TVDWL - Chapter 220 < Together Forever >< END >

The warlock and the Emperor were dead. The dragon that was trying to be resurrected was defeated, and the warlock's plan was to overwhelm the empire. was also stopped. 

However, there was still a mountain of work to be done. The inside and outside of the empire, which had been in disarray, had to be reorganized, and they had to prepare for an invasion by an enemy country that took advantage of the chaos. Since they could not leave the throne empty for long, they had to organize the imperial family as well. So David immediately ascended to the throne. The purpose was to quickly stabilize the empire and to make amends for the mistakes of his father, the Emperor. 

There was a lot of noise. People were saying that he was not worthy of being the son of the Emperor who sold the empire to the warlock. In particular, some nobles even planned a rebellion. However, David displayed amazing skills, suppressed the opposing forces at once, and resolved the chaotic political situation. 

In this process, the Saintess Lucia played a big role. She testified to the great sacrifice and effort the Crown Prince made to defeat the corrupt Emperor. There was also testimony from the knights who had been beaten by him at the gates of the capital city. But more than anything, it was Jeremiah who was the most decisive. He was the Grand Duke of the North and had a brilliant record in defeating the Emperor, and he was the most qualified person to be the Emperor.

However, he who had received all the admiration and attention returned to the North with Karina as if he was worthless.

"Phew."

David, who had ascended to the throne, was busy. He focused on subduing the monsters that were running wild throughout the empire and using divine power and magic to drive out the magic. The post-processing to reorganize the paralyzed administration and system and return the lives of the people of the empire to how they were before continued endlessly. As he looked down at the documents with a blank face, Levy brought him tea and a light snack.

"Please take it easy, Your Majesty. Then we can rest a bit too."

Levy, whose dark circles under his eyes had reached his chin after staying up all night for over a week, spoke with a look of pleading. David knows that he must have a lot of work to do given the circumstances, but at least he should be fed and given a place to sleep.

"I want to do that too. But what can I do when the work piles up like a mountain?"

David, who had been stamping the documents he was looking through, raised his hand and rubbed his heavy eyes.

"But what about that letter?"

Levy's eyes lit up as he noticed the letter sitting on one side of David's desk.

"Looking at its seal, is it perhaps from the Duke of Colesberg?"

In this busy schedule, it seemed like life would be much better if the Grand Duke of Colesberg stepped in and gave us a helping hand.

"Will His Highness the Grand Duke come to the capital?"

"That's nonsense."

David dashed Levy's hopeful expectations In an instant. He nervously picked up the letter whose contents he had already checked. The letter from the North had a businesslike tone that pretended to be polite, saying that he had no interest in the crown or anything else and that he should do whatever he wanted.

'This is probably because he made the butler and the subordinates write it.'

If he had written it himself, he would have ignored the formalities and just written a short summary of the matter. Of course, it wasn't that there was no useful content at all. That's because, in the end, it said that he would marry Karina again. It wasn't that he was specifically asking for the Emperor's permission, but rather a kind of notification that he would do so.

What an annoying guy.

David's forehead furrowed as he thought of Jeremiah. Thinking of that expressionless face made him feel angry. Naturally, his anger toward Jeremiah was not small, but it was also about Karina.

'If only I had just a little more time.'

'If I were in a similar situation to the Grand Duke.'

'If only I had known her circumstances a little earlier, in more detail.'

The regret he couldn't shake off kept clouding his mind.

"Bring me the letter."

As if he had made up his mind about something, David immediately gave an order to Levi.

"Are you going to send a reply to the Grand Duke?"

"Yes. I will write it down right now, so please transmit it with magic. It will be received immediately in the North."

Levy felt a little uneasy at the satisfied smile that spread across David's face. At that time in the North, Mikhail entered the Grand Duke's residence, his antique cloak fluttering.

"What is happening here again?"

Jeremiah greeted him with an expression that did not look at all welcoming.

"What's going on? Of course, I came to see Karina."

Mikhail answered with a brazen confidence. He had been coming and going from the Grand Duke's residence as if it were his own home.

"I heard that you were so busy rebuilding the Magic Tower that you had no time to breathe, but I guess that was all a lie."

Jeremiah did not hide his displeasure at Mikhail's visit.

"Can't you see this?"

Mikhail gestured to the robe draped over his shoulders. He was wearing a wide-sleeved wizard's uniform, and over it was the robe of his father, Pavel, who was the former lord of the Magic Tower. It was the symbol of the Magic Tower. 

When the Magic Tower was attacked, there were quite a few magicians who had left to obtain magical materials and conduct research. Thanks to this, they were able to survive, and while mourning the deaths of their comrades and Pavel, they devoted all their energy to rebuilding the Magic Tower. And Mikhail became the lord of the Magic Tower and led them. In this way, the Magic Tower was gradually regaining its former appearance.

"Rather, it seems like it's you who has more free time than me."

Mikhail looked at Jeremiah, who was standing with a tray of freshly made delicious apple pie and warm black tea.

Jeremiah snorted at his crooked gaze and walked away. Mikhail, who had the same destination as him, walked alongside him. 

*** 

The two men with different atmospheres arrived at the deep-rooted residence of the Grand Duke's family. When they opened the door, the children's boisterous laughter flowed out like waves.

"Your Highness! We made this together."

Dino and Philip handed Karina a bouquet of flowers while she sat on the bed. It was a crude and crude bouquet made of paper, but it was obvious that the children had worked hard to make it with their tiny hands. The bouquet made of colorful paper was tied with a soft green ribbon, similar to Karina's eyes.

"Thank you. It's so pretty."

Karina held a bouquet of flowers in her arms and smiled brightly at the children. Then the children smiled back happily and shyly. Little Philip climbed onto Karina's bed, squirming. Then something suddenly poked its head out from under the covers.

"Kyuuuu?"

"Uh, puppy... huh?"

It had horns on both sides of its head, making it difficult to call it a dog.

"Wow! This is a dragon!"

Dino, standing next to him, said in an excited voice that it was amazing. Then, the children who had discovered a creature they had never seen before gathered around with eyes full of interest.

"Kyuuuuu...?"

The dragon, who had all the children's attention on him, wrinkled his nose as if he was a little embarrassed, then disappeared.

"Huh? It's gone!"

The children looked around with wide eyes in surprise. Karina, who had become accustomed to the dragon suddenly disappearing and then reappearing whenever it pleased, smiled happily at the sight.

'Is it annoying?'

No. Maybe he was embarrassed by the attention of the children. 

The warm sunlight coming in through the half-open window. The wind blew through the curtains. Karina's silent smile under the curious eyes of the children looked more beautiful and peaceful than ever. Jeremiah, who was looking at her bright smile with love, entered the room.

"Ahem."

All eyes were drawn to the sound of a light cough.

"Hey! The Grand Duke is here!"

"Your Highness. Hello!"

"Oh, Jeremiah. You're here?"

The children and Karina greeted him. Mikhail also appeared behind Jeremiah as he entered the room.

"Karina! I'm here too."

"Wow! The wizard is here too!"

The children were getting noisy. Then, a calm voice was heard.

"Kids, be quiet. We have to go now."

It was Selena. She calmed the children down when she saw Jeremiah and Mikhail come.

"But the wizard has come?"

"Can't we play a little longer?"

Despite the children's earnest gazes, Selena put her hands on her hips and maintained a determined expression.

"No. You gave the wizard a hard time yesterday and the day before."

"But..."

"Your Highness the Grand Duchess needs to rest too."

The children who had been looking discontented also nodded their heads when Karina said that they had to rest. Karina pursed her lips at Selena's skill in leading the children so familiarly.

"Are you doing pretty well now?"

"You say I'm doing well? If you knew how much of a pain in the ass these troublemakers are, you'd understand that. Look at my forehead! Every morning, a handful of hair falls out."

Hastin groaned towards Karina. However, children were hanging on his shoulders and back like sloths. After the monsters swept through, Selena and Hastin were in charge of not only running the information shop but also taking care of the children at the orphanage. It was a job they had taken on for a while to protect the children, but before they knew it, they were more concerned with managing the orphanage than the information shop.

"Please take good care of the children."

Karina said with gratitude.

"We have to follow the employer's words. What can we do?"

Hasten shrugged and answered jokingly.

"Don't worry. Even though he says that Hasten comes to see us the most. He recently said he'd rather stay at an orphanage."

Aiden intervened and said something.

"Oh, you changed from uncle to brother? Since when?"

When Mikhail asked playfully, Aiden, who had been pretending to be polite, cleared his throat a little embarrassedly.

"Well, I received a lot of help and we saw each other often and became close, so... I can at least call you brother."

And then he immediately started talking nonsense.

"I'm quite popular with the kids."

Hasten, smiling proudly, took care of the children and said that they should get ready to go.

"We'll be going now. Take care of yourself. If you need anything, please contact us anytime."

Selena whispered, smiling.

"I'll come again next time."

"Hello, Grand Duchess!"

"Please show me the baby dragon next time too."

Selena and Hasten left the room with all the children, and the noisy room suddenly became quiet.

"Children are always full of energy."

Jeremiah muttered. It was a sight he had never seen before in the Grand Duke's household.

"Because those two people are taking good care of it. It's nice to see them so energetic."

Karina smiled happily. Jeremiah smiled gently, saying that he didn't mind as long as she was happy.

"Here. This is the apple pie you wanted to eat."

Jeremiah placed a makeshift table and a tray in front of Karina. A steaming hot apple pie was waiting for Karina. Jeremiah reached out to support Karina as usual.

"Thank you. But I think I can do it alone today."

Karina sat up with difficulty. When Jeremiah cut the apple pie with a fork and handed it to her, she took it obediently like a child. Her expression brightened as she tasted the soft apple pie.

"Karina. How are you feeling?"

Mikhail asked, taking a seat next to her.

"It was really good. Lucia came in the morning and healed me with her divine power."

Lucia came to the Grand Duke's house once a week to infuse Karina with divine power. Despite this, Karina's body was getting thinner and thinner day by day. Karina knew her physical condition, but she didn't show it at all because she didn't want to worry anyone.

"I see."

Seeing her bright smile without a speck of dust, Mikhail could only pretend not to notice and just smile. Jeremiah stared at her with eyes mixed with sadness and pity.

***

Karina, who had cleaned the plate of apple pie, continued the conversation for two hours. Usually, she had a hard time after just 30 minutes, but this was the longest conversation they had had recently. 

Mikhail told her many stories with an exaggerated expression, saying that today was the day he would make Karina laugh until she cried. Exciting new news from the capital. The absurd but funny incidents that occurred while rebuilding the Magic Tower. Rumors about Karina and them spreading like a heroic tale throughout the empire. Despite Jeremiah's glaring gaze, his story did not stop. Karina smiled brightly every time he waved his arms and started talking. Fatigue began to seep into her eyes as she laughed for a long time.

"I think you should take a break, Karina."

"Hmm."

At Jeremiah's suggestion, Karina whined like a child for a moment, but soon nodded and lay down.

"Just a moment. I'll close my eyes. for a very moment."

She closed her eyes as if taking a deep breath and fell into a deep sleep.

"Let's talk for a moment."

Jeremiah quietly called Mikhail out of the room so as not to wake Karina.

"Her condition is getting worse day by day."

His expression darkened.

"Is there really no way to save her...?"

Jeremiah's voice, filled with agony, contained the full force of his suppressed sorrow and pain. 

Karina... was dying. She had originally traveled back in time with the power of the dragon. However, the power that had supported her soul was now gone.

Because of that, she... was slowly dying, just as she had originally been destined to do.

"..."

Mikhail, with a serious expression on his face without a hint of playfulness, paused for a moment before opening his mouth.

"It's not like there's no way."

"There is a way....?"

Jeremiah's eyes widened at Mikhail's answer. He walked up to Mikhail and asked in an impatient voice.

"How should I... No, what should I do?"

Mikhail, who had been watching the desperate expression indifferently, continued speaking in a low voice.

"It won't be easy. It won't be simple."

"I asked what the method was."

"...Sacrifices are necessary."

"sacrifice?"

"Yes. To save Lady Karina, you must give her the life of someone with the power of a dragon."

The life of the one with the power of the dragon. Jeremiah, hearing those words, immediately understood that he had to sacrifice himself to save her. In the first place, it was a soul that could only be maintained by borrowing the power of the dragon. To revive her soul, such a great sacrifice was necessary. Perhaps it was only natural.

"If...sacrifice myself, will she be able to live?"

Mikhail nodded with sunken eyes at Jeremiah's question. Of course, it wasn't easy.

'No matter how much you love someone, it's difficult to die for that person.'

However...

"Yes, then do that."

Jeremiah answered readily and without a moment's hesitation.

"What should I do?"

“...!?”

It was Mikhail who was rather taken aback by his immediate answer.

"You... are you listening to me correctly? Giving your life to her means you will definitely die."

Then Jeremiah smiled brightly.

"Of course. I can give up my life as many times as I want to save her."

If only I could save her. This life. I could throw it away anytime. It was my sincerity without a single lie.

“Ha.”

Mikhail let out a hollow laugh at that bland answer.

"You. Are you really the head of the Northern Grand Duke's family? Are you really the cold-hearted Grand Duke of the North that I know? Seriously, is it really that easy to throw away a human life? How can someone sitting at the top of power treat their own life so lightly?"

"I do not consider my life trivial."

"But just now you said you would sacrifice anything for her."

"Because that person is 'Karina."

"...!"

Jeremiah's short and concise answer left Mikhail speechless. That was it. That person was Karina. The person who could live with his sacrifice. What judgment would he have made? 

It probably wouldn't have been much different from his conclusion.

"Tch."

Mikhail grumbled. If Jeremiah showed even the slightest weakness, he would take Karina away.

'He's really unlucky until the end.'

He sighed inwardly and continued speaking in a slightly annoyed tone.

"Do you remember the magic stones and sacrifices the black magician collected to revive the dragon? I will use that power to hand over your life to Karina. And I will tell you again... If you do this, you will definitely die."

Jeremiah nodded at Mikhail's explanation.

"It's important to move as quickly as possible before the power fades. Bring Karina to the capital palace tomorrow. I'll prepare everything in advance."

"I get it."

One day until tomorrow. No, not even one day, tonight. It was the last time he could be with Karina. 

*** 

A dark night filled with stars. The transparent moonlight softly shone through the window. Jeremiah went to Karina's side as she slept and lay down. He tucked her disheveled hair behind her ear and stroked it affectionately. Her hair was as red as the blazing sun, her skin was as smooth and white as porcelain, her long eyelashes, her delicate features, and her lips were as plump and luscious as they were. Every single thing that made her up was lovely. 

Jeremiah kissed her forehead with deep affection and respect. Then she woke up, tossing and turning a little. Karina called his name in a voice that was still half asleep.

"Jeremiah?"

The sight of her looking up at him, rubbing her sleepy eyes, was incredibly lovely.

"Karina."

Jeremiah carefully hugged her. Karina looked bewildered, but she still did not reject him.

"I love you."

Jeremiah confessed with all his heart...

"I love you, Karina."

There were so many things he wanted to say to her, but this was the only thing that came to mind right now. In this precious moment that was not long left. He whispered his love to Karina over and over again, telling her how he felt. Karina blushed in embarrassment at the sudden confession. But she also obediently responded to his feelings.

"Me too... I love you too."

Karina squirmed and dug into his arms. The warm heat that spread from where they touched and the sweet, fragrant scent of her body stimulated him. Deep joy and passion boiled up at the same time. Crazy longing consumed him. Jeremiah couldn't hold back and kissed her lips. He pecked her lips like a bird pecked. The air surrounding the two of them instantly heated up. They were feeling each other completely at this moment.

"Yes, wait a minute...!"

Karina stopped him, panting for breath.

"Jeremiah. What's wrong? Today is so..."

"Why me?"

Karina was flustered and couldn't find the right words to say.

"That's... so."

Jeremiah snickered as he watched her hesitate.

"I can't help it. You're too lovely."

Jeremiah gently kissed each of her fingers. His soft and gentle whispers made her heart flutter. Sweet joy like honey seeped into her tickling heart. Her heart pounded like crazy at his intense gaze that only looked at her. Karina could no longer endure it and hugged his neck tightly. She vaguely felt that she did not have much time left. That is why she wanted to constantly confirm his love for the remaining time. If possible, she wanted to have a child with him, the fruit of their love.

'I know it's an impossible dream. But...'

Even if it was an uncertain future, she wanted to be with him until the last moment. Jeremiah, who was staring at her, spoke with a firm tone and a gentle smile.

"Karina. Even after I die, I will love only you. I swear it on my soul."

Karina's heart melted at the passionate confession of love that was so sincere that it almost overflowed.

"Jeremiah."

They confirmed their earnest and affectionate feelings for each other. That's how the two of them spent their happy time together. 

The next day. Jeremiah took Karina to the imperial palace in the capital city as Mikhail had said. Mikhail and David were waiting at a place where a huge magic circle was drawn. He simply told Karina that she needed to recover.

"Go and stand in the center of the magic circle."

Mikhail pointed out where Karina and Jeremiah should stand.

"Let's start."

Jeremiah gave a signal to Mikhail without hesitation. Mikhail nodded and activated the magic circle.

"Karina."

Jeremiah cupped her slightly nervous cheek.

"It's okay."

His eyes were more detailed than ever.

"Everything will be okay."

Karina felt something strange at that moment.

'It's for my treatment, so why is Jeremiah with me?'

Was it because of the dreamlike blissful time I had yesterday? 

For some reason, a sense of inexplicable anxiety filled her whole body and her heart started beating unsteadily. As expected. When the light of the activated magic circle reached its peak, Jeremiah looked at Karina and whispered.

"Once this is over, you won't be sick anymore. You can keep living."

Her expression brightened for a moment at his words. However, as he continued to speak, Karina's expression gradually became clouded.

"I hope you will be happy forever. I sincerely hope that your future will be filled with only laughter."

"Jeremiah...?"

His voice was trembling. As if it were his last will, his eyes filled with a cold sadness, and his sad smile that seemed ready to melt away at any moment shook Karina's heart. Only then did Karina realize,l as if by lightning, what was happening.

"No!"

Karina grabbed him desperately and screamed.

"I told you that being with you is my happiness. What good would it do if you were dead?"

But Jeremiah answered calmly and with a calm face.

"I know your sincerity, and that is enough for me."

She could feel his earnest sincerity. Soon, the light from the magic circle began to surround the two of them and shine so brightly that it was blinding. Karina hugged him tightly.

"No! I can't send you away like this!"

How did you find sincerity? How did you confirm love?

'What a conclusion this has achieved...!!'

I couldn't lose him like this... like this. 

Despair and sadness were squeezing her heart. How did she get here? 

After enduring a long period of pain and patience, and overcoming and overcoming complicated misunderstandings and stories, she was barely able to connect with him. She had barely confirmed his sincerity and built a new heart again.

'But this is the ending? I can't accept it!'

Sne couldn't lose him like this. She couldn't let him go like this. Even if it was fate. Even if it was a predetermined ending! 

Karina held onto him with desperate hands. But the growing light continued to swallow up his figure.

"No!"

Karina cried. 

Flash!

A dazzling flash of light Immediately enveloped the two.

"No. No! Please!"

Karina sat on the floor and sobbed. How could anyone be so cruel? How could anyone be so cruel? She cried, blaming fate and God, and lamenting her own misfortune.

"Jeremiah!"

Amid deep sorrow and wailing, she broke down helplessly. That was when.

“Kari... na?”

A voice called her. It was the voice of the person who disappeared into the light. She thought she would never hear it again.

"Jeremiah?"

She looked up. To her surprise, there he was. The person she thought she had lost forever. With a look of bewilderment. With eyes stained with joy and excitement. Both eyes were filled with Karina's tearful face.

"Jeremiah!"

Karina hugged him. Like a drowning person who has found a lifeline. Desperately. As if she would never let go. Desperately. She hugged him. Jeremiah hugged her back tightly.

"Karina."

"Jeremiah. It's you, right? You're not gone, are you? I won't let you go anymore. No matter what happens. I won't lose you. What's the point of living without you? If we're going to die, let's die together."

"Karina!"

The two people held each other in their arms and expressed their passionate love... 

Then, a voice was heard pouring cold water on their desperate confession.

"Ahem!"

David, who had been watching the situation, coughed and intervened.

"It's really disgusting to see such affectionate faces. Actually, no one will die."

"Yes?"

Mikhail, who was using the magic circle, revealed the truth to a bewildered Karina.

"I'm sorry for testing you. I just wanted to make sure I could trust and entrust Lady Karina to the Grand Duke until the end."

He said, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. In fact, the ritual Mikhail performed was not magic to transfer life, but magic to transfer the life force contained in the sacrifice and magic stone to the two people.

'Because of the dragon's contract, the souls of the two people were intertwined.'

Jeremiah and Karina's lives were n different than one life. It wasn't a situation he particularly liked, but it was the best way for Karina. The power of the sacrifices gathered for the dragon's resurrection was at risk of being targeted or abused by someone anyway.

'In that case, it would be best to write it 

like this.'

It was the most beneficial way to save Karina and also use up the troublesome life force.

'So this level of irritability is nothing.'

Mikhail rationalized his deception of Jeremiah in such a bold way. Of course, when Jeremiah found out the truth, he furrowed one eyebrow and reacted with a look of bewilderment.

"Oh, that's really fortunate."

On the other hand, Karina was greatly relieved and happy to hear that she could continue to be with Jeremiah. Her tense body lost its strength and her legs gave out. She was so surprised that tears welled up in her eyes.

"Karina!"

Jeremiah stopped trying to argue with Mikhail and quickly supported her collapsing body. Karina forced her loose eyes to open and lashed out at Jeremiah.

"Promise me you'll never leave me again! If you make this choice again without telling me... then...!"

She bit her trembling lips, unable to finish her words. Her eyes, filled with resentment, reprimanded Jeremiah. Her shoulders were trembling slightly as she tried to hold back the sobs that were about to spill out. Jeremiah, startled, tried to comfort her gently.

"I'm sorry. It was my fault. Don't cry, I won't do it again."

"If you do this again...! I really won't forgive you!"

Finally, she burst into tears. Karina cried like a child, tears streaming down her face.

"Don't leave me alone. It's so lonely being left alone."

"...!"

Only after hearing her words did Jeremiah realize his mistake. The past. Him too. How painful and painful it had been when Karina died and he was left alone. He almost made Karina experience that terrible despair again. Jeremiah reflected on his foolish choice and made a firm resolution. If Karina needed him. If she needed him for her happiness. He would definitely live. For her. Hadn't he sworn time and time again? He would never let her get hurt again. He would make sure she was happy.

'Certainly.'

A determined will was engraved in Jeremiah's eyes.

"Karina. I won't leave you alone from now on. I will always be by your side"

Jeremiah's long, straight fingers dug gently between hers, interlocking them tightly as if he would never let go, no matter what happened.

"I will never leave you. Even if you push me away, I will never leave your side. Never."

Karina's happiness was his top priority.

Jeremiah put his arm around Karina's waist and hugged her tighter. Mikhail looked at the two of them with a bitter smile. And there was one more person who was dissatisfied with their love affair.

"By the way, have you not received the letter I sent you yet?"

David suddenly asked me where the letter I had written was.

"Is it a letter?"

Karina tilted her head with a look of complete ignorance.

"I haven't received any letters from the palace. Is it important?"

David answered with a pretended stem expression.

"Of course it's important. It says that Lady Karina can come to the palace whenever she wants and that the position of Empress is still vacant."

"Yes?"

Instead of Karina, who was momentarily surprised and flustered, Jeremiah responded in a cold voice.

"That would have been reduced to ashes in the Grand Duke's fireplace by now."

Jeremiah had long since burned the letter without even opening it. He knew that it would be full of useless nonsense even without reading it. And his prediction was not wrong.

"Hmm. It's okay since you heard it now. If you change your mind, just tell me. I'm always welcome."

David grinned at Karina and persisted without giving up. Jeremiah glared at David with a cold face. Soon, he hugged Karina more deeply as if he could never lose her.

"I need to get married again soon."

He was determined to become a couple with Karina again as soon as possible. He was even thinking of proposing to her again.

"Great."

At his words, Karina smiled happily. A happy smile spread across Jeremiah's face as well. He kissed her as if he was possessed. A gentle breeze blew warmly, carrying the gentle sunlight. 

A warm and cozy warmth enveloped them. A blissful future awaited them.

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