TRETTHD 92

#92. Come Back Safely

The sun had already set, and darkness covered the world.

Belia had been so engrossed in chatting happily with Habisa that she hadn’t noticed the time slipping away, and before she knew it, night had fallen.

If Asid hadn’t called out to her in a worried voice, she might have stayed up talking until morning.

Hurriedly, Belia headed back toward the imperial palace.

Surely the meeting wasn’t over yet?

If Khalid found out she wasn’t in the palace, he’d be unsettled for sure.

Biting her lip anxiously, Belia stepped across the threshold of the prince’s palace—

“Belia.”

A low, cold voice heavy with anger rang out behind her.

She slowly turned her head. Khalid was leaning against the wall, quietly watching Belia and Asid.

“Khalid…”

Startled, Belia murmured his name in a dazed voice.

Khalid stepped out from the shadows, his footsteps echoing as he came closer.

“Where have you been at this late hour?”

Though he wore a smile, the aura rippling around him was anything but gentle.

Asid gave a strained laugh and tried to explain.

“Your Highness, Her Highness was just—”

“Enough. I wasn’t asking you.”

Khalid cut him off sharply and fixed his gaze on Belia.

He must be really angry…

She had planned to tell him everything after his busy schedule was over, but…

Belia bit down on her lip.

“If you had plans to go out, you should have told me in advance, Belia.”

His words sounded affectionate on the surface, but his tone carried a subtle chill. It pricked her heart unfairly.

After all, everything she did was for his sake.

Just as she was about to open her mouth—perhaps too hastily—Khalid sighed, walked up to her, and drew her gently into his arms.

“I’m not angry. I was worried because you were gone when you had no reason to be.”

His voice was calm, his emotions carefully contained, as he patted her back soothingly.

This is my mistake.

Out of Belia’s sight, Khalid’s expression wavered with regret.

He had sworn never to let emotions like this slip out. Yet here he was, pushing her and startling her.

“I’m sorry.”

Belia apologized, but Khalid only pulled her tighter.

When he had come back from the meeting and found her missing, panic had seized him. He had run around the palace like a madman, only breathing again once he learned she had gone out with Asid.

“No… I’m the one who’s sorry.”

Now that she was back, it was enough. Khalid murmured softly and, with a glance, dismissed Asid before leading Belia back to their chambers.

Once inside, he seated her gently on the sofa and carefully smoothed down her hair.

His touch was unbearably tender.

“Will you tell me where you went?” he asked cautiously, deliberately softening his voice so she wouldn’t be startled.

“I went to the Mage Tower.”

“The Mage Tower?”

What reason could she have to suddenly go there—without even telling him first?

Khalid paused in thought, then spoke as if recalling something.

“…Is this about using the magic stone we spoke of before?”

The magic stone they had gained from the monster subjugation.

After Belia came to the Empire, Khalid had entrusted it to her.

“That’s right.”

Belia pulled out the Bracelet of Protection.

A flat silver ring set with a deep black magic stone.

Even at a glance, it was clearly a rare treasure.

“It will protect you.”

“Belia…”

“Take it with you.”

But Khalid shook his head and fastened the bracelet back around her wrist.

“You keep it. I worry more about you being left here alone than about myself.”

It was a kind gesture, but Belia’s brows furrowed.

Anyone could see that Khalid was the one walking straight into danger!

With firm movements, she unfastened the bracelet and slipped it onto his arm.

“Don’t say such nonsense—just take it!”

She already had the necklace blessed by her grandfather, the High Priest, imbued with divine power.

On top of that, the Second Prince’s Palace was protected by a barrier created jointly by her grandfather and mother.

If necessary, she could always retreat and hold out there.

Besides, the Emperor and Raul wouldn’t dare touch her lightly. To harm Belia would bring no benefit—it would only make enemies of Ronica and the Holy Kingdom, and turn the people of the Empire against them.

So if there were traps laid…

…then Khalid is the target.

He was openly exposed, traveling for these negotiations. He needed the bracelet far more than she did.

“I’ve never used this before, not even in my past life. I don’t know how big the barrier will be, or how effective it is.”

Her voice trembled.

“But even when a weaker stone was used, the one wearing this bracelet survived a collapsing building. I know it will help.”

Belia gripped his arm tightly, lowering her head. Her hands shook faintly.

Had she grown careless, relying too much on knowing the future?

She had no idea what kind of trap awaited them. And not knowing made her more afraid than ever.

The future wasn’t supposed to be like this.

All along, she had acted with confidence because she knew what was coming. But when that knowledge failed her—when all her predictions crumbled—she felt as if she were wandering blind in a maze.

“Haah…”

Still hunched over, she rubbed her face with one hand, exhaled heavily, and straightened again.

She was shaken, but she had to endure.

“So please, Khalid. Take it. Only then will I be able to breathe a little easier.”

Her plea was desperate, almost painful to hear. Khalid stared silently at the bracelet for a long moment.

“…Alright. If it eases your heart, I’ll take it. But…”

He suddenly pulled her into his arms again.

“Hearing how much you worry for me…”

Belia waited quietly for the rest.

“…somehow makes me happy.”

“What?”

Her eyes widened. His voice was brighter, genuinely amused.

“You’ll be thinking of me the whole time I’m gone, won’t you?”

He grinned.

“I don’t want to see you upset or suffering, but… the thought of your mind being full of me—it’s not so bad.”

Just as Belia was anxious about him being away, Khalid too was uneasy.

“What are you even saying?”

“…Be wary of Raul, Belia. However polished his outward appearance may be, the way he looks at you isn’t right.”

Belia smiled, pressing her fingertip to his furrowed brow.

“Of course. Don’t worry about me.”

She had no intention of going near Raul anyway.

Her finger slowly traced down from his brow to his nose, then brushed his lips.

“While you’re away, I’ll guard this palace.”

So please—let all my fears be unfounded.

She wrapped her arms around Khalid’s neck and kissed him earnestly.

Time passed quickly, and at last the day came for Khalid to leave the palace.

The delegation had little time to prepare, and the busy days had flown by like an arrow.

Early in the morning, Khalid finished his preparations and stepped outside. Belia followed close behind.

The entire delegation had gathered in the wide courtyard.

“Your Highness, you’ve arrived.”

It was Marquis Caprie, who would be joining the delegation.

“And Her Highness has come to see you off.”

Having met him often in the recent days of negotiation meetings, his face had grown familiar.

His expression now, though, was firm and resolute. He clearly knew how dangerous this mission was.

“You’ll be away from the Empire for quite some time, Marquis. Please, return safely.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Belia sincerely hoped for his safe return.

But once Khalid left, she would not see him again for months.

Letters would be exchanged, reports delivered—but the absence of his presence weighed heavier than she expected.

Just as Khalid was about to step into the carriage, Belia grabbed his hand urgently.

“If anything happens, ask Ronica or the Holy Kingdom for aid.”

At least it was fortunate that the Yakum Kingdom did not border the Empire, but instead bordered Ronica and the Holy Kingdom.

If trouble arose, those nations could be powerful allies.

“Belia.”

Khalid called her name and spread his arms.

Biting her lip hard, Belia rushed into his embrace.

Her heart wouldn’t settle. Ever since coming from Ronica to the Empire, she had never been apart from him for this long.

“Don’t worry. I could never die while leaving you behind.”

Crushed by the thought of months without holding her, Khalid buried his face against her neck and breathed deeply.

“…I should have just taken you with me.”

His lips brushed her skin, tickling.

“I think I’ll suffer even more than you will.”

At his lament, Belia let out a soft laugh and patted his back gently.

“I’ll be waiting here.”

So please—come back safely.

Even after Khalid left the palace, life went on. Belia remained busy, volunteering with Rachel at the orphanage, visiting charitable groups, and managing affairs.

Rachel, too, though clearly worried about her father’s absence, never showed it before Belia and stayed as lively as ever.

“Your Highness, this is all for today.”

“Thank you, Rachel.”

Belia checked the documents Rachel handed her. They summarized the orphanage’s finances in a clear, organized way.

“…What about the matter we spoke of before?” Rachel asked cautiously.

“What—ah!” Belia realized what she meant, set the papers down, and looked at her.

“Keep holding onto it for now. I plan to bring it out right before the First Prince’s wedding with Lady Canterif.”

“That sounds perfect. You have no idea how hard it is for me to keep quiet right now.”

Rachel chuckled, and Belia smiled with a mischievous glint.

“Just a little longer. We’ll show them what we’re capable of.”

The time hadn’t come yet.