Chapter 412 Where It All Began

"I wished I never met you because if I didn't, we will never be miserable."

When the last syllable slipped past Joaquin's lips, the two of them looked at each other. But this time, there was no hatred in their eyes, but only regret for ever meeting in this lifetime. If only the two of them didn't meet, they wouldn't be just as miserable as they were now.

Because Joaquin couldn't imagine letting her go ever again and Aries couldn't stomach being with him for another second. The scars they left in each other's heart was way too deep and beyond repair. Yet, he couldn't let her go and chose to embrace this pain.

He was already miserable, but he would rather have her in this misery.

If that was not love, Joaquin didn't know what that was. Till death do them part and only death was would truly set them free.

As he stared at her, the sound of bells, shouts, and yells of the people slowly sounded distant. He looked into those translucent green eyes mirroring him, making him recall where this all started.

<strong>Years ago in the beautiful land of green called Rikhill…</strong>

"Your Royal Highness, the King of Rikhill, doesn't know your presence in this visit —"

Joaquin was sitting lazily under the tree atop the hill, where he could see the capital. Unlike his usual uniform adorned with golds and jewelry fitting for the crown prince of a formidable empire, he was wearing a commoner's clothes that the common people in Rikhill would wear.

He raised his hand to halt his soldier's report. "I'm not planning to create trouble. I simply want to see how this land looks from a common person's perspective."

Joaquin quirked a brow and cast the knight under a cloak with a sidelong glance. His lips curled up into a smirk, shaking his head. Despite his plain clothing, the crown prince still exuded elegance and authority.

"Leave me alone for now." He waved, inhaling the fresh air while closing his eyes to rest. He leaned back against the trunk, folding his arms under his chest, and smiled subtly.

"This place feels different," he mumbled, ignoring the retreating footsteps in his ears. "Very different from Maganti. How nice…"

As the crown prince of an empire, Joaquin had a fair share of stress. He rarely had time to rest or breathe, especially, since the pressure on him was ten times that of the deceased crown prince Manuel. Everyone in the Maganti Empire, including the Emperor, was watching his every movement and would depose him at a drop of a hat.

Everyone in Maganti admired the deceased crown prince, the Emperor's eldest son, among his many children from different women. They all expected him to become the next emperor, but he died. Despite that he was dead, they couldn't give the same admiration and recognition to Joaquin.

If anything, they only knew how to pressure the current crown prince and wanted him to be perfect in every aspect of life. They didn't require Manuel, nor did they set a ridiculous standard.

Joaquin's expression turned sour as he recalled his life as the crown prince. He was in a nice place and had spare time to idle, but here he was. Instead of relaxing, he was thinking about those people's demises.

His eyes slowly opened, and his frown deepened. "I heard the land of Rikhill is a place open for diversity," came out a mumble, hearing the soothing whisper of wind and the song of the rustling leaves that sounded more serene than a choir singing.

"I guess it's true," he whispered once again, looking ahead. From his vantage point, he could see the capital that appeared to be tiny. Even from this distance, he could already hear the bustling capital, the waves of laughter of the children, the merchants yelling, and the sound of carriages ambling up the dirt road at a slow pace.

The side of his lips curled up. He couldn't help but compare the sight before him and the usual scenario in the capital of the empire. The difference in aesthetics was distinct, but the air was different. Although the capital of the Maganti Empire appeared more advanced, the air had always looked so gloomy in his eyes.

But the capital of Rikhill was bright and despite the distance, he could already feel how lively the place was. It was amusing for him and his interest in exploring this land thrilled him. It wasn't an everyday occurrence for someone like Joaquin to go on an adventure.

Although his real purpose was entirely different from an adventure, Joaquin wanted to use his time to get to know this place. After all, the Rikhill and Maganti were in the talks of an alliance. Therefore, he had nothing to worry about.

With that thought in mind, Joaquin idled under the tree until the sun calmed down after fiercely shining all noon. When the weather was great to walk, Joaquin started his quick trek down the hill and onto the capital of the kingdom of Rikhill.

Rikhill was just as he imagined it from the hilltop. It was bustling — even more lively — than when it was noon, as everyone seemed to be outside their homes. Holding his hand behind him, Joaquin strolled leisurely without people watching his movements.

It was an experience new to him in over three decades of his life. And because of that, he felt renewed; like a new person far different from the crown prince he had become. He even chuckled when the children ran past him, catching a little girl from falling when she bumped into him.

The little girl was slightly dirty and covered with sweats from all that running. She looked at him with doe green eyes, curiosity apparent in them while he squatted down in front of her. Never once in Maganti would ever dare meet Joaquin's eyes — be it adult or children. But this little girl kept an eye contact without the slightest fear in them.

"Are you hurt?" his voice was low and magnetic with a twinge of kindness. The little girl shook her head, clutching her hand close to her chest.

"So — sorwie."

He smiled and patted her head. "Careful, next time."

"Mhm!" the little girl nodded before she perked up when she heard the other children call for her. She cast him a look before running towards the other children, nearly tripping due to her own clumsiness.

Watching this, Joaquin chuckled and shook his head. He just told the girl to be careful, but it seemed the little girl was doing the complete opposite. However, he found it amusing as he stood up, continuing his stroll.

Little did he know, this casual stroll where he didn't plan anything other than to idle would change his life… forever.