Killing the Possessor - Chapter 41
Chapter 2 Conclusion: The Memory of Parting
Wyner’s love life was a well-known story throughout the empire.
From his first crush to his first love, despite the disapproving opinions of the Emperor and Empress, the prince’s pride was often humbled as he pursued his romance, sometimes to the point of what could be called a disgrace.
His unabashedly pure-hearted love moved many people.
When the prince, who had displayed unwavering loyalty from his childhood through the academy and even after graduation, suddenly broke up with his lover, it was only natural that gossip began to spread.
Given the image he had built, the arrows of criticism mostly pointed not at the prince, but at his lover, Camilli Mute.
But Camilli, the lady of the Mute family, also had her own circumstances. If the truth were revealed, it would turn the public opinion upside down—something that could be considered a major reason for the breakup.
“I’m already over twenty. Soon, I’ll be past the marriageable age. The Empress still treats me like I’m invisible, and everyone assumes I’m the future Empress, so naturally, I have no suitors. When are you going to propose to me?”
This was a rare moment when the usually reserved Camilli let her words spill out. After enduring for so long, her pent-up anger finally broke free.
Camilli had secretly hoped. While he was usually submissive, she believed that when it came to their relationship, Wyner, who had once defied the Emperor and Empress for her, would take appropriate action when she signaled that she could wait no longer.
She had been waiting for ten years since their formal confession during their academy days. If they included their childhood crush, that made it nearly fifteen years of waiting. She had hoped that Wyner would finally bring an end to this long wait.
But his response was far from what she had expected.
“Camilli, I can’t propose to you.”
“What?”
His response, something she had never imagined, made her delicate brow furrow. Wyner sighed deeply and hesitantly began to speak.
“As you know, I’m of imperial blood.”
“…So?”
“An imperial marriage cannot be a personal decision. It’s a national marriage.”
If he had asked if she didn’t know that, the answer would have been no. According to tradition, their relationship had always been met with opposition. Those of higher standing were particularly against it.
But their relationship was not one of mere flirtation from their time at the academy. They had been seriously involved for over ten years—not just a few months, but a decade, weathering countless hardships and forming a strong bond.
Wyner himself had even defied the Emperor when it came to matters concerning her. But now, where was the reliable partner she had known? Why was the man who once stood firm for her now saying such confusing things?
But the shock didn’t end there. With his next words, Camilli’s composure completely shattered.
“I’m getting married soon.”
“What did you say?”
“My bride is the princess of Nabea. The Emperor has high expectations for maritime trade. Without Nabea’s help, it would be difficult to trade with the New World.”
“…”
“I’m the only unmarried direct imperial family member left in the empire. Camilli, I had no choice.”
“So?”
Suppressing her boiling rage, Camilli forced herself to stay calm like a volcano hiding its magma, clenching her teeth as she asked.
“Are you breaking up with me?”
“Camilli, how can you say that? How can we break up?”
“Then?”
Camilli’s attitude softened slightly.
Well, it was the same person who, even when she showed the slightest discomfort, would immediately back down. He couldn’t have said such things thoughtlessly without preparing an answer to make her feel better….
“Wait for me for three years.”
“…What?”
“According to Nabea’s national law, after three years of marriage, one can apply for a formal divorce. If we observe the waiting period of a hundred days, it will be exactly three years and three months.”
“You’re saying…”
Ignoring Camilli’s expression of disbelief, Wyner grabbed her hand and pleaded.
“Trust me, Camilli. After three years and three months, I will definitely come back to you. I swear on everything I have.”
“…”
At that moment, the tether that had held Camilli’s rationality snapped. At the same time, their relationship, which had endured despite the Emperor and Empress’s objections for so long, came to an end.
