As I left the conference room with Declan and headed for the garden, the sun was setting in the garden before I knew it. Even though I’ve seen it many times, even after coming here, maybe it was because I felt comfortable now… it felt more beautiful.

We sat on a bench overlooking the fountain, holding hands.

“It’s too late for photosynthesis.”

Declan glanced up at the sky and said regretfully.

‘…Why is he talking about photosynthesis all of a sudden?’

It was only then did I suddenly remembered that I had dragged him out, saying that sunbathing was like photosynthesis.

‘Come to think of it, when I would become a human, I often came out and said I wanted to sunbathe.’

I thought it was an unreachable wind-like clouds floating in the sky at that time. Truthfully, it was a special feeling to be able to watch the setting sun as a human now.

“Is today the only day? There is tomorrow, and there is the day after tomorrow. Now, we have plenty of time.”

Saying so, I leaned on Declan’s shoulder as he wrapped his arms around me and gently caressed my arm as if trying to feel my warmth, making sure I was by his side.

“…Yes.”

Then, he smiled comfortably and spoke softly.

“It’s over now.”

“The day has come… I still don’t feel it. I still feel like someone will come running to kill me.”

How long has he lived in tension and fear? Feeling sorry for him, I lifted my arms and hugged him tightly.

“Actually, I always thought that I could lose in a fight with Duke Otien.”

I was surprised at his words since I didn’t think he would have been afraid of anything after becoming a sword master.

“If it had been one-on-one, of course, I would have won, though politics is different.”

Perhaps reading my thoughts, he continued.

“Even if I desperately run and try to catch him, he runs away. I chased him hard, and when I wanted to catch him, he would run away again.”

Like he was teasing.

Declan glanced up at the sky and smiled bitterly.

“I should have given up on the throne from the beginning. What was that Godforsaken throne either, and when I came to know it, the people I loved had to die…”

He seemed to be choking up while talking, so his words trailed off. I patted his chest and looked at him affectionately.

“Still, I have no regrets now. It’s fortunate that I have the power to protect you.”

His lips came softly over my forehead.

“Thank you… Thanks to you, I was able to keep my promise to Chloe and get revenge.”

“Thank you too, Your Majesty. For believing in me and following me.”

“I love you, Erica.”

“I love you, too.”

Our lips came together.

The sun was slowly passing over the horizon, but our heat was just beginning to burn.

* * *

Gerald and Aman’s sentencing was reduced after taking into account their confession. On the other hand, Salihan, as well as Han and Duke Otien’s subordinates who helped the escape, were immediately executed.

Count Noike and Duke Otien were publicly beheaded in front of the imperial people.

As a result, all the families that stood on Maxion’s side were destroyed, the noble faction lost its power, and new families that supported Declan emerged.

As the independence of the Gemina Kingdom was declared, most of the Geminas who had come to the empire returned to their homeland. Seian also proudly returned home with the compensation he received from the Empire.

When all of this was sorted out, Declan started preparing for the wedding right away.

“Savior.”

I smiled awkwardly as I saw the Pope running towards me in a bright color as soon as he saw me.

‘No, where did his stature as the Pope go?’

“I am very happy to see you again.”

Seeing the Pope holding my hand and being so happy, I wondered what was going on.

“Is Your Majesty also doing well?”

The Pope then greeted Declan with a solemn expression, unlike when he greeted me.

“You must have had a hard time coming. Welcome to the Empire.”

Likewise, Declan greeted him with a slightly furrowed brow, showing he was displeased. It was me who opened my mouth first.

“How have you been?”

“Do you know how much I missed you? You don’t contact me often.”

Saying so, the Pope covered his mouth and expressed his regret before he glanced at Declan with a resentful look. I couldn’t help but smile as he looked like a grandfather who was saddened by his granddaughter.

“I’m sorry. I’ve been busy with this work. As soon as it was sorted out, I contacted you right away.”

“I heard about the Empire. Do you know how surprised I was when I heard that the Savior was almost seriously injured?”

He complained that he couldn’t come because the cardinals stopped him from rushing right away.

“Can I trust Your Majesty to look after the Savior?”

“There will never be anything like that in the future. I promise you. No one will threaten Erica.”

Declan hurried out, fearing that the Pope would take me with him.

“Your Holiness, don’t worry. Who in this world can hurt me? Rohim protects me.”

It was the first time the Pope had visited the empire, so the ministers, who were very nervous, seemed to be taken aback by his appearance, which was different from what they thought.

I just laughed awkwardly.

“Who dares to harm our Savior?”

“Your Holiness.”

Advertisements

When I called him because his voice seemed to be getting higher and higher, he cleared his throat and looked at me.

“Anyway, we won’t let go of those who want to do bad things to the Savior in the future. We’re the Savior’s home.”

As the Pope stretched out his chest and shouted out loud, wanting everyone to listen, the priests who came with him also sent sharp eyes at the imperial people. Even so, it was jaw-dropping how many cardinals, as well as high-ranking priests and even paladins, came.

“You don’t have to do this.”

“No, we have to do this much. Isn’t that person the Emperor’s? We can’t be pushed out in terms of numbers.”

From the look on his face, he showed his determination so I could only smile. On the other hand, I was grateful for the people who thought of me and came this far.

“Thank you.”

I conveyed my sincerity and hugged the pope, and he patted my back happily.

“Never give up, because the Savior has us.”

“Thank you. You don’t know how reassuring I am to have Your Holiness.”

“We will always be with the Savior.”

Not only the Pope but all the people who came with me stared at me and gazed resolutely as if they were of the same mind as the Pope. My heart warmed up, and my eyes grew watery in an instant. Instead of saying anything, I smiled brightly at them with a heart full of gratitude.

* * *

The wedding day was brighter than ever. It felt like Rohim was congratulating me, and my heart was excited from the morning.

Perhaps that was why. Even though I woke up early and started preparing, I wasn’t tired at all. On the contrary, as the time for the ceremony approached, my heartbeat was getting faster and faster, and I was completely dazed.

“I’m really thrilled that the Savior is getting married.”

Stella, who was helping me dress up, gazed at me with watery eyes.

“It’s all thanks to Stella.”

As I held her hand, she smiled.

“It’s an honor if I’ve been helpful. You don’t know how happy I am these days.”

Stella, who smiled brightly, no longer showed fear and sadness. It was nice to see her like that, it put my mind at ease.

“Stella, if you like someone, please tell me. I’ll take care of the wedding.”

With the wedding mentioned, her cheeks went red in an instant. I thought I knew who she suddenly thought of, so she just smiled.

“It’s okay, you need to prepare quickly. I think you just need to wear the dress now.”

She changed the topic in embarrassment perhaps it was too obvious that I knew. The wedding dress I was going to wear today was the one that Allen had been raving about so much that his mouth bubbled.

“Wow, you are so beautiful.”

“I think an angel has descended.”

The people who were helping me dress up looked at me in awe. The off-shoulder pure white dress stood out with delicate lace and pointy ribbons amidst the splendor.

“Wow…”

Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I, too, exclaimed in admiration. Wearing a dress and finishing all the decorations, it was like a goddess incarnated. The reflection didn’t look like me at all.

I stared blankly at myself in the mirror.

“Savior, it’s done. It’s time to go out now.”

As I moved my steps without hesitation, I was in front of Virgin Road before I knew it.

Declan, who was walking from the other side, stopped abruptly as soon as he saw me. It was the first time I saw him today because of the custom for the groom not to see the bride before the wedding. He looked at me and stiffened like a stone statue with his eyes wide open.

I saw him like that once, so I smiled a little.

“Your Majesty.”

Come on.

When I held out my hand for him to hold me, he hurriedly came up to me and grabbed my hand.

“My bride, you are so beautiful that it is dazzling.”

As he closed his eyes slightly and kissed the back of my hand deeply, Declan also seemed to be shining with a halo behind him. My heart beat as he showed his appearance in a better look than at the engagement ceremony.

“We are finally getting married.”

His green eyes gleamed with joy. The feeling of security in the tightly clasped hands made me realize that I was really becoming his wife.

“Your Majesty, I will make you happy.”

“That’s my line. I will make sure you won’t regret staying here.”

He grabbed my hand tightly.

“Thank you for coming to my world, my bride.”

The way he smiled and curved his eyes was so beautiful.

Yes, this place where he is, is the world I should be in.

[ END ]

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like