CHAPTER 66- DENIAL

"With this, you will be able to deceive them." 

I looked down at the dead body of the prisoner I had brought with me, who not only resembled Xavier from head to toe but also emitted the same kind of demonic energy. 

Xavier seemed different since the dark purple cloud surrounding him faded. I could barely understand my instincts, which were labeling him as an opponent far stronger than I am—stronger than I ever could be. 

The uneasiness I felt was hard to shake off. Looking around, it was hard to describe. 199 people had just turned to ashes. The air bore the metallic smell of burning flesh. Trees that were once green and lively were now lifeless and dry as if their life had been sucked away. 

I licked my lips and let out a soft breath. I needed to hurry up and find the artifact that could restrain Xavier's demonic power from growing even more and consuming his consciousness. 

"What are we going to do with this guy, Naeson?" Master spoke while shaking Naeson, who was still unconscious from being struck by Xavier. 

"He will be following me from today," Xavier replied coldly while putting on his black hood. 

I narrowed my eyes. "Didn't I ask you to keep him alive?" 

Naeson was important to my plan. Though, compared to the Naeson Regal I had killed in my past life, this current Naeson Regal had less access to the secrets of the Imperial Family. Still, he was the blood of the most powerful family after the four great families. 

If I could position him as Marquess Regal, then— 

"You did, but I don't want to follow through with your plan this time," Xavier replied calmly. 

I frowned in confusion. Isn't he acting weird? I parted my lips to say something, but he cut me off. 

"Captain, you said you want me to become the Emperor, right?" He asked, staring dead into my eyes. 

This kind of situation… I couldn't believe I had been foolish enough to think a blood oath alone would be enough to leash Xavier Alexus Aelric. 

Master, who was standing behind Xavier, shook his head as if he had seen this coming—though not this fast. 

I lifted my head and looked up at Xavier, who was standing a little far from me. 

"Yes," I replied calmly. 

"What kind of Emperor do you want me to become?" 

His question took me aback. What kind of Emperor? I gulped, as even I wasn't aware of the right answer at that moment. 

At first, it was because I felt guilty about putting Kaelith on the throne, even though he sought to live a free life. However, the reason changed as I learned about Kaelith's true nature. 

And the reason I wished to put Xavier on the throne… 

"Hey, Xavier. Did demonic energy get into your head?" Master stepped between us, and I could feel my head throbbing from trying to find the main reason why I was so determined to put Xavier on the throne. 

"Why do you always butt in, Tower Master?" Xavier let out a groan of annoyance, and Master just laughed, throwing his arms around Xavier and pulling him away from me. 

"Why so serious? I forgot to tell you, but you've got some good sword technique under your belt!" Master bumped his fist lightly against Xavier's chest. I saw Xavier shrug his shoulders. 

"Those demon cult bastards taught me everything—from sword techniques to politics and history. This much is nothing," Xavier sounded a little proud of his talent. I could only see his broad back facing me while I racked my brain over his question. 

"It's not surprising. After all, they planned to use you as the vessel of Belhier," Master nodded in understanding. 

Xavier turned his head, and our eyes met. 

His amethyst eyes gazed at me intensely as he mouthed, "Think of your reason." 

I bit my lower lip, desperately trying to shake off the sudden burdensome feeling rising in my chest. 

"Fuck! Just why can't things go according to my plan just once?" I muttered under my breath while staring at the ground. 

Every time I thought I had nothing more to learn or that I was ahead of others in this race, I ended up facing challenges I had never encountered before—or never predicted. 

Clenching my fist tightly, I dug the nail of my thumb into my index finger. Pain shot through my finger. 

It had been arrogant of me to think I could outsmart everyone. It had been arrogant of me to believe that a single blood oath would make Xavier follow me without question. 

I shook my head and let out a long breath, easing my tight fist. 

"The idea of making Xavier follow me blindly was foolish from the start. I have to change my approach with him." 

I looked at Xavier, who was leaning against a tree alongside Master while eating a bun Master had given him. He looked relaxed and peaceful—almost like a serene painting, standing there beautifully. 

As if he knew I was looking at him, he turned his head to meet my gaze. Our eye contact was like a silent battle between different worlds. 

The future I had envisioned for Xavier… truly didn't suit his regal and overwhelming aura. There was something different about him. He seemed taller, and more sculpted, exuding the same level of authoritative aura as my father.

I knew… I knew why I wanted to make him the Emperor. 

I clenched my eyes shut as embarrassment and disgrace overwhelmed me with the realization of my reason. 

I had thought Xavier—who had been abandoned by everyone and bore an unbearable hatred toward the Imperial Family—was perfect to destroy them, and I could use him as a front to control the Empire from behind the scenes. 

I had wanted to make him a puppet emperor… Unaware that this man wasn't someone I could ever dare to control. 

"So you finally know," Xavier whispered near my ear. 

My eyes widened at his voice. My body froze, unable to react or say anything other than instinctively reaching for Slayer at my hip. 

When had he gotten so close? 

Had my senses grown weak? No, it was just that Xavier was now skilled enough to use Void Steps as he pleased. 

"You had an idea. Then why did you decide to follow me?" I looked up at him, and he just chuckled softly. Tucking my hair behind my ear, he stroked his thumb against my cheek. 

"Who knows?" 

My heart was beating fast. The distance between us was a mere two inches. He was lowering his head slightly, and if either of us moved even a little, something would happen. 

"You were the first person to reach me, even with twisted intentions," he replied, staring dead into my eyes. I licked my lips nervously. His gaze was intense, and my breath caught in my throat. 

"If you want, I will place the crown at your feet and—" He paused. Unaware of how this closeness and his words were affecting me—making me feel like some foolish girl captured by a beast she had somehow managed to tame. 

"The world you love so much, I will protect it by becoming a saint." 

Xavier lowered his gaze, and the faint hint of desperation in his eyes made my heart sting. 

"So, don't be scared of me. Use me as a puppet if you must." 

He meant it. He meant every word he said, every action he took. 

I didn't want to admit it, but I knew. It wasn't just some foolish assumption… 

Xavier Alexus Aelric was weak for me. He was damn fucking weak in front of me. 

His slightly trembling hand on my cheek and the desperate look in his eyes said more than he ever could. 

I wanted to push him away before I let myself get enchanted even more by the side of him that was only available to me. Ironic enough, I couldn't push him away. I could never push him away. 

"It was wrong of me at first, but I no longer wish to make you a puppet ruler," I admitted. 

Xavier blinked, stunned. 

"Huh?" 

"Don't let your consciousness get clouded by demonic corruption. We have a lot of work to do," I gave him a soft smile. His tense expression relaxed, and his eyes softened. Those eyes, which had seemed to conceal great malice just moments ago, were now full of warmth and peace. 

He gave me a small nod and a smile. 

His eyes closed into half-moons when he smiled brightly. Oh God. 

This smile would be the death of me one day. 

*********************************************************

"Oh no! Just when did these two…?"

Edwin mumbled, staring at Selentia and Xavier with wide eyes. He rubbed his eyes and shook his head, thinking what he was seeing was either a hallucination or a dream. But sadly for him… 

It was not a dream. 

Edwin could only facepalm after tugging at his hair in disbelief. 

"You've gotta be kidding me? Foxy with that guy? Ughhh, this is really not a good idea!" he muttered in frustration, gritting his teeth as he glared at Xavier. 

"Suddenly, I don't like this demon at all," he mumbled coldly. He wanted to pull Selentia away from Xavier, but seeing her soft smile and peaceful gaze directed at him, he couldn't bear the thought of wiping that expression away. 

He thought—No, I shouldn't be so worried. There's no way Foxy would develop strong feelings for this demon bastard. Not even angels are deserving of her. These are just fleeting teenage infatuations. 

Once these two were separated long enough… Yeah, if I somehow keep these two away from each other for some time, these flames will die.

I can't let Foxy get involved with this demon bastard this way or else she will also, face same fate as her.

Edwin grinned as a devious plan formed in his mind. 

Selentia and Xavier began walking toward him, and he wiped the grin off his face instantly. 

"Master," Selentia called out to Edwin, her expression calm and composed. Xavier walked behind her, and somehow, Edwin knew—which pissed him off even more. 

This demon bastard is a lost cause, isn't he? 

"I'm going to Pyrexia with that dead body from here, and the Prince will follow you to Nocteim," Selentia said. Xavier gave a nod. 

Edwin raised an eyebrow. "Nocteim? I thought he was going to the Academy?" 

Selentia shook her head, glancing at the ashes that had once been bodies. 

"The Prince's demonic energy is growing even stronger. I don't think anyone other than you can help him learn to control it." 

Edwin scoffed, looking at Xavier, who just smirked. 

Edwin thought—This demon bastard doesn't need my guidance. Ugh, but I also can't let him lurk around Foxy. Sending him to the Academy is too dangerous now that everyone knows what he looks like. 

"Master, his safety is important for us," Selentia took Edwin's hand and gave him a pleading look. Edwin pressed his lips together. 

"Nocteim isn't the only place where he'd be safe. Even the Academy—" 

"Sending him to the Academy isn't a good idea now that they must have his description. Keep him safely in Nocteim until I get the medicine that can alter his appearance," Selentia interrupted. 

Xavier spoke before Edwin could. "Can you?" 

Selentia nodded. "I have a friend who's an expert in these things." 

Edwin sighed. "If I keep Xavier in Nocteim, I won't be able to follow you to Pyrexia." 

Selentia grinned confidently. "Don't worry, Master. I can handle things from here." 

Edwin opened his mouth to argue but noticed Selentia looking elsewhere. 

"Seems like there's a sneaky rat outside this Void Grave," Xavier muttered, irritated. 

From outside, no one could see inside the Void Grave. Edwin couldn't spot anyone, but the other two seemed to sense something. 

"This disgusting aura… Ezekian Nordwyn," Xavier growled under his breath. 

Edwin instantly understood Selentia's plan. 

"Take Naeson with you and leave after dissolving the Void Grave," Selentia stepped away. 

Xavier clicked his tongue and shrugged. "Don't get too close to him." 

Selentia chuckled and winked. "Don't worry. I have no such intentions." 

Edwin rubbed his forehead. "You're impossible. I'll visit you soon, so—" He pointed a finger at Selentia sternly. "Stay alive. No matter what." 

Selentia nodded. She glanced at Xavier, whose face was cold and unreadable as he stared in Ezekian's direction. 

"You can't kill him, Your Highness," Selentia warned. 

Xavier scoffed. "Yeah, yeah, I know." 

He then looked at Selentia. Without another word, he pulled a black stone from his pocket and handed it to her. 

"If you're ever in a situation you can't handle, crush this under your feet," he muttered. 

Edwin's eyes widened, and he covered his mouth to stop himself from explaining what the stone was. 

Selentia frowned. "What is this?" 

Xavier took her hand and placed the stone in her palm. "Just know you need to crush it under your feet." 

Selentia wanted to ask more but decided to save it for later. 

Xavier threw Naeson over his shoulder and stood beside Edwin. He didn't want to leave Selentia alone. But he knew… 

He was still too weak to face the entire demon cult—and the demons themselves. Sylvester stood beside Selentia proudly, and Xavier promised himself: 

I will grow stronger than everyone. I'll make sure you never have to be so cautious and anxious again. 

So… 

Wait for me. 

"Your Highness," Selentia called out to Xavier. He looked at her. 

"Just focus on growing stronger. I will bring your mother's heart to you," she smiled. 

Xavier felt his heart tremble. It was as if this would be the last time he saw her before a long separation. 

He glanced at Edwin before tossing Naeson to him—catching Edwin off guard. Then, he rushed to Selentia's side and hugged her tightly. 

Selentia's eyes widened, her body freezing. Xavier's arms were strong and warm around her. She realized how small she was compared to him—and how fast his heart was beating beneath her ear. 

Her lips curled into a small, soft smile, and she hugged him back. 

"I'll be waiting for you, Captain," he whispered. 

Selentia nodded, letting herself melt into his embrace. 

"Don't worry. I'll come find you soon…" 

She didn't know it yet, but her heart stung with an unexpected, unknown pain. 

If only either of them had known how those words would come to pass in the future, would they have said them? 

The future was unknown and uncertain—full of desperation and hope, darkness clashing with light at every step. 

This had been their fate from the beginning. 

Who could defy fate? 

Yet, the heart wants what it wants. And sometimes, the stronger the despair, the greater the hope.