Chapter 18.4

The Aftermath of a Big Fight: Cermiane’s Point of View. (4)

It was a beautiful back suplex. She ruthlessly tried to slam my head against the wooden floor. I flipped my body over and took the fall. But Ralphine had already read my movements.

Immediately, she grabbed my legs, lifted me up and began to swing my body from side to side. My body floated easily, and I realized I was helpless in this position.

“Ral!”

My scream was in vain, and Ralphine threw me aside. She intended to smash my head against the wall. My body was completely floating and I could do nothing. All I could do was try to protect my head as best as I could.

“Aaah!”

I was slammed against the wall. The wall caved in, the ceiling cracked and shattered, and plaster dust poured down on me. Oh, my house, my house is falling down. I panicked, but that was not the point.

Ralphine attacked me with the agility of a lynx and grabbed me by the collar with both hands. Then she crossed them and started tightening them at once. In an instant, my neck tightened as she tightened it with all her might. I panicked and tried to grab Ralphine’s wrist to stop her, but she tightened her grip on me with unbelievable strength, glaring at me with her red, glowing eyes.

This was serious. Ralphine really intended to kill me. I felt a chill run down my spine. I’ve been on dangerous missions before, but I’ve never felt such an imminent danger of death.

“Ral!”

I have to get serious too or I will be in trouble. I grabbed Ralphine’s thin wrist tightly and desperately try to pull it off. It doesn’t budge like it’s made of steel, but I manage to overpower her with my strength. The restraint loosened a bit and I was able to breathe a little easier. But my relief was short-lived.

“Ugh!”

Ralphine headbutted me and sparks flew in front of my eyes. But I don’t loosen my grip. If I do, she’ll tighten it all at once. As soon as I saw her about to headbutt me again, I pulled her hand and pressed her against me. If we are in close contact, she wouldn’t be able to headbutt me. I spread my arms to keep her hands from applying pressure and dodged her headbutt by pressing against her. Ralphine struggled, trying to knee me or bite me, but I managed to wrap my legs around her and restrain her. I created a stalemate and call out to her.

“Ral, calm down!”

Ralphine growled in frustration as she was unable to move, but she barked as she glared at me with her glowing red eyes.

“What do you think of me!”

Her body jumped up as she barked, and I desperately held her in place with my legs. She was a beast. But she was also…

“You’re my wife, aren’t you?

My precious, precious wife. There was no other way to describe her. Hearing that, Ralphine’s eyes twisted slightly, looking sad and frustrated.

“Yes, I am your wife. Do you think I’m going to leave my husband and run away when things are tough?”

I huffed. That was not my intention. I simply wanted her to choose. Either she would leave me and live a life of freedom, or she would live a life of inconvenience with me. I wanted her to choose for herself. Of course, I wanted her to choose me.

“S-sorry, that’s not what I meant…!”

I quickly tried to make excuses and immediately stopped myself. I knew that Ralphine had already made her choice. She would always get angry, but forgive me quickly. When she scolded me for breaking a promise, she already understood my circumstances. She just wanted me to apologize.

“I’m sorry. It was my fault.”

I apologized sincerely. Ralphine’s expression softened a little. Her grip on my legs didn’t loosen, but I no longer felt her anger emanating from her beautiful face.

“Do you have something to say to me?”

I hesitated. Was it okay for me to say this? I had always forced my own convenience on her, during our marriage and even now. Moreover, the circumstances I was going to force on her now were extraordinary. Was it okay to burden her with that?

“B-but, you want to live freely, right? You hate being a noble? ”

But Ralphine’s eyes were already those of someone who had made up their mind.

“Say it. What do you want from me? What is your wish?”

In the end, I was the one who wasn’t ready. Ralphine was always one step ahead of me. I was always guided by her. Yes, I needed her.

“Of course, I want you to be by my side. I want you to help me. Even if I were to become emperor…”

Ralphine grinned, showing her teeth. Perhaps I was being biased, but she looked happy.

“All right, I understand. Your wish is my command.”

At that moment, Ralphine collapsed on me, completely devoid of strength. She must have used too much energy and couldn’t muster any more strength due to the backlash. I smiled and hugged her. Ralphine turned her face away, seeming embarrassed, and didn’t look at me.

“Do you regret it?”

“I already do.”

Ralphine spoke in a grumpy voice and warned me while digging her nails into my chest.

“If you start talking about divorce again, I’ll seriously end it.”

This was probably the biggest dere moment for Ralphine. I was happy and hugged her tightly, despite her seeming unable to move.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

I kissed her forehead, where a small red bump had appeared. It seemed that I had won the bet of a lifetime. As long as she was with me, I believed that I could do anything. Yes, even if I were to be asked to become the crown prince, I would take on the challenge.

I no longer felt scared of the difficult days that would start tomorrow as long as I could be with her.

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