Chapter 195 - Ch. 195 Whatever The Cost (2) (2/2)

“Eat and get better.”

“I will.”

A smile played on Carlisle’s lips.

“You’re good at what you say.”

He spoon-fed her until the bowl emptied. She ate as much as she could, knowing that he would worry if she didn’t eat properly. He set aside the bowl and carefully cleaned her mouth with a napkin.

Happiness.

Even this little routine became precious to Elena. In contrast, however, Carlisle’s expression was subdued.

“…I thought I’d lost you this time.”

“Don’t worry. This person’s life can’t be cut off so easily.”

She didn’t like the heavy atmosphere, and so she tried to inject some levity into it. Carlisle’s expression only grew more serious.

“Don’t risk your life for me, my wife.”

“I can’t. I’m—”

“I know, you’re an excellent knight. But not anymore. I’m not sure I can go through this again.”

Elena didn’t say it out loud, but she already had a vague notion that Carlisle was deeply unhappy. He always hated it when she was in danger, even when he had been trying to accept this side of her.

Elena sat up straighter and took Carlisle’s face in both her hands. Their gazes locked onto each others, and she spoke in a steady voice, facing Carlisle directly.

“I’m not risking my life for you because I’m a knight. Caril. If it were me that was about to be hit by that arrow, wouldn’t you throw yourself to save me?”

“I…”

“My body ran as soon as I saw you were in danger. I’m not trying to protect you because of a previous contract we made. Now I—”

She took in a shuddering breath. This was the confession she made when she thought it would be the last time.

“—I want to protect you because I love you.”

Carlisle’s eyes widened with shock. Until now, she had always told him she wanted him to be emperor. But even if that weren’t the case now, she would still protect him.

“If it were to happen again, I would do it over for you. And it’s the same in the future. I won’t turn away even if there are tens of thousands of dangers.”

Carlisle’s expression ran through a gamut of emotions: happy, angry, sad, and happy again. Elena embraced Carlisle’s larger body without a word. There was a twinge on her back, but she bore through the pain.

“…I love you.”

She spoke her heartfelt confession again.

Carlisle buried himself deeper in her arms as if he couldn’t hold himself back anymore.

“I hate that you’re in danger because of me, but then you give me this.”

“Were you that worried about me?”

“…I thought I would go out of my mind.”

That alone seemed to convey Carlisle’s feelings towards her. Elena slowly stroked his back.

“I’m sorry for your hardship.”

Carlisle quietly buried his head on Elena’s shoulder. The moment he thought she died, he had so much anger in him that he wanted to destroy the whole world. When Elena’s eyes opened again, he vowed to do whatever he could so it stayed that way.

Strangely enough, when he heard Elena’s confession, he felt as happy as a fool. He almost wished that Elena was a woman who couldn’t do anything without him.

But Elena was not such a woman. She wouldn’t remain quiet in his arms where he could keep her away from any danger. The woman Carlisle fell in love with was far too strong for that. But her confession that she would never leave him alone was utterly mad…

‘I can’t repeat the same situation again.’

Carlisle’s closed eyelids slid open. His icy blue gaze now had a cruel glow to them.

‘…I want to be emperor as soon as possible.’

There was only one way to protect Elena, who risked her life to protect Carlisle. He had to get rid of all the dangers that threatened them.

Whatever the cost.