Chapter 8
Chapter 8
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 8
Chapter Title: A Solitary Farewell
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Before Rainer returned to the palace.
He knew full well that a party without him was like a steamed bun without red bean paste, but it didn't matter. It was because of the emperor's decree that any family would accept the person he chose. Besides, there weren't many days left until the final night anyway.
And at that time, he would declare confidently in front of everyone. That he had found his bride.
He absolutely did not want to let go of the comfort and fulfillment she gave him. After the sudden parting thirteen years ago, he had lived with an emptiness inside, and he needed her desperately.
As he was heading back in a good mood, he suddenly sensed a killing intent and scowled, looking around. The sticky, snake-like sensation soured his mood.
'Who is it?'
Suddenly, someone leaped down from above, sword raised to strike! He dodged back swiftly and drew his own sword in a flash. The assailant standing before him wore a mask and a robe. He clicked his tongue at the enemy's preparedness.
"Step aside. Do you know who I am to attack me like this?"
"Of course I know, Crown Prince."
His expression hardened. How had his whereabouts leaked out?
"I only spotted you just now, so rest easy. I was originally planning to infiltrate the Crown Prince's palace."
Infiltrate the Crown Prince's palace? The imperial palace was protected by layer upon layer of the strongest barriers anywhere. And for some reason, it was infamous among assassins as a place they could never attack from outside.
With a look that said, "Don't you know even that much?" he replied coldly.
"You know it's impossible, don't you?"
The mysterious intruder said nothing and charged at him. One hand swung a sword at his face, while the other thrust toward his abdomen. He blocked swiftly, but the heavy impact made him grimace.
Without pause, the assailant swung at his neck next. He parried and countered at the wrist.
"Not bad."
The intruder muttered that, then hurled the dagger from his right hand. Rainer swung his sword to the right toward the flying dagger.
"Urk!"
His wrist stung. In that moment, daggers struck his blade one after another. Seizing on his lapse in focus, the assailant drew another dagger from his bosom and rushed forward, stabbing at his neck!
The sword stopped at his throat. He froze, staring at the intruder's astonishing reaction speed. Seeing this, the assailant smirked mockingly.
"You need to hone your swordsmanship more. It's pathetic, Crown Prince."
While he remained rigid and unable to move, the intruder vanished.
* * *
Knock knock.
"A gift from His Highness the Crown Prince."
Today was the final day. During this time, Carnivella had spent secret moments with Rainer in the palace and gone out on dates. She had enjoyed her time with him without regrets.
'So today is the end...'
The dress she had commissioned a few days ago had finally arrived before her. Gazing at it, she reminisced about the happy days with him. Excluding her childhood, these were probably the most joyful days of her eighteen years.
But the reality that she had to vanish, burying those happy times, made her smile sadly.
Just then, someone knocked again.
"A gift from His Highness the Crown Prince."
It was Kasha from Burants Boutique. Having coincidentally learned that she avoided physical contact with people, he had brought along those she was at least somewhat familiar with. Puzzled, she listened as Kasha explained.
"His Highness sent us to dress you up, miss."
Only then did she nod. At her nod, people entered carrying makeup tools, accessories, perfume, the dress she had received, and basins of bathwater.
"Then let's begin."
With those words, her preparations started. Following her instructions, the dressing proceeded quickly—to avoid any 'contact.'
"I can say with certainty that no one at tonight's ball will be more beautiful than you, miss."
Kasha said this, satisfied with his creation. She watched them bow and leave, a faint sadness crossing her face. She looked beautiful, but this beauty wouldn't last forever.
"Child, have you been well?"
A voice came from behind, and she turned. She knew well the owner of that peculiar speech. Smiling faintly, she welcomed the little one.
"Of course. Here to keep your promise?"
"Yes, a mage can't break promises."
The little one looked no different from before. She got straight to the point.
"What do I need to do today?"
"Just come out of the hall when the clock strikes twelve. I'll send a carriage then."
"Got it."
"I wish you luck."
The little one wished her luck with an expression as if knowing everything, then vanished. She was startled as the person disappeared before her eyes but snapped to attention at the knock.
"It's time to go."
Guided by the attendant, she headed not to the hall but to a separate location some distance away. There, Rainer awaited her.
"You're wearing the dress I chose for you today."
"The dress is lovely."
His eyes, which curved whenever he saw her, were dazzling. To etch his image forever in her memory, she stared at him for a long while. He looked puzzled at her gaze but soon lost himself gazing at her.
Her usually down hair styled up gave her a mature air. The pale pink dress suited her fair skin perfectly. The floral embroidery and scattered gems made the wearer shine brighter. The side slit added a thrilling allure.
He was entranced by her, one with the dress and all. Everything about her was beautiful; he wanted to embrace her right then, forgetting the ball and everything.
"You're beautiful..."
But he couldn't, so he touched her earlobe instead. The earrings, made from the empire's finest jewels, swayed gently.
Adorned in expensive jewels and dress, she didn't look vulgar at all. She seemed like a heavenly being—more than worthy of being the ball's most beautiful woman.
"You're truly beautiful."
He quickly kissed the back of her hand briefly. The moment his lips touched, her hand felt like it was burning. It was so hot, his fervent emotions transmitting directly, filling her with ecstasy.
"But what is it?"
"I called you here before the ball because there's something I need to tell you."
His low, serious tone made her realize he meant something important.
"The point of this ball was to find my bride. The birthday celebration was just a pretext. That's why there were so many noble ladies."
Was that so? She tried to recall the scene from a week ago but couldn't. All she remembered was his appearance and their thrilling, sweet first kiss.
But why was he bringing this up? The longer his preamble, the more anxious she grew. Fidgeting with the mask in one hand, she thought.
"And today, I'm announcing her to all the nobles. That the bride is you."
"Pardon? What?"
"I'm announcing you as my bride."
His thunderbolt declaration left her stunned, mouth agape. The mask slipped from her left hand. She didn't even notice the sensation leaving her grasp.
Her mind went blank. Today, she had planned to bid him a sad farewell.
I like you. I fell in love the moment I saw you, and it's burning like an unquenchable flame even now. But I can't. I have to leave.
'Never forgive me for only being able to say it like this.'
She had thought today would be both supremely happy and sad. But she hadn't known he felt this way. Only then did she fully understand the little one's words.
No contact or bonds with anyone during this period. It must have foreseen this very situation!
'No!'
She had completely broken the pact! But all she could do was bite her lip silently. Puzzled by her expression yet smiling, he brushed her lips lightly.
His smile stopped her words. The important ones never came out. Seeing her still, he took it as acceptance.
"Then we'll meet again later."
'No, I have to go now...'
But seeing his excited expression, she couldn't bring herself to say it. How could she utter such words when he beamed at the thought of making her his bride?
She was 'Carnivella Lu Rasoni.' Not 'Maria Emari.' She had to disappear. She bit her lip. Regretted it. Shouldn't have been greedy. Even if she wanted to see him, she should have buried everything and vanished.
Watching him enter the center of the hall from behind, she ran in the opposite direction. Ignoring the hindering dress and shoes, she dashed to the garden. There, she gazed at the glass slippers sparkling even in the dark.
She had worn them wanting him to remember her prettily at the end. They matched the dress and jewels perfectly. That made it all the sadder.
"Huh..."
A sigh mixed with a sob escaped. She stared at the slippers until they seemed worn out. Time passed. At last, the clock struck twelve.
"Ah..."
Somehow knowing her location, a carriage raced right up to her. She boarded swiftly. But before she could close the door properly, the horses bolted, making her stumble.
"Ah!"
One slipper fell off, but there was no time to retrieve it as the carriage sped away. Breathless, she opened the window and looked out. No stars, just the moon hung there. She hoped the shadow it cast wasn't too deep.
She hoped he wouldn't carry a sadness that dark.
"Where, where are you going!"
Then Rainer's voice rang out. Startled, she saw he had chased after her on horseback!
"How did you...?"
"Why, you...!"
He reached desperately toward her through the window.
Please don't go. Hold onto me. Where are you going!
His sad, pleading pleas flowed to her through his eyes, his breath, the very air.
For a moment, she thought of staying, but she came to her senses. No. I want to be with you, but I can't.
The pact with the little one, tracking and revenge against her mother's killer, the soon-to-begin pursuit by the Muila family now that she had fled. There was too much she had to do and bear.
'I'm sorry. I don't want to drag you into my world.'
She hoped the bright Rainer wouldn't enter her dark one. So she turned away, closing the window.
Someone who shines like you can't come inside me.
"Maria...!"
His despairing voice pierced her heart like a wound. Don't make that face looking at me.
Then, biting his lip, he shouted loudly.
"Close the gates!"
At his command, the guards began shutting the gates—and swiftly. Anxious, she bit her lip until blood filled her throat.
Just then, white wings sprouted from the horses' backs. In an instant, the carriage lifted into the air!
He watched in dismay as the carriage ascended, becoming a dot and vanishing. He cried out.
"No!"