The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away - Chapter 119.1
Finally provoked by Brian, the Empress gave her reluctant approval.
“I must return it alive.”
“Of course. Before anything else, I am a subject of the Empire and Your Majesty’s servant, not just a member of the Shadow Group.”
Brian pressed his hand to his chest and bowed politely.
In the end, Blue would have to be handed over to the Shadow Group.
“Leave.”
The Empress gave the command in a tone that suggested she did not wish to continue the conversation. Brian stood obediently and exited.
As soon as the door closed, the teacup in her hand flew against the wall, shattering into glittering fragments.
Still not appeased, the Empress threw everything on the table. Her hair, once perfectly arranged, tumbled down in the commotion. The image of the Empress who always maintained flawless beauty was gone.
She exhaled roughly and muttered to herself.
“It couldn’t be helped.”
Her voice carried a deep resentment.
“I have lived my whole life ignored. Anyone in my position would have made the same choice.”
She whispered as if consoling herself.
Even having ascended to the highest position a woman could reach, she was not happy.
Although initially a political marriage, she had intended to support the Emperor and serve both her family and the Empire. But the fact that she could not bear a child shattered all her plans.
She could not stop the Emperor from bringing in others, and she could only watch blankly as he raised the child he brought from outside, calling it “Your Majesty” as it grew.
“Everything has been broken…”
The Empress muttered, as if in grief.
That emptiness made it impossible for her to reject the Shadow Group’s proposal.
The sweet whisper that she could bear a child had been poison. It allowed her to give birth to Cassian, yet even when the child was in her arms, the void did not vanish.
What she truly desired was not simple familial affection, nor the Emperor’s love.
It was recognition from the world, the only pride that could support her.
But in the end, she could not attain it. The Empress’s world remained hollow.
“There is only one answer.”
The throne.
The ruler of this Empire.
Her eyes, fixed on that high seat, darkened deeply.
***
The brief meeting inside the carriage ended.
Having already lost the initiative, Kailos had few options. He needed to regain the upper hand, and Leslun’s plan was reasonable.
Yet Kailos did not seem willing to let Leslun go.
Held tightly by Kailos, Leslun could not move even one arm. At first, Cassian had laughed at the scene, finding it amusing, but soon he grew tired and leaned against the window, nodding off.
“Your Highness, I can’t breathe.”
“Why now? You’ve been held this whole time.”
“I said I feel stifled.”
“Do you dislike me?”
Kailos asked again. Leslun merely gave an awkward smile. He did not misunderstand Kailos’s feelings.
“Leslun.”
“Yes.”
“Ren.”
“Yes.”
“My sunshine.”
“…Yes.”
Every time Kailos called him, Leslun answered obediently. Each title was different, yet all referred to himself. Hearing them made his heart quietly tremble.
“I do not know if I should let you go.”
“Your Highness…”
“You already ran from me once. How can I be sure you won’t run again?”
It was Leslun himself, not anyone else, who had sown doubt in him.
“Believe it or not, I truly intended to leave for Your Highness’s sake.”
“I want to believe that. No, I will believe it.”
Kailos quickly changed his answer. Beneath that belief lay his affection for Leslun.
“I will not run. I know now that I am needed.”
“Then what comes next?”
Leslun exhaled deeply and looked up at Kailos. He hoped that in meeting his gaze, he could also see Kailos’s sincerity.
“I only wish for Your Highness’s happiness.”
“If you are not by my side, I will be unhappy.”
“That is why I hope Your Highness is recognized by Blue.”
Kailos opened his mouth to refute, but swallowed his words. Nearby, Blue chuckled softly.
“I did not expect you to put me to such a test.”
Leslun had always been a being loved by a spirit. He knew that without Blue’s recognition, he could not hold Kailos. During the time he had been gone, he had momentarily forgotten that fact.
“Do you dislike me if I am not the Crown Prince?”
“That is not what I mean…”
“I see. I understand.”
‘I have lost,’ Kailos muttered to himself.
“Sending you away now is probably a test prepared for me as well.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
