An Unexpected Proposal

November 26, 2020

"…Are the shackles really that dangerous?"

Alicia turned her gaze toward Cabelenus. But there was nothing unusual about him—he was still bickering with Mikael, looking just as healthy as ever.

"Shackles are a form of magic that renders the wearer incapable of disobeying the caster’s commands."

"Then… His Highness…"

"The one who placed the shackle on His Highness was the late Emperor. So, as of now, there is no one who can issue direct orders to him."

"Then… does that mean it’s possible to control him indirectly?"

"Yes. There is only one person who can do that. And unfortunately, that person was never satisfied with just that much."

Alicia’s forehead furrowed deeply. She had a feeling she knew exactly who Gajev was referring to.

"When the late Emperor died, the secret behind the shackles was lost as well. But the current Emperor still seeks to create the perfect shackle—to fully control His Highness."

"You mean His Highness is bound by both shackles?"

"Fortunately, no. As of now, only the late Emperor’s shackle remains."

"…"

"But we can’t afford to be careless. Now that the shackles have been created, the Emperor will do anything to place a new one on His Highness."

To make him Emperor. Gajev’s face twisted into a grim smile.

"It doesn’t make sense. If it’s just about power, why go through all the trouble of making His Highness the Emperor?"

"The imperial family has always been defined by their black hair and golden eyes. But the current Emperor’s eyes are green. That has always been his greatest weakness."

"…Are you saying that’s why he wants to make His Highness Emperor?"

"If His Highness takes the throne, then the issue of the green eyes disappears. And as long as the shackles are perfected, controlling him from behind the scenes won’t be difficult."

Gajev ran a hand roughly through his hair. Jerpeneus’s attachment to Cabelenus had never been about affection—it had always been about possession.

"That’s absurd."

"That’s the kind of man the Emperor is. And the shackles are just a means to that end."

"…"

"You didn’t see it yourself, but I still vividly remember the death of Princess Christi."

That day, Veloa had fought soldiers until her very last breath. Even when her body was sliced apart, she continued her attacks like a moth to a flame—until she ultimately took her own life. But it was clear that none of it had been her choice. She had screamed endlessly, begged for her life, struggled against her own body. But her limbs had moved against her will, like a marionette hanging from invisible strings.

"I don’t mean to pressure you. I just ask that you consider it. The shackles are a great risk."

"…"

"If His Highness could be freed—"

"Mom! Look! Rex is chewing through a huge bone!"