Ilarion immediately turned around in surprise, the same shock experienced by the assassins who surrounded Amanda."What! We were tricked. She's a woman! The Black Prince has disappeared," growled one of them, then slapped Amanda. The girl was thrown again, her white shirt already stained with blood and dust, making Amanda look like a living corpse.One of the men approached Amanda, who was lying limp. "I've never seen a woman like this before."With trembling hands, Amanda supported her body. "Yes, Master I am a witch. My body is full of curses, so don't you dare touch me," Amanda threatened in a low tone, and her appearance seemed to support it even more terrifying.The man backed away as Amanda held out her tiny hand holding the dagger. "I-is she a witch?" asked the sinister-looking man in disbelief, but he kept backing away, as did the other men behind him."Do you believe this girl's mere gibberish?!" snapped the troop leader while gripping Amanda's hand, which was holding the dag
The assassins were flabbergasted, and they all focused their attention on the same point."Damn we were framed!" said one of them. So the giant killers started to gather at one point. They were like small fish caught in a trap.Behind Illarion, Andreas and his army of fiery arrows lined up neatly, just waiting for orders. "We are ready Master."Illarion narrowed his eyes, looking far away at where Amanda was. The girl seemed to be lying motionless at the feet of the biggest assassin. 'She died?'Illarion bit his lip. Andreas saw the confusion in his Master's eyes. "If we attack them with an army of arrows, Madame will be hit for sure," Andreas explained, even though he knew Illarion must have understood that very well. 'Isn't it just a few minutes ago that he seemed to have given up on the girl's life? Was it because his persistence in seeing the white-haired girl trying to outwit the attackers made him uncomfortable? Master and the word 'can't bear it seems like an extraordinary comb
"Is Madam all right, Master?" Andreas hesitated to ask, wildly Illarion's face was contorted even more, but curiosity overcame his fear."What do you think?" The few words that Illarion said just now felt more satire than a question to Andreas.Andreas immediately regretted his question out of curiosity. The man who was the Black Prince's 'right hand' swallowed his saliva and cursed himself for daring to ask such a question. 'But why does he look so furious with that girl?' Suddenly Amanda's soft voice sounded delirious in her sleep. "Master Apollo… stop, please Master Apollo."'Ah this damn girl had such an obscene dream when Master was taking care of her so insolent.' Andreas came to know the origin of Illarion Black's anger. He turned his gaze back to the black-haired man.The handsome man's jaw hardened as if he was holding back anger. 'You dreamed him? do you like him? You can dream of that disgusting thing in the midst of your illness.'"Disgusting," muttered Illarion, who imme
'She flirted with that guy so boldly!' Amanda immediately coughed at the sight that had just happened. "S-sorry," Amanda said after her cough had subsided.Indeed, among the visitors who came, Illarion's face most attracted the attention of women. Not only the waiter but almost all the women and even the men in the shop noticed his handsome face.But as usual, Illarion would ignore all that, as well as the maidservant earlier.Feeling her seduction was not very fruitful, the waitress walked away with a disappointed face after taking down all of Illarion and Amanda's food orders.The strong scent of the woman's perfume made Illarion turn towards him, seeing the silhouette behind the sexy maid.'Is that what this man tastes like?' asked Amanda, who noticed the direction of the Black Prince's gaze.Amanda didn't know that an old story was spinning in Illarion Black's head right now. Memories of General Andreas bringing women with faces, scents, and bodies like the maidservants earlier. W
Amanda just shook her head. 'Seeing him it's a crime now?' "Why?" demanded Illarion. "N-nothing, Sir," Amanda answered nervously. "Answer." This time Illarion pressed his body closer to Amanda, making the girl cornered by the window. "Really..." Amanda whispered. 'What should I say? I am jealous? I don't like it? Can't this man just shut up. I know he hates me, expressing love only adds to the reason he steps on me. After all, I have self-respect to protect, even though I also know that my self-respect has no value anymore. Has fallen down.' “No, you seem to want to say something? What?” asked Illarion. For some reason, he was so eager to hear Amanda's answer. Or he was just happy to see her shy reaction. "What?" asked Illarion for the umpteenth time, but this time with a crooked smile. Amanda tightened her grip. 'What else is left in me?' Then, Amanda said, with part of her face covered by the hood. "Master looks very handsome." “Oh,” Illarion said curtly and sat back straight
Brak!Suddenly a bald man with a body full of tattoos approached their table. The bald man banged on the table by putting down a large beer glass and making a loud noise. Distracting the resentment that was starting to well up in Illarion's chest."Hey! Where did you come from, sweet boy?” asked the bald man arrogantly. He was so annoyed that the maidservant he had a crush on just kept looking at Illarion. Even now, the bald man who name Dante was threatening, glancing at the maid for attention. 'See, the sweet guy you're after is a coward who only knows how to take care of his face."Tsk." Illarion snorted. 'Perfect, I just need of an outlet for anger right now.' But his arm suddenly throbbed as if to tell him not to act too much. 'Shit,' Illarion cursed under his breath.“You're also after the fugitive? You better get out of the way than get your smooth face hurt because I'll beat you easily and snatch the fugitive's head,” threatened the bald man as he sat up, raising his legs on
Amanda automatically rose to hear the handsome man's muttering."He really wants his name called by me. Does he regret devoting his life to a master like me?" The man said as he sped his horse slowly. There was a look of sadness in his eyes. Amanda looked at Illarion's back which looked empty and lonely."It's a pity that his life was spent on someone like me," Illarion continued, this time with a sense of inferiority that somehow enveloped him. Nevertheless, he showed a different side of himself to Amanda again today."General Andreas is always proud, sir. Even General Andreas tells Master enthusiastically to someone he hates like a servant," said Amanda indirectly. It felt like she wanted to gently pat the broad shoulder Illarion's, but the girl failed to do so. Illarion smiled at Amanda's comforting words, looking a little relieved, although a question arose in his mind. 'Why do I look weak in front of her? Again. Is it because she is so weak that I can easily express who I am wit
Then the soldier called his friend and removed some of the cloth covering the pale body above the wagon. It looks like a pile of arms and legs with white color as if the body has just been left by the soul.The two looked at each other and closed back the body, considered a 'corpse.'"The Dutchess of Elger also died of the plague, looks like an infectious disease is going crazy over there," said another soldier.The man who had been questioning Illarion earlier looked furious. "Then, if you go there, never return to this village again! You can transmit disease!" expelled the soldier quickly, opening the border gate.Illarion nodded curtly, then spurred Blake to hurry away.After walking more than a kilometer, Amanda just dared to move and opened her disguise."I didn't think we would get away so easily, Master!"But Illarion didn't respond with enthusiasm. "We escaped by an unexpected coincidence, the wife of the Duke of Elger also caught the plague. But aren't you worried, we're goin
Illarion stopped in his tracks, not wanting Amanda to distance herself further from him. While gazing into Amanda's amethyst irises, the man with obsidian hair asked, "What if it's all true?" Amanda leaned against the cold stone wall in the underground chamber, not wanting to fall in front of Illarion Black, who had just revealed something Amanda had never suspected in her entire life. Her beloved friend Aime, who had been replaced by Illarion, had died because of the actions of the man she loved the most. 'I was even willing to die for this man with black hair,' Amanda thought. "I guess we're not destined to be together, Emperor," Amanda replied. The sorrowful expression that Illarion displayed upon hearing Amanda's words made Karak's laughter resonate once again in the underground chamber. "Karma! Hear that! It's your Karma, Illarion!" the old man interjected amidst his terrifying laughter. "Don't leave me again, Amanda," Illarion pleaded weakly as he followed the girl's steps t
"I am Karak."Amanda's purple eyes widened upon hearing that name. Karak was the man who poisoned Illarion during the dance party at King Abraham's birthday. It was then that they met Galela and Balton, who saved Illarion and provided the antidote for the poison.'Is it because of that incident that Illarion is torturing this man? Because he once poisoned him?' Amanda wonders why this old man gets punishment like this by Illarion Black."It seems like you recognize me," Karak guessed, narrowing his eyes. The chains on his back rattled. "Ah, my abilities are truly extraordinary."'I shouldn't get involved in this. I should leave,' Amanda thought."Hey, don't you hold a grudge against that man?" Karak asked.Amanda, who was about to turn back, halted her steps. "Why would I?""For sacrificing you.""What do you mean?" Amanda asked.Karak chuckled softly before answering Amanda's question. "Who do you think poisoned the King? The previous King.""Huh?" Amanda murmured, looking confused.
Princess Hera's face immediately turned pale. "Of course, the spring colour is the most suitable, like the colour of falling leaves," Amanda said with a smile, patting her sister-in-law's arm. "Oh, yes, of course," Princess Hera replied with a forced smile. "We were discussing the perfect dress colour for spring, my Lord," Amanda explained. "Oh," murmured Illarion, then he got into the carriage. "My sister will stop at the Main Palace. She will stay there for a while to prepare for our wedding celebration," Illarion explained to Amanda. "Ah! Thank you, Princess Hera. I hope I'm not causing you any trouble," Amanda expressed. "Oh, certainly not. I'm happy to finally do this after waiting for the emperor's wedding for ten years," Princess Hera replied, appearing to laugh. But that only furrowed Amanda's brow. 'Why does Princess Hera look so uncomfortable next to her brother?' Finally, Amanda White and Illarion Black arrive at the black palace after escorting Princess Hera to the
"What are you doing?" Princess Hera asked, investigating while pulling Illarion's arm as soon as the dance party ended.The Black Emperor immediately brushed the woman with dark ash hair hand. "What do you mean?""High Priest, what are you doing to him?"Illarion shook his head and scoffed. "Tsk! Do you suspect me, Sis? Isn't that going too far? I am also deeply saddened.""You're not good at acting, Illarion!" Princess Hera stated firmly.The handsome man with a scar on his right eyebrow laughed cynically."You've gone too far! You're just like our late father, the previous King."Illarion immediately stared sharply at his sister. "Don't compare me to that old man who sold you for power.""What's the difference? You also kill to justify your goals! The High Priest is a holy person, a representative of God, Illarion!" Prince Hera shouted. "I never expected you to become this bad.""I was the one who saved you!" Illarion retorted, clenching his jaw and tightening his elbow."We'll see
"I should have sent someone to fetch her," thought Illarion as he searched for Amanda among the hundreds of guests.Illarion face lit up with a wide smile when he saw a figure with snow-white skin passing through the hall's main entrance where the dance party was being held.All eyes once again followed the steps of Illarion Black, amazed by the physical perfection of the leader of the deadliest army in the entire Black Continent. Their breaths were caught as the Black Emperor knelt before a woman."Who is she?" "I heard she's the daughter of Duke Gree, but wasn't she sickly and had a child out of wedlock?" Question after question rolled in hushed tones, too afraid to voice out loud who the woman now offering her hand to the Black Emperor was. One wrong answer, and their heads might roll before they get a chance to find out.After Illarion gently kissed the back of Amanda's hand, he stood tall and led the girl with pink tresses onto the dance floor, accompanied by beautiful music. The
"Max!"Amanda called nervously, startled and looking embarrassed, when she almost got caught kissing Illarion by a young boy and Virginiana."You're too young, ten years old, to hurt me, little boy," Illarion said, slightly annoyed because he could taste Amanda's cherry lips. "What is he doing? Stealing Mom's breath again?"Amanda's face turned crimson while Illarion laughed heartily upon hearing Max's question.The dark-haired man tilted his head, observing the little girl clinging behind Max. Virginiana appeared to steal glances fearfully, observing Illarion Black's figure. "Is it her?" Illarion asked Amanda. "Both of you look so alike.""Oh, yes, she's Virginiana!" Amanda exclaimed, shifting her attention to Max, still feeling embarrassed.Virginiana's face immediately turned pale as Illarion looked at her again, now knowing her name. The little girl bit her lip, trying to hold back her tears. Illarion knelt in front of Max and Virginiana."Allow me to introduce myself as the fath
"What?" exclaimed all the attending guests. They didn't expect the ruler of Anarka to attend this small tea party. Although Duke and Thomas Gree, noblemen and trusted aides of the Black Emperor, were present, it was unusual for someone other than the host's spouse to attend such a small tea gathering unless they had an intimate relationship with the host."Black Emperor is here, are any of these noble ladies capturing the ruler's heart?" Countess Synera asked, full of curiosity.Romantic relationships among the nobility were always intriguing to gossip about, especially when they involved higher-ranking nobles. And now, the Black Emperor, dressed in a dark maroon suit, walked along the path to the party venue, causing the hearts of the noble ladies to beat faster."Forgive my intrusion. I was passing by and decided to visit Duke Gree's residence briefly," Illarion said, trying to come up with an excuse, but the noble guests didn't care. The presence of the handsome man dominated their
Mathilda and Thomas seemed drawn to attention when they saw Kaliya, who couldn't stop smiling while holding hands with Amanda in Duke Gree's garden residence."She has sun-kissed skin spots just like Vivian," Mathilda murmured finally, and Duke Gree nodded with a sad look beside his wife."Are they just noticing this now?" thought Amanda. She felt Kaliya's hand tremble slightly in her grasp.Suddenly, Kaliya screamed loudly, pulling flowers and throwing them toward the Gree couple."Kaliya...," Thomas softly called out, no longer shouting, which caused the brown-eyed child to widen her eyes in confusion."Did I do something w-wrong?" she asked with a trembling voice. Subconsciously, Kaliya knew that if she were called by her name, she would be punished, as that had been happening to her all this time.Amanda immediately crouched down next to the little girl so their eyes were level. "You did nothing wrong, my dear, but it's better if you don't throw anything at other people because it
"Who?""Duke Alantoin Son, Ignatius Alantoin. Fortunately, that playboy was also sentenced to death by the Black Emperor along with his father, who was a loyal supporter of Queen Minerva," Mathilda replied angrily. "He is the flesh and blood of a man who opposes the Black Emperor."Amanda stared sharply at Mathilda. "Did you forget? My father is also a distant relative of Queen Minerva."Mathilda immediately choked. She, who had wanted to make Amanda understand why she treated Kaliya that way, felt attacked instead. Amanda immediately refuted Duchess Gree's statement."She is still a child. She is innocent, especially since she is your daughter's child, Duchess. She is your granddaughter-.""She is the reason my weak daughter died while giving birth! Her father deceived my daughter so that she would give up her virginity. My daughter, who never met anyone outside of wedlock, was left alone by that damn man! Even though my daughter insisted on giving birth to her child, even though her