Queen of Revenge - Chapter 53

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 53
Iolet, struck at a sensitive nerve, turned aggressive in her response.
“Why would that concern you?”
“I’m a bit confused whether he knew what he was doing or not. But I’m the one asking questions here, Princess.”
Both the question and answer were maddeningly vague.
Iolet picked up her wine glass in silence.
The moment her lips touched the rim, Kairon Winterbark snatched it away as if fishing for prey.
“Let’s skip this one.”
Kairon Winterbark clicked his tongue and poured the wine into his own mouth, then pushed the glass far beyond her reach.
At this point, my mind had shifted. He seemed to think I had no personal curiosities about him—a grave miscalculation on his part.
I fixed him with an intense stare, my eyes narrowing.
“Did you know about me from before?”
“Before? When exactly?”
“Before you found me in the Garden on Founding Day.”
“That day was the first time I saw you.”
“Yet you seemed to know me quite well for someone meeting me for the first time.”
As I pressed him, Kairon Winterbark’s expression grew distant.
“When you first told me you knew of my treachery, you weren’t surprised at all. You didn’t even ask how you found out.”
“….”
“The only conclusion I can draw is that you already knew about me. So was that intentional?”
“I answered you. That day, at the Elovis Founding Day Celebration, I saw you for the first time.”
Kairon Winterbark cut off my words.
His tone was gentle but resolute, as if he had nothing more to say on this matter.
“One question at a time. That was the rule, wasn’t it?”
“…Fine. Your turn.”
I had no choice but to yield.
Kairon Winterbark, who had been staring at me with my lips pressed firmly shut, asked bluntly.
“You promised to bring me the Throne within two years. Why the rush?”
We had circled back to where the original question had begun.
Kairon Winterbark was patient; I was desperate. We puzzled each other.
I realized I had never told him the most crucial truth.
“My body is weak. I don’t actually know how long I have to live.”
Kairon Winterbark froze mid-gesture, his chin resting on the back of his hand. His pupils dilated as if he had heard something entirely unexpected.
“You may have guessed, but I am immortal. However, that’s only true as long as my necklace retains its remaining lifespan.”
I do not know how much time remains in my mother’s necklace.
My mother died young in her day, so decades or more might remain—or it could be mere years, even months.
When the red glow within this black crystal fades completely, my remaining time will end as well.
Almost certainly. Even the Demons saw me that way—an empty shell.
Unlike them, who drain others’ lifespans, once the necklace’s lifespan is consumed, there would be no second chance.
Kairon Winterbark asked, his voice strained.
“So that’s why you included such a clause in the contract?”
[However, should either Party A or Party B die due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the fault of either party, this contract shall be rendered void.]
Iolet hesitated for a moment before nodding.
“Of course, I wish to survive even a day longer. But even if I had only one day remaining, I must press forward toward the throne.”
Otherwise, Mother’s sacrifice would lose all meaning.
“I included that clause in the contract to mean that should I die, you would be freed from its bindings as well. In any case, for that reason, I cannot afford to waste time. Does that answer your question?”
“That will not happen.”
Kairon Winterbark, who had been listening quietly, suddenly interjected with finality.
Iolet blinked several times before asking.
“What exactly won’t happen?”
“You dying young.”
“Well, as I said, I don’t have unlimited resurrections.”
Kairon Winterbark said nothing for a long while.
The composure that had clung to him like a second skin vanished, and the loose air around them quietly tightened.
Lost in thought, Kairon Winterbark gazed at her for an extended moment. Then he murmured softly under his breath.
“I need to do this properly.”
Iolet sensed a profound shift in his resolve.
His eyes had kindled with purpose—a cold and unwavering resolve.
Kairon Winterbark had found his motivation to engage in this game earnestly. Which also meant that until now, he had treated their contract as nothing more than a jest.
“Enough with the games. I’ve satisfied most of my curiosities anyway.”
Kairon Winterbark uncrossed his arms and rose from his seat.
He lifted Iolet into his arms where she sat.
“No, wait—!”
“Hearing you say you’re in pain, I should put you to rest at once.”
“I still have questions! Like who holds the highest authority in the Kalande Royal House besides the princes, or what kind of disposition the King of Kalande has—!”
“I’ll organize it all and write you a report. Did you take your medicine? What’s this pill? What have you been taking lately?”
He was unmoved by her protests.
In the end, Iolet found herself confined to bed once more that day.
* * *
Kairon Winterbark departed the Command Tower the very next day. Four days had passed in a flash.
Iolet saw him off with an awkward feeling.
She had layered her clothing to conceal the vivid bruises marking her neck. When Kairon Winterbark caught sight of them and chuckled, she grew even more embarrassed.
“I’ve left the report in your bedroom. I’ve written down most of what I remember, so refer to it.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Kairon Winterbark nodded and mounted his horse.
Just before departure, he issued a subtle warning to Iolet.
“You’ll need to be prepared if you’re coming to the Northern Fortress.”
“Is it worse than here?”
Iolet asked as if in jest, but Kairon Winterbark did not smile at all.
“It’s difficult for me to say, but the Kalande Border is not a place fit for human habitation. Compared to the fortress, this is a palace.”
“Is that all?”
“If you wish to confront your own depths, there is a saying to go to the Northern Fortress.”
The Commander atop his horse gazed down at her intently. Then, without warning, he leaned down and kissed Iolet.
A hot, wet tongue slipped between her parted lips in shock.
In an instant, their breath intermingled, and an unfamiliar sensation sent a delicate shiver through her.
‘Everyone is watching…!’
Iolet’s cheeks flushed crimson.
As if reluctant to leave unfinished what he had begun yesterday, Kairon Winterbark straightened his posture after tasting her briefly.
“That place is where humanity becomes most vile. Steel yourself before you come, madam.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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