I Will End My 10-Year Unrequited Love

‘No!’

Elia couldn’t forget the look in Cyrone’s eyes as he watched her die. Also the red-haired woman he cradled in his arms.

She quietly stared at her own red hair in the mirror, which resembled Camille’s so much. Elia’s hands trembled as she reached for the scissors. She wanted to cut it all off, every last bit.

“Really…”

The memory of Cyrone gently stroking her hair with blood-soaked hands came to mind. Perhaps it was because of that memory, but her hand wouldn’t move.

With a handful of hair clenched in her trembling fingers, Elia finally dropped the scissors to the floor. She felt so foolish, she couldn’t bear it.

‘‘Is this a dream? Can you still dream even after you die?’’

Elia pinched her cheek, pulling at it hard. Ugh, it hurt more than she expected, and her face winced in discomfort.

She still couldn’t believe the situation she was in. How could this be real? It felt like something from a fairytale.

But Elia quickly shook her head. If God had pitied her and granted her one more chance, she would cling to life with everything she had. She would never again dedicate her world to a love that meant nothing.

As she made a determination there was a soft knock on the door.

“Miss, it’s time to go.”

With that, Susan entered, holding Elia’s outerwear. Elia, wearing a light blue dress with embroidered flowers on her head, smiled brightly as Susan looked at her, almost dazzled.

As Susan draped a soft cloak over Elia’s shoulders, she seemed to get a little choked up, wrinkling her face.

“How can His Highness be so stubborn? He’ll regret it, I’m sure of it.”

Elia forced a smile as she listened to Susan’s words. Regret? Would he even know what regret was?

Thinking back, it wasn’t just her parents and Susan. Her love for the past 10 years had been painful not only for her but for everyone around her. Why hadn’t she realized it sooner?

The carriage carrying Elia rumbled toward the Imperial Palace. Elia opened the window, looking out at the swiftly passing scenery.

It was another beginning, just like always. Today was a day she couldn’t afford to lose.

* * *

“May God’s blessings be upon our Kelyon Empire, and may we have infinite glory!”

The Emperor raised his glass, filled with red wine. Following his lead, those who had prayed for the Empire’s endless glory sipped the sacred wine.

It was then that Cyrone ascended the platform. Dressed in his dark uniform and adorned with the golden emblem, he looked as dazzling as ever.

The people, gazing up at Cyrone, who was soon to become the Crown Prince of the Empire, still expressed awe, just as they had the first time they saw him.

“The rumors about him being God’s manifestation aren’t entirely wrong.”

Standing on the platform, Cyrone looked more mature and grown-up compared to the boyish face he once had. Time spent on the battlefield had sharpened his presence, and now, with the cold aura of a seasoned warrior, people could only gaze at him in awe.

Cyrone, standing in the light, was undeniably beautiful. Just like that day. Perhaps even more so than that day.

However, for Elia, who felt that this moment was like a dream, she turned her head away as though she could no longer bear to look at him.

“…”

Cyrone’s gaze stubbornly continued to search for someone. It passed through the crowd, and his eyes finally came to a halt. The woman with the red hair and flowers woven into it.

But Cyrone quickly turned his gaze away, seemingly indifferent. It was Camille, his fiance, but not the one Cyrone was looking for.

His dull, distant gaze hovered for a while among the people before it stopped again. The woman who had half-turned her face, the red hair with flowers blossoming above it.

Only then did Cyrone release a quiet breath, as though he had found what he had been desperately seeking. Slowly, he leaned back in his chair. At last, his gaze was fixed on Elia.

Cyrone’s languid gaze lingered on Elia’s profile for quite some time. It was almost an instinctive act.

The red hair, her flushed cheeks, the long, delicate eyelashes, the tightly shut lips… The thought of seeing that serene face gasping beneath him made his teeth clench together. How much more would that calm expression change into lust?

But in that moment, Cyrone’s gaze suddenly hardened. As his eyes instinctively followed her, Elia’s gaze never once turned toward him. The intoxicating look that used to always be directed at him, never once glanced his way.

“…”

Cyrone slowly licked his lips. He was annoyed, but there was nothing to be impatient about. All he needed to do was force those eyes back on him.

Everything about Elia belonged to Cyrone.

* * *

During the solemn coronation ceremony, Elia’s heart pounded wildly in her chest. It seemed like Nielsen had listened to her words seriously, as the security and military presence felt noticeably stronger than it had been that day.

But would that really be enough to change the predetermined fate? Elia wasn’t so sure. Time was ticking down, and the silence, like a blade hidden in the shadows, felt suffocating.

The minutes rushed by, and finally, the moment arrived. Cyrone knelt to receive the crown of the Crown Prince.

“The one who destroyed my country! I will never forgive you!”