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
Persephone stuck her tongue out. What he said hit the mark. He was always like this—when it was about himself, it was just a brief, "I'm doing fine."When it was about Persephone, he would ramble on and on.Persephone thought, 'Morpheus has been in Centrolis for a while now. Due to my family's connections, many people try to curry favor with him. But those who know him say he's enigmatic, solemn to the extreme, and maintains an icy demeanor toward everyone.'Theodore told me that Morpheus inevitably attends some events in Centrolis, where there are always flashy socialites and heiresses. Initially, these girls surrounded him, but eventually, not a single one dared to get close.'-During her phone call with Theodore.Persephone joked, "Is Morpheus hitting women?"Theodore said, "Sis, of course, he wouldn't hit women. In his eyes, you're the only woman. Would he hit you?"Persephone blushed and hastily hung up on Theodore.-"Sephy?" Morpheus' voice came through again.Persep
Morpheus' POV:'I didn't respond to her words. I simply said a brief goodnight and hung up.'She doesn't know that I've seen those fireflies before. When I was young, my surroundings were full of them. She also doesn't know how well acquainted I am with the Southeast Aciatic palace, even more than my own home.'She's unaware that in moments of despair on the battlefield when I nearly lost my life, I glimpsed those fireflies. They seemed to fly before my eyes as if leading me away and taking me to hell for judgment by fire.'As someone with hands stained with blood, I'm probably meant for hell.'I smiled, lying in bed. I intended to sleep early, but that night felt incredibly long, haunted by one nightmare after another. I was back in that place where blood flowed like a river…'I saw my father fading away before me, eventually turning into a bright spot. On closer inspection, it was a firefly with its wings spread.'I was startled awake from the dream, hastily grabbed some medic
Morpheus paused, and she quickly released his hand, her face flushed red.Even if he were slow, he understood what that meant for a girl.Morpheus admitted he was in a daze for a moment, but after those few seconds, he became even more certain about missing a certain someone. Unfortunately, that person was in another country, and he couldn't overcome everything to go see her."Mr. Orton, I'm sorry." Rebecca lowered her head."It's fine." He chuckled. "I've troubled you.""I'm not afraid of trouble!""But I am." He lowered his voice. "Trouble is something you only add to the most important person in your life.""Huh?" Rebecca seemed a bit puzzled.Morpheus smiled. It was a phrase Persephone had taught him.-Morpheus' POV:'After that day, I no longer go to see Rebecca. I even tried to stop taking the medicine myself and exhausted myself with intense training, trying to sleep more peacefully. But everything was in vain.'Not only do I have trouble sleeping, but I also suffer