KFBRV Pt 2 Ch 50

[Pope] "I can't trust the Saintess alone. I will contact you after another physician examines my condition. I will reach out through the Marquis."

With those final words, the Pope departed from the carriage. Zion sent him back in his usual secretive manner and recalled the coachman.

He then sat across from Odette, occupying the seat the Pope had just left. He acted as if he had heard nothing.

Arrogant old man. He will inevitably choose to attack Raphael. How dare he take such a high tone with Odette?

Zion knew the outcome. The Pope would eventually use the medicine Odette provided against Raphael.

But if he didn't...… Zion intended to kill Raphael with his own hands.

If all else failed, he could simply brainwash the Pope. The old man didn't have much time left anyway; any side effects from the mental control wouldn't matter for long.

If Odette had to reveal her personal trauma just to play this card, then her goal must succeed at any cost.

Zion gazed out the window. The story of her wounds refused to leave his mind. He couldn't stop thinking about the magnitude of his own sins against her.

I only thought about how to make up for my actions......

The thought now struck him as ridiculous.

How could he make amends?

How could he undo what he had done with his own hands as if it had never happened?

[Odette] "Your Excellency."

She called out to him.

His purple eyes shifted to the opposite seat. The moment he looked at her, his heart plummeted.

[Odette] "Thank you."

While sitting, she bowed her head deeply to him.

For what......?

He stared at her, stunned. She straightened her back and offered a comfortable smile.

[Odette] "I mean it genuinely."

Bitterness filled him. This was the first time he had seen such an expression on her face.

When he had desperately craved her attention, she only responded with sharp contempt and hatred. Yet, simply by dropping his forceful attitude, he received her sincere gratitude.

I could have earned her sincerity with so little.

Joy and emptiness fought within him. Guilt outweighed his happiness. When he considered the treatment she endured as a child, her gratitude for such a small favor felt heartbreaking.

[Zion] "You are welcome."

His chest ached. He turned his gaze back to the window. He lacked the courage to face her.

If she offers such polite thanks for this little......

How could he ever apologize enough for his crimes?

The carriage entered the path toward Canaris Square. Once they turned the corner, they would reach the place where he promised to drop her off.

Suddenly, Odette stood up and sat directly beside him.

[Zion] "......?"

[Odette] "Your Excellency, wait a moment."

Her white palm covered his eyes. Confusion hit him, but he remained still.

Odette couldn't hurt him, no matter what she did. Even if she intended to cause him pain, he would naturally follow her will.

It would be an honor to suffer at her hand.

He only worried that her palm might hurt if she struck him.

While these silly thoughts occupied his mind, her lips touched his. His body turned to stone. His heart thundered against his ribs.

What is......

An overwhelming wave of purification crashed over him. It felt like pure light. A warm, gentle energy filled his body. His unhealed wounds closed instantly. His pollution levels dropped. The pain and heavy sensations vanished into a warm calm.

The scent of spring filled his lungs. It felt like a warm spring rain made of light—cool yet heating, the very definition of life itself.

He clenched his fists. His breathing grew heavy. If he relaxed for even a second, he might pin her to the carriage floor.

After a moment that felt like both an eternity and a heartbeat, Odette pulled away. Her palm dropped from his eyes.

[Odette] "You stepped aside for me last time."

[Zion] "......."

[Odette] "And I promised you a price."

She remained calm, showing none of the heat a person who just shared a kiss should have.

To her, this was merely a purification. Zion was the only one finding ecstasy in it. He was the only one finding meaning.

Even knowing he was pathetic for feeling this way, he felt enchanted. Absolute satisfaction filled him. At the same time, a deep hunger remained.

[Odette] "I will take my leave now."

With her expression perfectly composed, she stepped out of the carriage.

The moment she left, he leaned his back against the seat, his strength gone.

[Zion] "......"

He was utterly dazed.

Was what he just experienced a hallucination? That would be a far more logical explanation in his mind.

---

Zion stepped back after fulfilling his role. He seemed to know exactly how much help Odette wanted.

It makes him feel like a comrade connected by revenge.

Odette had previously used the phrase "only one who understands" just to win his favor, but today, she felt thankful.

It would have been difficult without his help.

However, gratitude was one thing...…

Was it safe to accept his help so easily?

Zion said no deal was necessary, but she couldn't trust that entirely. She had been betrayed by his "kindness" before.

What if he changes his mind again and tries to ruin my revenge?

It is safer to pay the price.

In matters of "business," Zion followed his own rules.

[Odette] "Whether you take purification from me or brainwash me to see my face. Please use your power over me later. For now, just stay out of my way, Your Excellency."

The promise she made on the "Day of Victory" weighed on her mind.

Zion had followed her to the Cathedral, likely because he believed in that promise.

She hated leaving debts behind. That was the reason she covered his eyes and kissed him.

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