"You're the one who should shut up!" Seamus glared daggers at Catherine, his gun pointing at her. "The only mistake I made was letting a wretched person like you into our home!""That's what you deserve!" Catherine sneered. "It just proves how incredibly skilled my disguise technique is. You couldn't see through it!"Seamus' eyes flashed with killing intent.Persephone quickly pulled Catherine closer to her. She didn't want to risk innocent lives. Although she was afraid, she knew this was a showdown between her and Seamus. She had to face it herself."Let the others go." Persephone's voice trembled. "I'll go with you and do whatever you say... You said we'd leave on a bus, right? No problem, I'll go with you."You just want to prove that only you can protect me." She looked at him. "And that you only deserve me if you destroy me, right?"Seamus' gaze darkened, and he involuntarily took a few steps back when he was faced with Persephone's icy stare."Psychopath!" Catherine erupt
"Shut your mouth!"Seamus was hysterical, his eyes bloodshot. He aimed the gun first at Persephone, but the next second, it was directed at Morpheus."Since you love meddling so much, go do it in hell!"Seamus pulled the trigger.Persephone screamed, recklessly lunging toward Morpheus. As the gun went off, Morpheus shielded her with his body..-Persephone opened her eyes, surrounded by soft cream-colored walls, the air carrying her favorite grapefruit scent. She blinked and took a deep breath, her heartbeat calming a bit.A familiar voice sounded beside her. "Sis, had another nightmare?"Persephone came to her senses. Right, it was just a nightmare.In her dream, she was back in the desolate, bloody Flinge. Everything was stained red with blood.The chaotic scenes in her dream were filled with gunfire, sirens, and Morpheus shielding her tightly...Rubbing her temples, she felt a headache and a pinch in her nose.Theodore brought a cup of warm water, gently helping her sit
Pacific Garden sat in the southeast corner of Hamerton Manor, a haven of seclusion and serenity, close to the seaside and the ranch. It was an ideal place for recuperation.Morpheus had chosen this tranquil retreat after returning to Centrolis with Persephone. However, rather than finding solace, he became even more withdrawn than before.Theodore paid him a visit, checking in with the caretakers to ensure everything was in order. After confirming the details, he patted Morpheus on the shoulder.A radiant smile broke through the gloom as Theodore cheerfully called out, "Morpheus!"Turning around, Morpheus offered a polite smile. Yet, Theodore sensed a forced quality in both his speech and smile, mirroring the demeanor of his sister since their return.Theodore had been on a mission, tirelessly organizing various types of entertainment for Morpheus, according to his parents' insistence.Despite Morpheus' willingness to bond, most of the time, he would be found gazing at the distan
Morpheus had been a general with blood on his hands."M-Morpheus?" Theodore noticed his unusual demeanor and cautiously asked, "What's wrong?"Morpheus silently dismounted and walked in another direction.To everyone else, he seemed peculiar—silent, devoid of any presence or expression.Yet, at that very moment, scenes from the battlefield flooded his mind, tearing him apart like invisible hands.-Persephone's mental state improved day by day.During this time, in addition to immersing herself in books in the study, she often joined Morpheus by the seaside to watch sunsets and stars.Morpheus was considerate, always remembering to bring an extra jacket and her favorite hot chocolate.Sometimes, watching the sunset, Persephone felt a sense of dislocation in time. The sunset in Centrolis was different from Flinge's. It was serene here, while Flinge's sunset carried a desolate feeling.She would ask him, "Would you be willing to stay here with me forever?"Every time, Morpheus
"Dad!" Persephone frowned. "Did I say something wrong? What you're worried about is that if there are any rumors about Morpheus and me, it might hinder potential alliances with other families, right?"I want to decide my marriage for myself! I'm not a pawn for alliances, and I refuse to pick someone I don't like among these families just for the Hamertons' benefit!""Quiet!" Lina glared at her. "You're becoming more disrespectful, shouting like this at your parents!"Persephone stopped speaking, but her chest heaved with emotions, and her hands trembled."Protecting the interests of the entire Hamerton family is the responsibility of every Hamerton!" Zuko spoke sternly. "Your marriage is not solely your decision. Even if you choose, it must be with someone from a compatible background!"Besides, our main concern is for you!" Zuko was angry. "Morpheus isn't someone we can entrust you to. You can't be with him!""Why not?" Persephone's voice trembled, and her eyes welled up with te
Persephone stayed silent.Even over the phone, Morpheus knew whether she had been crying or laughing. He was the person who understood her the most in the world."Sephy…" Morpheus' voice was warm. "Shall we meet up in a while?""Yeah," Persephone softly agreed.-The place he had invited her to was a boxing gym.It wasn't officially open yet, but its size and decor were top-notch in Centrolis, more akin to a sports arena.Persephone looked around with curiosity, having already left behind the argument with her parents.Morpheus smiled. "How's this place?" "It's great!"It was much better than the underground boxing ring he used in Flinge!Quite a few staff members were bustling around. Agents were discussing partnerships with boxers.Among the boxers, Persephone recognized many faces. When she checked the profiles hanging on the wall, she realized these were world-class champions."Are you going to be a boxer here?" she asked excitedly.Morpheus looked at her, an indescr
At present, Persephone was his dream.Morpheus turned to look at Persephone, desperately suppressing the urge to hug her tightly, and simply said, "My dream is the same as theirs."He glanced at the boxers. "To become a world champion.""You'll definitely achieve it!" Persephone smiled. "So, you've already made your decision, right?"Morpheus slightly furrowed his brow."What decision do you think I've made?""On the count of three, let's say it together." Persephone held his hand. "One, two, three...""Accept it!"In the spacious training hall, only Persephone's voice echoed.Morpheus didn't say anything, but this answer perfectly matched his feelings."Surprised?" Persephone's smile was sweet."Do you know the condition for me accepting this place?""Do I need to ask?" She appeared nonchalant. "My old man personally stepped in, so it must be a trade using me!"Morpheus was slightly taken aback."I know everything." She lowered her head, her voice becoming softer. She co
Persephone's POV:'Subconsciously, it's been a year since I arrived in Southeast Aciatic.'The life here is quite comfortable. With Grandma Cordelia's ties to Southeast Aciatic royalty, I get to live in the palace, enjoying the same treatment as the princes and princesses here.'I'm pursuing my passion in university, studying the design major I've always wanted. I've always aspired to be an outstanding fireworks designer.'There's no winter in Southeast Aciatic, just year-round sunshine and warmth akin to spring, unlike a certain place... Yet, that place, although warm, felt damp and dark while the air carried a rotten scent. But it holds the most unforgettable person in my life.'Life in Southeast Aciatic is good, but it lacks him…'Throughout this year, Morpheus and I have maintained an unspoken understanding. We'll talk once a week over the phone and exchange emails every other week. We share our lives, discussing our achievements.'He manages that gym exceedingly well.'Sev
"Only Morpheus and Sephy aren't like that. They respect and understand me. Sephy told me once, 'One's appearance doesn't indicate anything. A clean heart is what truly matters!'"Rebecca chuckled dismissively."You're a psychologist, yet you fail to grasp this," Wynn said coldly. "Actually, I pity you. You could have stepped out, yet you insist on dwelling on the trivialities."Morpheus has psychological barriers, a consequence of returning from the battlefield. No one has cured his PTSD except Sephy... It shows that a true psychologist is never just a title."What truly heals everything is love!"-One particular morning a year later, sunlight streamed through sheer cream curtains onto the floor.Persephone was sound asleep when she suddenly felt something pressing down on her... Then, Morpheus' strong arms wrapped around her slender waist. She drowsily opened her eyes to find him sealing her lips with heated kisses.Over the year, his kissing skills had improved, and Persepho
With Morpheus' involvement, the police didn't slack off and quickly found Rebecca.That day, Rebecca was preparing to escape from a small port. The boat she had found was an illegally operating one.As she was about to board, piercing sirens sounded nearby.The boat owner, enraged upon hearing the sirens, grabbed Rebecca by her hair and pushed her into the water.Rebecca screamed for help, but he roared, "I didn't expect you to be sent by the cops!""I'm not..." Rebecca choked on water. "Sir, let's leave now. Your boat is fast. As long as we reach the open sea, no one will catch you!""Dream on!" The boat owner wanted to strangle her. "Do you not understand? These sirens are from the royal guards! Who did you bitch provoke?"Rebecca was dumbfounded. Being a foreigner, she naturally didn't understand the local affairs in the Southeast Aciatic region.The police and royal guards quickly caught up, armed, and surrounded them.Rebecca turned pale and trembled all over, her gaze gr
"You had no choice on the battlefield."Persephone looked at him with her crystal eyes. There was a magical power in them. Even if a devil was tearing him apart, her eyes would always bring him back to light.She smiled and caressed his cheek. "Though you killed your father, you saved the country.""Do you really… think so?"She nodded. "You're not at fault. He was the one who made a mistake. You were just fulfilling your job as a general to protect the country."But I also understand that he's your father who brought you up, after all. You guys must have had happy days before that happened, right?"Morpheus held his head low in silence."You did well as the protector of the country," she said softly. "But as a son, you can secretly pay homage to him."Persephone held his hand. "Reconcile with your father, Morpheus. You'll also reconcile with yourself by doing that, okay?"He was stunned for a long time and felt a lump in his throat.-Morpheus stayed with Persephone in the
"No way!" Christopher smirked, glancing at Morpheus. "To him, you're his only princess! I just got lucky for the princess carry, thanks to you!""Yeah, at least you're self-aware!" Persephone nodded, rubbing her chin."We've known each other for so long! What kind of person do you think I am?" Christopher laughed. "I can be a bit shameless at times, but..."But upon learning that the one she loved was the unbeatable god of war, he willingly stepped back, offering his blessings with a smile."Okay, okay. You two stop crowding around me!" Christopher waved his hand. "Sephy needs more rest, and I'd like to get some more sleep, too! Once we heal, let's go out and have some fun together!""You're still thinking about fun?" Morpheus' deep voice intervened with a wry smile. "With the factory explosion incident, the royal family is furious and will thoroughly investigate it. Many people will probably be coming to talk to you both in the next few days. After all, you two are the most direc
"Let's get out first!""Hey, wait..." Persephone pointed to the other side.In moments of life and death, it wasn't appropriate to laugh, but Morpheus still chuckled. The young Prince Christopher was sprawled on the floor in a very ridiculous pose, and they almost forgot about him!"Don't worry," Morpheus whispered. "I won't let anything happen to him."He had Persephone cling to his back and then carried Christopher.Christopher was a tall fellow, so it took some effort to carry them both to a safe place.Fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars rushed in. Their sirens pierced the sky, startling a flock of birds.The fire was soon extinguished, and Persephone and Christopher received timely treatment. Luckily, their burns weren't too severe, and even more fortunately, their faces were unharmed.When Christopher woke up, he felt bandages wrapped around his head, and his skin had a burning sensation. His heart sank, and he was almost on the verge of tears."Tell me the truth! A
There was fire everywhere. Flames rushed toward Persephone like menacing dragons. Her consciousness grew increasingly blurred, but the searing pain coursing through her body became clearer. She struggled to get up, the agony almost unbearable.Despite several attempts, it was futile...Something was pinning her feet down, and stones kept falling on her. She couldn't even muster a shout.Many images flashed through her mind in that fleeting moment, each frame featuring Morpheus' face…She remembered the times they had spent together in Flinge, how he had initially distanced himself from her, then later had exerted every effort to protect her. She recalled how he would gently ruffle her hair and call her "silly goose"..."Morpheus, I'm afraid I might have to go first..."The fire grew fiercer, explosions resonated continuously, and she could no longer hold on.Christopher, who was nearby, wasn't any better.Amidst the roaring flames, he couldn't see anything clearly, only pulling
"No need, you can go back first." Morpheus glanced at him. "I'll wait here for her a little longer.""Prince Christopher wouldn't do anything to Ms. Hamerton...""Alfred, what are you thinking?" Morpheus couldn't help but chuckle. "I know exactly what Christopher is like, but I just want to wait here for Sephy. Christopher mentioned that she'd specifically designed these fireworks for me. Hah! I'm the useless one. I don't even dare to go inside and take a look.""Sir, don't say that.""If I wait here, will it count as accompanying her in her efforts?"Alfred nodded.Morpheus smiled and sent Alfred back. He continued waiting under the tree.The air in Southeast Aciatic was hot and humid. The shade of the banyan tree offered some relief, but it couldn't completely dispel the oppressive heat.Morpheus took a deep breath, about to move elsewhere, when he glimpsed a suspicious figure swiftly darting through the factory's side gate.The security at the side gate was lax, making it e
Christopher struggled to swallow the bite of the sandwich in his mouth for what seemed like ages. He gazed at Persephone, his mind wandering back…He didn't just know Morpheus. He had been close since childhood to the children of the two prominent military families in Southeast Aciatic.Compared to the Harrises, he preferred visiting the Ortons, especially when he got to spend time with Morpheus. He considered Morpheus a friend, a brother even, having engaged in countless mischief together, much to their parents' dismay.In his memory, Morpheus was someone who smiled a lot, radiating warmth and brightness like the Southeast Aciatic sun when he did.However, from the moment Kaiden betrayed the country, Morpheus never smiled again, gradually growing distant from Christopher as well.It wasn't until that evening at the gates of the palace that Christopher felt like it had been a lifetime."I... I don't know him." Christopher forced a smile. "Where would I have met your boyfriend!"
Morpheus wasn't just an ordinary person!Christopher wholeheartedly accepted his defeat to Morpheus."Then... I'd like to invite you to come over to my place for a while as a friend. That's fine, right?"-A few days later, Persephone finally ran into Christopher, who had been missing in action for days, in the classroom."Hey, you finally showed up!" She dashed over, plopping down in the seat beside him and handing him breakfast. "You haven't eaten, right? Let's eat together!"Usually, Christopher would readily accept, but he waved his hands now. "No, no, no!""What's wrong?" Persephone widened her eyes. "This breakfast isn't poisoned!"Christopher awkwardly smiled. "You have a boyfriend, so maybe... we should keep some distance."Persephone burst into laughter. Then she remarked, "Strange... Morpheus was right!""Uh, what?""My boyfriend!" She chuckled. "He made this breakfast. I asked if he could also make a portion for you, and he said sure, just worried you wouldn't tak