When You Turned Your Back On Me, We Became Strangers [EN]: Chapter 96

Kaver gently stroked the pattern etched on Rayleigh’s neck.

“What kind of dream are you having right now?”

The skin under his fingers was so cold, it was hard to believe it was human.

Kaver picked up his sword and rose.

“Originally, didn’t such harsh contracts require a sacrifice?”

He drew his sword, a faint smile on his face.

He would do anything for Rayleigh, even give up his own life.

“Your Highness, what are you doing!”

Startled, Berne grabbed the blade to stop him.

The sharp edge cut into Berne’s palm, and blood flowed.

“What on earth were you thinking, doing something so reckless?”

His eyes narrowed at the stinging sensation.

“There’s no information in the book or the contract. I have to try something.”

“Rayleigh may be the most precious to you, Your Highness, but to us, you are more precious than anyone else. His Majesty would feel the same.”

Kaver watched the blood drip onto the floor and released the sword.

“Even if you sacrifice your life to save Rayleigh, do you think His Majesty would stand idly by?”

Kaver couldn’t argue with Berne’s words.

He was ashamed for acting recklessly, focusing only on the immediate problem.

Berne, unfazed by the blood, wiped the blade and sheathed the sword.

“Your Highness…”

The shadow cast over Kaver’s face flickered, as if it would devour him.

Knock, knock, knock!

A hurried knock and Haban’s voice broke the tension.

“Your Highness! Open the door quickly!”

Arhin placed his hand on his sword, awaiting Kaver’s command.

“What should we do?”

“…Judging by how urgent Haban-nim [a respectful title] sounds, something must have been decided.”

Kaver handed a handkerchief to Berne and approached the door.

Haban seemed to catch his breath before speaking loudly.

“His Majesty has ordered you to come to the Apelio Palace immediately!”

He didn’t wait for a response, calling out Arhin and Berne’s names and kicking the door.

“You guys! Arhin, Berne! Open the door quickly! Before His Majesty changes his mind!”

Click.

Haban’s bright expression appeared as the door opened.

“You must go right now. His Majesty said he will terminate the contract.”

Haban urged Kaver, gasping.

Kaver immediately picked up Rayleigh and left the room. Blue light emanated from Rayleigh’s neck as he held her.

* * *

In front of the Apelio Palace, the Emperor waited for Kaver.

“He’s coming.”

The Emperor’s gaze turned at the captain of the guard’s words.

He saw Kaver approaching cautiously, holding Rayleigh like a precious treasure.

“Are you really going to terminate it?”

“His return means he has handled the affairs of Phelleponsi and the kingdom well.”

“How do you know?”

The Emperor smiled slightly.

“I believe in my son.”

Even though he had made a selfish choice for the sake of the empire, Kaver would have acted according to his beliefs.

“If Rayleigh prevents him from making proper judgments, that would be a loss for everyone, wouldn’t it?”

“Does that mean…”

“I’m letting her go for my son’s sake.”

Except for the matter of Rayleigh, Kaver was the image of a perfect ruler.

If it were to become a weakness, it would be best to eliminate it for everyone’s sake, but if that happened, Kaver would surely break down.

“In the end, I am making a selfish choice.”

The Emperor stopped as he saw Kaver approaching. The captain of the guard understood the Emperor’s words, seeing Kaver’s desperate expression and sweat.

“…Father.”

Kaver said quietly, holding Rayleigh close.

“The Apelio Palace only opens when making a contract, but it also reacts when there is a problem with the sword.”

The Emperor revealed a secret and opened the door.

Blue light enveloped Rayleigh from her neck.

Apelio also meant ‘opening eyes’.

In other words, it was possible to enter when contracting the sword and when there was a problem.

Kaver followed the Emperor.

He laid Rayleigh on the platform where they had made the contract.

“I never imagined you would take the contract.”

The Emperor stood before Rayleigh, who had her eyes closed, with the contract he had received from Kaver.

The sword in her arms emitted blue light.

“…I’m sorry.”

“I will punish you later for what you have done.”

Kaver stepped back. His gaze, trembling with anxiety, reached Rayleigh. He couldn’t let his guard down.

The Emperor closed his eyes and began to mutter. The contract floated in the air, along with an unknown language.

The words written on the contract escaped from the paper and enveloped Rayleigh and the Emperor, along with the voice that continued to fill the space.

The Apelio Palace was consumed by a light so strong that it was impossible to open one’s eyes.

The letters, spinning rapidly, gradually lost their shape and began to disappear.

Rayleigh’s body was surrounded by blue light as if being protected.

‘Warm.’

She groaned, curling up at the warmth she felt.

As the sensation that had felt like her heart was freezing disappeared, her eyes slowly opened.

Has the shackle that had been binding me been released?

She felt refreshed by the sense of liberation.

“…Kaver?”

Rayleigh looked at the man holding her hand and bowing his head.

Golden hair, containing the dazzling sunlight, fluttered. She faced Kaver, whom she had missed so much.

“I’m here.”

At her bright smile, Kaver’s legs gave way.

“You’re here.”

Kaver hugged Rayleigh tightly, burying his face in her arms.

She quietly stared at the Emperor. There was no change in his expression.

“You kept your promise.”

Rayleigh’s voice was dry.

She didn’t trust the Emperor. Perhaps he kept his promise because of his son, who was relieved to see her return.

“This place will soon disappear.”

The Emperor muttered, looking at the ceiling. Cracks were visible, and the captain of the guard approached the Emperor.

“You must leave quickly.”

“There is no need to leave, so watch. You won’t see such a sight anywhere else.”

The palace, which had existed for the sake of the empire’s swords and the imperial family’s contracts, began to hide its form as its value disappeared.

The sight was beautiful.

As everyone’s gaze turned upward, the Apelio Palace began to emit light.

“Did you know this would happen?”

Kaver supported Rayleigh and asked the Emperor.

“Now that the secrets of the imperial family no longer exist, there is no reason for this place to exist either.”

The Emperor said with regret as he watched the collapsing Apelio Palace.

The Apelio Palace disappeared, scattering into the air.

“This is truly beautiful.”

Ren, who had revealed himself as the incomplete contract was broken, stretched and looked at the sky.

He also felt lighter as the shackles disappeared. He almost ended up trapped in the sword.

Kaver was glad to see Ren.

“Hey, don’t smile like that. It’s disgusting.”

Ren said to Kaver, grimacing. He shuddered.

“Your manners are not good to His Highness.”

Haban clicked his tongue at Ren’s words and scanned him.

“It may matter to you, but it doesn’t to me anymore.”

Haban put his hand on his forehead as if he was frustrated.

It was annoying, but true.

“Ren, how’s your body?”

Rayleigh approached Ren and examined him.

“I feel refreshed, maybe because I slept well.”

“That’s a relief.”

“I think it hurts a little.”

Ren quickly changed his words and whined to Rayleigh. He took her hand and placed it on his chest, making a pitiful expression.

Rayleigh squinted at the sensation she felt.

“Stop flirting.”

Kaver put Rayleigh in his arms and glared at Ren.

Ren would flirt whenever he saw an opening.

“Isn’t it time to give up now?”

“That’s an overreaction. Or are you feeling insecure?”

Kaver laughed.

“That’s ridiculous.”

“There’s a word for bullshit, but there’s no need to say it indirectly.”

Ren grinned and whistled, putting his hands behind his head.

“But Your Highness, isn’t there something you’ve forgotten?”

Haban whispered to Kaver.

“What…”

“Oh, it seems you’ve forgotten me.”

Kaver recognized his father and groaned.

“Now that the reunion seems to be over, I think I need to have a private conversation with you.”

Kaver swallowed hard.