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Join the Server“If what I’m thinking is right… you’d better not even dream of it.”
“…Please, let go of me.”
“What exactly is the problem?”
His voice, dark enough to slit a throat, brushed against Kebel’s ear. A chill ran down his spine, and he slowly lifted his head to look at Beryl.
The expression staring down at him was one he had never seen before, cold, merciless. It was so chilling it made his legs feel weak, and Kebel swallowed dryly.
“I asked you, when was it that you liked me so much you followed me everywhere? Why has your heart changed now?”
“I was young back then.”
Beryl looked like he had more to say, but he pressed his lips together. His gaze remained cold, fixed on Kebel with relentless intensity.
“Please let go of this.”
“I truly don’t understand the reason.”
He stared as if he genuinely couldn’t comprehend, his eyes wavering like those of a wounded beast. For a moment, Kebel felt a pang of pity. But he couldn’t give him the answer he wanted.
It had never been him who loved Beryl, it was the Kebel from before. And he had simply taken advantage of that fact without pushing him away.
Thinking back on it, he realized how cruel he had been, and guilt flickered through him. But he quickly erased it and met Beryl’s gaze head-on, unwavering. Beryl’s brow twitched.
“I told you before, I don’t have feelings for Your Highness.”
“And I told you it didn’t matter.”
“…A marriage without feelings won’t be a happy one.”
“I’ll be happy.”
“Even if the other person isn’t?”
At Kebel’s words, the air shifted. Something thick and oppressive weighed down on his shoulders. So this was the killing intent he had only heard about. It grew stronger, tightening around him as if suffocating him.
His breathing grew unstable, his head spinning. As his vision blurred, Kebel bit the inside of his cheek. The sharp pain brought a metallic taste into his mouth.
“Kebel Ilya.”
Hearing his full name from Beryl’s lips made his lashes tremble. Shadows pooled beneath his eyes, revealing just how frightened he was. That seemed to be Beryl’s intent, as he made no effort to restrain his presence.
“Don’t do something you’ll regret.”
“…”
With that quiet warning, Beryl ran a hand roughly through his hair. In that moment, Kebel seized the chance and slipped out of his grasp, stepping back warily. His gaze hardened with resolve.
Beryl laughed at the sight, slowly licking his lips. The sunlight from the window made the moisture on them glisten. His lips, tinted faintly red, looked like crushed strawberries. Like a hawk eyeing its prey, he watched Kebel as if daring him to try and run.
“Oshi Sulleban.”
“…”
It was a name he heard and thought about every day. Yet hearing Beryl say it in full made unease creep into Kebel’s chest. Normally, Beryl wouldn’t use Osh’s full name. Anxiety tightened his chest as he bit his lip.
“I knew it.”
With that cryptic remark, Beryl stepped closer. Lowering himself to meet Kebel’s gaze, he gripped his shoulder. Though his movement seemed slow, the force was enough to make Kebel nearly cry out.
“The more you try to protect him… the more I want to crush him. Do you know that?”
“…I don’t know what you’re thinking, but this decision has nothing to do with him.”
“That can’t be true. For you, there’s only Osh.”
As if ready to devour him, Beryl lifted Kebel’s chin with his other hand. A low hum escaped him as his lips parted, revealing perfect teeth.
“And recently, there’s another one, isn’t there? Enok Shrimp.”
“…How do you know that?”
“If it concerns you, how could I not?”
Beryl raised a brow confidently, as if he had already investigated everything. Judging by his reaction, it seemed those two hadn’t met yet. Kebel clenched and unclenched his fist. He had to push Enok forward somehow, connect the two, otherwise everything would fall apart.
Keeping his expression calm, Kebel grabbed Beryl’s hand gripping his chin. He tightened his grip deliberately.
“They have nothing to do with this.”
Beryl’s expression shifted, half amused, half mocking. Kebel didn’t like it, but now wasn’t the time to provoke him.
“Please think carefully. Just because one person is happy-”
“Enough. I’m barely holding back the urge to kidnap you and hold the ceremony right now.”
The grinding of teeth accompanied his harsh tone. He spoke as if chewing each word.
“So don’t provoke me, Kebel Ilya. No matter what, I have no intention of breaking this engagement.”
“…”
“So if anyone needs to reconsider, it’s you.”
Faced with his unyielding stance, Kebel pressed his lips together. Arguing now would only make things worse. He stepped back, nodding slightly in resignation.
Beryl loosened his grip. Kebel rubbed his aching shoulder, wincing.
“Did it hurt?”
“Yes.”
Kebel answered bluntly, avoiding his gaze.
“Your Highness, it’s time to enter.”
An aide approached with Naeppong, adjusting Beryl’s brooch and smoothing his crimson cloak. Then they turned to Kebel, fixing his attire.
It was finally time.
Kebel inhaled deeply.
“Let’s go.”
Beryl extended his hand. Kebel hesitated, staring at the black-gloved hand. Beyond those doors, countless eyes would be on them. And somewhere among them, Osh.
Who would be his partner tonight?
The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Pushing it aside, Kebel placed his hand in Beryl’s. Beryl’s lips curved into a satisfied smile.
“I’ve been waiting for this day.”
“…”
“After the event, will you grant me some time? A walk in the spring garden, just the two of us.”
Of course, Kebel’s answer was no. He planned to return home immediately after. He knew why they were so fixated on this night, there was a superstition that kissing the hand of the one you loved on the night of adulthood would bring lifelong happiness.
‘Ridiculous… and yet strangely innocent.’
“I’m sorry, but I’ll be returning home with the Duke afterward.”
“Then I’ll inform him myself.”
“…That won’t be necessary-”
“Have you forgotten? I’m the Crown Prince.”
Kebel fell silent. Abuse of power, just like that.
Beryl tightened his grip on Kebel’s hand, smiling slyly.
“Now then… shall we?”
His golden eyes, warm like melted honey, rested on Kebel as he smiled with unwavering confidence.
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