Chapter 992: [992] : Return to the City

"But the one who isn’t happy here is you," Alice added, her gaze steady. "I don’t understand why you’d think that way. I’m not oblivious—I know exactly what you’re talking about. But for my mother’s sake, I will choose you."

"Don’t think that means you get a free pass, though. My mother’s dying wish was for me to follow you, but that doesn’t mean I have to blindly obey your every command. Since you refuse to let me be your servant, I am definitely going to keep you in check. You said it yourself, and a real man keeps his word. So you better understand what I mean. I don’t want to spell it out, but I know where I stand."

"..." Shin didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

He felt like he was the one being rejected now. "If that’s the case, then what are you even rambling about? You agreed to this, but you’re still complaining and picking everything apart. I honestly don’t get you."

By now, Shin had lost whatever favorable impression he initially had of Alice. Sure, she was a tragic figure, and he didn’t exactly love her abrasive personality, but she was willing to sacrifice herself for a world where no one else got hurt. That was a rare, self-destructive kind of nobility.

However, considering how things were currently playing out, their future together was anyone’s guess. Since this whole arrangement was far from romantic, Shin decided to match her tone.

"Alright, look. If you’re disgusted by me, the feeling is mutual. Since we both clearly annoy each other but are stuck together anyway, we’ll just have to make do. My goal here is simple—take over your father’s throne, and then go play a game. I don’t care what you think about it. Honestly, your opinions have nothing to do with me."

Lucy couldn’t help but smile. The whole situation was downright hilarious. Weren’t they supposed to be blushing and staring longingly into each other’s eyes right now? Instead, they had reached this bizarre, hostile consensus.

But there was a saying—as long as two people aren’t outright enemies, a bond forged like this can often be stronger than a normal friendship.

"Alright, enough talking," Lucy interjected. "We should head back to see Father first. And since you’re officially my sister’s boyfriend now, Shin, why don’t you step up and hold her hand?"

Alice shot Shin a look of pure disdain. "We haven’t even known each other for an hour, and you already want to hold my hand? What exactly are you plotting?"

"I get it," she continued, her tone accusatory. "You realized you couldn’t get your hands on my sister, so you came after me instead. I see right through you."

Shin was ready to pull his hair out. Was there something seriously wrong with this woman’s brain? She was the one who brought it up first, and now she was acting like he was the predator!

Lucy noticed her sister’s bizarre behavior and gently chimed in. "Alice, what is going on with you? Weren’t you just saying you were going to marry him? And now that he’s actually going to save our mother, why are you suddenly acting so hostile?"

Truth be told, Alice didn’t fully understand what was happening to her either. She only knew that she felt incredibly lost. Originally, she had resigned herself to her fate—if he was strong enough to earn her respect, she would follow him for her mother’s sake.

But the moment she heard her mother could actually be resurrected, the crushing weight on her chest had vanished. Looking at Shin now made her heart race, leaving her feeling flustered and breathless. She didn’t know how to process this new, overwhelming emotion.

For years, she had buried her true feelings behind a wall of ice. But just now, that knot in her heart had finally unraveled. She desperately wanted to talk to him, but her defensive instincts kept getting in the way.

Oblivious to her internal crisis, Shin let his annoyance show. "If you’re going to be this difficult, then forget it. Your mother stays dead. You are absolutely infuriating! Nothing I do is good enough for you—what exactly do you want from me? Seriously, I’m starting to question your sanity."

The barrage of questions snapped Alice back to reality. She realized that she had actually started to care for him, and his harsh words immediately filled her with regret.

"I’m sorry, I was out of line just now!" she blurted out. "As long as you bring my mother back, I’ll do whatever you want! Please, it was my fault!"

Shin wanted to jump up and strangle her. Here we go again. Why was she either groveling at his feet or treating him like garbage? Was he really that unlikable?

He let out a heavy sigh. He knew his charm wasn’t the issue—both Lucy and Alice were drawn to his power, not him as a person. That was just the harsh reality of the world.

He looked at Alice and spoke in a much softer tone. "I get it. Because of your mother, you’re willing to swallow your pride and beg me. But once I resurrect her, you’ll be free from that vow, won’t you?"

"I know you’re conflicted right now. You look down on me, yet you’re forced to deal with me for your mother’s sake. And the fact that I can actually save her is tearing you apart inside."

"So you really don’t need to worry about it. I will help you. I’ll bring your mother back, and then you won’t have to marry me. That’s the best possible outcome for everyone, and it’s exactly what you want."

Despite Shin feeling a bit let down, Lucy was still his adopted little sister. He was going to help them regardless.

But hearing this made Alice’s chest tighten in agony. She thought she hated this guy, so why did the thought of losing him hurt so much? She had clearly made up her mind about something, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it out loud.

Lucy smiled warmly to break the tension. "Since everything’s decided, let’s head back to the castle. We need to see Father before we do anything else."

"Oh, and there’s one more thing," Lucy added. "Didn’t Shin say he wanted to enroll in the Magic Academy? Once Mother is resurrected, I’ll personally make sure that gets taken care of!"

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