TOOCM 73

Chapter 73

“Prince Jeffery is likely in the capital,” Isadal said.

“Locked away like I was?” Reina asked.

“Probably.”

Isadal didn’t know Jeffery’s exact location, only that he was hidden as thoroughly as she’d been in her past life.

To find him, she’d have to go to the capital.

But not yet—she couldn’t succeed as she was now.

The Emperor wasn’t that easy to outmaneuver.

She needed time to prepare.

To find Jeffery and challenge the Emperor, at least a year was necessary.

Her resolve hardened, her eyes gleaming with determination.

“Jeffery’s in the capital,” she told Kaiden.

“…”

“Will you come with me?”

He chuckled softly, kissing the crown of her head. “Stating the obvious. Did you plan to leave me behind?”

“Not right now… I need time to prepare.”

“Reina.”

Kaiden gently pulled back, meeting her eyes with a tender gaze. “Mernie and Crensia are always together. I thought that meant you and me.”

“…”

“Even if you refuse, I’m going with you.”

“It could be dangerous.”

“Danger’s my specialty, Reina. I’ve always lived on the edge.”

His confident smile wasn’t mere bravado.

He’d faced countless trials in the North and would continue to do so.

“A loyal dragon.”

Isadal’s words echoed in her mind.

Reina cherished Kaiden’s unwavering support but struggled to fully trust it.

“Why?”

Why would you do this for someone like me?

The question bubbled up, but only one word escaped: “Why?”

Kaiden tilted his head, puzzled.

She rephrased carefully. “Why are you so good to me?”

After a brief pause, he answered plainly, “Because I want to be. No other reason.”

It wasn’t a hollow response.

He truly had no ulterior motive, just a desire to care for her.

Kaiden loved Reina.

No, love felt too small a word.

Among those he cared for, she stood above all.

His actions came naturally, without effort or calculation.

He followed her with his eyes instinctively, smiling when she did.

“So just accept it.”

“You’re so consistent,” she said, trailing off as she touched his cheek.

“I haven’t done much for you… I’m so inadequate.”

Her sudden touch made him clench his jaw.

She rarely touched him so freely, and he had no defenses against it.

Though the moment wasn’t right, his body reacted, but she seemed oblivious.

Taking a deep breath, he teased, “We need to replace your mirror. How can you call this face inadequate? Check again later.”

He was trying to avoid kissing her, as her presence felt dangerously tempting.

She seemed ready to grant any request, and he had to hold his restraint tightly.

Then she smiled faintly, pulling her hand back only to wrap her arms around his neck.

“!”

Her firm tug bent his frame forward.

Caught off guard, he grabbed her waist, stiffening.

“Reina?”

On tiptoes, she held him tightly, unmoving despite his call.

After a moment, she said, “I’ll protect you no matter what.”

Her earnest words felt like a vow.

Kaiden didn’t scoff as usual, leaning into her embrace and whispering, “You protect me, and I’ll protect you.”

Even if it costs my last breath.

He swallowed the rest, holding her close.

* * *

Meanwhile, Michael, arriving in the capital, was summoned by the Emperor.

His secret orders were twofold: uncover Reina’s divine power and assess the North’s situation.

The latter was likely more critical.

The Emperor showed little interest in Reina’s supernatural sight, deeming it predictable.

But one thing nagged him: with the 100-year demonic cycle beginning, her power could aid the North.

That thought soured his mood.

“The Duke of Crensia is quite lucky,” he said with a wry smile.

Michael added lightly, “But using her power seems to tire her greatly.”

“Hm. She’s always been frail, so that tracks.”

The Emperor relaxed, satisfied that her power, while useful, wouldn’t see through everything.

Michael hid his reactions, knowing the Emperor’s long-standing wariness of the North, especially since Kaiden became Duke.

Kaiden never fully submitted to imperial will.

The Emperor continued, “I heard your delayed return was due to an isolated demonic beast.”

“Yes. A Medusa caused havoc in villages. Evidence suggests it was a variant, not just an isolated beast.”

“Oh?”

“I heard there were beast issues before I arrived. The frequency and strength this year are unusual.”

“The Duke must’ve had a tough time,” the Emperor said, his tone sympathetic but his eyes cold.

“What’s your take? Can the North handle this 100-year cycle?”

Michael recalled Kaiden—his robust physique, agile movements, precise swordsmanship, and sharp judgment were unmatched.

He’d identified the Medusa’s host before Reina’s arrival, suggesting he didn’t even need her.

“With the Duke, the North is safe.”

“Hm.”

The Emperor’s displeased reaction showed that wasn’t what he wanted to hear.

“Was he that strong?”

“I saw him subdue a variant beast effortlessly.”

“A monster in his own right.”

Variants were among the most dangerous isolated beasts.

That Kaiden handled one so easily was a threat to the Emperor, who saw him as a potential rival for the throne.

Then Michael said meaningfully, “Of course, that’s assuming he maintains his current level.”

“What do you mean?”

“Variants appearing early in the cycle suggests worse to come. If they surge, even the Duke’s strength may not suffice.”

On the surface, no matter how strong Kaiden was, protecting the entire North alone was daunting.

The outcome could hinge on Reina’s hidden power, but Michael had no intention of revealing that to the Emperor.