The Price of Breaching the Contract - Chapter 59

It was a dream. Yulania realized it the moment she opened her eyes.

It was a familiar place. The space of nothingness she had visited several times before. It was still a white, empty world with nothing in it, but this time it was definitely different.

In the center was a yellow mass with a distinct shape. As always, Yulania was drawn by instinct and began to walk. There was no fear or hesitation. A certainty that the light had been waiting for her for a long time warmed her heart. As she got closer, she could gradually make out the shape.

It wasn’t just a mass.

A flower with a yellow glow. A small, unbloomed bud shape glowed softly, slowly circling in place. As if wanting to let her know she was here.

Yulania caught her breath. And slowly spread out her hands. No one had taught her, but she knew naturally. That she had to reach out, that she had to embrace this being. The yellow light gently landed on her softly outstretched palm. It was surprisingly light and warm. A fragile being that seemed like it would disappear if she closed her eyes.

Her chest swelled. Unexplained tears welled up in her eyes.

The light slowly changed shape on Yulania’s palm. As if containing life, the bud sparkled like starlight and began to bloom. Softly, but surely. The small bud opened wide, and yellow petals spread out. It was as if the entire world in the dream was dyed with that light.

And a warm sensation, as if saying, “Hello,” gently permeated Yulania’s heart. Yulania swallowed and whispered carefully.

“Hello. You brought me luck.”

Her voice was trembling, but clear. At the words that came out like a sigh, the yellow flower fluttered its leaves as if it were alive. The reaction was so lovely and admirable that Yulania almost burst out laughing.

At that moment, the entire flower in front of her sparkled. A warm, bright light enveloped her. It was as if the world had become brighter. As if it had been waiting for a long time to convey this short exchange.

The flower left a very short but definite final greeting. Then, with a flash of bright light, it whooshed away.

Yulania opened her eyes before she could even be surprised. The dream landscape, which had been dazzlingly bright until just now, disappeared, and familiar darkness and the ceiling greeted her again. But as soon as she woke up, she could sense it.

Something had changed. Clearly and fundamentally.

The center of her chest was surprisingly warm. It was as if an ice block somewhere deep and heavy had melted softly. An inexplicable sense of liberation enveloped her body. Something that had been coldly locked deep inside her, an emotion that had been bound for a long time, had been released like the light in the dream.

Yulania slowly raised her hand, gently stroking the empty air.

Her body was still languid, but her mind was unbelievably clear. When she took a deep breath, the world felt brighter. Even the air that brushed her nose felt transparently clear.

What had weighed her down for so long. The heavy chains of emotion that even she hadn’t been aware of.

She sensed that everything was now broken.

Yulania smiled. A smile without any anxiety or fear.

She stared at her palm, which still had a lingering warmth, but there was nothing there. But she knew. That the light had not disappeared, but had now become herself. That she no longer needed to hold it in her hand, that it was engraved in her heart.

Yulania whispered carefully. Once again, in a very small voice.

“Thank you.”

The words were a greeting to the yellow light, to the small flower she met in the dream, and to the being that had not yet come into the world.

Yulania lay still in bed, holding her hands to her chest. As if hugging that tiny being once more. And with the new life, her heart blossomed as well.

***

It was a happy day, but Santiago had a schedule from dawn and left for a short expedition beyond the wall.

Yulania, recognizing the emotions that had arisen within her, readjusted her attitude toward Santiago. No matter what anyone said, they were husband and wife, and soon to be a family with a child. Santiago had once mentioned in passing that the only family she needed was him. Lately, she had been feeling something as she watched Santiago, who had become sluggish like a bear waking up from hibernation as their contact increased.

His attitudes, which she could never have understood even a few months ago, were gradually beginning to make sense.

‘I should treat him kindly.’

How much comfort had she received from his kind touch? She resolved to let him taste her kindness to his heart’s content when he returned this evening.

Fortunately, Santiago returned in the evening, not too late. As soon as she heard that he was approaching the castle gate, Yulania ran out to meet him in a thin indoor dress. Santiago’s eyes wavered when he saw Yulania, her cheeks flushed and smiling brightly as she called out to him.

“Yulania, why…?”

As she had decided, Yulania gently hugged his back. Because he was wearing armor, she had to wrap her arms around him for a long time. Fortunately, the armor didn’t block her touch, and he stiffened in surprise.

“Welcome back.”

She didn’t miss the greeting he valued. It felt ticklish on her chest as she whispered in his ear, unlike usual. She made eye contact with Diego, who was attending over his shoulder, and nodded in greeting, and he bowed his head in response. There were many eyes watching. Just as the front of the silver armor was lukewarm, she gently released her arms. Santiago looked at Yulania, who was smiling proudly at what she had done, with trembling eyes.

“…Yes, I’m back.”

“You must be tired. If there’s nothing urgent, I’ll take my husband.”

She met the eyes of the knights standing behind Santiago. As the knights were flustered and choosing what to say at her asking for permission, Santiago opened his mouth.

“There’s nothing urgent.”

“That’s good. Then goodbye.”

For the first time, Yulania took his hand and led the way to the castle.

“Come on. I’ll take off your armor.”

Yulania went behind him and untied the tightly fastened straps one by one. First, the shoulder armor fell off, followed by the guards and gauntlets that wrapped around his arms. The armor that wrapped around his torso was tied at the waist. As she turned around and came forward, Santiago, who had been silent, asked in a somewhat nervous tone.

“Why… why are you doing this?”

“Why? Because I’m his wife.”

Silence followed for a while. Santiago just stared at Yulania. As she looked into those dark eyes, she felt that his pupils were shining more than usual. With a feeling of disbelief, Yulania examined him closely.

“…Are you crying?”

“…No.”

He swallowed and answered belatedly, but he couldn’t hide his choked voice. Was the expedition that difficult?

“It’s not.”

He emphasized again, as if emphasizing. She didn’t have the hobby of digging up and teasing what he was trying to hide. Yulania pretended not to see the moisture in the corner of his eyes and stretched out her arms.

“Come here. I’ll hug you again.”

Santiago’s lips twisted into a strange shape. He bit his lip as if holding something back, and hugged her. Actually, it was funny that she said she would hug him. When they put their bodies together, Yulania was completely nestled in the arms of the large man. However, she had the impression that the man burying his face on her shoulder was somehow clinging to her.

“You’ve worked hard.”

It was a gentle greeting, but Santiago buried his face even deeper at the words. Hot breath tickled Yulania’s neck.

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