If You Conquer Me - Chapter 23
Christian hid in the dense shade of the trees, watching Cornelli’s estate. Today was the day Ophelia was leaving for the Yerhalt Empire. The servants of the estate were bustling around, carrying bags, organizing belongings, and loading the carriages with cargo.
There were two carriages parked in front of the estate. One for Grand Duke Morgana and his mistress, and the other for the servants who would accompany them. Soon, a man and a woman appeared from the estate. Christian clenched his teeth.
That man… is Grand Duke Morgana.
It was his first time seeing him in person. There were rumors that the Grand Duke was the most beautiful devil ever crafted by the gods, and it wasn’t an exaggeration at all.
His golden hair, ruby-like red eyes, and delicate features that seemed almost painted with precision. His skin was as pale as porcelain, yet it gave no impression of frailty. Rather, his indifferent expression exuded an intense sense of intimidation.
And the elegant woman standing beside him…
It’s the princess.
Christian’s violet eyes trembled. It was Ophelia.
Today, she wore a wide-brimmed hat decorated with feathers dyed in shades of blue, a snow-white muslin dress, and her dark blue hair was styled and cascaded over her shoulders. A blue ribbon matching the feathers was tied around her slender waist, and she carried a small handbag. She looked like a porcelain doll, exquisite and delicate.
For a moment, Christian felt as though his heart had been stabbed with a needle deep inside. After all, this version of Ophelia…
She really does look like… a princess of a kingdom.
Before Ascanior was subjugated, Ophelia had never worn such a beautiful dress. Somehow, she looked even more like a princess now than she ever did before…
“…..”
Christian couldn’t hide his complicated emotions. Ophelia, escorted by Hugo, disappeared into the carriage. At the same time, Hugo briefly lifted his head. His red eyes locked directly onto Christian’s. Christian stiffened with a jolt.
What is this?
Looking into his sharp gaze, it almost felt as though Hugo knew exactly where he was, though it couldn’t be true.
After a moment, Hugo lowered his gaze and entered the carriage, which then began to move. The servants of the estate lined up, bowing to the departing carriage. Christian stood there, watching it disappear, his gaze lingering on the retreating carriage long after it was out of sight.
“…Huh.”
Christian took a deep breath to steady himself. When he closed his eyes and reopened them, the confusion and dazed feeling that had overwhelmed him earlier had completely disappeared.
“Well, let’s move on too.”
Instead, what filled the space was an unshakable, firm resolve. A determination to reach Ophelia no matter what, an obsession to not leave the princess beside the usurper for long.
When the time came to bring her back to his side… he would drive a blade straight into the heart of that usurper. Christian turned to his comrades with a sharp gaze.
“We cannot leave the princess alone.”
“Yes!”
“Of course!”
His comrades nodded enthusiastically.
Just wait a little longer, Princess.
Christian clenched his fists tightly.
No matter what happens, I will return Ascanior to you.
With that thought, he turned away. There was much to be done.
* * *
It would take about half a month by carriage to reach the Yerhalt Empire. But Hugo, switching horses along the way, managed to cover the distance in just ten days. Thanks to her steady swordsmanship training, Ophelia, though a woman, had excellent stamina and managed, but it was still a grueling journey for her.
Ugh…
Ophelia, practically thrown into the carriage like a piece of luggage, glanced at Hugo with the corner of her eye. Unlike her exhausted and haggard face, his was still fresh and unscathed. That pristine expression, without a trace of fatigue, made Ophelia’s heart grow cold.
…He feels like a different species.
