The Abandoned Heiress Gets Rich with Alchemy and Buys an Enemy General
Vol. 1 - Ch. 47 - Days Ahead, Fresh Beginnings - Part 3

My lips, soft and slightly chapped, covered by Julius's lips, instinctively hid themselves, pressing against my own hands.

This, what just happened... a kiss, right?

Breathing became difficult, my heartbeat loud enough to burst through my chest.

My face felt hot, tears suddenly ceased.

"Hurry up and eat. Or should I feed you?"

"I-I'll eat by myself... Wait, why did you..."

"Is there a problem?"

"A problem? Yes, there is. What just happened is something lovers do, and... Julius, you might be used to it, but, are you teasing me?"

I stirred the bean soup in my bowl with the spoon, feeling red-faced, and started to eat, at least the soup, as I had been told to eat quickly.

Why did I start eating now, of all times?

Oh, what am I even doing?

"Such feelings... I'm not used to them. I don't know how to express it well, but... I want to touch you, Chloe... You're the one who's been turning me back into a human since I became a beast at fifteen and was enslaved by the Empire. I only need you."

Julius spoke while watching me eat as usual, his blue and red eyes piercing through me.

Like a clear blue sky or a sunset on the horizon, his eyes resembled an endless expanse of sky, and I briefly glanced back, feeling as if something tremendous had just been said.

It was heavier and deeper than mere words of love, causing my body temperature to rise as if I'd suddenly caught fire.

"...That's... unfair." I murmured, setting down the spoon.

I swallowed the soup in my mouth, staring at the empty soup bowl and the partially eaten bread.

Although I had cooked a lot because I was incredibly hungry, it didn't mean my stomach had grown larger.

It was a good decision to leave the fish for Julius. As expected, I couldn't bring myself to eat it.

I took a sip of the red wine in the glass.

I had bought it for those nights when I couldn't sleep due to bad dreams, but I hadn't had the occasion to drink it lately, so it had been quite a while.

My throat felt scorched as the wine went down. I felt my body temperature rise even further.

My body felt warm. Perhaps because my stomach was now full, I began to feel lethargic.

Julius quickly finished the bread I left and then drank up the wine in my glass. He ate and drank well. He was muscular yet slender.

When he first came here from the slave fighting arena, he was too thin, but compared to then, he seemed to have gained some muscle.

Yet, his body still lacked any excess fat.

I vaguely observed his protruding throat, shaped differently from mine, which moved differently as he spoke and swallowed.

After finishing his meal, Julius stood up.

As I also stood up, thinking I should start clearing the dishes, Julius pulled me close, his arms tight around me.

"Julius...?"

He held me firmly, his solid frame palpable through the fabric, his body slightly cooler than mine.

Pressed against his chest, I could hear the pulsing rhythm of his heartbeat. The beating heart that signified life---Julius was alive, and he was here with me.

Despite being born in different places and having different backgrounds...

...It felt like a miracle.

"Chloe... I'm glad you're safe. Don't stray too far from me. Stay within reach." He murmured.

"Yes... Julius, please... don't go anywhere." I pleaded.

"I won't. I won't disappear on my own." He assured me.

As he held me tightly in his arms, I caught a whiff of the familiar scent of soap, the same one I use. I hesitantly reached out to touch Julius's body.

When you have something precious, you start to fear losing it.

It was a terrifying feeling, but... I trusted that Julius would be okay.

"Julius, I love you... so much. Thank you for saving me, for protecting me... I've been nothing but stubborn and cruel... Thank you for saving my father from the Underworld. I would've been helpless on my own." I confessed.

"Forget about it. It was only meant to cause you suffering, driven by malice. Chloe, any pain that befalls you, I'll endure it in your place. So... someday, I will surely kill that demon."  He vowed.

"I... I hate demons too. They're cruel, despicable... I hate them. So, I'll fight too." I declared.

"Yeah, that's right... Our to-do list just got longer, Chloe. Earn money, buy a house, replace a girlfriend for Helios, and then... exterminate demons." 

Julius said with a hint of amusement lingering in his tone.

His tone, carefree yet determined, made me feel like I could accomplish anything.

I nestled my cheek against Julius's chest, seeking comfort in his embrace.

There was a mix of embarrassment and relief, but the feeling of reassurance prevailed.

"Yes. It's going to be busy starting tomorrow. It was already busy today. I want to look into how to remove Julius's slave mark. And the collar... should we take it off? I trust you, Julius, so it's not necessary anymore, right?"

"The collar... is fine. Since the constraints were put in place, I started considering what you wouldn't like. Helping Cyril and not killing Aliza, it was all because of the collar. I... I can't trust myself. With the collar, I can at least restrain some impulses."

"I understand. But if you ever want it off, just let me know."

I felt like I could somewhat understand Julius's feelings.The cruel and cold Black Prince Julius.

I didn't think that was the true Julius, but the past and memories wouldn't suddenly disappear.

Just like how I used to be weak and powerless, Chloe Seigrit.

Maybe Julius needed something, just like how I kept reminding myself that I'm the cute alchemist Chloe-chan.

Julius might be strong, but he was just a human, a bit older than me.

"Chloe, it's about time you go to sleep."

His words, far from gentlemanly, carried a hint of sweetness, contrary to his usual demeanor.

I closed my mouth. He loosened his hold on me slightly. My vision blurred with a golden hue, so I lowered my gaze.

Mother used to say that a prince would appear someday.

He might have a sharp tongue and be rough, but... I loved Julius.

So, I would be okay.

No matter the sadness or pain, I can overcome anything and continue living.