An Unexpected Proposal

November 19, 2020@@novelbin@@

"I can listen to your story as much as you need, but I think you should rest first."

"No. I have to say it now. If I don’t, I don’t think I’ll ever find the courage again."

Even as Alicia spoke, she couldn't shake her growing anxiety. The reason Cabelenus despised the unborn child had been because of the monsters. She wasn’t entirely sure if bringing up a story related to them was the right decision. But facing the unknown without any knowledge was definitely a disadvantage. Staying silent was not an option—not when there were so many enemies targeting Mikael.

"First of all, Mikael is the child from eight years ago. That’s why he resembles you so much, and also…"

"Take your time. I can wait."

"…He carries the blood of the very monsters you loathe."

As soon as those words left Alicia's lips, she hung her head in silence for a long time. She knew Cabelenus must have already suspected it, but there was a difference between mere suspicion and outright confirmation.

"Of course, Mikael is just an ordinary child now. That much, I can guarantee. However…"

"However?"

At the sound of his low, deep voice, Alicia’s shoulders trembled. She had no idea what kind of expression Cabelenus was making right now. She couldn’t even bring herself to look up.

"There was a time when he wasn’t ordinary."

Clasping her hands tightly together, Alicia felt her heart pounding with every word she forced out. Even just speaking these few sentences made her breathless, as if her chest was being squeezed. Whenever she closed her eyes, she could still remember the way that man had looked at her—his gaze filled with pure hatred.

"…The Emperor seems to believe Mikael is controlling the monsters."

"…"

"You don’t have to be so afraid. I had already anticipated this much and decided to accept it."

A warmth touched her shoulder. Slowly, Alicia lifted her head. Cabelenus wasn’t looking at her with disgust—only concern. That gave her the courage to continue.

"Eight years ago, that day… I encountered the monsters in the snowfield."

"You met them?"