, what should I do? You can't forget it so quickly, can you?He replied angrily, our wedding. Now?She yelled out again, you want to marry me now? She ran her fingers through her hair, then tossed her hands.God, she knew she was yelling at him again, but she couldn't help herself.Connor seemed to be eerily calm about everything.He must be crazy if he thought she was going to marry him right away. So what do you expect? She panicked and couldn't think of an answer.what do i expectI want time. What do you need time for? It took time to figure out a way out of this nightmare, she wanted to scream. Give you time to come and take me home.Yes, that's exactly what I expected.I need time to prepare for a formal wedding. Well I'll save you the hassle.You can thank me later. It will take time for you to come back to your senses, she blurted out suddenly. I know what I'm doing. She suddenly felt dizzy, and for the first time in her life she felt that she was going to pass out.She turned and walked back to the lake and sat down.She closed her eyes, feeling as though everything around her was out of control, and she had to come up with a plan.Yes, she needs a plan.any plan.She was too panicked to cooperate with her brain.She'd meet the priest, yes, of course she'd meet him, and then she'd talk to him and tell him it was a pleasure to dine with him and let him rest.He could marry her to the bear early tomorrow morning.She would strongly suggest, if necessary, even beg him to wait a little longer, one month or two months, or ten months, after all, marriage is a serious commitment, if by then Connor still can't realize his mistake If not, she will have to start preparing her own wedding dress. Connor quickly lost his patience.What is she doing now?God behold, there was only so much a man could take, and her rejection was turning into big trouble.He decides to deal with Mina and the situation himself.He grabbed her towel, soaked it in water, and sat down in front of her.Before she could run away, he grabbed her chin and helped her wipe her face. He is not gentle at all.When he finished, her face was flushed.He didn't know if he was being rude to her delicate skin or if she was blushing. Let's get this over with.he ordered. He helped her up and pulled her back. finally, I understand.I'm dead, aren't I?I was scared to death when I saw you, and now I'm being punished for my sin.God, I'm not that bad, am I? Connor pretended not to notice her snarl, it took all his strength to hide his smile.God, she was so emotional.Fortunately, she didn't cry.If she kept crying during the wedding, the priest would think she was being coerced.He had to admit she had been forced, but he didn't want Father Sinclair to know that.Also, Connor really didn't like being with a woman who was always crying.They make him nervous, and given his choice, he'd rather have an angry wife than a weeping bride. Mina is not in the mood to cry.She wanted to kill, and Kang Nuo was the first person she wanted to kill.What kind of sinful idea was she bringing into the wedding?For God's sake, she's about to enter a holy marriage. her wedding.It was nothing like the wedding she had planned in her sewing class daydreams. She had hoped to hold the wedding in her father's chapel, with family and friends by her side.And what she got now was a group of rough warriors, and a priest who looked so young that he didn't seem to have finished his training course. Pride kept her from shouting.Since everyone was watching her approach, she stepped forward to walk beside Connor.When she came before the priest, she lifted her skirt in a formal curtsy. shall we start now?The pastor glanced up at Connor worriedly. now?she yelled. Connor sighed loudly, can't you change the words? Is there anything wrong?the priest asked, visibly confused.He asked Kang Nuo directly, frowning at him boldly.I must tell you, lord, that I am displeased to see you anointing yourself with battle paint in such a sacred ceremony.I have to report to my superiors and Jin Yalie.How should I tell them? Say whatever you want, Father.At least my brother will understand. The pastor nodded, very good.Miss, are you here voluntarily?Are you willing to marry Lord He Kangnuo? Everyone stared at her as she pondered how to answer.She had given her promise, God help her, that her father's soldiers had left her alive, which meant that Conor had done his part in the deal, and now it was her turn. The vicar was not at all worried about the bride's flurry.He has long been used to this kind of nervous bride, because he has presided over several weddings not long after he became an official priest, and he has learned to face any situation. The pastor is waiting for your answer, Mina.Connor reminded her that the voice was full of threats. Yes, he's waiting, woman.Kunlan also spoke out suddenly, but he deliberately softened his tone, hoping to calm her down. She finally decided to obey, yes Father, of course, but You must say your oath, miss.The Church needs me to hear you admit that you married Connor He voluntarily. now? Mina, I swear if I ever hear that word again In a panic, Mina finally remembered the poor plan she had just thought of. Father, we haven't been formally introduced yet.I don't even know your name yet.I should know, shouldn't I?I think we should have dinner so you and I can get to know each other and then you can have a good rest and we'll go to your church tomorrow.Of course if you don't have a church yet, then we'll keep going until we find one.Then you can guide me, and I will be ready for this joyful ceremony, and I She suddenly fell silent.Combat paint, Father?You said it was combat paint?Connor He painted war paint at my wedding? She didn't want to yell at the priest, but God knows she couldn't bear it.She couldn't take any more.Now she no longer cares about who dies and who lives, even if she is the one who was killed.There was only one thing she cared about now, and that was combat paint. She turned her anger on Connor, tears welling up in her eyes.I will not accept this. The pastor opened his mouth.He had never seen anyone who dared to talk to Lord He Kangnuo like this, except of course Jin Yalie, but he could say whatever he wanted to Kangnuo.For a woman to express her hostility towards Connor so openly is astonishing and courageous.If he survived this ordeal, he would memorize every word he had just heard and tell his friends. Connor tried to scare her to calm her down, but her tears made him unable to bear it.She couldn't understand why the battle paint upset her so much, but since she wasn't, he knew he couldn't complete the ritual unless he figured out a way to get her to cooperate. 主啊，她可真是個麻煩。 玟娜，以後不准對我大聲說話。他故意表現得通情達理。生硬，但講道理。 你不可以在我們的婚禮上塗作戰油彩。 上帝明鑒，她的聲音跟他一樣生硬。 我想要趕快完成這件事。 她放開他的手臂，把手交叉橫在胸前。 We can wait. 如果你以為 我不會跟你要求其他的事。 該死的，她看起來要痛哭失聲了。 難道她沒意識到她就要成為他的妻子了嗎？這是一種榮譽而不是死刑。 然而，他的新娘似乎不明白這點。他們兩個中得有個人能夠理智點，看來這只能是他的責任了。 這對你真的這麼重要嗎？ 她無法相信他居然問出這麼可笑的問題。結婚典禮是喜事，每個人都知道，而穿著戰服來到牧師面前是對上帝、對教會、對牧師、和對她的侮辱。 This is very important to me. 那麼好吧，這是最後一次我向你的要求讓步。 康諾盯著他的隨從們，發現他們都點頭表示同意。然後他轉身面對他不情不願的新娘，我說清楚了嗎？ 是的，我很感激。 她突然想笑，但是她控制住自己的表情，直到康諾走開。他大大地歎口氣，聽起來更像是一聲呻吟。她終於沒能控制自己笑了出來。這麼長時間以來第一次，她突然覺得不再害怕她的未來了。但她突然打住，她提醒自己，現在她並不清醒。康諾正在表現合作，這意味著他並不完全是個野蠻人。這也許還不夠成為婚姻的基礎，但她一輩子都要跟這個男人纏在一起了，而她是一個有決心的女人，她會得到她想要的東西的，哪怕只有一點點小小的希望。 她還在笑，直到她想起了那些同行的異教徒們臉上也塗著藍色的油彩。 她轉身看他們，氣氛地皺著眉頭，你們打算參加婚禮嗎？ 她不用再多說什麼了。昆藍和其他的士兵朝她點頭鞠躬，然後匆忙跟上他們的領主。他們好像不像康諾那麼不高興。事實上有幾個甚至還回頭衝她微笑呢。他們似乎很想要配合她。不過她不敢信任他們任何一個，所以她決定跟過去，確保他們不會在最後一分鐘改變主意。她看到他們沿著河岸站成一排，互相談著話，她想他們應該在按她的要求做了。 她太過專注重要的事情，所以忘記了這些男人在下水之前會脫衣服。她不得不承認自己太沾沾自喜於自己微不足道的小小勝利而忘乎所以了。 他們的腰帶首先落在了地上。她馬上停下閉上了眼睛。但她不夠快，在他們消失在水裏之前她還是看到了他們每個人的赤裸的後背。 跟著她聽到了他們的大笑，她才不在乎。即使她肯定他們根本一直知道她在那而取笑她，也根本沒關係。 牧師來到她身後。我們還沒有互相介紹呢，小姐。我是辛克萊神父，泥塞山領主的兒子。 很高興見到你，神父。我叫玟娜。我父親是黑耐沃男爵，不過我懷疑你是否聽說過他。我來自英格蘭。 I got it. 我的服裝和口音很清楚的表明了我的身份是不是？ 是的，他微笑著承認，玟娜覺得他的笑容跟他的口音一樣迷人。 牧師顯得溫暖善良，這麼久來第一次，她開始覺得放鬆。 小姐，我必須稱讚您，作為初學者，您把我們的語言說的相當不錯。 但是神父，我學蓋爾語已經好幾年了。 他結結巴巴地道歉，請原諒我，我是想恭維您的，而不是侮辱您。 我沒覺得被冒犯，我只是很驚奇。 他又回復微笑，你知道你生氣的時候會輪換使用兩種語言嗎？ No, I do not know.你什麼時候發現的？ 當作戰油彩惹惱你的時候。我也生氣了一小會。你跟康諾說話的樣子給我留下了很深的印象我敢打賭，他肯定也感到震驚。我相信以前沒人敢這樣憤怒地跟他說過話。這太了不起了，很好。 我不該這麼難想處的。這不是淑女該表現出來的樣子，我現在知道了。我的脾氣戰勝了我的理智，這是不對的，我必須控制我自己。如果有時間的話，我請求您能在我結婚前接受我的懺悔。 我會給你時間的，小姐。 那麼附近有教堂嗎？ 我們這兒教堂很少，但只要你在懺悔時我不看你的臉，我們就不算違反了教會的規矩了。 牧師正穿著他平時接受告解時穿的法衣，肩上也披著墜有流蘇的聖帶。一等他們來到空地，他就把繫在棕色長袍腰間的帶子一端鬆開，尋了個合適的地點。 他找到了一個樹樁坐了下來，然後指示玟娜跪在他旁邊。 她低下頭閉上眼。他盯著空地讓她開始。 她馬上開始列出自己的罪行，之後她又開始提問想要拖延時間。 害怕我的將來是有罪的嗎？我還不太認識康諾，神父，他嚇到了我。我很蠢是不是？ 牧師不打算承認康諾也使他害怕。他不為此感到羞恥，因為幾乎他認識的人都怕康諾。不過，他應該給予安慰，告訴她事實只會讓她更害怕。 我也不太瞭解他，但是我聽過太多他的歷史，能夠理解他為什麼這麼強硬。在他很小的時候，他的父親就死了，那之後他就由金亞烈撫養長大。這兩個男人把對方當作兄弟。 我想我會喜歡他的兄弟，她低聲說，向上帝祈禱希望她是對的。 牧師肯定他一樣會嚇到她。上帝知道，她絕對會害怕他，但他認為告訴她這個對她沒任何好處。我從不必在他面前小心說話，或者不敢走近他身後二十步。年齡已經教會了他在行動之前先要傾聽，至少這是我聽說的，因此他不會脅迫我像 像康諾那樣？ 現在，女士，不要嘗試猜測我要說的話。每次都有人要我小心康諾，但沒有讓我擔心金亞烈，如此而已。記住，上帝會照看你的。他的安排通常複雜得讓我們無法瞭解。 她以為他的解釋使她感到安慰了嗎？如果是的話，為什麼她還是想哭呢？ 我現在獨自一人了，神父。she whispered. 不，女士，你不會獨自一人。上帝與你同在，我也會在附近。我已經被指派去為金家服務了，他的神父三個月前過世了，那個地區急需我的服務。我不會忙的顧不上你的，小姐。如果你什麼時候需要我，你只要說一聲就行了。 他的承諾安撫了她，她馬上保證她會歡迎他的友誼和他的忠告。 康諾和他的手下站在不遠處看著他們。 昆藍一直在踱步，康諾斜靠著一棵樹，雙臂交叉橫在胸前，不耐地皺著眉頭。 好像他們不會很快結束，昆藍說，我看我們先吃飯好了，今天可真是漫長的一天。 不管多久我們都要等。上帝作證，我已經失去耐心了。沒人會犯那麼多錯吧？更何況，她又沒多大。 也許她在幫你懺悔你犯過的罪，昆藍笑著說，如果是這樣的話，那我們得等一個月了。他覺得自己的笑話好笑極了，於是放聲大笑了起來。 這笑聲使辛克萊神父皺起了眉頭。 領主，你的女人是不是改主意了？歐文問，她很可能拖延時間。 昆藍翻了個白眼，她當然是在拖延時間。 又過了幾分鐘，辛克萊結束了儀式，他剛想要開口赦免玟娜，玟娜卻先開了口，我能問最後一個問題嗎？ 她絞著雙手等著他的回答，辛克萊注意到她的緊張，馬上安撫她，你有的是時間，我不急。 他們在看，是不是？ Yes. 你說話的時候我一直閉著眼睛，但是我知道康諾在皺眉，是不是？ 哪有，他根本就沒注意我們。牧師撒謊。她歎了口氣，我會盡力而為的。我決心做個好妻子。謝謝你的教導，神父。我很感激你的陪伴。現在我的告解結束了。 辛克萊神父整理完聖衣站了起來。他轉身幫助玟娜起身，但根本不需如此，康諾已經來到新娘身旁把她拉了起來。 你也要懺悔嗎，領主？ No. 他的不悅讓辛克萊神父害怕，於是他立刻走開，裝作去迎接其他人。 康諾不知道自己的聲音有多生硬，他一直注意著玟娜，等著她抬頭看他。他想他應該嚇嚇這個女人，讓她好好考慮這件事。只有上帝知道，如果他能滿足自己這種幼稚的欲望的話他會感覺好點。可是沒等他開口，玟娜抬起了頭，臉上的表情令人驚訝。 康諾，你一點也不居家。 我為什麼要聽這個？ 你不需要聽，但我想要告訴你。沒關係的，不管你適不適合家庭生活，我都會嫁給你。既然我答應了你，我就該遵守自己的承諾。現在，我想要你答應我一件事。 No. 她不敢相信地睜大了眼睛，你還沒聽我說是什麼事呢，你怎麼就說不？ 牧師正等著呢。 她強迫自己耐心點，因為還有幾件事需要擔心，一旦牧師祝福了我們的婚姻，你能告訴我你為什麼要娶我，而不是其他人嗎？ 他覺得滿足她的好奇心沒什麼害處，雖然他覺得很奇怪，為什麼她對這個理由這麼感興趣。好的，他同意，你總是這麼固執這麼任性嗎？ 我沒意識到我是這樣的，她馬上改變話題以免他又發現什麼來批評她。謝謝你允許辛克萊神父聽我的懺悔。他和我都很感激你的耐心。 她的感謝令他感到驚奇，女人，神父在高地是最強大的男人。我不敢打斷你們，雖然我很想。 她注意到神父正朝他們揮手，於是把手放在康諾的手臂上，神父想要開始了。你準備好了嗎？我承認我有點緊張。她小聲地加了一句。 沒必要緊張。你馬上就不會緊張了。 Yeah?她問，不知道自己該怎麼控制自己的緊張。 是的，你會的，因為你會發現嫁給我要好多了。沒哪個腦子正常的女人會想要嫁給麥內爾那頭豬。 他聽起來好像完全知道自己在說什麼。她決定相信他，她沒有其他選擇只能如此。她真希望她能像他那麼自信，真想要靠在他身上汲取他的力量。她沒有聽從自己的欲望，因為她想這會讓他看見自己的軟弱，而她根本就不軟弱。不，不，她只是緊張，如此而已。 當她意識到每個人都在看她的時候，她強迫自己挺直脊背擠出一絲微笑。我希望我不會搞砸我的結婚誓言。我沒時間想好我該跟你說什麼。I'm thinking 不，我們不會等你的。你會做的很好的。 but I 他聽出她聲音中的擔憂，於是在她想做更多的努力之前他又向她保證，它會很快就結束，快的你可能都感覺不到。 她明白他以為她擔心的是結婚儀式，不過她沒有糾正他。她很擔心會把結婚誓言弄的一團糟，但是她知道不管怎樣她都得說出誓言。她理解這就是她的未來，這是決定了的，不能改變了。康諾是個未知數，麥內爾也是，她提醒自己。難道她就瞭解他嗎？ 她直視著前方，站在那裏，足足一分鐘沒說一句話，腦子想著她要做的事情的每一個細節。 最後，她下定決心把自己的未來交給上帝。 現在不能回頭了，康諾。 他點頭，他聽出她聲音中的堅定，明白她已經想好了，是的，小姐，不能回頭了。 她走在他的前面，頭高高昂著，決心已下。最好簡單點。 當然會簡單，因為他相信她已經找回理智，變得講道理了。 他本該明白沒這麼簡單的。