TVGS 121

Chapter 121

After Heros left, Etias stood still, gazing at the Elemore mansion.

Though it was an old castle with history, there wasn’t a single corner left untouched by the devoted hands of servants and maids. It was kept clean and beautiful.

Through the slightly open balcony door of her room, the white lace curtains fluttered.

He could almost see her — sleeping quietly, unknown to the world, shadows falling beneath her long lashes.

Katrin Elemore has come from another world.

He had heard that only heroes could awaken a divine power, but it was the first time he learned that such a “hero” came from another world.

Those who received the missing half of their soul into a broken body, making them whole again, were called heroes — so said the ancient magicians.

He had noticed that modern Katrin was somewhat different from the Katrin he once knew.

When he met her again at the Blue Palace, she wasn’t the same as the girl from the academy days.

Her gaze now reminded him of when she was five years old, speaking strange words no one could understand at Cambute Palace.

It must have been frightening and strange. For her, this world was completely new. But even so, she didn’t falter, and gave her all to support you — even at the risk of her life.

His chest stung.

When he thought of her days, bearing such a secret alone, enduring mental pressure without showing it.

“I thought I could repay you.”

Etias’s lips moved sadly.

His eyes, fixed on the balcony, shimmered with heavy emotions.

“…But it’s impossible.”

Even if he gave everything, it wouldn’t be enough.

Compared to what she had given him, he was endlessly lacking.

“Ha…”

He lifted his hand to his forehead.

Historically, most heroes who completed the task they were born with returned to their own world. To continue the life they were meant to live there.

His low voice felt like a blade cutting his heart.

But it was only natural. If she was the other half of a soul that belonged to another world, then of course she would long for her true home.

If the chance came, of course she would want to return.

Please, this is my final request. No matter what choice the lady makes in the future, respect it.

Jeffrey Whistler bowed deeply to Etias for the first time as he made this plea.

Even if she chooses to leave you.

Then he departed.

For a while, even breathing felt heavy.

But Etias stood firm, swallowing down the pain in silence.

Because even feeling tormented at the thought of her returning to her own world — was selfish.

And yet, in his chest, a destructive desire boiled, wanting to seize her ankle, to keep her by his side.

Katrin Elemore was the first person in his life he had ever wanted so greedily.

The woman he wanted even at the cost of his life.

Like a fish out of water unable to breathe, he couldn’t imagine life without her.

“….”

The balcony door opened.

And there she was — a lovely woman with pink hair flowing behind her ear, her clear face shining.

Her expression was a little messy, as if just woken, but still, she looked nobler than any work of art.

Her violet eyes shone brilliantly as they gazed at the blue sky. Her high nose, and the lips tinted red beneath, were just as beautiful.

Stretching, she suddenly noticed Etias below. Her face lit with surprise.

Then, with a bright smile, she raised her hand and waved at him warmly.

“….”

Etias, who had been staring quietly, slowly raised his hand and returned the greeting.

But his smile carried a touch of loneliness, making Katrin look at him with puzzled eyes.

At the tea table in the garden, I poured tea into Etias’s cup.

“This is Talice tea sent from Yucubis. It’s good for easing fatigue and stress.”

Today, Etias looked strangely weary.

Of course, he was still dazzlingly handsome — the most beautiful man in the world to me — but I could feel it, just from his eyes.

No wonder he’s tired. Becoming emperor and preparing for war right away…

Now that Barzenka was on our side, the western alliance would collapse quickly. Still, there was one nation that must be punished.

Gran Orden. The nation of sorcerers of the Rift, the root of evil that threatened Oswell.

They had fallen in love with the Rift’s dark power.

According to Heros, one reason they coveted Oswell was the shadow power of the Clyde bloodline.

The shadow was the heart of the evil power the first emperor had seized. They must believe they could gain even greater strength if they possessed it.

And with such power, what would they do?

Of course, they would pursue conquest of the continent, fulfilling their ambitions.

So this time, we had to cut them off completely.

“….”

Etias silently lifted his cup and drank the warm tea.

Even watching the movement of his throat as he swallowed made my heart flutter, and I looked down, embarrassed at how perverted that seemed.

“You said you like me, Katrin.”

Suddenly, Etias’s voice broke the silence.

I flinched and looked back at him, then nodded.

In his deep blue eyes, emotions swirled like storms.

Could something else be troubling him?

I had thought he was simply exhausted from war preparations, but his expression worried me.

Etias continued.

“Can I ask… why?”

“…Well…”

A cool breeze blew, rustling the leaves.

Shadows flickered across his face.

“…Because you’re handsome.”

The words slipped out, and I saw his eyes shake.

His expression froze, startled by my unexpected answer. I burst out laughing.

Then, meeting his silent gaze, I said:

“Does love need a reason? I love you just because I do.”

“….”

“From the first time I learned of Etias von Clyde.”

From the moment I traced his name with my finger on the page, from the first time I imagined him, from the times I cried, heart aching because of him.

“…I loved you.”

The wind brushed my hair.

“I loved you so much, I felt like I could do anything for you.”

And I did.

Smiling faintly, I gazed at him softly.

I don’t know why you’re hurting, but I love you, Etias. So please, stay strong.

For a long while, he just stared at me silently.

Seconds passed, maybe minutes, and still he didn’t look away — as if he wanted to trap me forever inside his eyes.

Then slowly, he rose from his seat and walked toward me.

His face was shadowed, and today, he looked unbearably sorrowful.

His expression seemed as if he might burst into tears any moment, making my chest ache.

He reached his hand out to me.

“Etias?”

He pulled me up and crushed me into his arms.

The scent of him filled my nose, fresh and clean, but my heart tightened at the feeling of his struggling emotions.

“What should I do…”

His low, rough voice trembled in my ear.

Even through the harshest training, he never lost his breath, but now, his breathing was ragged.

Like waves crashing restlessly, it revealed the storm of his feelings.

“I can never let you go.”