Chapter 81: Truly Remarkable

Chapter 81: Truly Remarkable

I blinked several times, taken aback by Cassadins declaration. From my position, resting my head on Cassadins chest while sitting on the bed, I turned my head towards him and asked,

Youre going to become the Emperor? Dont tell me youre planning to overthrow the current Emperor, Cassadin.

In response to my question, Cassadin shook his head. In his eyes, I saw a familiar lookone of an endless pit of madness.

Cassadins eyes curled into a smile, and he gently pushed me down onto the bed. With my sudden change of perspective, I heard Cassadins voice whispering into my ear.

Ive learned that when all the ministers, including the Emperors advisor, agree that a person is suitable to become an heir to the throne, then they will have met the conditions for obtaining the right to succeed the throne.

What Cassadin said next was something that I also knew. However, it was nearly impossible for someone to inherit the throne in such a way.

Even if all the other ministers agreed to it, there was hardly a chance that the Emperors advisor would agree to another obtaining the right to the throne.

As evidence of that, there hadnt been a single person in the entire history of the empire who gained the right to inherit the throne in that manner. In reality, the system might as well not exist.

I looked up at Cassadins face, who made me lie down on the bed. There wasnt a hint of hesitation in his eyes.

He only continued to gaze down at me with certainty.

Hes serious.

Seeing such a resolute expression, I felt my throat tighten, tears threatening to spill from my eyes.

Unlike me, who was consumed by my desire for revenge, Cassadin had been thinking about his future with me this entire time.

How innocent and beautiful was that? How could one persons heart be so pure and clean?

On the other hand, I

I felt so pathetic compared to Cassadin. I did not deserve such unconditional love.

But even though I knew I didnt deserve it, I found myself reassured by the fact that he still desired me. My expression must have betrayed my feelings, as Cassadins eyes filled with concern as he spoke to me.

Why do you look so sad? Did what I said upset you?

I silently took in the sight of Cassadins worried face. His brilliantly clear skin and purple eyes, framed by soft eyebrows, glittered brighter than any jewel in the world.

What remained in those deep purple eyes after the abyss had disappeared was just me, and only me.

Technically speaking, it wouldnt be considered treason, but if you dont think its alright, Ill look for another

I interrupted Cassadin by wrapping my arms around his neck.

As soon as I did, Cassadin stopped speaking. What should I do with this kind child?

Why must you test my patience in such a way?

His voice was low, but it contained a boiling passion.

As I hugged Cassadin, I could smell a clean, refreshing scent that I had missed.

I had been missing you.

I wanted to see you more than anyone else.

I missed you.

Cassadin let out a deep sigh after hearing my quiet voice. I pulled back one of my arms wrapped around his neck and brought my hand to his cheek.

While caressing his cheek, I felt an intense gaze inspecting my body from top to bottom.

Despite looking ready to pounce on me at any moment, Cassadin didnt lay a finger on me.

Eyes filled with a bottomless pit of desire looked down at me. From Cassadins face, I could see that the only thing inside of him at that moment was me.

I knew very well what that look meant. Cassadin was asking for my permission.

Instead of answering, I gave him a gentle smile.

Releasing a heated sigh, Cassadin lifted one of my hands to his lips, and then enveloped my index finger. He gazed down at me with an expression that was both dreamy and sensual.

It was merely a kiss on the finger, but he appeared so sensual that my face immediately turned red.

After toying with my finger for a while, Cassadin finally stopped. A faint smile graced his face as he quietly studied my features. I could see my reflection in his clear yet dark violet eyes.

I looked up at him wordlessly, unable to find something to say, which in turn caused the lustful expression in his eyes to retreat beneath his long lashes.

As I suspected, this isnt going to be possible. I feel far too tainted to hold someone as pure as you in my arms.

Cassadin quietly murmured to me with an expression far too sorrowful. It pained my heart to hear the self-deprecating tone in his deep voice and see the sad look on his face.

Once he finished speaking, Cassadin distanced himself from me.

I quickly grabbed the hand of the man who was pulling away. Cassadins downcast eyes trembled faintly.

To think that the purest being in the world was calling himself tainted when I was the actual tainted one.

I, the sinful one who tried to drag him into my childish desire for revenge. I, the foolish one, who realized how precious he was to me only after pushing him away.

Cassadin.

Cassadin gently traced his hand over my collarbone and neck, using the hand that had been wrapped around my waist. As he had said, my body was full of imprints that he had left.

Feeling a bit embarrassed by Cassadins intense gaze, I pulled up the blanket on the bed to cover my body as much as possible.

This action prompted a bright laugh from him. Cassadin tenderly pressed his hand against my cheek as he spoke.

Im so happy, I cant tell if this is a dream or reality. Could this be the fulfillment of my wishes after dreaming of you every single day?

The way Cassadins eyes were focused solely on me was so indescribably beautiful that I couldnt look away.

Do you know how worried I was over the past two months that someone might steal you away from me?

I felt the same way. Even though I knew in my head that Cassadin could take care of himself, I still found myself worrying about him.

Did that bastard Damian do anything to you while I was away?

Cassadins question made my heart skip a beat.

I found it odd that I didnt see him on the battlefield.

So, I was worried that he might have done something to you.

How would Cassadin react if I told him that Damian bit my neck to test my healing abilities?

Even though the scar has already disappeared, if Cassadin hears about this

I didnt want to cause unnecessary worry for Cassadin. He was already busy enough with the Emperors supervision and his duties as a Marquess.

I shook my head in response to Cassadins concerns.

Dont worry.

Nothing happened.

Only then did Cassadin seem to relax, and he gave me a beautiful smile.

If it were up to me, I would want to stay here with you forever, but its getting late now, so we should return home.

I will escort you back to the mansion. But why dont we put our clothes back on first?

With that, Cassadin began to assist me in dressing. I surrendered my body to his gentle touch.

Once he had finished, he gazed at my neck and said,

It seems the marks Ive left can still be seen even with your clothes on.

Cassadin pressed his lips against my neck. Sensing my flinch, a soft chuckle escaped from his mouth.

Its better that way.

Cassadin said this as if he truly meant it. But when I glared back at him with narrowed eyes, he smiled and claimed it was a joke.

When I rose from the bed, pain surged through my entire body as if a blunt hammer had struck me, and my legs wobbled. In contrast, Cassadin appeared completely unaffected, and remarkably healthy.

He didnt seem the least bit exhausted after our entire ordeal. Instead, he just gazed at me intensely.

Cassadin, you need to get dressed as well.

Just as Cassadin had helped me dress, I assisted him in the same way. As I fastened each button on his uniform, I could feel his gaze on me.

When I finished buttoning his uniform and looked up, he pressed his lips against mine as if he had been waiting. This made my heart flutter.

Taking his hand, I quickened my pace to hurry back to the mansion. When I stopped due to my shaky legs, Cassadin looked down at me with concern.

If youre too tired, why dont we take a carriage back?

Im alright. It would cause even more trouble if someone saw us.

As expected on a winter night, there werent many people out on the streets.

But that relief was short-lived. I noticed someone standing in front of the mansion.

At first, I thought it was my father who had come out because of my late return, but he was currently out patrolling the territory. So it couldnt be him.

As we got closer to the mansion, the vague figure of the person became clearer.

The individuals hair was the same color as the pitch-black sky where the moon hung. Beneath those were green eyes reminiscent of emeralds.

When his gaze met mine, the mans thin lips curled upward.

The moment the mans eyes dropped to my neck, his smile began to falter.

Why was Damian visiting the mansion at this late hour? Did he have something to tell me while Father was out on patrol?

Although I didnt know his reason for visiting, I could see that his gaze was focused on my neck. After quietly observing me for a moment, Damians lips slowly parted.

Aren.