MCFATTKM

133

Seeing Perseus with a shocked expression on his face, felt somewhat refreshing. However, it wasn't all pleasant feelings.

Every corner of her chest ached.

Lelia realized that the more she tried to hurt Emperor Perseus, the more she hurt herself.

Still, that wouldn't stop Lelia.

"The former Emperor Lydios was always afraid that Prince Leo would be assassinated. So he needed a doll to send instead. That's how I was chosen."

"...Doesn't make sense... ."

"Even though Prince Leo came from time to time and kicked and bullied me, I was just thankful for getting something to eat. If I could eat normal food, what would I be afraid of?"

Lelia poured out her past scars without hesitation.

Emperor Perseus had a pained expression, as if an arrow had pierced his heart.

She seemed to have realized something, and said.

"Now that I think about it... In a way, former Emperor Lydios was my lifesaver. If it weren't for him, I would have starved to death in this vast castle."

"...Ahhh..."

Emperor Perseus sat down in his seat. He bent over and grabbed his chest.

He exhaled painfully, as if he couldn't breathe properly.

His eyes were red as if they were about to shed blood. The dripping tears were like drops of blood.

"At the time, I never dreamed it would hold me back."

"...."

"Because the former Emperor Lydios cast a spell on me."

"Ahhh..."

"Still, now I have solved the spell... I also met friends, who are the most precious people in my life."

"...Wha-"

"Emperor Lydios was like a benefactor to me. I was the happiest in my life when I was in the neutral zone as Prince Leo."

Emperor Perseus was now lying on the floor and began to cry.

The emperor of an empire was on his knees, bowing his head and weeping bitterly.

"So when I met His Majesty... I got down on my knees and prayed. I hate being hungry, because I am afraid of starving. It's too terrible to have to eat dirt again... It was for this reason that I ran away from the Imperial castle."

"Stop, stop...!!!"

"So this place is like hell for me. Do you still want me to stay here?"

Perseus sobbed with a roaring sound. It was terrifying to see him pounding and clenching his chest.

Tears eventually flowed down Lelia's eyes.

She thought everything would be okay.

She spit it all out of her mouth... But it was like slashing her own body.

Rather, she was the one who was hurt.

Lelia looked at the Emperor Perseus like he was her bleeding heart.

***

Princess Julianna realized too late that the rumors she had heard were misunderstandings.

It was too late for her to regret her actions.

When she went to the emperor to belatedly make excuses for her behaviour...

"Princess Lelia came first?"