Chapter 16

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I SQUEEZED my eyes shut, bracing myself for the inevitable crash. The wind roared in my ears, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. When I hit the ground, the impact jolted through my body, and I bounced off the hard surface as a deafening thud echoed across the landscape, reverberating in my bones.

Dread coursed through me as I forced my eyes open, only to be greeted by a nightmarish sight. “Your Highness!” I gasped, my voice trembling as I locked onto the Crown Prince Lumine. The Crown Prince dangled helplessly in the monstrous grip of the Vorith, his body battered, his face contorted in agony. His left eye was swollen shut, blood seeping from the corner as he fought to endure the crushing force that threatened to break him.

“My lady, stay back! I can handle this!” Crown Prince Lumine shouted, his voice strained yet resolute. I watched in horrified fascination as his hands began to glow, a brilliant light emanating from his palms. The power within him surged, and with a burst of energy, he shattered the Vorith’s grip. The creature’s hand exploded into shards, and Lumine dropped to the ground, sprinting toward me without missing a beat.

“Stand back, my lady,” he commanded, thrusting his left hand in front of me in a protective gesture. The weight of his authority pressed down on me, but I bit my lower lip, a surge of frustration bubbling within.

Why must I always be protected? If only I possessed the strength to end this predicament myself, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second.

“I will help you, Your Highness,” I declared, my voice laced with determination as our eyes met. I refused to stand idly by while he fought for his life.

The Crown Prince Lumine sighed, a heavy sound laden with reluctant acceptance. “Very well, my lady,” he conceded, passing me his sword. My eyes widened in surprise at its weight, my arms trembling as I struggled to lift it. With a grunt of effort, I sheathed the daggers at my side and used both hands to hold the blade steady.

Before I could speak, the Vorith lunged at us with a bone-chilling roar, its maw gaping wide, ready to devour us whole. Crown Prince Lumine reacted with lightning speed, scooping me up like I was nothing. We narrowly escaped its gnashing teeth, the ground where we had stood seconds before now a crater of destruction.

“You can’t even lift a sword, yet you’re too stubborn to stay behind me,” Lumine mocked, a smirk playing on his lips despite the chaos around us. The Vorith roared again, its corrosive spikes bristling, sharper and more menacing than before. The air itself seemed to hiss with the promise of death.

“This is your sword! How can you fight without it, Your Highness?” I shot back, my brows furrowed in irritation, refusing to be cowed by his taunt. I knew this body was weak, Arthemice’s strength sapped by years of neglect and mistreatment in the Ducal Palace. But that didn’t mean that this body is useless.

The Vorith’s eyes gleamed with malice as it prepared for another attack, and I tightened my grip on the sword, every muscle in my body taut with fear and resolve.

“I can fight without it, my lady,” he muttered, his voice low but resolute. As he set me down, my legs wobbled beneath me, barely able to support my weight. The air around us thickened, the wind gathering with an ominous force. I looked up to see the monster charging, its massive form barreling toward us with terrifying speed.

My heart pounded so violently I could feel it in my throat, each beat sending a wave of adrenaline through my veins. Beads of sweat dripped relentlessly from my forehead, stinging my eyes as I clung desperately to the sword Lumine had given me, my knuckles white from the strain.

“The monster—” My words died in my throat as a crimson arcane circle materialized in the air before us, glowing with an eerie, otherworldly light.

The Crown Prince Lumine began chanting, his voice a low, rhythmic murmur that sent shivers down my spine. Suddenly, a blast of raw magical energy erupted from the circle, striking the Vorith with unrelenting force, knocking it off its feet. The ground trembled with the impact as the creature crumpled, a roar of pain and fury escaping its maw.

My eyes widened in shock as I witnessed the Crown Prince’s true power for the first time. He had always been revered as the kingdom’s greatest swordsman, his skill with a blade unmatched. But this… this was something else entirely. Why was he revealing this hidden strength to me, of all people?

The wind whipped around us, fierce and unyielding, as Lumine began a new incantation. The crimson arcane circle darkened, shifting into an ominous black hue, its power growing with each word he spoke. I clutched at his armor, struggling to stay on my feet as the sheer force of the magic threatened to overwhelm me. My head spun, the world around me blurring as nausea crept in. The energy was so potent, so overwhelming, it felt like my very soul was being torn apart.

I squeezed my eyes shut, willing myself to stay conscious. The Vorith let out a bone-chilling roar as Lumine’s magic struck it again, the sound reverberating in my chest. Blood sprayed across the battlefield, the monster staggering as it tried to regain its footing, its malevolent gaze locked on us.

“My lady! Throw the sword I gave you at its stomach!” Lumine’s voice cut through the chaos, strained and desperate. I turned to him, panic rising within me. How could I possibly do that when I could barely lift the sword?

“I—” My voice faltered, but Lumine shook his head, his expression fierce. He knew my doubts, could see the fear etched on my face. ‘I can’t do it…’

A sharp gasp escaped me as I watched in horror, Lumine suddenly doubled over, vomiting blood. What was happening to him?

Before I could react, an arcane circle blazed to life beneath my feet, its glow suffusing me with warmth and strength. The sword in my hands, which had been impossibly heavy just moments before, now felt as light as a feather. I stared at it in disbelief, realizing what this meant.

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An immense power has supported you this time. Don’t let it go in vain!

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As I read the system’s message, understanding dawned. It was the Crown Prince… he was the one empowering me, channeling his magic into me so I could fight.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. Every muscle in my body tensed as I positioned myself, focusing all my strength and resolve into the task ahead. I had no time for second thoughts. With a burst of energy, I sprinted towards the monster’s belly, the ground trembling beneath my feet as the Vorith let out an ear-splitting roar. The sound reverberated through the air, shaking me to my core, but I refused to slow down.

I had to trust in the Crown Prince. I had to believe that he wouldn’t let me die as I charged toward the monster’s core. He wouldn’t, right?

The Vorith became more frenzied, thrashing wildly, but I felt the Crown Prince’s power surge in response, a tangible force that filled the air around us. The Vorith choked on its own blood, its immense form stumbling. Seizing the opportunity, I leaped onto a nearby rock, my heart hammering in my chest. I let out a scream, pouring every ounce of fear and determination into it as I launched myself at the monster’s belly.

“Aaahh!!!” The sound tore from my throat, primal and raw. My eyes locked onto the glowing black circle pulsating in the center of the Vorith’s belly. A triumphant smirk spread across my face. There it was—the core. I pushed myself harder, faster, closing the distance with a single-minded focus. Gathering all my strength, I drove the sword forward, aiming for the heart of the beast.

The moment the blade pierced the core, the world seemed to explode in light. The core glowed with a blinding intensity, and the air around us crackled with strange energy. The Vorith let out a final, agonized roar, its voice mingling with the growls and shrieks of the other monsters that surrounded us.

The cacophony was overwhelming, the sounds twisting together into something inhuman. My hands flew to my ears, desperate to block out the deafening noise. What the heck was happening?!

“My lady!” I barely registered the sound of the Crown Prince’s voice. I saw him running towards me, his expression a mixture of urgency and fear. He was shouting something, but the noise around us was too loud, drowning out his words. It wasn’t until a few heartbeats later that I finally heard him.

“Fuck it! Run—the monster’s going to blow!” he cursed, reaching me just in time. His arm wrapped around my waist, lifting me effortlessly off the ground as he leaped towards a massive tree, using it as cover. We barely made it out before the monster exploded behind us.

The sound of the explosion was deafening, a shockwave of force and heat that sent us flying. Blood and gore splattered everywhere, painting the landscape with the remains of the once-mighty Vorith. I stared in disbelief, my body trembling from the adrenaline, as the dust and debris settled around us.

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Congratulations! You and your accomplice have defeated the monster Vorith the Devourer!

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I clenched my fist as the system’s announcement flashed before my eyes. Relief and exhaustion warred within me, but I couldn’t stop now.

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You have successfully completed the predicament! Rewards will be given soon!

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“Are you okay, my lady?” the Crown Prince asked, his voice tinged with concern as he leaped down from the tree, placing me gently on the ground.

I nodded, my breath still coming in shallow gasps. “Thank you, your Highness,” I replied, turning to face him. A genuine smile spread across my lips, a rare expression of gratitude for the help he’d provided in completing this daunting predicament.

He flinched slightly at my expression, his worn-out black eyes widening in surprise. “It is my pleasure to help the lady,” he responded, his voice softening as he attempted a faint smile. But before I could reply, his knees buckled, and he suddenly collapsed into my arms.

The impact of his armor hit me like a hammer, sending a jolt of pain through my chest as his head fell heavily onto my shoulder. “I’m sorry, but in exchange, you have to carry me,” he murmured, his voice barely a whisper, laced with exhaustion.

I could hear the weariness in his tone as he sighed deeply, the weight of the battle clearly taking its toll. “I haven’t used that much mana in a long time, and now my body is paying the price,” he continued, his voice faltering as he shifted his head, trying to find a more comfortable spot on my shoulder.

I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling the strain in my muscles as I struggled to support his weight. For goodness’ sake, he was far too heavy to carry!

“And on top of that,” he added, his voice tinged with a hint of frustration, “I used my teleportation power, which means my knees are practically useless right now.” He moved again, trying to settle in more comfortably, his head pressing into my shoulder as if it were a pillow.

I heaved a deep sigh, my arms trembling under his weight. “You did great, your Highness. Thank you for saving my life,” I said softly, carefully patting his head in a gesture of comfort. But the moment I felt his arms slide around my waist, I flinched.

“You’re welcome, my lady,” he replied, a sly smile tugging at his lips. The flirtatious glint in his eyes made me want to smack him, hard. If Lady Cecelia saw him like this, she would cry—and I would probably kill him for it.

Before he could try anything else, I grabbed his hands and shifted his head, hefting him onto my shoulder like a sack of grain. The effort nearly knocked the breath out of me, but I managed to start walking towards a nearby cave. Blood and flesh from the monster littered the ground, but I paid it no mind. The Vorith was gone, and all I could focus on was dragging this infuriating Crown Prince to safety.

His weight was overwhelming, and my legs trembled with every step. I was almost out of breath by the time I reached the cave. Carefully, I lowered him to the ground, placing his head on a small rock as a makeshift pillow. His eyes fluttered open, locking onto mine with a tired but appreciative gaze.

“Lady Arthemice,” he called my name softly, his voice still carrying that familiar note of authority.

“Yes, your Highness?” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite my fatigue. But before I could react, he took my hand in his and pressed a gentle kiss to it, his lips warm against my skin.

I stared at him, my mouth slightly agape in shock. What in the world was he doing?!

“Thank you, my lady,” he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity as he offered me a faint smile. Then, as if the last of his strength had left him, he released my hand and closed his eyes.

“We’ll wait for them to find us,” he murmured, his eyes already closed as if the mere act of speaking drained him further. “So just rest for a while. Lady Cecelia and the others will eventually find us in a few hours,” he added, his voice laced with confident assurance. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at his nonchalance. Of course, he was so sure of it—they had those matching bracelets that could locate each other when one was in danger.

I flinched when I suddenly felt his hand close around mine. His grip was firm, despite his apparent exhaustion. “You’re injured, aren’t you?” he asked, his gaze shifting down to my waist where the blood had already begun to seep through my clothes. There was concern in his eyes, even as his breath came in shallow, uneven gasps.

“Yes, your Highness,” I admitted, attempting to pull my hand away from his grasp, but he held on stubbornly, his strength surprising me.

How could he still be so strong when he claimed to be so exhausted? My eyes widened in shock as he gently pulled me down, causing me to stumble and fall beside him. Before I could react, I felt his arm snake around my waist, pulling me close until I could feel the warmth of his breath on the back of my neck, coming in uneasy, labored sighs.

What the heck is wrong with this guy?!

“Let’s just stay like this until I fall asleep,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “You and Lady Cecelia have the same body shape... I just want to imagine she’s here.” He inhaled deeply, burying his face in my hair. “I feel safe when I pretend you’re her,” he continued, tightening his hold on me as if afraid I might disappear.

“Jerk,” I muttered, rolling my eyes in exasperation. I could feel his silent chuckle reverberate against my back, and it only served to annoy me more.

“Please keep my powers a secret, my lady,” he whispered, his voice tinged with vulnerability as he nestled his head deeper into the crook of my neck. The warmth of his breath against my skin sent an unwelcome shiver down my spine. The audacity of this guy, acting as if he weren’t engaged... What was he thinking?

“Yes, your Highness,” I sighed, glancing down at the bracelet on his wrist. The same bracelet that connected him to Lady Cecelia, the woman he claimed to love. And yet, here he was, holding onto me as if I were her. A part of me felt like I should be the one wearing that bracelet, considering I seemed to be the one in danger right now.

I heaved another sigh, resigning myself to the situation as I remained in his grasp, just as he demanded. It felt wrong, like he was betraying Lady Cecelia with every breath he took against my skin. Should I kill him for this? The thought was oddly tempting.

When I finally heard his soft snores, I seized the opportunity. Slowly, carefully, I began to extricate myself from his hold. I rolled over onto the ground, distancing myself from him as much as possible without making too much noise. Huh, I’m finally free from this bastard, I thought with a sigh of relief, watching his sleeping form with a mixture of annoyance and something else I couldn’t quite place.

I stood up, brushing off the dirt clinging to my clothes, and made my way outside the cave. The smell of blood was still in the air, but I ignored it as I headed straight to where the Crown Prince’s sword and the monster’s core lay. Kneeling down in front of the items, I stared at the glowing black circle surrounding the core. Despite the blood smeared across it, the core remained strangely beautiful. A grin spread across my face as I realized—I did it. I actually did it!

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Eat that.

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I froze mid-thought, my grin faltering.

Huh? What in the world is the system blabbering about?!

I squinted at the system’s message, hoping I had read it wrong, but no—the words didn’t change. Eat it? My gaze shifted back to the core in my hands. It pulsed ominously, and suddenly the idea of devouring this thing seemed less like a power-up and more like a horrible mistake.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I muttered, glaring at the core like it had personally offended me.

fin.