She heard a heartbeat.
Then, a breath of relief escaped her lips.
As the risen sun touched the blood-soaked forest floor, John's eyes slowly opened. He found himself lying on the ground, his head resting on Aurora's lap. His vision adjusted to the light, catching the worried yet relieved look in her eyes.
He asked, voice hoarse, "Is he dead?"
She nodded, brushing hair from her face. "Yes. You got him. Barely."
Then, her tone shifted. "So… how long are you planning to sleep on my lap?"
John suddenly sat upright, a faint blush creeping up his face. "Sorry." He glanced down. "Your gown… it's torn from the bottom to your knees. And covered in blood."
Aurora gave a soft sigh. "Don't worry. I'll just buy a new one."
John looked around and saw the black-cloaked head of the Soul Reaper lying nearby. He picked it up, coldly wrapping it in cloth. "Let's take this with us. Proof of the kill."
They turned. The forest clearing was littered with corpses—guards who had followed them into the trap. All of them dead. The bloodied silence was their only send-off.
Without another word, they left the forest.
As they walked toward the kingdom, Aurora noticed John was grimacing, humming a faint melody.
She glanced at him and muttered, "Now I understand why my master called off our fight. That skill you used… it was a death blow. No sparring could survive it."
John blinked. "Your master knew I was holding back?"
Aurora gave a tired smile. "Even my father—Elden—had you ranked as a high-tier knight the moment he saw your potential."
John remained quiet for a moment, then asked, "What about you? I've told you my story. You know who I am, where I came from… but I don't know anything about you."
Aurora giggled. "It's not that interesting. When I was little, my master came to our home seeking a student. He wanted my sister, Celeste. But my father refused. So… the master chose me instead."
John raised an eyebrow. "Wait, he wanted your sister and just… took you instead?"
Aurora nodded. "My father gave me away like an offering. And from that day, my training began."
John studied her. "And your mother?"
"She left my father after giving birth. I never really knew her."
He frowned. "Do you resent them? Your sister… your parents?"
Aurora gave a light chuckle. "How can I hate someone I never met? As for my sister… no. But my father? Yes. He never asked what I wanted. He just gave me away. And when I asked him why, he told me his reasons… and I understood. But that doesn't erase the pain."
They walked in silence for a few more steps.
Meanwhile, back in the Kingdom of Alex…
Inside the grand throne room, King Elden sat upon his gilded chair, draped in royal robes, flanked by General Ren and Sir Evan.
Elden tapped his fingers on the armrest. "How do I keep that boy—John—in this kingdom forever?"
Sir Evan bowed. "My lord, may I ask why?"
Elden stroked his beard, his voice firm. "You weren't there, Evan. Even Ren, our kingdom's finest, said that John's potential surpasses his own."
Sir Evan's eyes widened. "Then… we must act fast. If the Seven Sovereigns find out about him, they'll try to snatch him away."
Elden nodded. "Exactly why I summoned both of you."
Sir Evan's eyes lit up with a sly grin. "Then, with your permission, I can make him stay—permanently. I can even ensure his children remain loyal to our land."
Elden chuckled. "Oh? Speak."
Evan bowed again. "Forgive me if I overstep, but… why not marry the First Princess, Celeste, to him? She's beautiful but untalented—unfit for political marriage. This is a perfect solution."
The room fell silent.
Elden turned his gaze to General Ren. "Thoughts?"
Ren sighed. "John isn't someone you can control. He won't accept any forced arrangement—especially not something as personal as marriage."
Evan interjected, "Which is why it must be presented as a reward… not a demand."
He turned to Ren. "You've spent time with him. What does he value most? People? Power?"
Ren replied, "His village. And his friends."
Elden's eyes gleamed. "Then we'll offer him what he values. Double the guards for his village. Wealth for his friends. We'll make him see this kingdom as a home."
Evan smirked, but inside his thoughts turned bitter.
Why did the former king give this madman the throne? What did he see in Elden?
Evan cleared his throat. "If we offer too much, he'll see it as a deal. We must make it feel like a gesture from the heart."
Ren nodded. "And even then, he might not accept it. He's not the type who likes being in anyone's debt—not even to a king."
Elden's face hardened. "Then what do you suggest?"
Evan grinned. "Give me time. I'll craft a scenario he can't refuse. One that will bind him to the kingdom… without him realizing it."
The king leaned back, intrigued. "Even if it involves Celeste?"
Evan's smile deepened. "Especially if it involves her."
Just then, a guard burst through the throne room doors.
"My lord! Sir John and Princess Aurora request an audience."
Elden's eyes sharpened.
"Let them in."