I Became the Cure for the Cursed Prince - Chapter 119
Elisha put her finger to her lips, looking even more confused. She thought for a moment before asking again.
“My dad is a cute tiger, so I’m cute because I look like him?”
As Leon nodded, Elisha held Lucas’s hands tightly with both of hers and said softly,
“I was sad because I thought I only looked like Daddy Le. Daddy Lu, please don’t be too sad. I love Daddy Lu too.”
Lucas burst out laughing at her unexpected answer. Since tears usually come when someone is sad, he figured Lou’s father must have been feeling upset. Elisha’s way of expressing her emotions was so innocent and adorable that Lucas couldn’t help but wrap his arms around her.
“Ugh, ugh! I can’t breathe! Just a little longer, please!”
“Yes, yes, my daughter.”
Leon came over and embraced both of them at the same time. The soft moonlight shining through the curtains gently wrapped around the three of them.
“Ha, how long do I have to keep explaining everything to you? Isn’t it time you figured things out on your own?”
Here we go again. For months now, Leon had been losing his temper every time he saw Ermon.
The Crown Prince’s responsibilities had grown heavier. He had to manage newly developed lands and build relationships with other nations. The three little tigers never gave him a moment of rest, and according to the nannies, the granddaughter often woke up crying, disturbing Leon and his wife’s sleep.
So it was no surprise that he was reacting this way.
Ermon was a skilled practitioner. As a fellow Alpha, he understood Leon and accepted his frustration without taking it personally.
Ermon spoke in a calm and collected voice.
“Yesterday you told me not to make decisions on my own and to always ask first.”
Leon’s right eyebrow rose in surprise.
“Who, me?”
Of course he denied it. If the Crown Prince had taken out his irritation on others like this before, Ermon would have said something a long time ago. Thankfully, Leon had always been kind to Lucas and the other servants, which made it easier to endure. But now, it had become too much. He was not angry. He was simply worried about the Crown Prince’s health.
“Your Majesty.”
Leon’s eyes trembled slightly at the gentle tone of Ermon’s voice.
“Ha, Ermon. Yeah, I know. I’ve been a little too sensitive lately.”
“No.”
“Yes, you have. It’s written all over your face.”
“Actually, things like this are a bit difficult for me right now. Your Majesty, you used to be the most optimistic person I knew. But now, you say no to everything. I really don’t know how to help you anymore.”
Ermon finished speaking and lowered his head to avoid Leon’s gaze. Leon drank cold water quickly, trying to calm the burning feeling in his stomach.
Lucas had been completely worn out from raising a child. For months, he had dealt with his physical urges alone because of Elisha’s interference. He had been taking suppressants, not because he wanted to, but because he was afraid. He lacked the confidence to face the fear he remembered from childbirth. Without the medication, he might have lost control.
“This is really embarrassing.”
Leon gave a shy smile. He rubbed his cheek with the same hand that had just felt the chill of the water, but the cool sensation faded quickly. His face turned warm again.
“It’s just the heat. I really can’t handle it.”
“How was your vacation?”
“A vacation? That sounds wonderful. Just the thought of escaping work and being with the kids makes me feel at peace.”
“There’s no need to worry. All urgent matters have already been taken care of.”
Ermon suddenly stopped talking and hit his forehead with his palm. Something more important than work came to his mind.
“The grandchildren. They are the real problem.”
“Yes, because if I am not there, no one else can manage them.”
If I could have time alone with Lucas, I would do anything. If there were someone to care for the children, I could leave them behind. But…
“Even if you searched the entire Theian Empire, you would not find a single nanny who could handle even one of them properly.”
“What about the Exorcist? He is incredibly strong…”
Leon gave a short laugh.
“That man cannot resist Elisha. He would have to be someone who can say no to anything, no matter how cute or sweet she acts. That kind of person… Wait, there is someone.”
There was one relative who didn’t seem like he would even flinch if he were stabbed. But at the same time, he loved the children as if they were his own. Ermon, who had been staring at Leon with a confused expression, seemed to realize it too. They both spoke the name at the same time.
“Are you talking about Archduchess Michelle?”
“Yes, Michelle. That’s it.”
Leon, finally able to relax, rushed to his room to tell Lucas the good news.
Leon watched Lucas with quiet eyes as he moved about, focused and efficient. Leon had planned to pack his things and tell Lucas that he was heading north right away. But when he saw Lucas holding a stack of books meant for writing children’s textbooks, he stopped. He suddenly felt foolish.
But I can’t let my life revolve around my children forever.
“Luka, let’s take the kids and go to Leon.”
Lucas had been reading a book. He looked up. The suggestion surprised him.
“That’s too sudden. I need to let people know in advance. And if five of us move at the same time, the amount of luggage will be overwhelming.”
But Leon’s eyes, which met his, were glowing. It was the same look he always had when asking for something unreasonable or trying to convince someone. Lucas let out a sigh and shrugged his shoulders.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
Leon stood up from his seat and walked over to Lucas. He gently placed a hand on Lucas’s shoulder and spoke with conviction.
“Michelle Rion said she would always keep the gates open for us. So what do we even need to pack? We already have our own room there, and there are children’s clothes and books that Sion bought for us.”
What could be more surprising than the Crown Prince announcing that he wanted to leave the empire and go on a vacation? But since there was nothing wrong with what Leon had said, Lucas didn’t refuse. Instead, he gave a condition.
“Let’s just make it a short three-day trip.”
Three days sounded too brief, but it felt manageable. Maybe they could convince the others along the way.
“Hmm… alright, sounds good.”
Lucas looked at Leon with suspicion. It seemed like Leon’s pupils were trembling slightly. Or was it just his imagination? The land of Leon was also filled with his childhood memories. It was a place he had always wanted to show the children, even if only once.
The children were now five years old. They were strong enough to handle the northern cold and the long journey.
Boom. Bang.
A loud knock startled me. The door opened and three small faces peeked out. Their bright smiles made it obvious that they were filled with excitement.
“The zelkova tree!”
“Michelle Rion. Sion Three Guns!”
“I finally see Jerry. Peep peep!”
The three children burst into the room all at once, shouting phrases in a mix of their own playful language. Elisha grabbed Leon’s arm, Diana clung to Lucas’s back, and Andrea wrapped her arms around Lucas’s waist. They all talked at once, full of energy.
“When are you going?”
“I want to go to Panni too.”
“We don’t need any toys, so let’s go quickly.”
Leon kissed Elisha on the cheek and gently laid her down beside him. Then, as he looked at his sons clinging tightly to Lucas, he let out a quiet sob. The children, who had been silently watching him, stepped away from Lucas one by one and went to stand beside Elisha.
“Andrea.”
Andrea raised her hand when Leon called her name.
“We will not go to the birch forest this time. It is still too dangerous for someone your age. I will take you when you are a little older. Now Elisha.”
“Yes, Papa.”
“Speak politely.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Very good. Elisha, will you go to Castle Rion and show respect to Aunt Michelle and Uncle Sion?”
“Of course. I will be good.”
“Alright. Next, Die.”
“Yes.”
“I know Dea loves animals more than anyone else. But be careful not to call her a squeaky in front of Jerry. She gets upset when people say that.”
Dea nodded quickly and said,
“Oh no. If I had said that, I would have been in big trouble.”
Lucas watched with a warm smile as Leon gave the children careful instructions. He was a father who showed endless affection when playing with them, but he was also the strictest when it came to teaching them right from wrong. No one else could match his strength and kindness.
“Alright, let’s go get ready. I will let the nannies know.”
The children cheered and ran back to their rooms.
“Hurray.”
Leon, who had been watching them fondly, got up from his seat and walked over to Lucas.
“We should get ready to leave too. It has been a long time since we last visited the north.”
The snow would be dazzling and white, and there were people I missed.
Even though I had been so busy raising the children, I had never once forgotten about Leon.
My heart fluttered at the thought of traveling to Castle Rion, holding Leon’s hand, with the three children beside us.