CH 4

*******

Deltinus’ judgment was extreme and twisted. He couldn’t bear the fact that he was using the same space with the uninvited guest.

Apparently, the uninvited guest coveted the toy he liked, and that also fueled Deltinus’ anger.

Moreover, Yulif dared to defy his orders in public and use his magic. Although it was apparently an attack on the guard, it was essentially done in front of Deltinus.

However, the expression on the face of Deltinus who was sitting on the throne was calm to the audience. No, he was pretending to look as calm as possible.

The friction with Yulif at the banquet hall had a bigger impact than expected. Among the aristocrats, the story of Yulif’s behavior circulated excitedly through the realm.

The duke, who had been crouching his body, finally started to move.

A strange atmosphere had been created by the nobles and the duke at the banquet. Meanwhile, Deltinus unintentionally enhanced Yulif’s abilities by citing his exploits.

Attention should no longer be paid to Yulif, thought Deltinus. He hid his nervousness with a relaxed attitude.

“At the banquet, this Emperor’s words and actions were excessive. I sincerely apologize, Duke.”

Yulif did not answer, he kept his head slightly bowed. Deltinus’ stomach began to shift uncomfortably.

“Does the Duke have anything to apologize to his Emperor?”

“Are you talking about me saving Canaren, or that you came to the territory without permission and hunted?”

“Duke.”

“Or are you telling me that I paid the due price for those who held the sword towards me?”

Deltinus’ lips trembled. Yulif continued to speak without looking at him.

“I ask you once more here.”

“Ignoring my hand of reconciliation, you immediately brought up the matter. My one and only younger brother is also cold-hearted.”

This emperor. When did he have such affection?

Yulif was annoyed at the unfamiliar words. It was too late to create an atmosphere where they had fond feelings for each other. He showed no reaction.

Deltinus closed his eyes that were heated with anger, folding them like a crescent moon.

“What are you asking?”

“I will take Canaren. This is not where she should be.”

Again, the expected name came out.

Deltinus supported his chin with one hand and tilted his face sharply. With a deeper smile, the ominous energy became stronger.

“Yulif, my brother.”

“Tell me.”

“I am afraid that if you take the child with you, who has not yet officially met a wife, you will become embroiled in useless rumors. I’m not saying this as a master, but as an older brother.”

Yulif raised his eyes and looked at Deltinus. Deltinus’ posture, looking down at him from the high throne, was oppressive and authoritative. He could not feel a single sign of affection in those blood red eyes that looked down upon Yulif. He could hardly see himself in the eyes of his older brother, who was acting suddenly concerned about his younger brother.

It was funny to tell a strange lie that neither the speaker nor the listener believed.

“The child is like a slave. I understand your feelings, but rather than adopting that child, wouldn’t it be better to get a wife with a good background? I will choose a good lady that suits you.”

Pretending it was for Yulif’s good, Deltinus demeaned Canaren and so casually exposed his intention of making a woman he chosen according to his taste into a duchess. His teeth grinded at Deltinus’ shamelessness and heinousness.

Deltinus would never give up Canaren. If anyone tried to take her from him, he would destroy her so others couldn’t have her.

Just like then.

Yulif remembered how Deltinus, who broke the leg of his beloved horse, smiled innocently.

‘This bastard is trying to get the drop on me. You play with fire well.’

That was all Deltinus needed to say. Yulif clenched his fist.

To Deltinus, Canaren must have been just that much. An animal that was raised and loved. A being who he could simply ignore her own will or mind.

The two pairs of wings that hung above the throne before he turned back time belonged to Canaren. Deltinus tore off her wings and even killed her.

Just because she chose Yulif.

“Your Majesty gave this recommendation to me with a good heart, so I will consider it carefully.”

Yulif replied, clenching his fists such that it could not be seen by Deltinus. It would have been nice if he could take Canaren out of the palace right away, but things were not going their way.

It’s not difficult to protect one person. But what about the remaining Hwira citizens in the village? When Canaren disappeared, Deltinus practically grabbed them and took them hostage. Like when he went to catch Canaren, he would somehow send Yulif away from his territory and drive his own soldiers into the territory. Moreover, no matter how good a wizard he is, he cannot directly harm Deltinus.

“Oh, yes. I hope your words are sincere.”

“If Your Majesty shows your heart, I will respond in return.”

In the end, he said he would not give up Canaren. Would Yulif smoothly get married just because he ‘gave up’ Canaren? He wouldn’t.

In the end, Deltinus crumpled his face in response to the answer that Yulif would only receive what he wanted and then Yulif greeted him politely.

“I hope that magic will no longer be used in the Imperial Palace.”

As soon as the door closed, Yulif let out a long breath. He had to squeeze out his patience, or else he would act on his desire to punch Deltinus in the face. He clenched his fists with so much force that his fingers could not straighten out properly.

“….Gawh!”

Returning to his room, Yulif sat down, vomiting black blood. He hastily covered his mouth with his handkerchief. His white handkerchief turned black in an instant.

Yulif held his breath and continued to vomit blood. He had to be careful lest the sound leaked out.

Deltinus and Canaren shouldn’t be aware of his physical condition.

The cough, which had the momentum to spit out all the blood flowing through his body, stopped after a while. Yulif leaned against the door with a blood-drenched face. He took a rough breath and burned his handkerchief with magic.

He pressed his hand on the stomach, which was constantly shaking as if it was not going to be quiet. In doing so, he felt a little better from the throbbing pain of a sharp needle.

“Yulif, you have a bad complexion. Are you sleeping properly? Do you eat well? I’ve heard that wizards need enough rest to recharge their magic.“

“I’m fine. Are you okay?“

“I’m always comfortable in the Imperial Palace. Oh well, eat this. I made a friend while taking a walk yesterday morning. The child gave it to me as a gift. Well… Since Yulif is a Duke, do you not eat these things?“

The raspberries, which Canaren gave him that day, were not sweet, just bitter.

Yulif remembered it clearly. Unripe and sour taste.

Canaren smiling softly under the sun.

A lie she told him – that she was having a good time. Everything, including the bruise on her forearm, made it obvious.

“…Canaren.”

He remembered it so clearly. Why didn’t he do something back then?

Yulif swallowed the hot lump with a sigh. The hot lump, which could be tears or blood, was stuck in his chest and did not move.

Maybe it was regret. It felt very hot, very painful.

*******

It was all blue

Drops of water were forming on the tips of the fresh yellow-green leaves. The cloudless sky was high and bright. The lake undulating quietly below was transparent and blue.

Her golden hair protruded through the thick trees. The youthful face was familiar.

‘Oh, it’s me. That’s me. Me in my childhood’

Canaren was currently dreaming of her childhood.

“Here. Here!”

A young Canaren looked back behind her and shouted. After a while, a boy came out of the bushes. He was much taller than the girl and was dressed in luxurious-looking clothes.

But strangely, the boy’s face was not visible. Where the face should have been, only darkness fell like a shadow.

“The lake is still scary…”

“You’re not going close. I’m next to you. You like that, right?”

“Yes. I think I’ll be fine with you by my side, so it’s okay.”

The boy replied kindly. It seems that he understood Canaren’s clumsy imperial language. Since she was still afraid of the distant lake, he took Canaren’s hand. Canaren laughed bashfully.

The boy took out his handkerchief and laid it on the grass. He put Canaren, who was about to squat down, on top of it. Canaren grinned.

“The prince does this. I saw it in a book.”

“I didn’t see it in a book. I learned it.”

“Learned? Why?”

“Just… Isn’t it basic manners?”

“Smart. You look like a prince.”

‘Like a prince’ was the best compliment Canaren could give him.

The boy smiled softly. Though she could not see his face, she somehow knew he must have been smiling.  

“Canaren, can you sing to me today?”

“Do you like the song?”

“I like it when you sing it.”

“Then I like it too!”

Canaren jumped up and shouted. The boy took the girl’s hand and pulled her back down to her seat. Because it often happened during her singing – the excited Canaren would spread her wings and soared high.

Not long after her clear melodies flowed and Canaren’s wings spread. Her wings were still small to fit the size of her child.

The boy stared at her white wings. Her small wings wrapped around him tenderly, as if hugging the boy. He felt warm and cozy.

“Canaren.”

“Yes?”

“Thank you for saving me. If anything goes wrong for you, I will definitely help you.”

“Really?”

“Really. I promise.”