The Unwanted Princess Becomes Loved in the Werewolf Kingdom and Becomes Queen!

Chapter 71: Late at night

Even though Ernesta had turned pale, she was staring at the man who was standing five steps away from her.

Had she started to see hallucinations after the auditory hallucinations? No, this was reality. The wind blowing on her cheeks, the sound of insects in the distance–everything felt vivid.

——So he’s alright. Thank goodness.

Although there were many other things to worry about, that was the only thought that came to Ernesta’s mind. But soon, confusion filled her head, and Ernesta muttered in a barely audible voice.

“How did you…”

In response to the almost self-addressed question mark, Ivan seemed to heave a sigh. It wasn’t a heavy one, but a light one that conveyed resignation.

“You all underestimated me too much. I can tell at first glance it was a different person.”

Her parched throat made no answer, producing a pitiful sound.

Why? Even if it was true, why did he come to this place?

Her mind muddied by fear generated one question after another, but for Ernesta, the reality in front of her was more important than the answers.

Finally, Ivan found out. What did he think? Did he feel deeply disappointed, thinking that humans are not trustworthy after all?

Just the thought of his night-sky eyes clouding over with contempt and him accusing her of wrongdoing in a clear voice made Ernesta feel weak, but she stood up unsteadily.

“I see…so you know everything now.”

“Yes.”

“I’m sorry. I-I don’t care what happens to me anymore, so…please.”

Her words of contrition trailed off. That was because she saw Ivan’s face up close for the first time, and it reflected a degree of sadness she had never seen before.

“Can’t we talk like we used to?”

“…I can’t. I am not your wife.”

She remembered when Ivan had told her that families don’t use honorific language with each other. Maybe that was the moment they had finally learned to compromise with each other.

There was certainly something warm that had accumulated between them, and she knew that.

“Yes, you’re right. You weren’t my wife from the beginning.”

Therefore, it’s ridiculous to be hurt to the point of wanting to cry just because you were told the truth.

“That’s why I came here, to make you my true wife.”

The words sounded distant, and Ernesta slowly raised her pale face.

“I love you. I will protect you for a lifetime. Please marry me.”

A hoarse breath escaped his lips.

Before she knew it, the night sky was filled with the glitter of stars, and the thin sliver of the moon was illuminating the area. In the darkness of twilight, Ivan’s eyes showed no sign of wavering.

“W-What are you saying…?”

On the contrary, Ernesta’s voice was trembling completely. She was already struggling to accept his presence here, and now he was saying unexpected things, causing her thoughts to scatter.

Almost unconsciously, Ernesta shook her head. Ivan’s pained expression at that gesture was beyond her comprehension.

“I don’t know why. I can’t help it because it’s my true feelings.”

Ernesta knew well that there was not a single lie in his eyes or in his heart.

As usual, her mind was not working. It took her a long time to understand the meaning of Ivan’s words, and her face turned even paler.

There’s no way that could be true. She had deceived this person, and now that she was exposed, she should only face condemnation.

“That’s not right…!”

Her cry echoed with anguish. Even though she should have received the words she wanted most, her heart felt shattered.

If that’s the case, then this sin is even more grave.

Ernesta threw away everything Ivan had given her. She was the worst traitor.

“Who won’t allow it?”

“Everyone! The people of Shenka, Ambassador Engeberg, and even Princess Ermengard…!”

“Everyone admired you as their queen. Count Engeberg and Princess Ermengard have asked me to bring you back.”

“But, His Majesty, the Emperor of Bral…”

“We’ll overcome it. We’ve prepared for that.”

As her argument was systematically dismantled, Ernesta felt her breath catch.

Then she finally noticed it. His eyes were blazing with blue flames.

“But it’s still not enough! I can’t forgive myself. I deceived you and the country you protect, for my selfish reasons. I have no right to stand by your side…!”

“If you can’t forgive yourself, then I’ll forgive you. The only qualification you need to stand by my side is that I choose you.”

As his feet clad in black leather boots took a step forward, Ernesta took a step back. Ivan furrowed his brow at the distance that didn’t shrink, but he never averted his gaze.

“I said I love you. I only want to hear your answer.”

Ernesta felt scared again, but this time it wasn’t the fear of being hated. It was because she was staring at the most passionate blue eyes she had ever seen.

How many prayers would it take to make amends? How many apologies would it take to see this person’s smile again?

Ernesta had told a terrible lie and there was no way she could accept these feelings.

Nevertheless…

“I… couldn’t keep my promise…”

Before she knew it, the makeshift honorifics disappeared, leaving only a feeble voice that dissolved into the darkness.

Finally, as her true feelings overflowed, tears as clear as glass trickled down her cheeks. Ernesta was torn between overwhelming joy and a sense of guilt, and even felt as if blood was flowing from her chest.

“I said I would wait… but I betrayed you all. You were all so kind to me, and I lied to all of you.”

She couldn’t understand anything. She didn’t know what to do or what she wanted.

Still, her mouth moved on its own, spinning out her secrets.

“I took on the role of a substitute, but it was because there was a reward. So, even though I knew I shouldn’t think it’s painful, I kept thinking I didn’t want to go back.”

Her confession, punctuated by sobs, was awkward and difficult to hear, but Ivan listened silently.

What a selfish thing to say. Ernesta felt like she wanted to disappear and tightly closed her eyes, unable to look at his blue eyes.

“I really am sorry…! Yet, I love Ivan. I’m sorry.”

Before she finished speaking, he forcefully took her lips with haste and an almost rough demeanor.

Ivan’s lips were hot and rough, bearing the long journey he had taken to get here.

As they kissed repeatedly at different angles, tears streamed down Ernesta’s tightly closed eyes. She couldn’t feel the reality of what had happened to her, but she couldn’t help but cherish this warmth.

“Don’t apologize. No one blames Ellie. If it would make you cry like this, I shouldn’t have made that promise in the first place.”

Suddenly, the heat left her lips and a hoarse voice came down from above. As she gently opened her eyes, she saw a face filled with sorrowful regret, but tears blurred her vision. His large hands cupped her cheeks, wiping away the tear stains around her eyes, as if cherishing her.

“I have always been saved by you. Eight years ago and now.”

Understanding the meaning of the word “eight years ago”, Ernesta narrowed her misty eyes.

“When did you realize it?”

“Just now. When I heard the name Weisbergk, I never thought it would be you. But when I tried to pass through this vacant lot, you were here… and that’s when I became convinced.”

If she could meet that wolf once again, Ernesta wanted to hug it tightly and celebrate its safety. The two of them sat here, looking up at the night sky in silence, and she wanted to talk about the stars while stroking his golden back.

Ernesta reached out with a trembling hand and touched his broad back. Her expression, including a lot of longing, seemed to be smiling with happiness.

“I…just wanted you to be safe, eight years ago and now.”

“Yes, I was safe because of you. Then and now.”

The tears kept flowing endlessly, no matter how much she wiped them away.

Because his kind hand was real. Because she realized how much happiness being in his arms brought her.

“I won’t let you go anymore. Even if you cry and say how much you don’t want to be separated from your family, I can’t grant that wish.”

Through the membrane covering her vision, she saw the smile she had longed for.

Yes, Ernesta loved Ivan’s smiling face. His loud laughing smile, his quiet wry smile, and this gentle smile.

“…Is it okay for me to stay by your side?”

“Yeah, I want you to stay by my side.”

The words they exchanged were short but more than enough.

Ernesta knew painfully well how difficult it was for the king to make a wish.

This awkward and precious person. How much she had wanted to see him. How much she had worried about him.

On top of the tangled golden thread, the stars that had just begun to show themselves were shining just as brightly. The twilight sky with a hint of pale blue was most like the color of Ivan’s eyes.

——Thank you, God.

Thank you for protecting this person. And I hope you will continue to protect His Majesty the King, who is the kindest of all.

Let’s talk about stars. Next time, let’s talk about our favorite things honestly. I wonder what kind of face he would make if I said I wanted to count the billions of twinkles together.

From now on, I want to have courage and gaze at what the blue eyes reflect together.

If he wishes for it, forever.