I Became the Cure for the Cursed Prince - Chapter 59

After returning to the castle, Leon escorted Raila to the greenhouse and then returned to his own chambers.

Because he hadn’t eaten properly for several days, dizziness overtook him, and Leon slowly blinked his eyes. The cold breeze seeping in through the window carried the scent of death.

What would’ve happened if that arrow flying through the snowstorm hadn’t merely grazed Lucas’s shoulder? What if the wind hadn’t picked up so fiercely today? And what if I hadn’t chased after Lucas and failed to catch the intruder…?

Of course, Lucas was more than capable of handling any assassin on his own. But just the thought that Lucas had been in danger made Leon feel as if his entire body were crashing to the ground.

He recalled the image of Lucas, pale and nearly lifeless after his battle with the gargoyle right before being rescued. If Lucas were to be hurt even slightly… Leon wouldn’t be able to endure it.

All the more so, he could never forgive himself if Lucas got hurt because of him.

As long as he stayed here, Keaton would continue sending assassins. And what if, in the process, Lucas or the people of the North got hurt?

“…As long as I’m here, Lucas will be in danger.”

The bitter truth was that Leon was considered a prince who had already been declared dead. In other words, he was nothing. And someone as cruel as Duke Keaton could be preparing for anything.

Leon needed strength. His ability to transform into a tiger wasn’t enough. To truly protect Lucas, he needed status and power.

He clenched his fists tightly and made his decision.

He would no longer mourn their separation. For Lucas’s safety, now was the time to return to Theian.

He would go back and grow stronger. So that Keaton would never again be able to lay a hand on Lucas.

“……”

Of course, just the thought of parting with Lucas made his chest ache like it was being torn apart. Could he really live apart from the man who had become his entire life? And would Lucas, who already seemed to have turned away welcome him back one day?

But Leon had no choice. So he would gain power, come of age, and return to Lucas only then would he be able to beg for his love once more.

For Lucas.

The next day, when Lucas returned to the castle, he looked puzzled at Sion’s words that Leon was asking to see him. If Leon knew he was back, why hadn’t he barged in as he usually did?

“Shall I arrange for a meeting in your office, Your Highness?”

“No, let him rest. I’ll see him later.”

Sion, who had been about to quietly close the door to the office, stepped back inside.

“I believe it would be best to meet with him now. He’s… a little different from usual.”

It was only natural for Leon to react differently, considering he had disappeared without a word and then returned without explanation. Lucas wore a face that seemed to ask, So what?

Sion added, “He wasn’t sulking. He didn’t go out searching for Your Highness. He ate his meals properly. He didn’t plead or beg.”

“……”

That truly was unlike him. Lucas had feared Leon might be crying somewhere, and hearing that he was doing well brought relief yet for some reason, a sharp ache tugged at one side of his chest.

“What shall I do?”

“…He must have something to say. Bring him in.”

A short while later, Leon entered the office. Lucas’s eyes widened for a moment.

The boy who usually wore only comfortable clothes around the castle was now dressed in full regalia clad like a prince of the Theian Empire. The outfit had been sent by the Empress to remind Leon of his identity, yet he had never tried it on before. And now, he wore it.

A dazzling white jacket with a crimson sash draped diagonally across his chest, golden epaulettes on his shoulders, intricate embroidery in golden thread it all drew the eye. His long legs, clad in perfectly fitted white trousers, strode confidently across the office floor.

Lucas stared at him, momentarily forgetting to breathe, as if entranced. Then he came to his senses and set his expression straight. It was the first time he had seen Leon neither crying nor smiling.

“…What brings you here?”

He concealed his surprise and asked calmly. Leon sat down in the chair across from him and looked him straight in the eyes.

His smooth forehead, his straight nose, and the faint red flush on his cheeks, he was composed.

Just then, the snow ceased, and sunlight streamed in, casting its glow across Leon’s face. Sunlight reflected off the thick layer of snow was always brighter to the eyes. With a bitter heart, Lucas turned his gaze away from him. That was when Leon slowly parted his lips.

“…I will return to Theian.”

Lucas’s heart dropped. This was what he had wanted so why did it feel so wrong? What was troubling him?

“Because from the beginning, that’s where I truly belonged.”

An exhale escaped Lucas’s lips, filled with an emotion he couldn’t quite name. He should have remained composed. To calm himself, he nodded while taking a deep breath.

“You’ve made the right decision.”

Leon’s hardened expression overlapped with the face he’d worn that day when he had cried while confessing his love. So it had been nothing more than a fleeting outburst, a moment of youthful emotion. Leon, who saw Lucas as both his Alpha and his parent, couldn’t possibly have meant it sincerely.

His stormy heart began to settle.

“…Lucas!”

At the sudden call of his name, Lucas looked up. Leon’s face was twisted in pain, and he bit down on his lip, holding back the words that threatened to spill. Parting from someone who had been like a parent for so long, he surely had so much he wanted to say. Especially someone like Leon.

And yet he held his tongue perhaps because Lucas’s cold demeanor over the past few days had wounded him deeply. It pained Lucas that he couldn’t leave Leon with good memories, but he had no choice. It was necessary to sever their emotional ties.

“I heard the escort knights from Theian are on their way. They should arrive in a matter of days.”

“……”

“I’ll always wish you good health.”

Lucas slowly rose from his seat. Leon, who had remained silent since declaring his decision to leave, didn’t say another word to the end.

As his chair scraped back with a soft creak, Leon stood and turned to go. Lucas watched his retreating figure with a heart that felt like it was being torn apart.

It’s for the best. This is for the best…

He murmured to himself and turned his gaze to the window.

The snow, piled softly outside, was as white as Leon’s face.

Ever since receiving the letter from Theian announcing the dispatch of royal escort knights, Lucas had struggled to sleep. After their encounter in the study, Leon had made no attempt to see him again, and Lucas, too, had avoided him.

And today, news arrived that the knights from Theian had reached the outskirts of Rion Castle.

“…So today truly is the last.”

Lucas donned a formal uniform, stiff with starch and polished to perfection, and called for Sion. When he asked after Leon’s whereabouts, Sion informed him that Leon was currently at the greenhouse, saying farewell to the animals. However, both Raila and Jerry, who had grown deeply attached to Leon would be sent along with him as a gesture of goodwill from the North to the Empire.

Without delay, Lucas headed toward the greenhouse as well. Though it was only a short walk, today it felt unusually long. His steps halted more than once. Every time he took a step, pain surged through him like his flesh was being carved open. No matter how torn apart he felt inside, he couldn’t show it in front of Leon.

Lucas steeled his heart.

You were my only child, my only friend. I held you more dearly than anyone else.
But could he send Leon away without saying these words? The closer he came to the greenhouse, the more his resolve threatened to crumble.

Clenching his fists, Lucas opened the greenhouse doors. The animals had encircled Leon, letting out soft cries.

Their mournful sounds felt like echoes of Lucas’s own heart. Slowly, he walked toward Leon.

“The escort knights will be arriving shortly. Are you ready?”

Without warning, Leon stepped forward and grabbed Lucas’s arm, pulling him into an embrace before he could react. Lucas tried to push him away by the chest, but he wasn’t strong enough to resist. Leon only tightened his arms around him.

“I know I have to go. I’m going for your sake.”

His words didn’t sound like they were meant for Lucas, but rather like he was affirming them to himself.

“I have no interest in the imperial throne or anything like that. The only one I care about is you. But… if it means protecting you, I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”

His voice cracked as if the emotions he’d been suppressing had finally spilled over. Lucas stood frozen, unable to move.

You’re mistaken.
It’s only because you’ve been away from the center of power for so long that you don’t understand. Once you return to your rightful place, things will change. You’ll be loved by your people and live as a wise and benevolent emperor. Eventually, you’ll come to see that it brings more happiness than staying by my side ever could. So don’t worry.

He knew he had to speak gently, like an adult guiding a child but his throat was so tight, not a single word would come out.

Leon stopped talking and buried his face against Lucas’s neck, breathing deeply. Each time he drew breath, Lucas’s chest rose and fell with it. The deeper, richer scent of wood clung to the air, slipping again and again into his nose.

“…Do you think I can live without you?”

“…Yes. You can.”

Because unlike me, you shine.
Because you’re far stronger, far kinder. You’ll be loved wherever you go.

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