I Became the Cure for the Cursed Prince - Chapter 52

Once inside Michelle’s room, Lucas sat before her and began recounting a long tale. He had only shared the facts in a concise manner, but strangely, as he spoke, Michelle’s expression grew increasingly sour.

Lucas tilted his head, sensing something amiss, and paused.

“Sister, are you feeling unwell? Shall I call for an attendant?”

“Hmph. Who said I was unwell?”

Her voice was oddly strained. Unable to grasp her reaction, Lucas asked again.

“Then why that expression? There wasn’t a single detail in my account that should have caused concern. Not a single person—neither the knights nor the villagers—was injured…”

Michelle clicked her tongue sharply and cut him off.

“I understand Leon’s feats were impressive, but… most of what you said was nothing but praise for that boy. I’ve never seen anyone dote so shamelessly.”

Lucas’s face flushed bright red. He had tried to stick to the facts, yet Michelle’s reaction was far from what he’d expected. Scratching the back of his neck, he gave an awkward laugh.

“I suppose I did.”

“Well, up until you started repeating yourself, it was quite an engaging story. I was truly anxious when you nearly died at the hands of the gargoyle, and I listened, breath held, until Leon saved your life. But even after that!”

Lucas had gone on and on about how remarkable Leon had been. Listening to Lucas, one might have thought Leon was a god.

“Haha, I suppose I did. But he really was that remarkable.”

As he finished speaking, Lucas glanced out the window. Since earlier, Jerry had been fluttering outside, seemingly begging for attention. Following his gaze, Michelle looked toward the window and burst into laughter.

“It seems the boy’s master has sent him on an errand.”

“Indeed. Leon insisted on delivering the gargoyle’s heart himself, so I’ll take my leave and send him in.”

“Very well.”

Lucas quickly left Michelle’s room.

Moments after he departed, a rich scent of wood filled the air. Michelle straightened her shoulders and turned toward the door. As expected, a knock soon followed, and Leon entered confidently, a self-assured look on his face. In his hands was the gargoyle’s heart, enveloped in a soft blue glow.

As he closed the distance, his golden hair shimmered with each step. Beneath his neatly arched brows, golden eyes gleamed sharply.

So he’s starting to look like an alpha. When did he grow this much? I only ever thought of him as that damned little brat.

Michelle’s gaze shifted to the gargoyle’s heart in Leon’s hands. Its radiant glow harmonized beautifully with his golden hair.

“…That’s the gargoyle’s heart.”

Leon approached and knelt on one knee, raising the heart with both hands. Michelle carefully accepted it.

A treasure so rare, one could scour the entire northern continent and never find another. She had never imagined the day would come when it would rest in her hands. Watching Lucas strive so desperately to obtain it had made her feel both pity and a bittersweet sense of hope.

To think that something so small—small enough to fit in one hand—held her very life in its grasp.

Michelle stared at the heart for a long while, her expression complex, then summoned her physician. After instructing him to prepare the medicine, she sat properly in her chair and turned to face Leon, whose eyes still glimmered with anticipation. He seemed to have something he wanted to say.

Is he hoping for thanks? Well, I suppose he’s at an age where praise matters.

Michelle spoke slowly.

“Leon, I’ve heard your contribution in this hunt was great. Thanks to you, the people are safe—and I am alive. Thank you.”

Leon’s eyes widened as if surprised to hear words of gratitude, but he quickly composed himself and responded, his voice firm.

“…Thank you for the compliment. However, there’s something I need to make clear.”

His expression was serious, and his voice dropped a tone, revealing his resolve. Michelle raised her right eyebrow and asked,

“Make clear? About what?”

Leon stood and strode toward her. Now taller than Michelle, she instinctively lifted her gaze to meet his.

What on earth is he about to say?

Looking her straight in the eye, Leon answered.

“You are in my debt, My Lady.”

Indeed, she owed him her life.

Strictly speaking, it had been Lucas who took in and raised the young Leon, so Leon had no obligation to repay Michelle. His words weren’t wrong.

“So? How shall I repay you?”

Even as she posed the question, Michelle had a good guess. She and Leon were likely thinking of the same thing.

“I’m not asking for it now. But please, remember that you are indebted to me. There will be something I’ll ask of you in the future.”

“You think I’ll grant your request?”

“You will. My Lady, you know as well as I do that I am a suitable match.”

Leon’s expression brimmed with confidence. Annoyed, Michelle narrowed her eyes and challenged him.

“You’re still young—and can’t even hide your thoughts, let alone your intentions.”

“Yes. And it’s because of him that I can’t hide anything. That’s how much I care.”

“…You impudent little brat.”

Frustrating as it was, Leon was right. From the moment Michelle received the gargoyle’s heart, she had no choice but to acknowledge him.

What sister wouldn’t approve of a strong and upright dominant Alpha pursuing her earnest Omega younger brother? In the end, Michelle gave her answer.

“…Very well. If you have a request in the future, I will grant it.”

“Thank you, My Lady.”

As Leon walked away, Michelle let out a sigh. At the end of it, a resigned smile slipped from her lips.

“You’re determined to get what you want, aren’t you? Well, that’s the kind of resolve it takes.”

It wasn’t as if she had no concerns. But the fact that this boy had grown into someone who would attack a gargoyle for Lucas’s sake filled her with a strange sense of relief.

Of course, how things would turn out was up to Lucas and Leon.

“May Lucas… and Leon find peace.”

All Michelle could do for them was clasp her hands together and pray earnestly to the heavens.

Michelle’s illness was completely cured, and the North regained its peace.

From the day Lucas witnessed Michelle stand without crutches, he declared a week-long temporary holiday and held a grand festival.

After standing atop the highest point of the Castle of Rion, where all those living near the fortress could gaze upon him, Lucas formally announced the start of the festival. Upon his descent, the banquet hall was already buzzing with excitement.

In the grand hall, adorned with lavish decorations and fine fabrics, stood Michelle, radiant and beautiful as she received heartfelt congratulations. The sight stirred Lucas’s heart with emotion.

With a smile, Lucas took his place at the highest dais. All eyes turned toward him.

“Today is the most joyous day in the Duchy of Rion. At last, Michelle Rion has overcome her illness, and with peace restored to the ducal house, the realm too shall know stability. You have all endured much for a long time. Eat, drink, and celebrate!”

The people responded with cheers and thunderous applause. Soon, the hall was abuzz as guests began to enjoy the abundant feast and sweet wines.

Lucas stood for a while, smiling as he watched the joyful scene. The bright lights, the cool night air, the laughter—all of it filled him with happiness. And yet, a sudden loneliness crept into his heart.

Quietly, Lucas slipped away from the revelry, taking a corridor behind the banquet hall. Unlike the lively hall, the passage was dim and cool, welcoming him with silence.

As he walked the long corridor, someone approached and suddenly linked arms with him. The sheer force of the larger figure bumping his shoulder caused Lucas to stumble slightly forward.

“Lucas, where are you going?”

“Off to have a private drink. And Leon, can’t you just walk like a normal person? Must you always throw your whole body into it?”

Leon grinned innocently.

“I can’t help it. It’s a habit. Besides, everyone’s partying—why should you drink alone? If it’s with me, that’s different.”

“You know I don’t drink with others.”

“Aw, but I’m here! Isn’t it about time you start drinking again?”

Lucas chuckled softly, unable to shake off Leon, who leaned in closer. After all, this celebration was largely thanks to Leon—he couldn’t be cold to him. And tonight, Lucas didn’t want to feel lonely.

Smiling, Lucas tugged playfully on Leon’s nose.

“A child shouldn’t be talking about drinking!”

“Yes, yes. I figured you’d say that, so I asked the attendant to bring grape juice. And for the record, I’m not a child—I’m a grown man now.”

“Is that so? Well, at the very least, you now know how to order your own grape juice.”

“…Tch.”

Unable to suppress it, Lucas burst into laughter at Leon’s sulky expression.

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