Chapter 16: There Isn’t A Single Moment I Regret Bringing You

Chapter 16: There Isn’t A Single Moment I Regret Bringing You

Ive practiced countless times in preparation for this moment.

After calming my startled heart, I stared straight into Damians eyes. His light shade of green eyes both resembled a tranquil pond and a tidal wave that hit before the typhoon.

He examined my condition for a moment, then spread his lips to talk.

You seem pale. Are you feeling ill?

No, Im fine. Thank you for your concern.

Thats a relief to hear.

His black hair was combed back neatly, but the wind tousled it gently with its currents. And while maintaining eye contact with me, Damian asked for my name.

I believe Ive introduced myself. May I ask for your name?

I am Aren Serkia of the Earl Serkia Family.

Ill remember that.

By the way, what were you talking with my younger brother about?

What could Cassadin and Damian have been talking about while I was away? I knew he would be coming to the banquet after nightfall, but I didnt expect him to meet Cassadin.

So the gentleman here is your younger brother.

Yes.

Damian alternated his glances between me and Cassadin. His slightly narrowed eyes made me almost hear his voice saying,

You dont look like siblings at all.

But Damian didnt verbalize his thoughts. He just slowly closed his eyes, then opened them as he continued.

I was late to the Crown Princes birthday celebration because of personal matters, and it seemed like everyone else was missing. I was about to turn back, thinking the banquet was canceled, when I happened to run into him and heard what had happened.

I heard someone poisoned the Princes drink. Who knew such an unfortunate incident would occur at the Crown Princes birthday banquet? Its truly a shame.

Damian spoke in a tone that implied sincere regret.

I knew what he said wasnt sincere. He was definitely enjoying this situation internally. The Damian I knew was such a person. As one who eyed the throne that was too big for someone like him, he hoped for the downfall of the imperial household more than anyone else.

The feeling is mutual.

I gave him a moderate answer to play along, and I continued the conversation with Damian.

Grand Duke Damian.

how did you know I was the Grand Duke?

Who doesnt know the famous Daeus family? Just look at the knights, and everyone is talking about you. I heard youve won first place in this years swordsmanship competition as well.

Damian let out a breathy laugh as he smiled.

I was merely lucky.

From the way he brushed his hair back with his hand with a leisurely smile, his pride in his swordsmanship skills was basically oozing out of his face.

To think that such a man lost miserably to Cassadin in his first participation in the swordsmanship competition. The moment he was fuming from his soaring pride being crushed like used tissue paper still felt vivid, as if it had happened yesterday.

Oh, my, modesty as well?

I intentionally flattered him to buy more time. By now, the imperial knights should be rushing this way. Since Cassadin wouldnt have foolishly left any evidence behind in the palace, and because of what I told the Emperor, Damian should be the prime suspect in this poisoning incident.

Thank you. Mlady.

Damian responded in a casual tone, then changed the topic.

I have something to ask, Mlady.

What is it?

Damian remained silent after telling me he had a question. I nodded at him, asking for him to continue. Maybe it was because of the moonlight, but his emerald eyes seemed to be shining especially bright.

Why are you still at the palace at this time?

It seemed that everyone else had gone back.

Interpreting what he said, it was something along the lines of why I was still here this late at night when everyone else had already left. It was clear he thought I was strange.

But just as I was about to open my mouth, I saw someone running toward us from a distance. Looking at the silhouettes of the people, they were the imperial knights.

And with a thud, my view turned upside down. Before I could grasp what was happening, a dark shadow loomed over me. And I chased the owner of the shadow, who was staring down at me, with my eyes.

Cassadins amethyst eyes, nestled under his neat eyebrows, were gleaming dangerously. He glared at me with a face filled with hatred, as if I were unbearable.

Still holding onto my wrists, he whispered into my ear,

If I kill you here and now, nobody will know my identity.

Do you have any last words to say with those frail lips?

Cassadin threatened me, as if he were about to crush my wrists at any moment. I could see my reflection in his deep purple irises. And in that reflection, I wasnt making any expressions. I just stared back at him with a composed face.

Tell me how you found out.

The voice that was demanding a response from me sounded so bitterly miserable, like tree branches swaying in the winter winds. Though he was acting as if he could kill me at any moment, Cassadins voice was trembling severely.

The drastic difference between the two almost made me shed tears on his behalf.

Cassadin had been dragged down from his prestigious status as Crown Prince to a slave. And he couldnt survive that situation without lying. It may be cheap sympathy.

How miserable you must be, Cassadin.

Cassadins eyes widened in disbelief. Then I gave him a gentle smile as I continued,

I thought youd been lying only to me, but that wasnt true.

You were lying to yourself as well.

Cassadins face was twisted into a grimace as he practically growled.

Are you still saying such things despite knowing the situation youre in?

Youre foolish, Cassadin.

I raised the corner of my lips and laughed lightly.

You dont even know who the real enemy is, and you are trying to kill the wrong person.

Its so frustrating watching you that I may just as well die.

It was approximately eight years ago that the Hyran Kingdom collapsed. The one who led that war was a man named Hale Keane Daeus. He was the Emperors blood-related younger brother and Damians father. I heard he justified the destruction of the Hyran Kingdom with a prophecy.

It was something new I learned while looking through information related to Damian. The Damian in my past life never shared anything about himself with me. So this was all information that I discovered myself.

Do you think you can deceive me with such ridiculous words?

Thats not something I expected to hear from you, who lies for every single word.

I chuckled at how ridiculous he sounded.

I was sincere with you every single moment I spent with you, but you think that everything Ive said up to now is a lie?

do you regret taking me in?

The way Cassadin asked, it seemed like he hoped I regretted it. But this time, I had no intention of giving him the answer he wanted.

No, there isnt a single moment I regretted taking you in.

No matter what anyone says, youre my precious family.

Cassadin caught his breath. At the same time, the hand that was gripping my wrists lost its strength. And with my free hands, I embraced him.

Its okay.

Like the warm spring embracing a delicate dandelion seed, I stroked his back and whispered to him soothingly.

Thump, thump.

From the racing pace of his heart, I felt an unbearable amount of anxiety and restlessness.

Its okay, Cassadin.

I repeated it once again to erase his anxiety. Even to me, my affectionate voice sounded foreign. The embracing tone it held felt somewhat similar to a saints voice. It was amusing, as the one who was really trying to use Cassadin was me.

Burying his face in my neck, Cassadin simply stayed still in my embrace.

It was a silent yet sorrowful night.