Just moments ago, the flames obscured everything, but now it was difficult to even open one’s eyes due to the thick downpour.

As if engaged in a tug of war, the torrential rain and surging flames clashed and entwined. Soon, the towering red smoke that had risen high in the sky vanished, leaving only the sound of heavy rain in the burning forest.

The Emperor, having climbed the opposite cliff, stood motionless, exhaling roughly. His hands still tightly encircled Arabella’s head and waist.

Even amidst the sounds of the rain and the animals’ cries… thump, thump, thump, the heartbeat pounding in Arabella’s ears was so vivid.

It was unclear whether it was the Emperor’s heart or her own. The two hearts, initially out of sync and now beating together within their touching chests.

For a brief moment, a warm weight rested and then lifted from the crown of Arabella’s head, nestled in the Emperor’s chest. Soon, large hands carefully disengaged her from his embrace, ensuring she was not hurt.

Looking up, Arabella’s slender shoulders trembled as she met the Emperor’s deep, expressionless red eyes. His handsome face held a chilling coldness.

It was a face of the Emperor she had never seen before, resembling the calm before a volcanic eruption.

Despite the fear, Arabella felt she shouldn’t avoid his gaze. Suppressing the urge to lower her head, she looked up at him through trembling eyelashes.

His red lips parted, releasing a chilling voice into the rain.

“Didn’t I explicitly command you to wait inside the tent?”

“…….”

Arabella tried to respond, but only white breath, not voice, came out.

“Do you realize how dangerous it was?”

“…….”

His emotionless, calm voice was colder than the rain slashing down on her face. For some reason, Arabella felt a chill in her heart and struggled to speak, but her lips wouldn’t part.

As the Emperor’s grip on her stiff shoulders tightened, Arabella’s eyes widened and locked onto his. The frozen red eyes suddenly swirled with a storm of indescribable emotions, engulfing her brown eyes.

A loud outcry broke the tumultuous noise of the forest.

“You could have died! Do you understand? It was dangerous!”

“….sob, sob, sob….”

Tears that Arabella had held back all night now streamed down her face, accompanied by a broken sob.

“I’m sorry… sob, sob… I just realized my mistake led you into danger… sob, forgive my ignorance… sob, sob… I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

The sight of the Emperor’s torn clothes and wounds from the fire and branches filled her eyes. Arabella’s cheeks were wet with tears mingling with the rain.

By saving her as she fell from the broken bridge, the Emperor had risked grave danger. It could have cost him his life…

Overwhelmed with guilt for endangering the dignified Emperor of the Empire, Arabella’s whole body trembled.

[“You’re always a nuisance, never helping. We’re sick of it.”] [“How unlucky must you be to not even have the healing power we all possess. Don’t even come near!”] [“Your mother must have hated you so much to abandon her family and run away. Who would love someone who couldn’t even earn their mother’s love? Ridiculous.”]

Her father, sisters, and aunt’s family were right. Struggling to stop her sobbing, Arabella chastised herself.

The Emperor had only shown kindness to her… yet, she had only caused him great harm. She had followed him to help but ended up endangering his life.
Arabella, who had grown up being scolded whenever she cried loudly, bit her lower lip until it bled, trying not to let her sobs escape.

“Haah…….”

Faced with Arabella’s repeated apologies, Maxwell let out a long, incredulous sigh. The grip on her delicate shoulders loosened.

“Do you think I’m angry because you nearly got me killed? That I’m so upset because you put me in danger?”

Arabella lowered her gaze and nodded slightly at his quiet voice.

“Lift your head and look into my eyes. Didn’t I tell you? When you’re with me, don’t avert your gaze.”

At the Emperor’s calm command, Arabella, with her eyes blurred by tears, looked up into his eyes.

His red eyes once again displayed only a dignified calmness.

“Look at me and tell me. Do you really think that’s why I’m angry?”

Confused by his intent, Arabella blankly met the Emperor’s gaze.

Then… her round eyes widened in realization, and thick tears streamed down her cheeks again.

“Could it be… you’re angry… because I almost died?”

Her voice, moist with emotion, trembled pitifully.

“Do you finally understand why I’m angry?”

It was the familiar voice of the Emperor, gruff yet playful.

It was unbelievable. Someone had risked danger to save her… and was angry out of concern for her life. It was a first for her.

Arabella tried to swallow her rising sobs, covering her mouth with her hands, but the Emperor’s arms brought her into his embrace.

“If you’re touched, don’t cry quietly. Let it out loudly. That way, I’ll know how much you’re moved by me.”

His teasing words contrasted with the gentle strokes on Arabella’s head and comforting pats on her back.

“Sob, sob, oh… Waaah, waaah…”