Chapter 220 - Better Future

Perhaps I was mistaking him for defending himself. In any case, such an appearance was charming to my eyes. Barely managing to mask my face with a serious expression, I nodded. “I believe it.” After learning of his true identity, I realized once again how prejudiced I had been. I had also said a lot of things I shouldn’t have said. For this reason, I decided to shower him with praise. “Now I know what a warm person you are.”

He raised the corners of his mouth as if he was genuinely content with my compliments. “I’m glad.” He was wearing an arrogant expression, but I could tell that he was elated. It was a pleasant sight to behold. He was so lovable that I couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

Perhaps mistaking my laughter for another emotion, he scowled. “Why are you laughing?”

I had already begun complimenting him, so I decided to be generous. “You are the one to be kind to your subordinates, aren’t you?”

He turned away from my gaze but nodded. “Of course.”

“You will also not use abusive language or violence against people of lower status than you.”

Averting my eyes, he nodded, “That’s common sense.”

Turning to meet his eyes, I stated my last condition. “And you’ll get along with your sister.”

He gave a resentful gaze in response. In a way, it was expected. The two siblings had been foes since birth due to the empress’ schemes.

“Beatrice—your sister—” I began, to which he frowned.

“I have nothing to say about her.”

I pouted in response to his indifferent tone. “Didn’t you say you would be a better boyfriend from now on?”

He flinched then sighed. “So… What do you want then?”

I grabbed Max’s hands tightly. Looking directly into his eyes, I enunciated each word clearly. “I hope that you will continue to protect her like you’ve done tonight.”

“What? Why would I do that?” He furrowed his brow in confusion.

“I want both of you to be happy,” I said. From what had happened today, I was convinced that what I had done until now to avoid the death flag had prevented Bea from awakening as a wizard. Moreover, she did not have Mikhail, who was supposed to serve as her protector. The trials ahead of her would be too severe.

Moreover, although she had not awakened yet, her magical talent was bound to bloom in times of crisis. If she and Max continued to be adversaries, one of them might die in the worst case. Given that Beatrice was the protagonist of this novel, Max was likely to be defeated eventually.

I had always aimed to teach him social skills, but it was he who had approached me without hesitation. He had brought joy to my lonesome life. I suddenly remembered the few exchanges we had when we first met.

“Talk respectfully to me. Now,” I had said. It was true that we didn’t get along from the beginning, but he had always been by my side and had listened to my whinings through hardships.

I didn’t want to lose him. Tears welled up as I imagined the dire situation. For some reason, I didn’t want him to see me like this and decided I should pretend to yawn. That was when he took out a handkerchief and wiped the tears from my eyes.

“I will do as you say, so don’t cry.”

His words only brought me to more tears. Even if he had said it without much thought, it must have been difficult for him to decide on this as he despised the princess.

“Thank you,” I smiled, my vision blurring.

Blushing, he began, “You don’t have to say thank you to every little thing—” Before he could finish speaking, I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him.