Dark Moon Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 209. Sleepless Night IV (Patreon)

Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 209. Sleepless Night IV

The resounding toll of the bell reverberated through the towering heights of Luminus City, its majestic peal announcing the passing of noon. The bustling streets below were teeming with activity as the sun's rays bathed the cobbled paths in a golden glow. Amongst the throng of citizens, a gathering of people had formed along the side of the road, their eyes eagerly scanning the horizon, awaiting the triumphant return of their beloved king.

Amidst the crowd, two men stood side by side, their heads adorned with crowns of chestnut-brown hair that cascaded down to their broad shoulders. Their faces bore the marks of experience, etched deeply into the lines and creases that mapped the paths of their lives. As they engaged in conversation, their voices carried a weight of curiosity and intrigue.

"Have you heard?" inquired the first man, his voice tinged with a sense of urgency. "This time, King Angelus was forced to abandon his duties prematurely due to a grave injury."

A flicker of concern danced across the second man's face as he nodded in response. "Indeed, I have heard whispers of such unfortunate news. Five days ago, our king and his entourage were beset by rebel forces, and it is said that he sustained severe wounds while valiantly defending Princess Rose."

A hushed silence fell between the two men, their minds grappling with the gravity of the situation. The first man's voice broke the stillness, laced with a hint of incredulity. "But what grievous offense could the princess have committed to elicit such a selfless act of sacrifice from our esteemed ruler? To what lengths did she push him?"

A sigh escaped the second man's lips as he pondered the question. "Ah, it seems you haven’t heard the tale that has stirred the winds of gossip. It is said that after King Angelus triumphed over the kingdom of Zephyrus, Princess Rose, beguiled in her beauty and him into marrying her. She sought to secure her family's power and position by binding herself to the mighty monarch of Euphorion."

A furrow appeared between the first man's brows as he absorbed the revelation. "Disgraceful indeed! To manipulate the heart of a king, to exploit his vulnerability for her own gain... Princess Rose's actions betray not only her lack of honor but also her desperation for power."

"Maybe King Angelus really fell in love with her," came the sudden voice of a stranger, a cold-faced man, who had appeared seemingly out of nowhere beside the two brown-haired men. His appearance was striking, dressed in a long-sleeved white shirt, with a black leather vest, a hood draped over his head, and black trousers. On his belt, he wore a sharp black sword, and in his hand, he held a stick of caramel candy, which he absently nibbled on.

The two men looked at him strangely, taken aback by the sudden intrusion. "Are you new here? We've never seen you before," one of them remarked, his voice laced with suspicion.

The cold-faced man shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "Actually, I live near here, but I rarely go out," he replied, his voice as icy as his expression.

As if on cue, a woman appeared beside him, dressed in a red, long-sleeved short dress, with long black tights. On her belt, a reddish-black whip hung ominously, and like her companion, she too had a hood draped over her head. "Ange-...My husband, shall we wait for them here?" she asked, her voice soft yet authoritative.

"Yes, I think this place is strategic enough to wait for them," the cold-faced man replied, his gaze lingering on his wife for a moment before turning back to the two brown-haired men.

"Sir, you are very lucky to have a wife as beautiful as her," one of the men remarked, his eyes lingering on the woman's striking features.

A warm smile danced upon the cold-faced man’s lips as he turned his gaze towards his beloved companion "Yes, I'm very lucky," the cold-faced man replied, a hint of warmth creeping into his voice. "Besides being beautiful, my wife is also very kind, has knowledge of medicine, and is skilled in the art of combat. I am truly in love with her.”