An Unexpected Proposal-Chapter 68

Alicia's voice grew sharp. To hurt yourself in order to stay awake was madness. The thought process was so far removed from what she expected that it left her stunned.

"You said you wanted to see me."

"......"

Alicia’s pupils shook.

"You said that, so how could I give up?"

Cabelenus tightened his grip on the sword in his hand. The lost time, wasted over the past eight years, was enough. He no longer blamed himself for not protecting her, nor did he feel the anger toward Jerpeneus, the one who ruined her. He was done denying the passage of time, and now, all that mattered was her.

"I’ve thought about this countless times. I need you, but it felt like you didn’t need me. It seemed like everything I felt was wrong."

"......"

"But there’s still a chance."

"......"

"There’s still a little bit of me left with you."

That's all I need. With that, Cabelenus swung his sword with all his might.

***

"How’s her collar? Is it working?"

"Fortunately, it seems to be working fine."

"It can’t just work. It needs to do more than that."

"It’s too early to say, but if we’re talking about its current performance, it’s better than even the late Emperor’s collar."

"That answer pleases me. Keep going."

This content is taken from fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm.

Jerpeneus put down the book he had been reading. Peltion handed him a journal that he had received from the researchers.

"The late Emperor’s collar was designed to restrict and subdue, making someone obedient without actually forcing submission. That’s why the Emperor couldn’t completely control Duke Valen."

"So, this collar is different?"

"The collar we’ve enhanced doesn’t just restrict; if worn correctly, it can even control their will."

"Their will?"

"It means you’ll finally be able to get what you desired."

Peltion bowed respectfully to Jerpeneus, but Jerpeneus merely flipped through the journal without much reaction.

"Isn’t this cause for celebration?"

"I don’t want to toast to something that hasn’t happened yet. More importantly, my lovely dog is currently tearing off its leash and running away."

Jerpeneus’s expression shifted slightly, his focus on the plan’s execution. Without Cabelenus, all their efforts were meaningless, no matter how many collars they put on others.

"Are you not thinking of getting a new dog? Especially one with royal blood and abilities, we could easily convince and teach them before their values are fully set."

"That child isn’t a Golden-Eyed."

"......"

"While they have some value, they can’t replace Cabelenus. The black hair and golden eyes have been the symbol of the royal family for generations. Even the previous emperors all had black hair and golden eyes."

Except for me. Jerpeneus’s hand lingered on his eye as he spoke, his gaze darkened with a quiet frustration. Peltion nervously observed his superior, noting his fixation on the Golden-Eyes. It seemed to have become an obsession ever since Jerpeneus had been questioned about his own lack of the same trait.

"I want both the lost dog and the new one."

"......"

"I can’t just give up on the one I’ve invested so much in, even if I get a new one. No matter what it takes, I’ll bring them back, make them kneel at my feet, and make them obey."

Jerpeneus chuckled and threw the journal on the desk carelessly. Now that the new collar was completed, all that was left was to retrieve the dog that would wear it.

***

"Who’s this? Isn’t this the Wolf of Schwarhan?"

Veloa taunted as she dodged Cabelenus’s attack.

"So, you're still alive."

Cabelenus narrowed his eyes. Skeletons and a staff. The rough outline of the situation became clear. If one could control the dead, creating fake bodies wouldn’t be difficult. Veloa and Jerpeneus had been deeply involved in the incident eight years ago.

"Why don’t you take a look? See how your wretched brother left me alive."

"......"

"Do you think you understand? How it felt, being threatened with a sword to my throat while they tortured me, told me to make fake corpses?"

Veloa laughed bitterly, but her hands trembled as she gripped her staff. The most horrific part wasn’t the pain she endured—it was Jerpeneus’s cold gaze, watching through a communication mirror as everything unfolded. Even now, he was smiling.

"He ruined my life!"

"......"

"I was a princess! A real princess, not like that wretch!"

Veloa shouted furiously, swinging her staff violently. The ground shook in response. Cabelenus easily dodged the crack in the earth, leaping forward to strike at Veloa. The clash of sword and staff rang loudly.

"Why, tell me! Why should I be the only one to suffer? Why am I the one who has to end up like this when I was supposed to sit elegantly on the most glorious throne?"

"......"

"Why won’t you say anything? Don’t you pity me? Don’t you feel any guilt looking at me?"

Veloa glared at Cabelenus with eyes burning red, but his face remained emotionless. His sword, however, showed no mercy—he struck with precision, aiming for weak spots with cold, calculated skill.

"You filthy murderer! Bastard!"

Veloa sneered, raising her staff again. But no matter how much magic she hurled, none of her attacks seemed to touch Cabelenus. It was undeniable—he was a seasoned fighter, far more skilled and experienced than her. His calmness and ability to counter every move showed his mastery over battle.

"Make a wrong move, and you won’t like the outcome."

Cabelenus's blade was pointed directly at Veloa. Killing her would have been easy, but it seemed wasteful to end her life now. Even though she was under Jerpeneus's command, there might still be useful information to uncover if he investigated her.

"We’ll see if you get to enjoy this or not."

Veloa laughed, her staff pointed not at Cabelenus but toward the sky. In the next instant, a surge of light shot up from the staff. The sound of explosions filled the air, signaling the arrival of reinforcements.

"Seems like the empire still has plenty of soldiers to spare."

"Your brother made sure to send enough troops to handle you. Now, let's see how well you run while carrying all those heavy burdens."

Veloa’s wicked smile sparkled in her eyes. Watching the proud man, now caught in a corner, dart around like a horse with its tail on fire must have been thrilling for her.

"Run? Why would I do that?"

"What?"

"You only run when things are unfavorable."

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

Cabelenus chuckled lightly.

"Stop with the bravado. Do you really think you can take on all those soldiers by yourself?"

Veloa clicked her tongue in disbelief.

"I never said I was alone."

"Right, you're not alone. You’ve got all these burdens to carry with you."

"Seems like you still haven’t figured it out."

"What do you mean by that?"

Only the Emperor can move the army. Cabelenus’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile.

***

"I’m glad you weren’t late."

Gajev removed his helmet and gave a brief salute to Cabelenus, who responded with a nod that didn’t seem to acknowledge the formality. His gaze, however, was fixed on Alicia, who was holding Mikael in her arms as he slept. Cabelenus swallowed hard instinctively.

"......"

"......"

It was easy to swing a sword, but why did meeting her gaze feel so much harder? Cabelenus hesitated, then cautiously took a step forward.

"......Are you okay? The medic is here; you should let them check your wounds."

"Why don’t you worry about your own first?"

Alicia’s cold gaze stopped Cabelenus in his tracks. She glared at him for a moment before turning her head sharply away.

"......Forget about me. Take care of His Highness’s injuries first."

Alicia’s eyelashes fluttered. Just seeing the bloodstained pants, she could tell how badly Cabelenus had harmed himself. Despite her best efforts not to care, her thoughts kept drifting toward his wounds.

"Are you worried about me?"

A slight smile tugged at Cabelenus’s lips. Alicia turned her head away, trying to ignore him, clutching Mikael closer.

"I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. And..."

Cabelenus glanced at Alicia cautiously before continuing, his voice softer this time.

"I missed you too."

"......"

"I heard everything. Everything you said to me. So, don’t pretend you didn’t mean it."

Cabelenus spoke urgently, moving closer to her.

"It must have been a misunderstanding. I didn’t say anything."

Alicia couldn’t bring herself to meet Cabelenus’s eyes, her gaze fixed on the ground. She knew it was a lie, but she had to say it. She had to force distance between them to keep her heart from wavering.

"Still not trusting me?"

"I told you, I’m still dreaming."

"But you missed me, even as you resented me."

Cabelenus’s voice grew more intense.

"Resent me. It’s fine. Yell at me, curse me, even point your sword at me. I’ll take whatever you give me, as long as it comes from you."

"......"

"As long as you stay by my side, I’ll take whatever you give me."

"......"

"I don’t care what you do to me. Just stay by my side. That’s all I want."

Alicia’s hands clenched tightly together. Cabelenus hesitated for a moment, then lowered himself to one knee in front of her.

"Don’t cry. I didn’t mean to make you cry."

"I’m not crying. Why would I cry?"

She had to say harsh things. She had to pretend like it didn’t affect her. But the emotions kept surging inside, and her throat tightened as tears threatened to well up.

"Why are you so stubborn? This could have ended long ago. Why make things harder, bringing wounds on top of everything else?"

Cabelenus reached out his hand to Alicia. He had longed for this closeness, and now it finally felt like she was within reach. He couldn’t let this moment slip by.

"Even if you think of it as using me, I don’t mind."

"......"

"Use me to get what you want. If you need it, I’ll take up the sword again, and I’ll be your shield, no matter how many times you ask."

Cabelenus’s hand gently settled on Alicia’s shoulder. She bit her lip, trying to hold back the warmth that spread through her. Despite everything, the simple fact of being close to him, feeling his warmth, was undeniable.

"You saw it, didn’t you? How strong I am. I’m sure I can help you. So, what do you say?"

"......"

"If this feels like too much, think of it as a duty as Mikael’s father. I’m just fulfilling a role I failed to do before."

Cabelenus smiled awkwardly. He knew it was a ridiculous excuse, but he wanted to hold her, even if it meant making excuses. If he could just face her gaze from eight years ago, he’d give up everything.

"......How far are you willing to go with your duties?"

Alicia lifted her head. After today’s events, she had realized that her power wasn’t absolute, and there were many gaps. She had been lucky this time, but if Cabelenus hadn’t been there, she might have lost Mikael. Thinking about that calmed her mind. All the pride she had sacrificed for Mikael—it didn’t matter if she gave up a little more now.

"As far as you want."

Cabelenus answered without hesitation. Alicia lowered her head for a moment before meeting his gaze again.

"What if Mikael isn’t just a normal child?"

"......"

"Will you still protect him?"

Alicia smiled bitterly.