Chapter 71
『You’ve dealt with the rebels quickly. Good job, Kurua.』
The Emperor praised Kadan while wiping the blood off his sword. At the Emperor’s feet, the bodies of the rebels lay scattered.
Once, the Inut Emperor had been called the “Killer of the Frozen Land,” a ruler feared and respected across the land. The rebels, who had underestimated him as just an old man, met a tragic end.
『It’s not Kurua, it’s Kadan.』
『Right, not Kurua, but Kadan.』
『I apologize for causing such an incident after such a long journey, Father.』
『You certainly don’t look sorry at all.』
The Emperor narrowed his eyes. It seemed that his second son had planned from the start to use the imperial forces to completely eliminate the rebels. What was unexpected was that instead of using his forces for offense, he had used them defensively.
Thanks to that, even though the rebels had weakened his forces by releasing a d**g into the water supply to dampen their morale, Kadan was still able to decisively defeat them with sheer numbers.
『I’ve given my greetings, so I’ll take my leave now.』
『Where are you in such a hurry to go?』
『I need to wash up and go see Luna.』
『You can show yourself in a pitiful state in front of me, but you’re only interested in showing your pretty side to your mate?』
『What’s wrong with that?』
『You shameless—!』
The Emperor clicked his tongue in disapproval, waving his hand. Now that he thought about it, he realized Kadan was much like him, so he had no real argument to make.
Kadan bowed respectfully and immediately headed for the bathroom.
After washing off the dried blood and changing into fresh clothes, no one would have guessed that he was the same man who had just been on the battlefield.
He stood before Luna’s door, looking impeccably neat.
At that moment, Washud, who had just come out of the room, came face to face with him.
“What are you doing here?”
“I was talking with Luna.”
Kadan’s expression was cold and unreadable as he silently looked at her, almost as if interrogating her. Washud let out a bitter smile and raised her arms in the air.
“Come to think of it, Your Highness, you’ve always looked at me that way.”
“…”
“What else should I say? You can go in and check on Luna’s safety yourself.”
Washud turned her back and grabbed the door handle. Just as she twisted it to open the door, she said, “I used to like you, Prince Kadan.”
Washud’s confession came from behind him
“But not anymore. I like Luna much more than I ever liked Prince Kadan.”
Washud bowed her head to Kadan and quickly left down the corridor.
Tears fell. She wasn’t sad because she was letting go of her feelings for him, but because she felt sorry for herself—how could she have ever been interested in such a cold, indifferent man?
Looking back, Kadan’s attitude was the same as it had always been. Unchanged and indifferent.
‘I hate men like that. Now, it’s over…’
Washud lifted her hand and gently stroked the bandages wrapped around her opposite shoulder. The bandages, soaked with oil, carried the scent of roses.
“A lady being hurt! It must have hurt a lot. I can’t offer much help, but I’ll apply this for you. The good scent always lifts my mood and makes the day better.”
Washud thought back to the fairy she had just met, her cheeks reddening.
‘Now, I will experience the love I deserve, too.’
And she would take the beautiful fairy out of the harem and claim him. Washud exhaled, heading toward the training grounds with determination.
＊ ＊ ＊
A gentle touch. The warmth of a body felt through her back. A low, soft voice murmuring her name.
Luna slowly savored the pleasant sensations and turned in bed.
“Rest a little longer.”
Pat-pat. A large hand softly patted her shoulder.
“Kadan?”
Luna turned to see the figure behind her. Kadan smiled gently and lightly kissed her lips.
“I heard from my brother. My mate was very brave.”
Kadan’s tone was affectionate, but his expression was full of concern. His eyes lingered on Luna’s injured hands and arms.
Luna followed his gaze and looked down at her own hands. Instead of the usual white bandages, she noticed brown bandages soaked with herbal water. It seemed Kadan had changed the bandages himself.
“The Inut doctors still don’t know this herb. It’s a rare one that only grows in the northern forests.”
Kadan explained without Luna needing to ask. She appreciated his kindness so much.
“I have something to tell you.”
Kadan whispered against her neck, placing his lips gently there. Luna responded, “Go ahead, Kadan,” and Kadan slid a ring onto her thumb.
The thick gold ring was too large for her thumb and slipped loosely. What is this? Luna stared quietly at the ring. The emblem of the Brillan Kingdom, its flag, was engraved on it.
“Kadan? Is this…?”
“Marry me, Luna.”
Kadan caught himself just before saying “marry me” in a commanding tone and quickly corrected himself and formally proposed.
Luna’s eyes fluttered, and for a moment, she stared at the man holding her. Her yellowish eyes filled with tears, her heart overwhelmed.
“Huh, Kadan.”
“Actually, I wanted to propose to you as soon as I met you, but I held back.”
In Inut tradition, a man offers his greatest gift when he proposes to a woman.
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