“I will become your greatest protector and the most reliable shield. In times of war, I will stand at the forefront, just as I have until now, and for those who cannot speak, I will offer my clothes. To the hungry, I will even share the food in my hands.”
Edric’s resolute words spread across the vast space. His words were a truth without a single falsehood, not adorned in any way.
Edric was like a solid island firmly positioned on a shaking sea. No matter what wind blew or what waves crashed, he remained an unyielding and massive rock island, impervious to collapse or erosion.
And, of course, it was only natural for birds to gather around him.
“You must watch whether I walk the right path of a king. If I deviate from the path, you, who should inform me of that, are none other than yourselves.”
“So, you must lead this country with me. Can you do that?”
“Yes!”
The thunderous response burst out.
“Long live King Edric Artigrado! Long live King Edric Artigrado!”
The cheers calling his name grew louder. Laughter filled everyone’s faces. Everyone dreamed of a happy future with one heart, and Edric was the one to fulfill it.
My heart swelled up as well.
Edric turned toward where I was. Amidst the thunderous cheers, we looked at each other for a long time.
I smiled broadly, and Edric also had a smile so similar to mine.
If this were a novel, surely right now, at this moment, above our heads, the ending message would appear: “The two became king and queen and lived happily ever after.” And then, the two standing side by side, the picture would slowly blur. It would be a familiar but beautiful and perfect ending.
But this place was no longer just a novel to me, so it continued beyond that.
The war was terrible and difficult, but the recovery afterward was just as troublesome and challenging.
We treated the wounded, comforted those who lost their families, rebuilt destroyed houses, and it took a solid two months to restore the ruined railway and roads.
Nevertheless, thanks to the help of many people, Delord quickly forgot the pain of the war.
After dealing with the major issues, we returned to the Artigrado territory. It was to put effort into restoring the royal palace and the Artigrado territory. But upon arriving and seeing Artigrado again, it looked astonishing.
People were living there. Was that all? The traces of the fire had disappeared completely, and new houses were being built here and there.
After the war ended, Edric declared that he would provide land for free to those who lost their homes. As a result, people flocked to the ruined villages. Not only could they own land for free, but it was in Artigrado, which had the royal palace, so there was no reason to refuse.
There was no need to restore a separate city. Those who claimed the land quickly built houses, and restaurants where they could eat and drink sprang up. As people gathered, merchants also began to gather.
With people gathering, children gathered, and a school was established.
Just barely three months after the war, a new chapter in the history of the Artigrado territory was unfolding. They and their descendants would establish roots in the Artigrado territory and be together for a long time.
One of my favorite things these days was going outside the palace to stroll around the village.
It was enjoyable to witness Artigrado changing day by day like a living organism with strong vitality.
“Cecilia!”
While happily walking today, a familiar voice came from behind.
Turning around, Rodrigo was running from afar. Wearing a brown hat, he had a bag with a book tucked at his side.
“On your way back from school?”
“Yes! I got invited to a friend’s house to play!”
As I extended my arms, Rodrigo came and hugged me tightly.
“Wow, you even carry a bag like a real kid. Was studying fun today?”
“No! It was really boring!”
Rodrigo replied with a sunny smile. Yes, studying is boring.
Studying might be boring or not, but it’s good to have lots of friends.
“I have something to show you, Cecilia.”
“What is it?”
Rodrigo sat down right on the dirt floor, took out a crumpled bundle of paper from his bag, and then extended one of them somewhat hesitantly.
When I asked, Rodrigo’s face blushed.
“I’m going to send this to Heron. How is it?”
Oh, they were still exchanging letters.
“You…”
“Yeah, is it strange? Actually, Heron is much prettier, but I can’t draw well yet… Should I just not send it?”
I was lost for words.
“No, send it. And be sure to write what you just said in the letter. Got it?”
“Yes! And this one is for Cecilia.”
Rodrigo pulled out another piece of work from the bundle of paper.
I burst into laughter.
It was evident that it was less meticulously done than when drawing Heron, but it depicted me quite beautifully, with sparkling eyes and a small, pointed nose.
“Am I really this pretty?”
“Well, Cecilia is the most beautiful in the world.”
“More than Heron?”
“Huh? Um… Yeah.”
The Male lead Always Seduces Her with His Beauty (Matriarchy)
Xin Jiao Zhou is the leader of the world’s premier sect. She has just experienced betrayal from all sides, was poisoned in an assassination attempt, and faced death squad attacks while the poison was taking effect. After finally clearing out the scum from her sect, she was drugged again while trying to detoxify.
After waking up from a night of unconsciousness, she gained a “beautiful and kind-hearted” husband.
Xin Jiao Zhou: “???”
He fell ill.
She came to see him, bringing breakfast.
As she put down the breakfast and was about to leave, his hand slipped while holding the spoon. “Clank!”
She turned around upon hearing the noise.
He looked up at her, his eyebrows drooping: “My hand… has no strength.”
“Shall I… feed you?” she asked tentatively.
He opened his mouth cheerfully: “Ah—”
Thinking she was drowning, he jumped in without hesitation to save her, but nearly drowned himself. In the end, it was she who swam over to rescue him, giving him air underwater.
After emerging from the water, his ear tips turned red. He lightly brushed his cheek, tucking his sideburns behind his ear, revealing delicate, pink-tinged ear tips. He lowered his gaze, too embarrassed to look at her.
Xin Jiao Zhou: He’s truly beautiful, kind-hearted, and adorable.
A certain someone when disciplining subordinates behind the scenes: “If they don’t obey, just kill them.”
What’s that? She might already have someone she cares about in her heart? A certain someone: Find out who it is, kill them, and then there won’t be anyone.
What? She met a man by the riverside? What? That man even hurt her? A certain someone: Whichever hand hurt her, chop off his entire arm.
Love at first sight without realizing it, gradually falling in love, slowly getting closer…
Family and national grudges, schemes and desires, good and evil, crime and punishment, she and he face the future together, seeking justice with passion!
A naturally dark female lead who could accidentally destroy the world but is actually an honest person VS a weak, pitiful, and helpless but skilled fighter, beautiful white-cut black male lead
My heart is not of stone, how steadfast is your love? — Tao Yuanming “Imitating the Ancients (No. 3)”
— Reading Guide —
Cold female lead & dramatic black lotus with hidden yandere traits male lead
