Alicia slowly closed her eyes, then opened them again.
Each time her thick eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings, her ash-grey eyes flickered in and out of view.
It felt like she’d slept deeply, and yet her body remained heavy.
‘As expected, it really was just a dream.’
Lying in bed, Alicia reached out to the empty space beside her.
The bed sheets were wrinkled, but there was no warmth left.
That, somehow, made her feel even more forlorn.
The dream had been so vivid, it made her wonder if Cabelenus had actually come to her in the night.
She stared at the empty spot for a long moment before letting out a deep sigh.
Her body ached, but more than that, her eyes were sore — probably because she’d cried herself to sleep.
‘Now that I dreamed of him, I miss him even more.’
She pressed her swollen eyes with the palms of her hands.
It had been such a sweet dream, which only made the emptiness feel more hollow.
The sharper the gap between dream and reality, the more painfully she felt Cabelenus’s absence.
"Still not awake yet?"
At the sound of the familiar voice behind her, Alicia’s eyes flew wide open.
She blinked slowly, then quickly sat up.
It wasn’t a hallucination.
It was Cabelenus.
"Why... Your Highness...?"
"I wanted to have a meal together since it's been a while."
“...”
"Do you not want to?”
Cabelenus tilted his head slightly.
“N-no. Of course not!”
Alicia waved her hands in the air in a panic.
She was so flustered that she nearly toppled over.
"Careful."
“Y-yes.”
Blushing furiously, Alicia bit her lower lip.
She hadn’t gotten hurt — she was still on the bed, after all — but being watched by him made her feel self-conscious for no reason.
"You should’ve let me know you were here…"
"You were sleeping so soundly, I couldn't bring myself to."
“...”
Had he been watching her sleep this whole time?
Alicia pressed her burning cheeks with both hands, but then her eyes shifted to what Cabelenus was wearing.
He wasn’t in his usual formal uniform — his attire was light and casual.
In that instant, a faint crease formed between Alicia’s otherwise smooth brows.
"...Did you… come early this morning?"
"Work ran late. I came as soon as I could, but by then, it was already that hour."
"Th-then..."
"You looked like you were sleeping so peacefully, so I didn’t want to wake you."
Was it really just a dream, then?
Alicia’s gaze faltered.
Her eyes trembled and darted toward him in sidelong glances.
But with that unreadable expression on his face, it was impossible to guess what he was thinking.
"Why? Do you have something to say?"
"Did I… say anything strange yesterday?"
Alicia’s voice shook slightly.
She remembered the dream vividly — how she had let her heart spill freely, hiding behind the excuse that it was all just a dream.
"Nothing I’d call a mistake."
"R-really...?"
Her tightly pressed lips loosened in relief.
Cabelenus rested his chin on his hand, watching her transparent expressions shift.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, half-concealed behind his fingers.
“However, it seems we need to discuss our deal a little more."
"Pardon?"
Her barely relaxed face tensed up again.
Cabelenus, amused by how quickly her expression flipped, feigned innocence as he continued.
"For the record, I’m a man of considerable worth. It’d be a problem if you didn’t pay me properly."
Alicia’s lashes fluttered in alarm.
She didn’t notice that the smile behind Cabelenus’s hand had deepened.
"W-what do you mean by that...?"
"You said you wanted to have me."
His eyes curved playfully.
He never thought of himself as someone prone to childish games, but seeing her expression now, he couldn’t help but want to tease her.
"I didn’t expect you to be the type to want something like that."
"...Please don’t tease me."
Alicia’s shoulders sagged.
Cabelenus stood from his chair and began walking toward her — his pace slow and unhurried, like a well-fed beast with nothing to chase.
"So, how much are you going to offer?"
"…What would I have to give to buy you?"
Of course, that confident composure shattered the moment she looked up at him with those clear, innocent eyes.
Cabelenus stopped in his tracks and looked down at her.
She always surprised him — always stepped outside the lines of what he expected.
He let out a short breath.
He had thought he would be satisfied just seeing life return to her eyes, but no.
The desire swirling in her gaze was far stronger than he had imagined.
"Those eyes."
Cabelenus took a step closer.
"I want you to keep looking at me with those eyes."
"Is that all?"
"I want to hear you chatter endlessly about stories with those lips."
One step.
"...And?"
"I want to hold your small frame."
Another step.
"I want to kiss that soft skin of yours."
And then, another step.
With only a short distance left, Alicia swallowed reflexively.
When had it started?
The well-fed beast had somehow come to wear the eyes of a starving one.
"I have nothing to give you, Your Highness."
"I know."
"Then why would you keep me by Your Highness’s side? You’ll gain nothing from it."
"Because it’s already too late to care about that."
He stopped walking.
Alicia let out a long, trembling breath.
"You might regret this."
"That’s why I’m doing something so out of character now."
So that he wouldn’t regret it.
Cabelenus reached out and gently cupped Alicia’s face.
A flush of confusion rose on her cheeks.
Cabelenus was kneeling before her.
"P-please, get up!"
"This way, our eyes are almost aligned.”
Unlike Alicia, who was flustered, Cabelenus calmly met her gaze.
Alicia could only pout her lips helplessly, wearing a distressed expression.
"Why do you look like that?"
"Your Highness, you’re not supposed to be like this."
"That’s right. I’m someone who shouldn’t be like this. Except for you."
“...”
"Because you’ll become someone who exists for me without needing any explanation or meaning."
Alicia’s lips moved nervously, then she clenched her fists.
Her heart raced as if trying to run away, but she didn’t want to ignore his gaze.
She was greedy — and wanted to be greedy.
"...Right now, I have nothing to pay the price with. But I won’t be like this in the future."
With trembling hands, Alicia reached out and touched Cabelenus’s face.
Though his eyes burned with the hunger of a beast, as if he might bite her neck, Cabelenus quietly accepted her touch.
"I’ll stay by Your Highness’s side. I’ll keep standing beside you and pay the price I can’t afford right now."
"You’d risk your future to buy me?"
"I will become a Grand Duchess worthy of Your Highness."
Despite curling herself up tightly, she didn’t hold back a single word.
Cabelenus chuckled softly, watching the contradictory mix of anxiety and confidence on her face.
"If you want to become someone worthy to stand by my side, you’ll have to work hard."
"I can do it."
"You’re confident?"
"You’re like that, too, Your Highness."
Alicia’s fingertips twitched.
The cheek she touched felt unexpectedly soft, unlike the muscular strength of his body, and just that sensation made her heart flutter.
"What do you mean by that?"
"You’re always confident and strong, so wouldn’t it suit the one standing beside you to be the same?"
A flicker of emotion passed through Alicia’s eyes.
Now she felt she was finally understanding what she truly wanted.
To be someone who wouldn’t feel insignificant standing next to Cabelenus.
Not someone protected by him, but someone who could walk shoulder to shoulder with him.
That was the person she wanted to become.
"You don’t have to be strong."
"I will be strong."
Alicia shook her head.
Her movement was delicate but filled with firm resolve.
The warmth within her clenched fists was so comforting that she never wanted to let go.
After a brief hesitation, she bowed her head carefully.
"I’ll give you my future. In return, please give me Your Highness."
Her lips brushed against Cabelenus’s forehead.
Just that small gesture made her face flush hot, but she didn’t pull away.
"I thought you had no greed. I see now that’s not true."
"Does that mean you don’t like it?"
"No."
The final word was barely audible as his lips came rushing close.
A large hand hastily tangled itself in Alicia's hair.
Alicia willingly held her breath and wrapped her arms around the firm neck.
Their hot breaths mingled as they passed between parted lips.
・・・・・
"It seems the food doesn’t suit your taste."
Cabelenus’s eyes narrowed as he watched Alicia hesitate with her fork.
Alicia gave an awkward smile and poked at a helpless piece of lettuce with her fork.
“No, it’s not that... I’ve just been feeling a bit off lately.”
“I should call a physician then.”
Cabelenus’s gaze naturally shifted toward Alicia’s stomach.
Although he had been informed of the possibility, just seeing her flat belly made it hard to be sure there was anything inside her.
“No, it’s not that bad. I guess eating alone just dampened my appetite...”
Did that sound like she was whining?
Alicia glanced sideways at Cabelenus.
His brows were slightly furrowed.
“Once I finish what I’m working on, we’ll eat together again.”
“Please don’t push yourself. I’m fine eating alone now — I’ve gotten used to it.”
"More than that, it’s because I’ll regret it.”
"Pardon?"
Alicia’s eyes widened.
"If you become indifferent to my absence, then I’m the one left with the regret."
Cabelenus’s eyes curved into a faint smile.
Alicia blushed, staring at him.
Her grip tightened on the fork, but she didn’t break eye contact.
“…I couldn’t possibly be indifferent.”
"Is that so?"
His smile was teasing, but Alicia liked it.
She steadied herself and nodded once more.
“Yes. I much prefer eating with you, Your Highness.”
“That’s good to hear, but still, make sure you eat properly.”
“Do you eat well, Your Highness?”
“Forget about me, you’re the one who needs to eat well.”
‘You’re still so thin, after all.’
Cabelenus’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Even though he made sure Alicia ate well, she still seemed so fragile, as if she might break with the slightest touch.
“This is the first year I’ve actually been looking forward to the hunting season.”
"Hunting season?"
“Every year, the last month of Schwarhan is hunting season. During that time, monsters become especially rampant, causing all kinds of serious damage.”
"Aren’t they dangerous?"
Alicia’s brow furrowed.
Those creatures were unlike ordinary animals — strange and ominous beings.
Though she’d never seen one, the books described monsters like that, emphasising their danger and including eerie illustrations.
“They’re dangerous, but we can’t just ignore them. If left unchecked, the territory would be destroyed. Someone has to do it eventually.”
“Even so, I hope you won’t do anything dangerous.”
Alicia murmured cautiously.
"Are you worried about me?"
"Yes."
Alicia nodded immediately.
She knew Cabelenus was strong, but still, her heart felt uneasy.
No matter how strong he was, Cabelenus was still human.
And humans were destined to die.
What Alicia feared most was losing someone.
Especially if that someone was the man right in front of her.
“No need to worry. I’ll be the one to take down the biggest Balman again this year.”
“The biggest Balman?”
She had never heard of that name before.
Alicia tilted her head in confusion.
“It’s the largest and most ferocious monster among those living in Schwarhan.”
‘At the same time, it’s also used as the finest health tonic.’
Cabelenus nodded lightly, leaving the rest unsaid.
Sometimes, it was better not to know certain truths.
"If that’s the case, it’s really dangerous."
“I’m used to it since it’s something I do every year. Besides, this year I have even more reason.”
Though grotesque in appearance, the Balman’s heart was a popular ingredient for health tonics in the capital.
Every hunting season, Zerpheus would pester his brothers for days until the heart was sent to the capital.
But starting this year, no Balman hearts would be delivered to the capital.
Though Cabelenus could already hear Zerpheus's protests, he didn’t mind at all.
The health tonic was more necessary for the frail Alicia than for his strong half-brother.
“If you must, I can’t stop you, but I hope Your Highness won’t get hurt.”
“If you’re that worried, why not give me a talisman?”
"A talisman?"
“In Schwarhan, it’s a custom to give warriors gifts before they head out to battle so they can return safely.”
What once seemed like a bothersome custom now served as a good excuse.
Cabelenus rested his chin on his hand and looked at Alicia.
Though half of it was a joke, the earnest light in her eyes made him not want to take back his offer.
“Would you accept one?”
“Will you give me one?”
“Yes. I’ll do whatever I can.”
Despite his casual question, Alicia’s expression was serious.
“It doesn’t have to be anything grand. A talisman doesn’t have to be anything special.”
“Then what kind of thing should it be? Are there any rules?”
“There’s no set rule. It just has to be something you can always carry with you and something made with the heart.”
“You have plenty of time, so take your time thinking about it.”
Cabelenus chuckled lightly.
He liked the thoughtful expression on Alicia’s face.
Because to choose a talisman, she would inevitably think about him.
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