Chapter 268: The Distance Between Them (1)

"Therefore, I won't ask you to change anymore. I won't come to see you often either. Even though you didn't come to me, I'm relieved that you've returned safely. I still got everything I wanted."

As Caelion sat there, at a loss for words, Evangeline smiled slightly and said, "Love comes with possessiveness, they say———" Evangeline continued, "It seems it can go beyond possessiveness," She removed the hand that was gently resting on his head and took a few steps back. "I hope you recover quickly. Melody is waiting to console you once again." With a light jest, she left before he could respond.

Alone now, Caelion sighed and collapsed back onto his bed. Evangeline's words echoed in his mind. She let him go. Despite her past possessiveness, she ultimately set him free with her own willpower. Evangeline's love had overcome possessiveness.

"And what about me?" he thought.

He recalled Apollonia, dancing happily with Uriel at the ball. He remembered them kissing at Nox's cabin, and then the overwhelming anger that consumed him. Vivid memories still tormented him.

He had wanted everything from Apollonia - as a political ally, a lover, and a spouse. He disliked anyone else being by her side. But...

"More than anything, I just want you to be happy. Whether I'm close to you or far away," Evangeline's voice resonated in his ears once more. "Love goes beyond possessiveness."

He slowly chewed on those words, a bitter smile forming on his lips. Evangeline had said she got everything she wanted because he returned safely. She simply wished for his happiness. He thought of Apollonia, who smiled brightly in Bamel Mountain. It hurt, but at the same time, it was beautiful to see her authentic self. Wasn't it because of that that she had tried to send Uriel to him, even if it meant sacrificing himself? Caelion reached out and brushed his bangs aside, then weakly smiled. The eccentric woman, the witch from the East, who had gone mad with her demons - he couldn't deny what she had achieved. Her love was greater than anything he could possess.

"I love you, sister," Caelion whispered words he wouldn't say aloud again. Then, as if determined, he nodded faintly. He would continue to love Apollonia, without falling into possessiveness, as much as he could. Not asking for anything and wanting only her happiness.

Chapter 9. The Distance Between Them (1)

"Watch out!"

The teacup that had slipped from the Emperor's hand crashed against the wall, shattering into pieces. Seta calmly gestured to the servant to clean it up.

"He had returned." He muttered angrily. Sensing Seta's gaze, the servant nodded and quickly picked up the broken pieces before hurrying out.

"As you commanded, Your Majesty." Seta spoke calmly, causing the Emperor to nod.

"I warned them not to fail this time... but they are utterly pathetic."

Seta smiled serenely as she placed a fresh teacup in front of the Emperor. "I heard he was gravely injured in the battle against the demons, but is he still being hailed as a hero, Your Majesty?"

"Many rejoice that the noble Duke has once again survived a crisis. The hearts of neutral nobles may also lean toward his direction. If that happens——"

Seta filled the Emperor's cup with the pale red tea he enjoyed.

"As the ruler of the Empire, how can you worry so much about the Duke?"

Innocently asking, her appearance caused the Emperor's anger to subside slightly as he replied, "In the end, isn't it about the bloodline of Apollo?"

"Bloodline. What do you mean?"

"People believe that those not descended from the Sun God should not sit on the throne, making my position always vulnerable." He answered bitterly, but unexpectedly, Seta showed a faint smile.

"It's fortunate that Her Highness, the Princess, is Your Majesty's daughter."

"What?" The Emperor frowned and asked. He couldn't understand why the name of his daughter, Apollonia, and a common-born knight who had blinded him with vengeance, was being mentioned.

"Because she has the honor of being known as the hero who defeated the demons riding on a phoenix." The Emperor's eyebrows twitched again. As Seta said, Apollonia had stolen the phoenix from the Emperor's stables. It was unlikely that a lesser-skilled daughter could tame such a creature, so Princess Evangeline's assistance must have played a significant role. It seemed the princess's heart had been moved by the fact that she had given up Caelion to be with Uriel. There were rumors that Apollonia had poisoned the Queen of Croadins, but that was likely the result of the fabricated evidence provided by Uriel's illusions, who had been with her while wielding a dagger. But was that a fortunate thing? The Emperor's golden eyes focused on Seta, demanding an explanation.

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