WMEEM Ch 12

Remaining Wound

Batizo tilted his glass, letting the liquor flow past his lips.

He stood by the office window and looked out into the courtyard garden. Though shrouded in darkness, he instantly recognized the two figures dancing in the vast space.

Celeste and Terkan. The woman he was to marry and his loyal subordinate.

To anyone else, the pairing would have raised questions, yet Batizo merely observed them without a thought.

When Celeste stumbled and fell into his arms, Batizo's features remained entirely impassive. Still, he picked up on the subtle atmosphere lingering between them.

Dancing in the garden, losing balance, catching her, and locking eyes for a lingering moment—it was far from ordinary.

As the two stepped back inside the imperial palace, Batizo shifted his gaze toward the distant snow-capped peaks.

As if such a thing matters.

Even if something unfolded between them, Batizo remained entirely indifferent.

As he drained his glass, Terkan entered the room. He approached him, glanced at the empty glass, and spoke.

[Terkan] "You drink frequently these days."

[Batizo] "I just wet my throat because sleep escapes me. I noticed you dancing with the Princess in the garden. Does she harbor an interest in you?"

[Terkan] "Hardly."

[Batizo] "Then do you harbor an interest in her?"

[Terkan] "Not at all."

When Terkan shut down the notion with flat certainty, Batizo refilled his glass. He swirled the liquid, swallowed it in a single gulp, and let out a soft chuckle.

[Batizo] "I wouldn't mind even if you did, so act as you wish."

[Terkan] "She is to become Empress of the Kellinev. I have no intention of harboring such feelings now or in the future."

[Batizo] "Meaning she is merely a person to occupy the throne, holding no personal relationship with me."

[Terkan] "Likewise, I am merely assisting Her Highness to help her adapt to Kellinev as quickly as possible."

[Batizo] "I suppose so, considering you hold zero interest in women anyway."

Terkan never granted women a second glance. Yet he never treated them with disdain either. His demeanor leaned toward gentle politeness. The issue lay in women misinterpreting his formal courtesy, for he remained a perfect gentleman.

As Terkan tidied the desk cluttered with scattered parchment, he discovered a letter.

[Terkan] "Another letter has arrived. Have you reviewed it?"

It was a marriage proposal disguised as a personal letter from Princess Herodia of Cronak. Because every letter carried identical contents, Batizo saw no necessity to read it.

The message was painfully predictable without looking: love at first sight, eternal devotion, and a promise to serve faithfully as Kellinev's Empress formed the core narrative.

Initially, the Kingdom of Cronak submitted formal marriage proposals through official diplomatic channels. But after facing repeated rejections, the Princess began sending personal letters directly.

After so many rejections, sending formal proposals through royal channels had likely become an embarrassment for her kingdom. Since she lacked a proper tutor to review her correspondence, her writing carried a childish simplicity akin to a young girl's scribbles.

Whether she acted intentionally or out of desperation remained unclear, yet just viewing the Cronak royal crest made Batizo's brow furrow instinctively.

[Batizo] "A relentless nuisance. I rejected her politely multiple times and ignored her completely, yet she displays no pride and never tires."

Batizo spoke in an irritated tone.

[Terkan] "Now that rumors regarding Her Highness' presence are spreading, will she not quiet down?"

[Batizo] "Do you think so?"

Could Herodia, who refused to stop despite dozens of rejected and ignored letters, give up?

[Batizo] "I fear the Princess will believe she still holds a chance until the moment I marry."

Though uttered in jest, he realized it might prove accurate.

[Terkan] "How about this option? Invite her to the upcoming ball introducing Her Highness. Sending invitations to the neighboring kingdom and Calyx would serve as a formal announcement."

[Batizo] "That sounds reasonable. Send the invitation tomorrow. I am curious to see whether the Princess of Cronak actually attends."

A ball that promised to be tedious now offered a flicker of entertainment, sparking his anticipation.

Batizo moved to pour more liquor into his empty glass, but lifted the bottle directly to his lips instead. He gulped down the liquor in large swallows, the sound echoing clearly in Terkan's ears.

Terkan observed him with concern, waiting until he finished before taking the bottle away.

[Terkan] "Did you not claim you were merely wetting your throat?"

[Batizo] "Insomnia has returned."

[Terkan] "Calyx will fall into your hands in a few years, so set your mind at ease."

Claiming Calyx would leave only minor vassal states remaining, fulfilling Batizo's vision of unifying the Western Continent.

[Batizo] "Do you believe she can accomplish it?"

[Terkan] "Did you not place your trust in me rather than Her Highness?"

[Batizo] "Indeed. Without you, I would never have entertained marrying such a woman."

Batizo originally harbored no desire for marriage. He refused to be bound by the institution of marriage, and above all, he despised children. Furthermore, women were readily available whenever needed, leaving him lacking nothing.

Yet to claim Calyx, and following Terkan's advice that constant warfare would shorten his lifespan, he agreed to the union. Marrying Celeste was likewise Terkan's recommendation. Though the path toward marriage proved far from smooth, this level of friction remained manageable.

Overwhelmed by sudden exhaustion, he collapsed onto the sofa. Despite such bone-deep weariness, sleep refused to claim him. An agony incomprehensible to those who had never experienced it.

[Batizo] "Help me, Terkan."

[Terkan] "Have you not been managing well recently?"

[Batizo] "I was enduring it."

[Terkan] "What about the medication? Does it have no effect?"

[Batizo] "I am asking you precisely because the medication fails."

Terkan let out a soft sigh.

[Terkan] "You must not rely excessively upon my power."

[Batizo] "I know. Yet staying awake like this is tormenting me. Besides, I trust you. It has never proven dangerous before, nor will it in the future."

Batizo rubbed his eyes. His eyes burned with heavy fatigue.

[Terkan] "This is not a matter of trusting me or not."

[Batizo] "Stop nagging and help me sleep."

Terkan hesitated briefly, then stepped outside. He returned a moment later with a single teacup in hand. He set the cup down upon the table.

The tea, filled to the brim, sloshed gently before settling into a still surface. A sleeping tea known exclusively to Hilydians. Rather than relying on natural herbs or blends to induce sleep, it was a brew infused with transcendent ability.

Terkan's hand brushed over the teacup.

Upon consuming the tea imbued with mystical power, Batizo would drift into slumber within ten minutes. He swallowed the warm tea and closed his eyes.

[Batizo] "Do you visit the temple often to offer prayers these days?"

[Terkan] "I am occupied, so the priests conduct the prayers."

[Batizo] "I know you are busy, but pay closer attention."

[Terkan] "I shall visit tomorrow."

[Batizo] "Ensure you remind them not to neglect prayers for my late father and myself."

The temple had been closed for years, but Terkan had actively worked to restore it since his arrival. Rather than fulfilling its original purpose of receiving divine oracles and offering prayers for Kellinev, it had transformed into a sanctuary dedicated to praying for Batizo and the late Emperor.

As the tea took effect, his voice slowed gradually.

[Batizo] "I still dream of my father these days."

The late Emperor had despised Batizo. Driven by a priest's prophecy that his son would devour him, fear gradually warped the late Emperor's mind.

He grew tyrannical and paranoid, inflicting violence upon Batizo so relentlessly that wounds never vanished from the boy's body.

As he recalled those scars, Batizo remembered the countless wounds spanning Celeste's small back.

That woman. A woman whose face bore no shadow of despair despite her past. She fascinated him.

[Batizo] "Terkan."

[Terkan] "Yes."

[Batizo] "The Princess' scars... will not leave my mind."

For someone like me who never harbored anyone in memory...

[Terkan] "What do you mean?"

[Batizo] "The scars spanning her back from our first meeting linger continuously in my memory."

Those scars mirrored his own. Even as slumber claimed him, the image flickered vividly before his eyes.

---

Several days passed. Studying grew increasingly engaging and novel with each passing day.

When I attended lessons with tutors who showered me with praise, my confidence swelled, driving me to exceed my daily goals.

As Tarega observed my enthusiasm, she encouraged me, asking if my passion for learning had fully ignited.

During afternoon tea, Elizaveta visited to chat, easing my fatigue.

Though brief, she spent those moments alongside me without a hint of reluctance. I wished to offer her a small token of gratitude, yet I lacked the means to do so.

Terkan accompanied me for dinner every evening. Today was no exception.

[Celeste] "Thanks to you, mealtime never feels lonely. I am always grateful."

[Terkan] "Your Highness. My presence is not intended only for pleasant company..."

He invariably poured cold water over warm moments.

[Celeste] "I know, I know. I understand."

I cut him off quickly.

Terkan joined me for dinner each evening to review my daily studies. I had no complaints, enjoying both his daily reviews and our meals.

Even though he was performing his assigned duty, I was grateful that he extended his workday into mealtime, but Terkan always felt compelled to clarify every detail.

[Terkan] "The tutor instructing you in Eastern languages praised you endlessly."

[Celeste] "The instructor offers generous praise during lessons as well."

[Terkan] "Eastern tongues are notoriously difficult, yet mastering them so swiftly suggests a natural talent for languages."

[Celeste] "Thank you."

[Terkan] "Then why did learning Western languages prove so challenging previously?"

[Celeste] "Perhaps because my focus is far higher now?"

Rather than finding it difficult, my desire to learn had been weaker back then. Surviving Raff's abuse was an immediate, overwhelming ordeal that consumed my thoughts entirely with escaping harm.

Though learning brought joy even then, I could never focus peacefully upon my studies as I could now.

[Terkan] "Is there anything you require?"

[Celeste] "Nothing."

He asked if I required anything every single day. Eating well, dressing well, and sleeping comfortably made me wonder what else I could possibly need, yet an idea struck me immediately.

[Celeste] "Um... Terkan."

[Terkan] "Speak freely."

When he noticed my hesitation, he prompted me.

[Celeste] "In Calyx, surviving day to day formed my sole objective, so I assumed eating and sleeping comfortably left nothing to be desired."

[Terkan] "..."

[Celeste] "Yet... why do my needs increase now that I enjoy the life I longed for? Am I being greedy?"

Until yesterday, my current life felt entirely sufficient. But today had arrived, and suddenly new desires surfaced out of nowhere.

[Terkan] "Tell me what you require."

[Celeste] "...Money."

[Terkan] "Money?"

[Celeste] "It need not be a vast amount. I wish to purchase gifts... and one more thing."

[Terkan] "Another thing?"

He tilted his head slightly.

[Celeste] "I wish to venture outside."

Terkan set down his fork and knife, then wiped his lips with a napkin. He took a sip of water and fixed his gaze on me.

[Terkan] "Every human requires money. Requesting it indicates no greed, but a right you are entitled to enjoy. I shall arrange funds for you tomorrow. I intended to inform you earlier, but establishing a new budget for you following these sudden events required time, causing a delay. I apologize for not informing you sooner."

[Celeste] "No, it is quite all right. Does that mean a budget has been assigned in my name?"

[Terkan] "Yes. Upon His Majesty's approval tomorrow, it will be disbursed immediately."

[Celeste] "Wonderful!"

My excitement proved impossible to conceal.

Along with purchasing a gift for Elizaveta, I would buy one for Tarega as well. Offering a gift to Tarega, who had suffered her entire life for my sake, felt like a dream.

Though my days felt dreamlike already, possessing personal funds exceeded my expectations. I assumed Terkan would grant a modest sum upon request, yet a formal budget had been allocated in my name.

[Terkan] "Venturing outside is permitted, though frequent outings will prove difficult. Furthermore, it may not prove as delightful as you imagine. Should you choose to go, either Eli or I must accompany you."

[Celeste] "Yes, perfect! I don't mind at all."

Since I was unfamiliar with the area, I needed a guide regardless. The prospect of exploring the capital city of Weidia filled me with excitement.

[Terkan] "Where do you wish to go?"

[Celeste] "To the shops."

[Terkan] "You have items to purchase."

[Celeste] "Yes. To buy gifts."

[Terkan] "So excited to purchase gifts. You resemble a child. Then again, you are still quite young."

Hearing someone with a face younger than mine call me a child felt strange, yet I paid it no mind.

[Celeste] "Then may I venture out tomorrow?"

[Terkan] "I shall escort you."

[Celeste] "Yes, let us do that."

I was looking forward to tomorrow already. Anticipating our outing would make the day fly past swiftly.

---

The following day. I stepped outside to coincide with afternoon tea.

Assuming only Terkan would escort me, I found Eli accompanying us as well. Tarega nearly joined, but I insisted she remain behind today, leaving the three of us to venture out.

The carriage seats today proved far more plush than those used during our journey to Kellinev. Though maintaining a black exterior, delicate gold embellishments added an elegant touch.

Prior to departing the imperial palace, Terkan inquired about our destination. When I mentioned a jewelry shop bashfully, he offered to guide me to a renowned establishment.

The central district of the capital presented an entirely different world from the imperial palace. Bustling crowds exuded a vibrant energy absent within palace walls.

Positioned in a prominent location, the jewelry shop attracted steady foot traffic, making our imperial carriage stand out instantly. Recognizing the carriage originating from the imperial palace, passersby halted to observe us.

As Eli opened the door, Terkan stepped down first, prompting respectful bows from the gathering crowd.

Next came my turn. Taking his hand, I descended from the carriage.

Unaware of my identity, the onlookers whispered among themselves before offering awkward bows solely because I accompanied Terkan.

[Terkan] "They react thus because they don't recognize you yet."

[Celeste] "It doesn't bother me."

I recognized that gaining recognition required time.

Tinkle.

Stepping through the jewelry shop door, a warm, genial man rushed forward to greet us.

[Owner] "Ah, Master Terkan! Welcome! It has been far too long!"

The owner chuckled heartily, stealing a glance in my direction.

[Terkan] "This is Her Highness, Princess of Calyx, soon to become Empress of Kellinev. Show proper respect."

At his words, the owner's face flashed with surprise before regaining a smooth, charming smile.

[Owner] "Forgive my ignorance, Your Highness! It is a supreme honor to welcome you to Luiza, home to Kellinev's most exquisite and noble gems!"

Bowing low, the owner guided us inside.

[Owner] "Right this way, please! While tea is prepared, please admire the Garsa diamonds that arrived today. They are known as Fairy Tears."

Fairy Tears.

Furthermore, they originated from Garsa.

Finding the gem's name uncomfortable, I stole a glance at Terkan. With an emotionless expression, he observed a ring featuring the gem known as Fairy Tears.

Though he appeared completely unbothered, I pushed the tray away, feeling too uncomfortable to look.

[Celeste] "Skip the tea. I prefer to view other pieces."

Unfazed, the owner swiftly brought out another collection. As light caught the jewels, vibrant colors danced across the surface.

Having never viewed fine gems so closely in my life, I found it to be the most breathtaking ring in existence. So exquisite I couldn't tear my eyes away.

---

If you enjoy it, feel free to leave a rating or review on Naver Series and Novel Updates.