Wrong Marriage and Sweet Love

When Joyce stepped out of the East Palace gates, the sun had already spread its light across the land. As soon as she emerged, Luther ran towards her and embraced her tightly before she could speak. Joyce tilted her chin slightly and hugged him back. He didn’t ask why she had stayed so long, all night in fact. He didn’t ask whether the dark magic had been lifted or why she had changed clothes and smelled of a bath. She understood that he didn’t need to ask. As long as they were together, everything was fine.

“Let’s talk in the car,” Joyce said softly, patting Luther on the back. Luther finally released her, and they got into the car, which started and headed back to the palace hall. Darrin glanced at Joyce through the central rearview mirror; although she had changed clothes, she looked fine.

“The dark magic is lifted. Clint cut his wrist to bleed, and I got a lot of blood on me, so I had to bathe and change clothes. He lost a lot of blood, so it took time to treat him and give him a transfusion,” Joyce explained everything at once to prevent Luther from worrying. Luther nodded and sighed in relief. The biggest trouble was finally resolved.

“The battle outside the city has begun. We need to leave by evening. Reuben has everything ready,” Luther informed her.

“Let me change first; these clothes are too cumbersome to walk in,” Joyce said, tugging at her belt, feeling breathless.

“Alright,” Luther replied, his eyes falling on Joyce’s elaborate and luxurious clothing. It was handmade and beyond monetary value, likely holding some special significance. But it didn’t matter anymore because nothing else was important now. Leaving here would end everything.

Back at the palace hall, Joyce eagerly changed into casual clothes. She handed the kimono she had worn to Hajime. “Hajime, please return this to Clint. I borrowed it temporarily.”

Hajime’s eyes widened in disbelief when he saw the garment-it was the morning dress of the Crown Princess. In his heart, Joyce was the true Crown Princess. He couldn’t help but worry about his daughter Shizuka’s future.

Joyce noticed Hajime’s momentary daze and asked, “What’s wrong? Is there a problem?”

Hajime shook his head. “No problem, I’ll return it to His Highness.”

Joyce nodded and didn’t ask further.

That morning went smoothly. Clint signed the agreed documents, accepting the conditions proposed by the palace hall. The official announcement followed that the Crown Prince would inherit the throne.

By evening, Luther brought Joyce, along with Reuben, Kempley, Darrin, Grizela, and others to Eastern Capital dock where they boarded a frigate. Hajime personally came to see them off; given the circumstances, no one else could come.

Before leaving, Kempley spoke with Hajime for a while as they bid each other farewell.

“I haven’t seen you in years; you still look the same,” Hajime remarked wistfully. “But after this farewell, we may never meet again.”

Kempley smiled gently. “Thank you for always supporting my son. Now I will return home; all memories here-sweet or bitter-will be cherished forever.”

Earlier today, she and Reuben had said their final goodbyes to the late emperor’s remains. With that, all ties with Rohomes were severed.

“It’s all in the past now,” Hajime sighed. “I hope your remaining years are what you desire.”

Kempley nodded lightly.

Reuben then said, “Hajime, I’m leaving now; there’s so much left for you to handle here. Take care of yourself.”

Hajime wanted to punch him but refrained. “You’re leaving me with all this work? Fine, go enjoy your carefree life.”

Reuben laughed. “Seriously though, it’s going to be tough ahead with war being ruthless and bullets indiscriminate. Take care of yourself.”

Hajime waved dismissively. “I know.”

He wasn’t too worried; His Highness-now Emperor-had many capable subordinates and an army outside the city he had trained himself. Three months should suffice to quell any rebellion.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

After shaking hands with Reuben one last time, he boarded the frigate with Kempley.

Joyce looked back at the shore one last time; Clint hadn’t come as promised-they would never meet again.

As the frigate set sail under a breathtaking red sunset, waves rolled and foamed as it cut through the sea. The ship left port; those onshore became smaller until they were just a dot on the horizon.

The ship sailed for a long time until it was about to leave Rohomes’ territorial waters and enter international waters.

Joyce stood on deck, feeling the sea breeze against her face. Even now it felt unreal-she was leaving and could go home.

Leaning against the railing and staring at the dark horizon in a daze, Reuben approached her with a USB drive in hand.

“This is the blueprint I took from you that day; it’s time to return it,” he said reassuringly. “No one else has seen it; I didn’t make any copies.”

Joyce took it from him and snapped it in half immediately, destroying its chip before tossing it into the vast ocean below.

“This blueprint was initially designed for defense against foreign enemies but could also be used for stealth attacks by disrupting radar systems silently-a dangerous piece of equipment,” she reflected aloud. “Let it remain lost at sea forever; I hope for eternal peace without war.”

Reuben nodded in agreement as he leaned against the railing beside her letting his hair blow freely in the wind.

“Now I need to think about what delicious food I’ll eat first when we dock at Khebury tomorrow morning! Recommend me some famous restaurants-I want to indulge myself thoroughly,” he joked.

Joyce chuckled softly; seeing Reuben not as an emperor made her feel less regretful because this relaxed version of him seemed genuinely happy-living life for oneself rather than forcing responsibilities upon oneself seemed right somehow.

At that moment Luther walked over saying: “We’ve reached international waters; satellite communication is available now-I’ve contacted our pickup ship waiting at Pascaylia’s territorial boundary.”

“Great! Let’s call home right away,” Joyce responded eagerly.

“Don’t forget Karl too-he might be worried about us,” Luther reminded her as they headed inside together, knowing their prolonged absence must have caused concern among loved ones back home.

When satellite signals finally connected, Cecelia’s familiar voice came through along with Anderson’s and Iris’, plus some faint sounds of baby cries in background, bringing smiles upon both their faces.

They were safe now, just like this beautiful sunset disappearing into the ocean, leaving behind trails of crimson clouds stretching infinitely across sky, creating an incredibly stunning scene.