Chapter 150
Euphen was speaking quietly with Eshar.
Led by Sillian’s hand, Lynette took a few steps away from them.
But she couldn’t tear her eyes from Euphen.
She had thought it was a farewell for eternity. She had told herself over and over again that somewhere in this world, Euphen was still alive, trying desperately to console herself. Yet when she heard of his death, everything collapsed.
She had even thought that she could die crying like this, and it would be fine.
A farewell forced upon her, rather than one by choice, was unbearable.
And yet, now she was seeing Euphen alive and well before her eyes.
The idea of parting again like this was even harder to bear than their separation at the Imperial Castle.
At least back then, she had known where she could go if she ever wanted to see him again.
Now, she couldn’t even hold on to that. She would never return to the Imperial Castle, and if they parted here, there would be no way to meet him again.
She wouldn’t know where he’d be, or even whether he was alive or dead. Officially, the Imperial Prince Euphen is already declared dead.
“Sillian.”
“Are you planning to invite danger upon yourself?”
“…”
She couldn’t answer.
Lynette bit down hard on her lip.
If only she were an Esper.
Then she could protect herself and say that she wanted to go with the Imperial Prince.
But in her current state, barely able to defend herself, she couldn’t demand such a thing.
Hadn’t she already caused Sillian enough trouble? She knew better than anyone how much he cared for her, and because of that, she couldn’t bring herself to act selfishly.
The distance between her and Euphen grew.
She glanced back.
He was still speaking with Eshar about something.
Were they discussing whether to travel together?
When her steps slowed, Sillian’s grip on her hand tightened.
“There’s no longer any reason to attend the funeral. We should head somewhere else.”
She lowered her head silently.
Just then, Euphen finished untying his horse and strode toward them.
“Sillian.”
It was the first time he’d properly called Sillian by name.
Until now, he had only referred to him indirectly.
Lynette blinked in surprise.
The Imperial Prince bowed his head.
“Please take care of Lynette.”
For some reason, that made her feel a little disappointed.
Had she been hoping he would try to convince her to come along?
But seeing Euphen lower his head stirred a hot, overwhelming emotion in her chest.
She had never seen him bow to anyone before.
He is an Imperial Prince. He knows that Sillian was once merely a guard, a common man.
Yet for Lynette’s sake, he lowered his head.
“Keep her safe.”
“…That’s none of your concern.”
Sillian frowned as he answered.
Euphen gave a faint, bitter smile.
“Lynette.”
Holding his horse’s reins, he looked at her face and sighed deeply as he stepped closer.
Only when his hand brushed her cheek did she realize that she was crying.
Lynette bit her lip tightly.
As she squeezed her eyes shut, the tears that had been welling spilled over.
“Why are you crying?”
His quiet voice carried a trace of sorrow.
He gently drew her into his arms, wrapping her shoulders.
Her lips trembled as she barely managed to whisper a few words.
“I’m sorry… I’m sorry.”
She knew even this was selfish.
She hadn’t begged or clung to him outright, but crying like this… it was no different.
As his gentle hand stroked her back, her breath trembled.
She wanted to stop crying, but she couldn’t.
Was it relief that Euphen was alive? The pain of another farewell?
Or perhaps the sight of him bowing his head on her behalf?
Lynette rubbed her eyes hard with the back of her hand.
‘Lynette, if that’s what you truly wish, then ask it of me.’
The words Sillian had spoken only a short while ago echoed in her mind.
He had told her she could treat what was his as if it were hers.
That must have been what he meant.
Her lips parted, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it.
Even if he had said she could use him, she knew that acting selfishly like that would still hurt him.
“Sillian.”
Her voice trembled as it came out.
After a long silence, the man let out a faint, bitter laugh.
“I’d rather you forced your will on me.”
“…”
“If you were that selfish, I could care for you a little less.”
She gripped his clothes tightly.
Sillian lowered his gaze to meet hers and gently wiped away the tears clinging to her lashes.
“That man…”
He murmured with a sigh.
“If only he were someone who lived by his own desires.”
Lynette waited for him to continue.
“You’ve already given in to my selfishness once before. This time, it’s my turn to step back.”
She blinked at him.
“In return, you mustn’t grow close to the Imperial Prince. Don’t touch him. Not even for a moment. Once you start telling yourself ‘It’ll be fine just this once’, they’ll build up.
And eventually, you won’t be able to endure the pain.”
She nodded several times.
Sillian gazed at her quietly, then gave a resigned, bitter smile and turned toward Euphen.
“Where are you headed?”
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