Chapter 71: Afra’s Devotion
Yes, he was back.
On this final battlefield, he had returned.
But this time, there were no regrets. He was the villain now, the one inflicting pain, not receiving it.
No one would harm those precious to him. He held onto not just the light of his past life, but also his newfound convictions.
He had returned to the beginning, reclaiming what he had lost.
His eyes gleamed, reflecting the sunlight.
Perhaps one only truly appreciated something after losing it.
And now, holding it once more, he considered it a gift of fate.
Afra, gazing into his eyes, saw a kaleidoscope of emotions: excitement, sorrow, longing…
She didn’t understand, yet she felt a connection to those emotions, as if they were hers.
In this moment, his world revolved around her.
Their eyes met, and she felt a surge of emotion, a feeling that transcended time, reawakening within her.
It was her heartbeat, yet not quite hers.
“I… I do.” She placed her hand on her chest, offering her answer.
She had never been good at refusing him. She would give him anything he desired.
She had once seen him as a younger brother. Now, she saw him as both brother and lover.
[Afra’s love for you burns brightly. Her heart beats for you. Devotion achieved. Favorability 100. Attribute points gained…]
Ignoring the system notification, Kailun focused on her answer.
He retrieved a ring from his pocket and slipped it onto her finger.
He stood, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her, pouring all his emotions into that single act.
Afra, flustered but willing, wrapped her arms around him, surrendering to his embrace.
The surrounding knights, witnessing this scene, knelt, their fists pressed against their chests, offering their silent blessings.
“Boom!”
Like a wave, they knelt, row after row, until every knight in the valley was on one knee.
Vivian touched her flat chest, a strange feeling of emptiness washing over her.
She reminded herself, over and over, that she hated Kailun.
Carol watched with envy, eagerly anticipating the day Kailun had promised her.
Phils, equally envious, nibbled on her finger. Anna and Ella exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable.
Winnie paused mid-bite, her gaze fixed on Kailun. He seemed like a different person from the monster who had tormented her.
“Your Highness, they’re actually getting married! Should we attack?” Shirley stared, bewildered.
“The arrow is already drawn. There’s no turning back. Have the mages begin their incantations. I’ll turn this wedding into a funeral.” Hilna glanced at the mages entering the valley, her voice cold.
“Yes, Your Highness!”
Magical energy surged, illuminating the sky with a kaleidoscope of colors. The light bathed Kailun and Afra in an ethereal glow, creating a scene of breathtaking beauty.
The Silver Moon Knights rose, drawing their swords and mounting their steeds. They awaited Afra’s command, ready to charge.
The tension in the air was palpable. Battle was imminent.
“Be ready to teleport at a moment’s notice! These people are mad!” Lodis warned.
He surveyed his assembled guards and raised his arm. “But I’m feeling a little mad myself! On my command, prepare to charge! There can only be one victor today!”
Paul watched, consumed by jealousy. Kailun, surrounded by beauty, the center of attention, calm amidst the brewing storm… He possessed a confidence and charisma that Paul could only dream of.
He clutched the scroll in his hand, his heart filled with resentment.
“Stop… they’re chanting…” Afra, breathless, pushed Kailun away. “They’re about to attack.”
He glanced at the mages and chuckled. “Hilna is a greedy woman. She’s casting high-level spells. We have time.”
He kissed her again.
“You… mmm…” She tried to push him away, but eventually gave in.
He finally released her as Hilna’s spell neared completion, her body limp in his arms.
She looked down at her wedding dress, her voice laced with annoyance. “This isn’t exactly battle attire.”
“No need for the bride to fight today. Leave everything to me.” He stroked her hair gently and stepped forward.
Afra watched as he confidently strode to the forefront, a rare smile gracing her lips.
She followed, her dress trailing behind her, stopping a step behind him.
She trusted his judgment, even if it led them to ruin.
“Your Highness, you wouldn’t want to see the Xiya Kingdom destroyed, would you?” His voice boomed through the valley.
Hilna frowned, that familiar unease creeping back into her heart. “What do you mean?”
His smile was all too familiar. She had seen it in her nightmares.
“It’s quite simple. You’ve already lost. Duke Stamp, your supposed reinforcement, is actually on my side.”
“!!!”
Her eyes widened in disbelief. How had he learned about Stamp’s arrival?
And how could Stamp possibly be on his side?
“Curious, aren’t you? Want to know why? Then have those imbecile mages cease their chanting! Their noise is giving me a headache!”
“What should we do, Your Highness?” Shirley asked, her voice panicked.
Her instincts, fueled by her fear of Kailun, told her he was telling the truth.
Hilna felt the same. While Stamp’s betrayal seemed highly unlikely, what if…
“Cease the chanting! Stamp’s army will arrive any minute now. What’s a few more minutes? We have the numbers. We can afford to minimize our casualties.” She tried to convince herself, even as fear gnawed at her heart.
Shirley, unsure what to say, offered a rote response. “Your wisdom is unmatched, Your Highness!”
Hilna: “…”
The magic formations in the sky flickered and died, the magical energy dissipating.
Kailun smiled, pleased. That’s right. Be a good girl and everything will be fine.
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