Chapter 15 : Why did you meet me, why do you only hurt me (5)

If put nicely, it was a political marriage.

To speak plainly, a woman was sold to the family in exchange for money.

That was the position of my mother in the Frost Duchy.

Although she was formally a concubine, no one in the Frost Duchy ever treated her as such.

A shabby attic, too small and pitiful to be called a noble’s room, was where my mother and I, Theodore, lived.

The mice and dust in the attic became my friends.

I had no choice but to accept any unfair treatment.

At that time, I was weak and instead of fighting against injustice, I chose to cry and hide behind my mother.

However, the moment when I, the crybaby and coward, suddenly changed was when my younger sibling was born.

The baby, who I saw for the first time in my life, was so small and fragile, it was hard to believe it was alive.

I couldn’t help but stare, utterly mesmerized, at the small, fragile breath of life squirming in my arms.

It seemed so weak, like it could disappear at any moment.

“This is your sister, Lana.”

“Lana…”

“Yes, please protect her. You are her only brother.”

Maybe it was because of the unhygienic conditions in the attic, or perhaps due to all the accumulated resentment.

My mother passed away a month after giving birth to Lana.

It would be a lie to say I didn’t feel any resentment.

Why could others do it, but not us?

I remember pestering my mother with that question.

But one thing I can say for sure is that I never once denied my mother.

It was only then that the weak boy realized.

To protect his family.

He had to know what he needed to do.

For Theodore, Lana became the promise left by his deceased mother, and furthermore, the only reason for his existence.

Yet, in the end, Theodore failed to protect Lana.

Kind and thoughtful, Lana chose to sacrifice herself for the family and for her only brother.

Theodore could not stop her from making that sacrifice.

He regretted it every single day for the past ten years. If only I had properly guarded the door at that time.

Or if I had told my subordinates correctly.

Maybe you wouldn’t have died.

No, all of that is just an excuse.

In the end, it was because I was weak.

I couldn’t protect you.

His golden eyes, which had briefly lost their will, began to burn again.

He hadn’t fully recovered from the shock. At first, it felt as if his heart had stopped.

But Theodore reminded himself of his purpose.

Why had he given up everything and come to the Empire? Wasn’t it simply to confirm his sister’s life or death?

I wasn’t asking for anything else.

If she was truly alive.

Just once would be enough, I just wanted to see her.

With that thought in mind, he came all the way here.

And then, a miracle unfolded before his eyes. No exaggeration—it could only be described as a miracle. The sister he thought had died ten years ago had appeared alive.

What do I want to do now?

Why did I come here?

Finally, Theodore was able to answer that question.

‘I will dedicate the rest of my life to you.’

Even if you deny me or resent me, as your only family, I will make sure you never suffer that pain again, even if it costs my life.

The flame of determination, once extinguished, began to burn brightly again.

He swore never to lose something precious again. Standing on his shattered heart, he clenched his teeth and rose.

Pushing through despair, moving forward—the sight of him was something anyone would admire.

Yet, Emperor Rayfen, watching from the front, had a mocking smile.

“Are you trying to play word games with me?”

Whatever he had given up to come here, or however much he had steeled his will, what did that have to do with me?

The Emperor of the Empire, Rayfen, did not care about others’ circumstances.

Yes, that’s why he was called the Iron-blooded Emperor.

The man who ascended the throne after purging not only his parents but also every single one of his siblings.

‘In the end, you couldn’t protect her.

Isn’t she the jewel you discarded? And now you want her back? Don’t make me laugh. Do you think I’ll allow such nonsense?’

I will never allow it.

Even if God appeared and gave permission, I would not allow it.

He blocked Theodore’s iron-forged will.

Like a demon king from a fairy tale.

Perhaps his subconscious, close to instinct, understood the role he had to play in this world.

But his direction was entirely different.

Like a wall of steel protecting Wolfgang, Rayfen held his ground.

Yet, even in front of the emperor, Theodore did not back down. Wolfgang, watching, realized something.

‘I have to intervene.’

If Wolfgang’s stance could be summed up, it was like that of a diligent civil servant.

He knew his duties well and fulfilled them, but beyond that, he didn’t meddle unnecessarily.

From her perspective, leaving this to the Emperor Rayfen, who outranked her, was the right thing to do.

But stepping in to handle this herself?

That would be an overreach from her point of view.

But standing idle would result in the royal delegation being expelled, and that was a problem for her.

‘I finally found a clue about Lana Frost. I can’t let it slip away like this.’

For nearly a month and a half, Wolfgang had scoured for information, but not a single shred about Lana Frost could be found.

It wasn’t difficult for Wolfgang, who wasn’t a fool, to deduce that someone had intervened.

The existence of Theodore von Frost was nothing short of salvation sent from the heavens.

Naturally, she couldn’t just let him go in vain.

But stepping in would be overstepping her bounds. After much thought and internal conflict, Wolfgang made a decision.

‘I really don’t want to do this, but there’s no other choice.’

Surprisingly, there was a way to resolve this situation.

A method only she could use. Yet, even so, she was extremely reluctant to use it.

It wasn’t just a matter of pride; it was a matter that involved her very soul.

However, weighing the momentary embarrassment against the value of the information, the scales tipped in favor of the latter.

With a deep sigh, she finally put the plan into action.

She cautiously tugged at Rayfen’s sleeve with her thumb and forefinger.

It was a gesture far too weak for someone like her.

Nonetheless, Rayfen understood the signal like a ghost.

As he slightly turned his head, his eerie red eyes locked onto Wolfgang.

Just from his gaze, she knew the answer.

I am here as the Emperor.

Yes, I know. I know that painfully well.

Discerning between public and private matters was one of her strengths.

However, at least this time, she had to cross that line.

“Let them in.”

“Sir Leonhardt, I…”

“Please, Ray.”

The emperor’s dignified voice quickly crawled back into his throat.

His crimson eyes, once brimming with eerie energy, were now mixed with surprise and confusion.

– Just this once.

She vowed never to compromise again.

It was harsh for her.

But it was a decision made as the Emperor of the Empire.

Theodore von Frost was the only family left to Lana Frost. Of course, by blood, there were others like her father and siblings.

But that was only a matter of blood.

The only one who genuinely regarded her as family was Theodore von Frost.

And that’s why I’m afraid.

That you might not return as Wolfgang Leonhardt but as Lana Frost.

As the Emperor ruling over the Empire, I have the justification to block the Empire’s forces.

But if I speak from my heart, it’s because I don’t want to lose you to them.

I need you.

If you disappear,

I fear I will go back to that time.

That terrifies me.

He agonized over it until the end.

His reason, as the emperor, gave a clear answer: no. But can anyone live life guided solely by cold reason?

“I grant your request.”

In the end, he couldn’t refuse Wolfgang’s plea.

He might have been able to for someone else, but not for her—the one who had once extended a warm hand to him when he was isolated.

In the end, she had succeeded in saving the kingdom’s delegation from the emperor.

But if it could be resolved this easily, why had she agonized so much until the very last moment?

The answer was simple.

‘Ugh!! My hands and feet are curling in embarrassment!!’

Calling each other by pet names as men—it’s truly revolting!

Well, of course, I am a woman now.

But it’s a matter of the soul.

It’s the final line I can’t cross.

Today, Wolfgang’s identity crisis deepened once again.