* * *The expedition date set approached quickly.It was a decision to start the subjugation before the monsters from the north of the continent arrived, and to reduce the damage to the people of the empire as much as possible.The Knights Templar that Oscar, Elliot and Cybill belonged to was the first to start.And it was decided that the second campaign would be a united army of nobles.As it was a dangerous war because of the number of variants of the beasts, many nobles participated.Even late at night, Hwangseong was busy with preparations for the expedition.Claire tried to calm her mind, cluttered by the noises outside the window.But my heart did not calm down easily.After the day Cybill and Elliot came to visit, Claire met Oscar several times, but did not speak of the expedition.He waited for Oscar to speak first.The two of them exchanged casual conversations as if they were doing a play.Each time the conversation continued, Claire was disappointed, and the atmosphere became gloomy.Until it seems like the Cold War to others.In the end, even though the day before the departure approached, Oscar did not say anything to Claire.This situation was unbelievable.”No way, really….”Thanks to this, Claire was angry.’Aren’t we supposed to talk and discuss everything?’You acted like you were discussing things together before, and I don’t know why you’re pretending you don’t know anything now.I couldn’t stand it any longer.Even today, if Oscar kept his mouth shut, Claire would grab and shake his hair.Claire turned her head to check her watch. It was late, but Claire was going to wait for him to come.Sadness crept up to the tip of his neck.But what was more painful was the anxiety.For some reason, the fear that it might become like the original came over and over again.No matter how hard I tried, no matter how much the flow changed, I couldn’t get anything in my hands because of the anxiety that the ending wouldn’t change.Elliot, Cybill and Oscar in the original. The three eventually die.The tragic ending of the three men who took part in the war was drawn in front of them over and over again.So Claire was even thinking about whether she should follow the battlefield herself.However, if that happened, it was obvious that the emperor, the empress, and Claire’s family would all strongly object to it.I consulted with the spirits, but Ruby and Orphana opposed the matter.Ruby suggested instead. He said that he would personally follow and protect his allies.The enemy had a weapon to neutralize the spirit’s power. However, it was a material that worked even for demons. If the enemy wants to use the beast in this war, using that weapon will not be easy. So Claire was thinking of proposing to Oscar to take Ruby.’But you’re saying you won’t talk to me until the end….’Claire bit her lip. It felt like tears were about to come out of my eyes again.It was time to hold back tears.There was a knock, the sound of a door opening. And soon after, I saw Oscar approaching through the bedroom arch door.”Claire.”He sighed and approached, as if he knew Claire wasn’t sleeping.Claire, who was standing by the window with her arms crossed, turned towards Oscar.”Are not you tired? Why haven’t you been lying down yet?””….”Despite Oscar’s question, Claire narrowed her eyes and just stared at him.”Claire.”Oscar, noticing Claire’s condition, approached him.As Oscar approached, Claire quickly turned away from his eyes.”How long are you going to keep your mouth shut from me?””….””Until you leave?””Claire, I….””Why don’t you talk to me?””….””Before, you were all discussing with me…. Why don’t you tell me anything about this or ask me?””… Sorry.”Oscar grabbed Claire’s cheek and made her look at him. Claire looked at him with tears in her eyes.Despite his resentful gaze, as if he was going to die of hating, Oscar seemed to laugh for some reason.But he couldn’t laugh in front of the angry Claire. Oscar made excuses in a low voice.”I was always trying to tell you. I had to do it today, I thought I should… I was afraid.””What?”Oscar distorted his expression as if in agony.”… I thought you would follow me.””….”Claire pursed her lips. I really didn’t know what to say because I thought so. He was speechless as if stabbed in the corner.”So I kept running, I didn’t know. Sorry.””… I really have no intention of following it.”Claire knows it too. That his existence is of no great help.No, I’m sure it would be a big help, but…. important moment. It will shake Oscar’s decision.He was well aware of the weight of the commander-in-chief’s decisions in war.Oscar had a duty and mission to protect the people of the empire.So I couldn’t follow Oscar.”I just….”Claire was sad because Oscar was trying to carry all the weight alone.Even before he left, I wanted to think with him and make him feel comfortable…. I came all the way here because I was proud of myself.’As I said that day.’Claire raised her avoiding gaze and glared at Oscar.Claire was not an idiot.Claire knew the meaning of Oscar’s words that day.what he really wanted to say.Oscar said while stroking Claire’s cheek.”I am on my way to see your Majesty.””….””Your Majesty promised good deeds.””what….””When I return. I will ascend to the throne.””….””The moment I come back and become emperor, you are free. Claire.”At Oscar’s words, Claire couldn’t move as if time had stopped. There was no power in my fingertips.It was difficult to know what he meant.”I’ll divorce you if you want.””….”Claire bit her lip. It felt like my heart was boiling.Are you going to come and divorce me now?I really wanted to grab Oscar’s hair and shake it.But after saying that, Oscar was staring at Claire with tender eyes.His thumb stroking his cheek felt painful.”Do you really want to?”he asked tremblingly.”….”Claire looked up at Oscar. His red eyes fluttered in disbelief.Oscar, who seemed stronger than anyone else, felt weaker than anyone for now.His eyes were like a child, trembling in fear of being left alone.Oscar, waiting for Claire’s reply, felt very slow. My heart tightened.In fact, regardless of Claire’s answer, Oscar didn’t want to let Claire go.But I had no intention of forcing it.Even if he is rejected, he will not give up until the end and may beg until Claire accepts his heart.Like spinning in an infinite loop.Conflicting emotions weighed him and confused him, but one thing was clear.Because his feelings are his own, he didn’t want to pass them on to Claire as if they were hugging him.”Answer me, Claire.”The pleading voice trembled weakly.Claire looked into Oscar’s trembling eyes with pity, and pulled his neck.Their lips overlapped in an instant, and Oscar closed her eyes.As if waiting, he hugged Claire, stroked her cheek, and kissed her.He dug into the inside of his sweet lips and begged for affection. Please love me more, never forsake me.Between the intense kisses, their lips parted for a moment.They exchanged each other’s rough breaths with their heated lips pressed against each other. The corners of Oscar’s lips rose slightly.In the quiet room, only the breathing sounds of the two heated people could be heard.With their lips touching, Oscar said.”The moment I ascend to the throne, I will be yours forever….””….””Claire, you too will be mine forever.”Instead of answering, Rafine gave a short kiss as if pressing a seal.said Oscar.”Even if I die, I won’t let you go.”His eyes were so serious that he was embarrassed. His tone and voice were so strong that he was obsessed with breathing, but Claire somehow only laughed.It was what I was hoping for.Claire nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck again.Their breaths mixed more wildly than before. Hasty hands groped each other’s bodies and dug between their clothes.It was finally the moment I had been waiting for so long.The two confirmed their unquestioned love for each other as the night progressed.