Ch. 1991..2000

Chapter 1991

Chapter 1991

Persephone stayed silent.

Even over the phone, Morpheus knew whether she had been crying or laughing. He was the person who understood her the most in the world.

"Sephy..." Morpheus' voice was warm. "Shall we meet up in a while?"

"Yeah," Persephone softly agreed.

The place he had invited her to was a boxing gym.

It wasn't officially open yet, but its size and decor were top-notch in Centrolis, more akin to a sports arena.

Persephone looked around with curiosity, having already left behind the argument with her parents.

Morpheus smiled. "How's this place?"

"It's great!"

It was much better than the underground boxing ring he used in Flinge!

Quite a few staff members were bustling around. Agents were discussing partnerships with boxers.

Among the boxers, Persephone recognized many faces. When she checked the profiles hanging on the wall, she realized these were world-class champions. "Are you going to be a boxer here?" she asked excitedly.

Morpheus looked at her, an indescribable emotion in his eyes.

"I'm not a boxer here," he said softly. "I'm the owner."

"What?!" Persephone was stunned.

Soon, she understood who had arranged all this.

Persephone clenched her fists, feeling a moment of distraction, but quickly regained composure. She chuckled with a sense of self-deprecation toward fate. "Your father came to see me a few days ago," Morpheus said. "He brought me here."

"What did my dad say to you?"

"He was polite. He said he's extremely grateful for my care and protection of you in Flinge. He might never have seen you again if it weren't for me." Persephone chuckled. "That's true."

"Then he gifted this place to me, saying I could fulfill my dream."

"What's your dream?" Persephone asked, wide-eyed.

Morpheus paused, his expression complex. Even he couldn't clearly define his dream. In his youth, he dedicated himself to diligent study and rigorous military training, envisioning a future where he would serve the country and follow in his father's footsteps.

However, when his father betrayed the nation, his dream shattered.

All he desired then was to bring his father back and ask why he had abandoned him and Southeast Aciatic.

Later, on the battlefield, his dream simplified to a longing for the war's end. Observing rivers of blood, soldiers charging, and the brutal actions of enemy forces, along with the death of innocent civilians-his dream disintegrated alongside the rocket fire.

He no longer harbored dreams. He had transformed into a remorseless killing machine.

Even his father had succumbed to his gun.

After the war, he gained recognition as a hero defending the country and received the highest honors from Southeast Aciatic royalty.

Despite the accolades, he had abandoned it all, stealthily retreating to Flinge.

There, he engaged in lawless underground matches, reducing himself to a street rat. It was as if only in the filthiest environment could he extinguish his halo and find peace and tranquility.

He had been determined to live out his life aimlessly, never anticipating meeting her at the lowest point in his life...

Chapter 1992

Chapter 1992

At present, Persephone was his dream.

Morpheus turned to look at Persephone, desperately suppressing the urge to hug her tightly, and simply said, "My dream is the same as theirs."

He glanced at the boxers. "To become a world champion."

"You'll definitely achieve it!" Persephone smiled. "So, you've already made your decision, right?"

Morpheus slightly furrowed his brow.

"What decision do you think I've made?"

"On the count of three, let's say it together." Persephone held his hand. "One, two, three..."

"Accept it!"

In the spacious training hall, only Persephone's voice echoed.

Morpheus didn't say anything, but this answer perfectly matched his feelings.

"Surprised?" Persephone's smile was sweet.

"Do you know the condition for me accepting this place?"

"Do I need to ask?" She appeared nonchalant. "My old man personally stepped in, so it must be a trade using me!"

Morpheus was slightly taken aback.

"I know everything." She lowered her head, her voice becoming softer. She could even impersonate Zuko's tone. "Mr. Orton, you saved my daughter. Both her mother and I will be grateful to you for life. "This gym is a small token. Please accept it. You can fulfill your dream here, but my daughter also has her dreams to pursue."

Persephone took a deep breath, her gaze filled with determination. "Morpheus, actually, we don't meet the conditions to be together right now."

Morpheus chuckled, nodding, but he wanted her to continue.

"I need to further my studies abroad, and you need to focus on building your career here.

"When we've both established ourselves, nothing will stop us from being together.

"My grandmother said true compatibility isn't between two wealthy families, but between experiences, outlooks, future plans, and mutual acceptance."

"You're absolutely right." Morpheus smiled. "Anything else?"

"Hmm..." Persephone leaned on his shoulder. "Love is an embellishment in life, but not everything."

Morpheus caressed her head, his voice deep. "You've grown up."

Her words just now echoed his thoughts perfectly.

Since Zuko had spoken, if he kept entangling with Persephone, it would only make her parents more averse to him. It was better to take this opportunity to gather enough capital to establish himself in Centrolis.

Maybe then they would regard him differently and feel more assured about entrusting their daughter to him.

When he invited Persephone over, he worried she might not understand and think he had ultimately chosen for his own benefit. Unexpectedly, she was stronger and more rational than he imagined. "Morpheus, will you wait for me to return?"

"Silly goose." He pinched her nose. "What did you say just now? Say it again."

"Hmm? I said, will you wait for me to return?"

"The sentence before that."

"Love is an embellishment in life, but not everything," she earnestly repeated.

"Yes." Morpheus looked at her, his gaze filled with indulgence. He knew she was God's gift from the first day he met her.

"Love isn't everything." His voice was husky as he leaned down to whisper in her ear, "But, Sephy, you're my everything."

Persephone's heart pounded, unable to react when his warm lips pressed against hers. She felt a whirlwind of emotions-to push him away shyly, yet reluctant to let go of this feeling... His kiss was tender and lingering, leaving her intoxicated.

Chapter 1993

Chapter 1993

Persephone's POV:

'Subconsciously, it's been a year since I arrived in Southeast Aciatic.

'The life here is quite comfortable. With Grandma Cordelia's ties to Southeast Aciatic royalty, I get to live in the palace, enjoying the same treatment as the princes and princesses here.

'I'm pursuing my passion in university, studying the design major I've always wanted. I've always aspired to be an outstanding fireworks designer.

'There's no winter in Southeast Aciatic, just year-round sunshine and warmth akin to spring, unlike a certain place... Yet, that place, although warm, felt damp and dark while the air carried a rotten scent. But it holds the most unforgettable person in my life.

'Life in Southeast Aciatic is good, but it lacks him...

'Throughout this year, Morpheus and I have maintained an unspoken understanding. We'll talk once a week over the phone and exchange emails every other week. We share our lives, discussing our achievements.

'He manages that gym exceedingly well.

'Several significant national matches were held there. Morpheus attended as the owner and discovered many promising boxers. He took them under his wing, nurturing them, and they shone in several world championships.

'He has become a legend in the field.

'I'm genuinely happy for him. I told him that I'm doing fine here in Southeast Aciatic too. He falls silent whenever he hears those two words, only chuckling on the other end of the line.

'Actually, I find it odd why he never initiates video calls with me. I really want to show him around, show him where I live, and... let him see me.

'Once, I worked till late on a design project with my mentor. It was when I went back that I suddenly realized it was our scheduled call day, and my phone had been on silent. When I checked, I saw several missed calls from Morpheus.

'I stepped into the yard and was about to call him back when I noticed a swarm of fireflies. The double-winged fireflies in Southeast Aciatic are quite famous.

'Excited, I called him on video. I hoped he'd pick up, but he hung up after a while.

'I tried again, and he hung up once more.

'I was annoyed when his call came in.'

That day.

Persephone asked him angrily, "Why didn't you accept my video call?"

Morpheus chuckled. "I called you several times earlier. Didn't you ignore them as well?"

"Are you getting back at me?"

"Silly goose."

'That "silly goose" from him truly made Persephone melt. She softened and chuckled. "Morpheus, how have you been lately?"

"Good," he replied plainly. "How about you?"

"Guess?"

"It's the rainy season there. Stop standing in the yard all the time. You never know when it'll rain."

Persephone glanced at the sky. No stars, just clouds veiling the moon.

It truly wasn't a clear night. It might rain anytime.

Persephone stepped back, standing under the eaves.

"You seem to know a lot!" She laughed. "Tell me more. What else do you know?"

"I also know that when you're immersed in designing, you tend to sit for too long. Stand up and move around from time to time. It's better for your health." "Sure thing."

"No late nights and no picky eating."

Chapter 1994

Chapter 1994

Persephone stuck her tongue out. What he said hit the mark. He was always like this-when it was about himself, it was just a brief, "I'm doing fine."

When it was about Persephone, he would ramble on and on.

Persephone thought, 'Morpheus has been in Centrolis for a while now. Due to my family's connections, many people try to curry favor with him. But those who know him say he's enigmatic, solemn to the extreme, and maintains an icy demeanor toward everyone.

'Theodore told me that Morpheus inevitably attends some events in Centrolis, where there are always flashy socialites and heiresses. Initially, these girls surrounded him, but eventually, not a single one dared to get close.'

During her phone call with Theodore.

Persephone joked, "Is Morpheus hitting women?"

Theodore said, "Sis, of course, he wouldn't hit women. In his eyes, you're the only woman. Would he hit you?"

Persephone blushed and hastily hung up on Theodore.

"Sephy?" Morpheus' voice came through again.

Persephone snapped back, pretending to be annoyed. "Don't think that by changing the subject, I'll forget! You still haven't answered me. Why didn't you accept my video calls?" Morpheus just chuckled.

"Morpheus!" Persephone got a bit agitated.

"Fine, I'll tell you," he murmured softly. "I... I had a sparring match today. My face is all bruised up. It's not a pretty sight."

"What?" Persephone's heart clenched.

But then she thought, 'How could he possibly get hit? He would always emerge unscathed, leaving others battered and bruised in the underground matches in Flinge, where life is always at stake. 'Now that he's in Centrolis with regulated rules and well-lit arenas, how could someone have possibly beaten him up?'

At that thought, Persephone felt a bit dejected. "Morpheus, you don't want to video chat with me because you don't want to see me? You don't miss me?"

"Sephy!" he shouted on the other end.

She could sense the urgency and panic in that one call, but after that, there was nothing. He didn't offer any explanation.

Persephone didn't push further either.

"Never mind." She forced a smile. "Actually, I wanted to video chat with you earlier for a reason."

"Yeah, what's up?"

"I saw something extraordinarily beautiful and wanted us to see it together!"

Morpheus chuckled. "Is it the fireworks you set off?"

He knew she was studying fireworks design in Southeast Aciatic and always reminded her to prioritize safety since day one.

"But those fireworks are practically gunpowder!" He was at it again. "When you ignite them, you must step back to a safe distance. If there's no reaction, don't approach it. Got it?" Strangely, the more he advised, the more Persephone's mood sank.

"Morpheus..." After a moment of silence, she softly asked, "Since you're so worried about me, can't you come and see me?"

Morpheus remained silent.

Persephone apologized with a smile, "Sorry, I was just overthinking... I'm not insisting that you visit. I just miss you terribly."

When she left Centrolis, she was full of confidence, thinking that long-distance wouldn't be an issue for them. However, she underestimated the power of one's company.

"Also, those weren't fireworks I saw just now. It was fireflies!" She told him, "Double-winged fireflies. Have you seen them? They're unique to Southeast Aciatic!"

Unexpectedly, there was nothing but silence on the phone.

"Morpheus?" She hesitated. "Morpheus, what's wrong? Why aren't you speaking?"

Chapter 1995

Chapter 1995

Morpheus' POV:

'I didn't respond to her words. I simply said a brief goodnight and hung up.

'She doesn't know that I've seen those fireflies before. When I was young, my surroundings were full of them. She also doesn't know how well acquainted I am with the Southeast Aciatic palace, even more than my own home.

'She's unaware that in moments of despair on the battlefield when I nearly lost my life, I glimpsed those fireflies. They seemed to fly before my eyes as if leading me away and taking me to hell for judgment by fire.

'As someone with hands stained with blood, I'm probably meant for hell.

'I smiled, lying in bed. I intended to sleep early, but that night felt incredibly long, haunted by one nightmare after another. I was back in that place where blood flowed like a river...

'I saw my father fading away before me, eventually turning into a bright spot. On closer inspection, it was a firefly with its wings spread.

'I was startled awake from the dream, hastily grabbed some medicine from the drawer, and tremblingly swallowed it.

'The next day, I visited a psychologist.

'Her name is Rebecca Jacox, a member of the Hamerton Group's medical team. She has only graduated a few years ago and is one of the younger doctors on the team. Due to her limited experience, she couldn't join the core team and has to follow a mentor, handling relatively straightforward cases.

'I met her by chance once. The club's match had ended, my boxers undoubtedly achieving grand slams, and the club had profited immensely from the event. The boxers wanted to celebrate, but I suddenly felt a piercing pain in my heart.

'It felt like drowning without any defense. I was drowning in that agony, unable to break free.

'Rebecca appeared, led me to the infirmary, and gave me a pill.'

That day.

After taking the medicine, Morpheus felt much better. His breathing gradually steadied, and he softly asked her, "How did you have this medicine?"

She smiled, offering me a cup of warm water.

"You exhibited somatic symptoms caused by psychological issues," she said. "I'm a psychologist. How could I not understand? Don't worry. What I gave you is prescription medicine available at the hospital."

He had no reason not to trust her.

Back in Flinge, Morpheus had also visited a psychologist and taken similar medicine.

Rebecca was right. The somatic reactions caused by psychological issues were exactly what he experienced.

"Thank you," he said.

Rebecca smiled, and he felt dazed for a moment. With her long hair flowing and her being in a white dress under the dim light, it was almost as if Persephone had returned.

After that day, Morpheus grew closer to Rebecca.

During this time of increasing nightmares, he would visit her counseling room. They barely spoke. He would lie on the recliner, eyes closed, while she sat behind her desk, recording his every move with a camera-it was a standard procedure for psychologists.

Today.

As usual, Morpheus lay on the chair, gently closing his eyes.

Rebecca initiated the conversation. "It's not cost-effective to pay for counseling and just sleep, you know?"

Morpheus blinked, opening his eyes to look at her.

She smiled at me. "Most patients who come to me treat me as an emotional dumping ground, talking nonstop from the moment they arrive. But you're different... You never speak as if you're only here to sleep."

"I can't sleep at home," he murmured softly.

"And here?"

Morpheus shook his head with a wry smile. He couldn't sleep well anywhere.

"Is your insomnia that severe?" Rebecca began jotting notes. "Mr. Orton, don't you want to talk to me about something? Maybe... I could help you overcome your obstacles."

"No need." After a moment of silence, he got up from the chair. "Have I been a nuisance during this time? I won't come again."

"No, no!" Rebecca immediately stood up, grabbing his hand just as he was about to leave.

Chapter 1996

Chapter 1996

Morpheus paused, and she quickly released his hand, her face flushed red.

Even if he were slow, he understood what that meant for a girl.

Morpheus admitted he was in a daze for a moment, but after those few seconds, he became even more certain about missing a certain someone. Unfortunately, that person was in another country, and he couldn't overcome everything to go see her.

"Mr. Orton, I'm sorry." Rebecca lowered her head.

"It's fine." He chuckled. "I've troubled you."

"I'm not afraid of trouble!"

"But I am." He lowered his voice. "Trouble is something you only add to the most important person in your life."

"Huh?" Rebecca seemed a bit puzzled.

Morpheus smiled. It was a phrase Persephone had taught him.

Morpheus' POV:

'After that day, I no longer go to see Rebecca. I even tried to stop taking the medicine myself and exhausted myself with intense training, trying to sleep more peacefully. But everything was in vain. 'Not only do I have trouble sleeping, but I also suffer from insomnia all night. The lack of sleep makes me irritable, drained during the day, and restless in bed all night.

'I had to take some time off in such a state.

'After a while away from the gym, Rebecca found my residence one day. I was a bit surprised when she knocked on my door because, apart from Theodore, hardly anyone usually came by.'

That day.

"How did you know where I live?" Morpheus was a bit puzzled.

Rebecca smiled and showed him the beer and food she was carrying. She had bought a lot, and it was quite heavy. He felt awkward keeping her standing outside, so he stepped aside to let her in. "Nothing is impossible if you are determined." She laughed. "You don't live in seclusion. It only takes a little inquiry."

Morpheus nodded. She had already walked into the living room while he was still standing at the door.

"This is your home. Why are you so tense?" She gestured to the couch and smiled. "Can I sit?"

"Oh, of course..."

He invited her to sit down and poured some water. Morpheus' home was very simple, with few items. He didn't have any beverages to offer her.

Rebecca opened two cans of beer and then offered him one.

Morpheus shook my head. He didn't drink with women, except for Persephone.

Rebecca looked a bit embarrassed, hand pausing with the beer can in the air before taking a sip herself.

"I heard you haven't been doing well these days?" she asked. "I was concerned, so I came to check on you."

"It's not that bad. I just wanted some rest."

"Morpheus, there's no need to pretend in front of me," Rebecca said, looking at him. "Have you forgotten? I'm a psychologist."

He remained silent.

"Actually, speaking out is quite easy. I'm not prying into your past, but if your past is a burden, I'd like to help you unload it." Her voice grew softer. "Morpheus, let me help you... Please?"

Chapter 1997

Chapter 1997

Rebecca grabbed Morpheus' hand.

He abruptly pushed her away, causing her to stumble and almost fall. He felt a twinge of guilt but didn't reach out to help her up.

She looked at him, her gaze filled with disappointment.

"Sorry, I..." He explained softly, "I don't like people touching me."

"But Ms. Hamerton can, right?" she asked.

Morpheus' heart clenched.

In that instant, his mind was filled with Sephy.

"Morpheus, you still can't let her go, can you?"

He furrowed my brow. Her question seemed intrusive. "Is this something a psychologist should ask?"

"It's a friend asking," Rebecca said, looking down. "I thought after all this time, you'd consider me a friend." "Rebecca..." He sighed, "There's no issue of letting go between me and her."

"What do you mean?"

"We made a promise."

"Does that promise still count?" Rebecca's emotions grew intense. "Do you really think she'll come back?"

"What are you saying?"

Morpheus was taken aback, and his mind suddenly went blank.

"I'm part of the Hamerton Group's medical team. When it comes to Hamerton's affairs, I might know more than you," Rebecca said, looking at him. "Mr. and Mrs. Hamerton won't let Ms. Hamerton come back! She's not just studying in Southeast Aciatic, but she's also going to work there, becoming the Southeast Aciatic royalty's exclusive designer.

"You know that the Irwins in Southeast Aciatic are Ms. Hamerton's grandmother's family. And they hold significant influence in the royal court!"

Morpheus' heart felt like it had been struck hard, an inexplicable pain spreading from his chest to his limbs.

He thought, 'Southeast Aciatic is a place I never want to come in touch with in my life, a place I can never return to.

'If Sephy doesn't come back...'

Morpheus took two steps back, trying hard to calm himself with deep breaths.

"Morpheus, think carefully," Rebecca said again. "I'll say something that might make you angry. Ms. Hamerton is a princess on the pedestal, and we... live in a different world."

Morpheus' POV:

'After she left, my ears buzzed, filled with a cacophony of noise.

'I sat alone for a long time.

'No lights were on, but I opened two bottles of red wine, finishing the second without feeling even a hint of drunkenness.

'My mind kept replaying all the moments since meeting Sephy.

'Her audaciousness when she first came to Flinge, her shattered look after seeing the darkness there... and her unreasonable behavior toward me, being picky and acting like a spoiled princess. 'These memories felt as if they happened yesterday.

'I chuckled, finishing the last glass, and suddenly tasted bitterness. I paused, subconsciously wiping away tears from the corners of my eyes.

'I buried my face in my hands, unable to hold back anymore...

'That night, I didn't know when I fell asleep.'

The next morning.

Morpheus suddenly heard movement from the kitchen.

He was usually alert, so he instinctively grabbed the small handgun he usually used and cautiously moved toward the kitchen.

It turned out to be Rebecca, carrying a pot of soup out of the kitchen.

She saw him and smiled, motioning for him to come and have breakfast.

Morpheus felt a bit at a loss.

"What? Thought there was a thief at home?" She noticed the gun in his hand. "I was worried about you last night, so I came to check."

Chapter 1998

Chapter 1998

Morpheus put the gun away, but he was quite upset. "How did you get in?"

"Your assistant has a spare key, right?"

"Didn't my assistant tell you I don't like people entering my home?!" His tone was stern, and he looked quite unpleasant.

Rebecca stood there, flustered, biting her lip tightly.

She had laid out an entire breakfast spread. Perhaps she did not know his preferences and had cooked various dishes-a nutritious and colorful assortment. Despite seeing it all, he couldn't feel any happiness.

"Morpheus..." Her voice choked. "You always say you don't like being touched, having people in your home, this and that... But why..."

"Why can Sephy?" He raised his voice. "Because I like her!"

Rebecca looked up at me, her eyes red.

"

"Do you get it now?" He stressed each word. "I like her. Regardless of whether she returns or not, I'll only like her in this lifetime! I'm a hypocrite, treating others one way and her another, because I like her! "What others can't touch, I want her to touch. Where others can't enter, I wish for her to be here every day!"

Morpheus didn't know what he was ranting about, perhaps still not completely sober from last night.

He also knew how much those words hurt Rebecca.

She hadn't done anything wrong. She was a good person who, unfortunately, fell for the wrong person at the wrong time. "Morpheus, what about her?" Rebecca gritted her teeth. "You feel this way about her, but does she feel the same for you?"

He turned away without a word.

"She won't come back!" Rebecca shouted.

"I said, it doesn't matter," he growled.

"What if she marries someone else? Does that not matter, too?"

Morpheus was stunned, turning abruptly to face her.

"What did you say?"

"Why do you think the Hamertons insist on keeping her in Southeast Aciatic?" Rebecca wiped her tears. "It's because they've arranged for her to marry someone there!

"After Ms. Hamerton finishes her studies in Southeast Aciatic, she'll become the royal designer and marry that boy, a prince from the royal family... He comes with titles and all! "Morpheus, she and you are not from the same world, but we are "

"Enough!" he sternly interrupted her from continuing.

She fell silent, just gazing at him quietly.

At that moment of chaos, Sephy's departing words echoed in his ears, "Morpheus, you must wait for me to return!"

He knew perhaps they didn't have a future, but he continued striving for their future.

"Morpheus, are you... alright?" Rebecca's hand lightly touched his shoulder, but she quickly withdrew it.

"You may not believe me." She chuckled self-deprecatingly. "But every word I said is true. My mentor is a core member of the Hamerton Group's medical team and is close to Mr. and Mrs. Hamerton. She heard this directly from Mrs. Hamerton herself during an examination. I'm not lying to you!"

"Alright." After a pause, he spoke softly, "Since you've been honest with me, I'll share something with you."

"What is it?"

"You keep saying Sephy and I aren't from the same world..." He chuckled. "But you're mistaken."

"Morpheus, you-"

"She and I are from the same world. Not you and I."

Rebecca's face darkened as she stared at him in shock.

Morpheus thought, 'If I were in Southeast Aciatic, with my military accomplishments, my status would surpass that prince.

'However, all of this relies on me returning to Southeast Aciatic, returning to my nightmares.'

Chapter 1999

Chapter 1999

Persephone lazily turned over, tiny beads of sweat forming on her nose.

There was no winter in Southeast Aciatic, it was sweltering summer all year round. Even in air-conditioned rooms, she would feel irritable from the oppressive heat. She stepped out of bed and stood on the balcony.

What was the temperature today? It was too hot this early in the day. How would she manage today? She still had a full day of classes today.

Persephone sighed, picked up her phone, and checked it for a while.

Morpheus hadn't called her or sent an email because it wasn't the agreed time yet.

It was just that... Did this fellow always have to be so punctual? Couldn't he break the routine for once?

She pouted. Last night's sleep wasn't great. When coupled with the scorching weather, her appetite wasn't good either. Her recent design assignments were fraught with various small issues, making her feel like a balloon ready to burst. She was just missing a pin.

Persephone pulled at her hair, making a mess of her once neat locks.

Then suddenly, her phone rang a video call. She was astonished to see the name on the screen to be the person she had been yearning for.

She widened her eyes in astonishment, only snapping out of it to pick up in haste as the call was about to end.

Morpheus and his gentle smile appeared on the screen.

Persephone stared at him, momentarily forgetting what to say.

"Sephy, what's wrong?" Morpheus frowned. "Your hair..."

Persephone suddenly returned to reality and rushed to the mirror, exasperated by her hair's chaotic state.

"What made you finally video call me today?"

"I..." Morpheus paused, then admitted truthfully, "I missed you."

Those few words caught Persephone off guard. She was stunned again, her eyes slowly reddening.

Morpheus was startled by her reaction, firing questions like a machine gun. "Sephy? What's wrong? Have you been upset lately? "Sephy? Say something!"

Persephone chuckled, tears trickling down her cheeks as she laughed.

"Silly goose." Morpheus understood what was happening, his voice low and tender. "Me saying I miss you has such power?" "Did you only think of me today?"

"I think of you every day."

"Then why didn't you ever video call me before?"

Morpheus licked his lips, responding with silence and a smile.

Before, he had been too self-centered. He had only thought about his pain, his nightmares. He had never thought about her.

He had been stuck in his own world, unwilling to take an extra step toward her.

It wasn't until Rebecca's appearance that he was reminded. He realized that maybe he only liked Persephone in words. If he truly loved her, he should overcome everything for her. "Morpheus, do you remember when we first met in Flinge?" Persephone sat on the bed, her long hair casually draped over her shoulders, as she looked at the screen with a sweet grin.

Chapter 2000

Chapter 2000

"Mm-hmm, I remember." Morpheus chuckled. "Sephy..."

"Do you know how much I miss you?" Persephone lowered her head, her voice gradually fading. "I really want to see you."

"I'm sorry." He felt full of guilt.

"You don't have to apologize." She smiled. "I'm already happy that you video-called me today. By the way, I've had too many design projects recently. I have dark circles now. It's quite ugly, isn't it?" Morpheus shook his head with a smile.

"Also, you have no idea how strict my teacher is!" The little princess complained, "I made a minor mistake in a small part of the design, and he rejected the whole thing! I spent a month on those sketches... Now, I have to start over from scratch!

"There's also this jerk in my group who never does any work, but when it's time to submit, she wants to copy others... Hmph! I won't let her see mine even if she's some prince's daughter!" Persephone pouted. "Do I look ugly with glasses? I would have put on some makeup if I knew you were going to video call!

"Hey, why did you suddenly call? I was hesitating. If I picked up, you'd see this ugly mess. If I didn't pick up... I don't know when you'd call next time. I didn't want to miss this chance..." Morpheus' heart twisted sharply.

"Silly goose," he croaked. "You look beautiful no matter what!"

Persephone was pleased but still said, "That's how you see it now. You won't think the same in the future."

"In my eyes, you'll always be beautiful."

"Men mean it when they say they love you." Persephone laughed. "And when they fall out of love, that's real too!"

"Sephy!" Morpheus turned serious.

Persephone paused, knowing he wasn't one to joke about something like that. He was a serious person. Even when joking around, he didn't like saying such things.

"Okay, okay, my bad," Persephone teased, saluting him with her hand near her head. "Is this enough of an apology for you?"

"Silly goose." Morpheus chuckled. "That's not how you do a military salute. Your moves are way off!"

"Oh, so you know how to do a military salute?"

Morpheus' expression changed.

Persephone didn't notice the subtle change in his face. She was still immersed in the joy of the video call. She hopped off the bed, holding the phone to show him her room.

She mentioned living in the palace in Southeast Aciatic, and this building was where her grandparents used to live.

"You haven't met my grandparents, have you?" She smiled particularly brightly. "My grandfather's name is Zephyr Hamerton. He was quite a remarkable figure in his youth. My grandmother is Cordelia Irwin. She's from the Irwins here in Southeast Aciatic...

"Grandma Cordelia's family has a tropical rainforest. The fireflies I wanted to show you last time are unique to that rainforest!"

Morpheus looked at the screen, his fists clenched tightly. Cold sweat broke out on his back, his body trembling uncontrollably-a physical reaction to psychological issues.

He kept taking deep breaths.

Fortunately, Persephone kept talking, not noticing his unusual expression.

That rainforest... He had been there as a child and had seen those fireflies. He also knew the legend of the fireflies.

"Morpheus, did you know?" Persephone continued. "There's a legend here in the rainforest that if two people who've loved each other for a lifetime are buried together, not long after..." "Fireflies will fly out of their graves..." Morpheus said simultaneously as she did.

Persephone looked at the screen in shock.

Morpheus smiled. "And the light from these fireflies will reflect the past love of those two people in the rainforest."

"Morpheus..."

"Someone told me this story when I was young," Morpheus said in a low voice. "Would you like to know who that person was?"