I Became the Cure for the Cursed Prince - Chapter 82

“Ah… that’s…”

The coming-of-age ceremony was not the most pressing matter right now. After borrowing the power of a dragon, Vilter was left incapacitated, but his remnants still remained. It was important to deal with them and elevate Lucas’s reputation within the Empire. Only after that would the coming-of-age ceremony and the conferment ceremony be handled together.

When Leon shared this plan, Ermon’s expression finally softened. It seemed he had felt hurt that Leon had discussed matters only with Exer behind his back.

Leon chuckled quietly and gazed outside. With the matter settled, thoughts of Lucas naturally filled his mind. It would be nice if the article came out before that… though even if it did, it would be quite a while before Lucas heard of it.

There were many tasks at hand, but Leon’s heart was impatient, and that was dangerous. It was precisely at times like this that one needed to remain calm and proceed carefully. Pressing a hand over his chest, Leon recalled the mark engraved on the inside of Lucas’s thigh. As long as that mark existed, Lucas could no longer leave him.

Lucas was his omega.

A serene smile appeared on Leon’s face.

Even by the next morning, Lucas remained asleep. Having gone through a heat cycle and an imprinting in poor physical condition, it was only natural that he hadn’t regained consciousness yet.

Leon sat at the table in Lucas’s room, sipping tea while reading the morning paper.

It seemed Ermon had done a good job. The headline was exactly as Leon had written.

[The Duke of the North Saves the Theian Empire from a Monster!]

The article began by explaining that during the coming-of-age ceremony of Prince Leon Theian, a monster had suddenly appeared. However, thanks to the foresight of the First Prince, who evacuated the attendees in advance, there were no casualties. The story then described how, as Prince Leon faced peril against the monster, former Duke Lucas appeared and saved his life.

Beneath that, Lucas’s achievements as ruler of the North were detailed thoroughly. Chief among them were easing tensions between the two nations and eradicating monsters from the Black Forest that stretched across the border, thus contributing greatly to the safety of both countries.

After reading the article in full, Leon smiled in satisfaction.

The reporters would soon swarm in. Idle nobles loved gossip. Once Lucas was ready, Leon would publicly declare that Lucas was his omega and destined mate.

The thought of soon announcing to the world that Lucas was his filled Leon’s heart with excitement. He kissed the sleeping Lucas’s cheek. The spot where their skin touched heated immediately, but he refrained from further disturbing Lucas, who would soon awaken.

“I hope you have only sweet dreams. Leave all the troublesome things to me,” Leon whispered into Lucas’s ear before heading back to his study.

Once the interviews were over, the tales of Duke Lucas of the North and Leon’s own childhood would spread throughout the entire Empire. No one would dare oppose their marriage then.

The marriage between Duke Lucas, now a national hero, and Crown Prince Leon Theian…

Just imagining it made Leon’s heart swell endlessly.

As soon as he stepped outside, Ermon hurried over, as if he had been waiting.

“Your Highness, there is chaos outside the Imperial Palace! How do you intend to clean up after what you’ve done!?”

“No need to make such a fuss. Everything is going according to plan.”

“The reporters from the newspapers are lining up!”

“Good. Here, respond exactly according to this,” Leon said, casually handing over a document.

Ermon took the paper reflexively and, upon reading it, his eyes widened.

“Your Highness, if we do this…”

“I know what you’re thinking. But don’t worry — everything will be handled perfectly.”

Ermon opened his mouth to protest, but instead sighed and went to where the reporters had gathered.

Leon stretched and smiled in satisfaction. The document he had given Ermon contained a detailed explanation of the events at the coming-of-age ceremony and an introduction to who the former Duke of the North truly was.

Leon had revealed how Lucas had once saved him during his dangerous childhood and had guided him properly as he grew. It also stated that Lucas had once again saved his life and would be honored as a state guest.

“Since the Kilton Duke’s faction caused chaos during the ceremony, they’ll be too wary to make any bold moves.”

This should be enough to solidify Lucas’s reputation.

Leon’s prediction turned out to be correct. Within a few days, the people began spreading songs and stories of the two heroes who had risked their lives for their safety. Leon and Lucas quickly became the most beloved and talked-about figures in the Theian Empire.

The tale of a former enemy leader who had raised and protected the Empire’s precious prince was sensational enough. Overnight, Lucas transformed from the leader of an enemy nation into a celebrated guest of honor.

Leon enjoyed the successes he and Lucas had achieved, but at the same time, he continued investigating without pause — determined to uncover who had been backing Vilter, and how the dragon had appeared.

When Lucas woke up after a long sleep, everything in the Theian Empire had changed.
It felt as if he had been possessed by a ghost.
He had slept for days because of the aftermath of the imprinting, leaving the line between dream and reality blurred.

After hearing all that had happened from Sion, Lucas pressed a hand against his forehead and collapsed back onto the bed.

How long had he been asleep?
Was the mark on his thigh really left by Leon?
How had things ended up like this?

The situation was so tangled that he didn’t know where to begin.
The confusion was overwhelming, yet even amid that chaos, one worry rose above all else — Leon.

Even though the dragon had been wounded and driven away, the mastermind behind it was still unknown. There was no guarantee the dragon wouldn’t attack again.
Thankfully, it seemed nothing had happened while Lucas had been unconscious.

Just then, the door opened, and Leon walked in with a bright, dazzling smile — so radiant that Lucas wondered if he was still dreaming.

Leon crossed the room in a few quick strides, stopping so close their shoulders almost brushed.
He simply stood there for a moment.
After a while, he gently raised his hand and touched Lucas’s cheek.
The soft scent of wood floated to Lucas’s nose.

Leaning slightly into the warm hand, Lucas felt his mind slowly start to clear.
When he finally lifted Leon’s hand away, he spoke.

“Are you all right?”

“I should be asking you that,” Leon said softly, smiling. “Are you all right, Lucas? I was so worried waiting for you.”

Leon blinked slowly and rested an arm lightly across Lucas’s shoulder.
Lucas froze, unsure of how to react, before gently removing Leon’s arm.
He then carefully looked Leon over from head to toe.

There were no visible wounds, and his complexion looked healthy.
It seemed Leon was truly unharmed.
Lucas finally let out a small breath of relief.

But just as he relaxed, Leon tilted his head and lowered his gaze, sweeping it slowly over Lucas’s entire body.
It wasn’t the look of someone checking for injuries — it felt as if Leon were looking straight through him, searching for everything he was trying to hide.
The intensity made Lucas flustered, and he quickly sat up and stepped back.

“Lucas,” Leon called, his voice low and rich.

The sound made Lucas’s heart ache sharply.
He took a slow breath and met Leon’s gaze.

Leon’s eyes were dark, heavy with emotions.

“How long are you going to keep running away?” Leon asked quietly. “From reality.”

Lucas didn’t know how to answer — or maybe he did and just didn’t want to.
How could he dare to accept this reality?

“We’re bound now. We’re imprinted,” Leon said gently. “You know exactly what that means, don’t you?”

“……”

“An imprint isn’t made by just one person’s feelings. It’s something that both sides share.
So why do you keep pushing me away?
Fate brought us together.
Our hearts have already connected.
You deserve to be happy, Lucas.”

Leon’s voice was calm and steady — so different from the boy who used to cry and pout when he didn’t get his way.
He had grown into someone strong and mature, and for a moment, Lucas felt like he was the child instead.

His heart raced painfully.
Lucas knew what it meant.
But he couldn’t allow himself to follow his heart.
Every time he had done so in the past, it had only led to disaster.

He hated himself for denying it, but still, he had to say it.
Leon deserved someone better than him.

“I never once imagined I could have this kind of relationship with Your Highness,” Lucas said, his voice low.
“In fact, not just with you — with anyone. I am someone who must be alone.
So… it would be better if we severed the imprint.”

“Is that really what you want?” Leon asked.

“……”

Leon took a step closer and gently took Lucas’s hand.

Lucas tried to pull away, but Leon’s grip was so desperate, so sincere, that he couldn’t bring himself to move.

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