Chapter 18
Chapter 18
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: Love, in Bloom
-----------------------------------------------------------------
In the end, Lainen spent the entire night wide awake. The moonlit exercises meant to shake off his lust continued until morning, and he dragged his weary body to wash up before heading to his office to attend to state affairs.
"Hmm? Did something bad happen?"
Kashan stared in bewilderment at Lainen shuffling into his office like a zombie.
*What on earth did he do all night?*
He looked far too exhausted for someone who had simply had a passionate first night. Given his personality, he should have been in a great mood if he'd slept with that woman.
But Lainen had no time to address Kashan's questions. He slumped into his chair and began dozing off immediately. Kashan gave instructions to the aides outside.
"Route all but the most essential documents to me today. Only bring him the ones that need his final approval."
"Yes, understood."
Kashan then settled in beside Lainen to handle intelligence matters and advisory duties. After a long while, Lainen finally opened his eyes. The stack of documents was smaller than usual.
"Hmm?"
"You looked so worn out, so I handled everything I could at my level. These are the ones that need your final say."
"Ah, thanks."
Lainen read through the papers on his desk and stamped them. Then, something occurred to him, and he turned to Kashan.
"Could we build a private library for a member of the imperial family, by any chance?"
"We could, sure. Why? Did that woman ask for one?"
"No, I just want to give it to her as a gift. And she's no 'that woman' anymore—she's the crown princess now, higher in status than you, objectively speaking."
"Yeah, yeah, got it. Understood."
When Lainen shot him a glare, Kashan flinched and changed the subject.
"Alright, theoretically, it's doable."
"Good. I see."
Lainen nodded. He had plenty of personal funds coming in now, so he could cover it himself. Plus, there were various magical items left by the founding emperor. He could just give her the useful ones.
For the first time, he hummed a tune as he approved the documents. Kashan muttered that it was a severe case and shook his head.
"That's it for today."
"Pardon? Understood."
Lainen, who was practically a workaholic, was calling it quits at six o'clock! The same Lainen who had never let go of his papers even when lovesick!
Kashan was stunned but quickly gathered his aides and vanished like he was fleeing. He didn't know when Lainen might change his mind and drop a work bomb on them. But regardless of their surprise, Lainen hurried out and headed straight for the emperor's palace.
"What is it now?"
The emperor felt pleased to see his son visiting so often lately, but also wondered, *What does this brat want this time?*
"I'd like to build a private library for a member of the imperial family."
"There's already a library. Why a library all of a sudden?"
As members of the Luminir Empire's imperial family, they had to study continental politics, history, economics, imperial studies, magic (not all of them), and more, so their library was enormous—practically an entire palace dedicated to it.
And now another library?
"That one is for all imperial family members to use. I'm talking about a private one for a single person."
The emperor realized what Lainen wanted: a dedicated library for the crown princess.
"I've heard it's possible, so I'll proceed assuming your permission."
On top of that, this son wasn't even asking—he was notifying!
"Urgh..."
The emperor pondered but had no real grounds to refuse, so he relented. The moment permission was granted, Lainen immediately ordered rare books and tomes from across all fields from every corner of the continent. He assembled workers and began constructing a small library next to the crown princess's palace.
Word of this spread throughout the palace: The crown prince was building a private library for his book-loving crown princess!
The maids whispered enviously about how fortunate the crown princess was. Canibella, suddenly the center of attention, was utterly perplexed. Could he really be building a library just because she mentioned enjoying books last time?
*No way.*
She dismissed it at first, but upon reflection, it didn't seem so far-fetched.
She had forgotten for a moment. This was the man who had colluded with the temple to issue a fake oracle across the entire empire just to find one person.
*Come to think of it, what happened with the oracle?*
With the marriage complete and her adapting to palace life, she had completely forgotten about the oracle and her personal security. Deciding she needed to ask him, she returned to her palace. Lainen was waiting for her.
"You're back?"
She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Delighted, he pulled her into a tight embrace.
"Did I come too early?"
"No, I was bored, so I'm glad you're here."
One of the perks of marriage and dropping formal speech with him was the vanished psychological distance and the freedom to accept his affection without reservation.
To her, who had always lived amid others' hatred, he was a fountain of life. He was already giving her so much: protection from the emperor, empress, and Rasoni Kingdom; love she had never known.
That alone was more than enough for her. Yet he was always anxious to do more.
"I have something to ask."
He tilted his head at her words. She inquired about the oracle, her disguised death, and false identity.
"The oracle's mostly wrapped up. There was a noble lady eager to serve at the temple, so we put her forward as the saintess. She's one of ours, so no worries there."
Having stayed in the imperial palace, she had heard about the current struggle for the throne, which puzzled her. The Luminir Empire rarely had succession disputes—why were they fighting now?
But before she could voice her question, he continued.
"And the arrangements for 'Canibella' and 'Mariya' are all set. It only took one imperial seal to declare them dead, so that's handled."
He worried, though, that her appearance might give her away anytime. After much thought, he decided to alter her looks. Brown hair and brown eyes would be safer. He offered her a magical necklace used by the founding emperor.
"This necklace changes your appearance. As long as you wear it, it'll stay that way. It'll prepare us for any contingencies."
He added that she wouldn't need the hassle of dyeing her hair anymore, which she liked.
"As for your cover identity, we're discussing it now. Kashan and I will settle on which family's adopted daughter you'll be soon."
She pictured Kashan, who always grumbled and looked displeased around her. He was probably grinding his teeth right now.
But this was necessary. And Kashan was talented. Talented people were meant for such tasks. As royalty herself, she enjoyed managing people too.
"Thanks. And sorry—I hit you with all this right away."
"Yeah, I was pretty bummed. I've been waiting so long to be with you, and my wife just talks business."
"Sorry. Then today, we'll do whatever you want."
"Obviously."
He grinned and led her along. At his call, maids swiftly changed her into an outing dress. He took her puzzled self to a carriage and headed into the city streets.
"Date in the streets today?"
"You haven't gone out much lately. I figured you'd feel cooped up."
Since learning she'd been confined to the palace while acting, he often chose outings beyond the walls. She welcomed it. Palace life as crown princess was endless boredom outside of lessons and reading.
Being a foreigner of unclear origin, plus the servants' fierce loyalty to the imperial family, meant she had no one to open up to except Lainen.
It had been the same in Rasoni Kingdom, so she didn't mind, but considering the future, it was troublesome. For now, though, it was time to enjoy with Lainen.
Lately, he'd been swamped with final documents for her library, so they hadn't seen each other much or had chances to go out alone.
"Feels refreshing."
She smiled into the now-cool breeze. Summer was fading into autumn. The once-sweltering evenings now chilled her in a summer dress.
The carriage arrived at a theater. Seeing the unusual atmosphere, she tilted her head, and he explained they were there for an opera.
"Opera?"
"It's different from what you're used to, but I guarantee you won't be disappointed."
Knowing his discerning artistic taste, she was excited. And the opera lived up to his words—it was art. The music was grand, poignant, heart-stirring. She was instantly captivated.
The opera about the founding emperor proved why it was the greatest tale. What personally resonated with her was his trials until donning the crown.
Before founding the empire, he nearly died at the hands of rival factions, losing friends in a fire they set. She shuddered. She had lost her mother to a fire too. So eerily similar.
"That was so much fun."
As the curtain fell, she clapped and exclaimed. Reluctant to leave her seat, she gazed at the emptying stage. He quietly watched her, lost in emotion.
"As expected, your recommendations never disappoint!"
She buzzed with excitement the whole way out. Walking beside him, she thanked him. He kissed the back of her hand, pleased by her enthusiasm.
"How was it? Satisfied with my choice of date?"
"Of course."
"And that's not all I prepared."
"There's more?"
"Naturally."
He guided her slowly to the next spot. Turning a corner, she saw countless flowers swaying in the wind. It was the garden the emperor had made long ago for Lainen's mother.
Under the moon's radiant glow, the garden felt otherworldly, surreal in its beauty. She was entranced. It exuded noble elegance.
Vibrant reds, yellows, pinks, purples—flowers of every hue delighted the eyes. Their myriad scents mingled without clashing, a fragrant symphony for the nose.
"Wow!"
Fireflies danced among the blooms, creating a spectacular scene—like fairies flitting through flowers. She stared, committing it to memory.
Stars above the dark night, illuminating the gorgeous garden, fireflies gliding through it all. No imagination could conjure anything more beautiful.
"Don't forget me—I'll get jealous."
Pouting as she fixated on the flowers, he kissed her cheek to remind her of his presence. She hugged him tightly and blurted out,
"You're my salvation."
Yes. He was her salvation. No longer just a respite—he had become her savior.
Without him, she'd never have known such joy. She'd have spent her life as a vengeful ghost, hunting her mother's killer till death.
And she'd have died never knowing someone loved her this deeply, living in loneliness.
She could barely recall life without him now. The days of persecution, solitary tears, and nurtured hatred felt so distant.
She regretted the times she could only savor their moments in secret. *If I hadn't left, if I'd chosen to stay with you then—what would our life be like?*
From their first meeting, Lainen had been her refuge, a kindred spirit. Sharing the same loss, they were drawn together; she remembered every moment. Closing her eyes still brought back their first kiss.
Yet she had turned away from that bliss. It was unavoidable, necessary—but she regretted it deep down. If she'd found a compromise, she could have stayed, been with him sooner.
But fate had circled them back together. She was grateful. With Lainen as her lifelong companion, she cherished this life too much to lose it. She wanted to grow old with him eternally, close her eyes with his.
What started as a marriage for protection had become real. She wanted to be a true empress by his side, his steadfast political partner.
Once she exposed her mother's killer and uprooted the Muila family, she'd discard "Lucia" and proudly declare herself Canibella, his wife, to the world. Lukamin would be there too.
Lukamin crossed her mind. What was he doing now? Would he like her current self?
*Remember, my one wish is always for Your Highness to be happy.*
*Don't get consumed by revenge—it hinders your happiness.*
Imagining him smiling at her now, she smiled too.
"Me, your salvation? I'm so happy I could go mad."
Lainen hugged her tighter. Giggling, she cupped his face with both hands, drawing his gaze to hers. She filled his golden eyes.
"Lainen, I'm so happy right now. I'm truly glad I met you."
"I'm thrilled to have you by my side too."
His extreme methods had found her, and she was deeply grateful. He was so lovable—cold to others, but melting for her.
She felt if she didn't say it now, she'd regret it forever.
"I love you."
"What?"
"I love you."
So she confessed. With all her heart. If she didn't voice this love, this thrill, she felt she'd vanish into it.
"I love you, Lainen."
He gaped at her, stunned. Was this a dream? Always unlucky, always losing everything. Maybe his tragic brother and mother had sent her out of pity.
*Brother, is she your gift to me?*
Tears welled in his eyes, mouth agape. She found even his expression adorable and kissed his open mouth, pouring in thrill and dizziness.
"......!"
His tears vanished. Electricity surged through him. He sensed the beast within growling. He seized her breath with all his might, taking back what she stole.
They devoured each other passionately, lips moving fiercely. Tongues entwined. Faces flushed, breaths ragged. Clothes wrinkled.
Still not enough. Lainen thirsted. Something inside clamored for more. She too couldn't tear away from the ecstasy.
How much time passed? Their lips parted naturally. Embracing, they gazed into each other's eyes.
"I love you."
Canibella spoke first. Under the moon's glow, Lainen whispered to her.
"I love you too."
They whispered "I love you" endlessly. Kissing foreheads, cheeks, lips—each time affirming their love.
"Let's be together forever."
"Yes."
Beneath the shining moonlight, they vowed eternity to each other.