Somehow, there seemed to be a twist at the end of Caelions words.

But you see, the moment I tried to find you and tell you that theres nothing between me and my sister, I felt bad for no reason. Caelion laughed as if he found himself ridiculous, and continued speaking. Ive been thinking about the reason I think I already fell in love with her.

Uriel frowned. What?

Just like what I said. My sister doesnt love me, but I already fell in love with her. To the point that I genuinely want to marry her. Caelions gentle eyes reflected sadness.

It was annoying to see the boy confess so casually.

What do you want to say?

I know that Im just one of my sisters chess pieces. I know that she doesnt completely trust me and thats why Im under her watch. The engagement may be her method to tie us together so I wont stab her in the back. He lowered his eyes slightly and murmured, But one day, Ill win over my sisters heart. I will make her trust me and want me without a political purpose. I want her to marry me purely because of love.

The boy looked up to meet Uriels gaze.

So what? Youll marry Her Highness, so I just need to stay still? Is that what you want to say? Uriel asked, suppressing his anger.

How dare you give such a cheeky order without considering Apollonias will?

No, its actually the opposite, Caelion said with a sad smile on his face. His eyes were exactly the same as Apollonias, but the light emitted from it was different. Until then, my sister is not my lover, so Im telling you to do whatever you want to do. Whether its a confession or a serenade of love. He leaned against the wall as he held the books in his arms. His demeanor seemed to mock Uriel. In the future, when my sister and I become lovers, I dont want to see you make excuses that you cant win against a political marriage.

Uriel bit his lips as he listened to a boy who was two years younger than him. It was hard to tell whether it was ridicule or a piece of sincere advice.

I tell you this because youve saved me countless times. Itll be unfair if you stepped back just because of this engagement. Above all. Caelion paused. I want my sister to be happy with the person she really loves.

Uriel was speechless for a moment. He was sly, but sincere with his intentions. In other words, he was offering Uriel a fair game to win Apollonias heart.

Have you forgotten who I am?

Dont bring up your lowly status. Youre no longer a mere shadow now. And Id love my sister regardless of her status. Caelion looked up and smiled. It seemed like he was imagining a romantic moment. Anyway, this is all I want to say. If my sister accepts my heart later, I wont let you touch a strand of her hair. If you think you can get closer to my sisters heart, try it. Im sure itll be meaningless.

After ending his speech, he hugged the books tightly and disappeared along the hallway. He seemed to have forgotten the other book he dropped, but Uriel did not tell him.

Uriel stood there quietly, thinking.

Apollonia didnt have a lover yet. Her heart may still be directed at him.

He had never thought about being greedy. Until now.

He didnt feel inferior because of their status difference. In the first place, he never fancied the nobles. However, since her eyes were only directed at the throne and her people, he thought that her heart wouldnt wander to anything beyond her interest.

Suddenly, he recalled the image of Apollonia holding onto him. Once again, his heart beat faster.

A lover.

The more he repeated the word in his head, the sweeter it sounded.

Uriel realized once again what he truly wanted. He wanted to give Apollonia happiness. He wanted to see her smile. He would tear and destroy everything that made her cry. But that wasnt everything.

He wanted to be by her side as the only one for her.

Upon realizing his feelings, he slowly picked up the book that Caelion dropped and left.

You need to learn everything that Caelion learns, and if possible, surpass him.

Apollonias voice rang in his head. Now its meaning had become stronger.

Standing in the dark hallway, his red lips gently drew a line.

I will learn everything. And I will surpass Caelion. Ill grow like that, and

Someday, I will be the only one who stands by her side.

***

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