It was a Political Marriage, But I’m Being Loved - Chapter 65

When their magic intertwined, all Achilles Illien could read from Charlize was a small handful of emotions.

Even though far more of his own thoughts and feelings had been laid bare to her, he had only been granted that one fragile glimpse into her heart.

In the past, even that sliver of feeling would have thrilled him—but now, he was parched. He wanted certainty. He wanted to be sure that she loved him.

“Then, if we do this… I’ll be able to see your thoughts and feelings too, right? Are you sure you’re okay with that?”

“I am. Because it’s you who’ll be seeing them… I’m willing.”

The truth was… he was afraid.

His mind was still dark, murky with jealousy and resentment—tainted by bitter emotions toward Valter. Feelings so ugly, he feared they would repulse her.

But his desire to understand her emotions outweighed his fear. She was looking up at him with concern in her eyes, but what if… inside, she was thinking something else entirely?

Achilles pressed his lips once, then again, to the hand he held—then activated a spell.

It was a harmless one, even if they failed to fully control it. Wisps of softly glowing color, like dandelion seeds, floated around them in the air.

Charlize, watching them in wonder, reached inward and summoned her own mana, mimicking his movement with growing confidence.

She’s learned to use her magic on her own now…

Even knowing that didn’t mean she would leave him, Achilles felt a pang in his chest. His thoughts spiraled. Jealousy over Valter, who had held her heart for more than a decade, surged within him like a fever.

If she sees these feelings… will she despise me?

But he couldn’t stop the flow. He couldn’t control the storm within him.

As expected, something of his turmoil leaked through the magical connection—and Charlize’s expression faltered in surprise. Achilles felt exposed. Embarrassed. But part of him wanted her to know. To see it.

And then… something strange.

Among the confusion and surprise that flowed back from her—there was happiness.

He couldn’t make sense of it.

Achilles misread it. He thought she was glad Valter had survived. And Charlize… could read that, too.

“Achilles, that’s not it…”

She looked up at him, trying to explain—but froze.

Though his face was still expressionless, his golden eyes were brimming with tears. A single drop traced down his cheek.

Charlize’s lips parted in shock.

Is he… crying?

Achilles, ashamed of how easily his emotions were slipping out, released her hand.

But she clutched it back instantly.

“No! That’s not what I meant. I…”

Her face burned, but her voice was steady—clear and certain.

“I was happy because… you were jealous. That’s why. It has nothing to do with Valter. Ever since you left, I’ve only been thinking about you. I’ve been worried about you, Achilles. That’s the truth.”

Achilles stared down at her, silent, still crying.

If not for the soft, blooming warmth that trickled in from her emotions—he wouldn’t have believed it. It was too much to hope for.

“You… like these ugly feelings of mine?”

His tone was calm, but the disbelief in it was unmistakable.

Charlize flushed.

“It just means you love me. I’ve never been loved like this before. I know it’s selfish and messy and maybe even wrong… but…”

Before she could finish her sentence, Achilles pulled her into his arms.

Tightly. Almost painfully tight.

“Tell me you love me.”

“…I love you.”

She had been about to say “I like you,” as she always did. But this time, it didn’t feel right. This time, she needed to say more.

He was still crying. Still trembling.

“I want you to love me, Charlize. I never… never expected to feel something like this.”

Would he have run from it if he had known?

Or would he still have been drawn to her out of curiosity?

He had never cared for human emotions. He’d never seen them as anything but distractions. But now… now they consumed him.

“Do you hate that you fell in love with me? Do you regret it?”

Her voice was quiet, almost afraid. The question hit him like a blade.

Achilles stared at her, stunned.

If she continued to love him… then this feeling could become a blessing.

But if she ever stopped… it would be a curse.

“I don’t know,” he said at last. “Sometimes, I feel so happy I can barely breathe… and sometimes, I feel so desperate I want to run away…”

He hadn’t meant to cry. The last time he shed tears was when his former Tower Master had died. The fact that it was happening again—now—was humiliating.

“Charlize… do you love me?”

As Achilles felt his mana surrounding him, Charlize responded in kind. Particles of light floated gently around them, overflowing like a transparent mist and filling the corridor—yet neither spared them a glance.

Soft currents of mana flowed as hers blended with his. Within that magical embrace, Charlize’s emotions began to spread and overflow, causing Achilles’s eyes to widen in surprise.

“I told you… that I love you. So please, don’t cry. It was all my fault.”

He had been the one to reveal his feelings first. When she asked, Achilles never once tried to hide how he felt.

At Charlize’s whisper, instead of stopping his tears, Achilles clung to her, burying his face into her embrace. It took a long time before she could calm him down.

“Your eyes are red. Even the Master of the Tower gets puffy eyes, huh.”

They had just returned to Achilles’s bedroom. Seeing the redness in his eyes, Charlize commented with a small smile. Achilles shot her a mock-annoyed look.

In truth, he could have easily used healing magic to reduce the swelling—but he left it on purpose. Charlize had a soft heart. This way, she might treat him with even more kindness.

“It’s because of Your Highness.”

“You’re the one who cried over a misunderstanding, Achilles.”

“Still… take responsibility.”

He wondered if she might find him unattractive with his swollen eyes. But when their eyes met, Charlize looked at him like he was the most handsome man in the world. Who else would look at a dangerous, powerful mage that way? Only she did.

“And how exactly should I take responsibility?”

Charlize asked, her eyes sparkling. Achilles leaned in, gently kissed her lips, and stared into her shining eyes from close up. They annoyed him, but they were as beautiful as stars.

“Take responsibility… by comforting me.”

He wanted to say “love me” again like he had before, but now even Achilles felt the sting of shame. After begging for love once, it felt too embarrassing to say it again.

Perhaps even this much made him feel self-conscious, because uncharacteristically, he averted his eyes. A smile tugged at Charlize’s lips.

“Comfort you? What would make you feel better?”

At that moment, Achilles began to understand why Charlize sometimes gave him that teasing, flustered look. Embarrassed, but determined, he spoke up.

“Please touch me. If possible… I want to stay inside Your Highness all night.”

“…….”

So much for sweet and innocent—his charm didn’t last five minutes. Seeing her speechless, Achilles assumed she hadn’t understood and continued.

“You can get on top and move your hips if you’d like.”

His face was elegant, composed—even his lips were beautiful. But the words he spoke didn’t match his noble appearance. And still, he kept going.

“I want to keep going until this room is drenched in my seed. All night… until there’s nothing left in me. You can use me however you want.”

“You don’t need to say any more! I understand…”

Charlize, her face burning red, quickly interrupted him. Achilles looked like he had more to say, but this time, he kept quiet.

“Is… is that really all you want to do here? I mean… what about…”

“What about?”

She had meant to say “like go on a date,” but stopped herself. If she said it out loud, Achilles would likely put aside his desires to do whatever she wanted.

Because he loved her more. Because he always put her happiness above his own. Charlize knew that—and she didn’t want to take advantage of his heart.

Besides, tonight she had promised to comfort him.

Was what we usually do not enough? Since we came to the northern castle, it’s been almost every night…

Charlize glanced at Achilles and blushed. She reached for his robe and spoke softly.

“Then… let me start by taking off your clothes.”

Just then, a thought crossed Achilles’s mind—what if Valter’s blood had gotten on him? They had been far apart, and he’d used a magic barrier, so it was unlikely. But still… he couldn’t hold Charlize like this.

His hands were stained with Valter’s blood—not physically, but in spirit. He hadn’t killed Valter, but he had left him in a brutal state. If he touched Charlize like this, without even washing, and she found out later… he feared what she might think.

“I forgot to wash. I’ll go clean up first.”

“Oh. Then I’ll come with you.”

As Achilles turned, Charlize followed with a cheerful tone. Bathing with her was always a joy so of course, he didn’t say no.

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