Chapter 244
What childish thinking this was. A grown man, and the Crown Prince who would one day become the ruler of this nation, clinging to the memory of a mother who had already died and disappeared.
But sometimes he hated it.
Sometimes he hated living as a grown adult.
Sometimes he wanted to live while leaning, even if only a little, on someone like a spoiled child.
Sometimes he wanted to throw everything away instead of living while carrying countless responsibilities, duties, and burdens. He wanted to run away to a vast plain and lie down on the grass.
It was truly a selfish thought, but he wanted to escape, even for a moment, from all the responsibilities and duties that had choked his life and take a deep breath.
Perhaps he should go out for some air and visit Queen Echinacea’s grave. If he knelt before his mother’s grave and prayed with both hands clasped, would his heart calm down a little…?
And at that moment.
A thought suddenly surfaced in Viren’s mind.
‘Ah.’
His mother’s relic. The magic sword of Queen Echinacea that Rufus Inferna had somehow recovered.
Originally, Viren had intended to bury the magic sword again at the Queen’s grave once it was recovered. However, the timing hadn’t been appropriate. Not long had passed since the funeral of his two younger brothers, and the King was living in a state where half his soul seemed broken.
Viren hadn’t wanted to stir up another incident during such a sensitive time. So he kept silent about the fact that he had recovered the Queen’s stolen relic. He had also hidden the Queen’s magic sword in a secret compartment inside his office.
‘If it is through the magic sword, perhaps I could see Mother once more…’
Gulp.
Viren swallowed dryly.
At the same time, another thought arose within him. He didn’t want to summon the Queen’s ghost.
To awaken the soul of his mother, who had passed peacefully after her final moments. How could he even think such an irreverent thought?
And yet.
And yet…
Even just once, if he could see the face of the mother he had longed for even in his dreams, just once…
It didn’t take long for the scene to shift to his office.
As if possessed by something, Viren climbed up to his office and firmly locked the door. Then he placed one hand on the wall beside the bookshelf.
The wall absorbed his magic and opened as if melting. Inside the opening at the center of the wall sat a silver safe.
When he opened the safe, he saw a silver sword wrapped in silk.
The magic sword of Queen Echinacea.
Seeing that object, which carried the trace of the person who had cherished him dearly while she was alive, emotions he couldn’t suppress began to overflow.
‘Mother…’
Slowly, very carefully. A trembling shadow reached toward the magic sword.
Viren’s stiff fingers touched the sword’s hilt. At the same moment, a chilling sensation cold enough to freeze his bones wrapped around his hand.
With trembling hands, Viren grasped the magic sword.
It happened in an instant. Light began to pour from the gemstone embedded in the sword’s hilt.
Radiance bursting from the magic sword began filling Viren’s office like smoke. The smoke spread thinly, yet showed no sign of disappearing. Instead, it gradually began to take on a more distinct shape.
Viren watched the scene without even breathing properly.
A magnificent golden crown resting upon her head. A splendid dress that draped elegantly over her shoulders and flowed downward with dignity. And a presence overwhelming to behold.
“…Your Majesty the Queen.”
The deceased Queen Echinacea stood before Viren exactly as she had appeared in life.
“Who dares disturb my eternal rest?”
The voice of the Queen’s ghost echoed throughout the office.
Ripples spread like a stone thrown into the center of a lake. Overwhelmed by the imposing tone, Viren instinctively stepped backward.
“Oho, it’s Viren!”
Color instantly returned to the ghost’s face as she looked down at him. The Queen’s ghost floated freely into the air and soon approached the very spot where Viren stood.
Startled, Viren stepped backward once more.
The distance between them was close enough for their noses to touch. No matter how much he had longed for his mother for half his life, he couldn’t help but be startled when she suddenly appeared without warning.
Ohohoho… A delicate laugh befitting a noble lady rang out.
“Be not afraid. My beloved son, Viren.”
A bright smile bloomed on the ghost’s lips as she looked directly at him. It was a smile so radiant it seemed as though a cluster of stars might spill forth at any moment.
What is this?
Captivated by the sight of the ghost, Viren stood frozen.
It felt strange.
Something didn’t feel right.
His mother, the Queen… had she ever smiled like this while she was alive?
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.