Ch. 2011..2020

Chapter 2011

Chapter 2011

"Morpheus, why do you always say sorry to me?" Persephone's voice was soft, but every time he apologized, she felt uneasy. "I don't like hearing you say sorry. You surely know what I'd rather hear." "Yeah, I know." After a brief silence, Morpheus gently uttered three words, "I love you."

Persephone's heart seemed to skip a beat.

"From now on, I'll replace 'sorry' with 'I love you'. Do you like hearing that?"

"Morpheus..."

She wasn't prepared at all. Morpheus always launched a "sudden attack" when she least expected it.

Persephone laughed, but there was a tinge of soreness in her heart.

"I want to see you right away," Morpheus whispered. "I can't just say these three words over the phone. I want to say them to you in person until you're tired of hearing them."

But she would never tire of hearing them-she wanted to hear them for a lifetime.

"Unfortunately, that won't work now," Persephone said softly. "I have classes this morning. Also, the butler told me that Rebecca is coming today."

"What?" Morpheus felt a buzz in his ears. "You mean... Who's coming?"

"Rebecca Jacox," Persephone replied casually. "She used to be part of the Hamerton Group's medical team, but for some reason, she left. However, my butler knows her, and since my previous attendant left and I'm short-handed, the butler strongly recommended her."

Morpheus furrowed his brow, a sense of foreboding creeping in.

"In fact, I don't really know her." Persephone smiled. "But she used to work for the Hamertons, so she's quite familiar."

"Okay, got it." Morpheus' voice was solemn. "You focus on your things. I'll handle the rest."

"What?" His tone was odd, leaving Persephone puzzled. "Handle the rest... What do you mean?"

"Literal meaning." Morpheus chuckled. "Apart from studying, you don't have to worry about anything else. I'll take care of everything. I won't let anyone harm you."

"Morpheus..."

"Go to your class now," he said softly, "Call me after class."

Persephone agreed with a simple acknowledgment.

After hanging up, Morpheus' gaze suddenly became as sharp and alert as a leopard's. He immediately contacted someone in Centrolis to inquire about Rebecca. He had his assistant introduce work to Rebecca previously, but she resigned after two days. Now, she had arrived in Southeast Aciatic and was close to Persephone.

Morpheus' assistant informed him, "Mr. Orton, the attendant by Ms. Hamerton's side, whom Rebecca managed to bribe, has been dismissed. However, we overlooked a crucial detail... Ms. Hamerton's butler surprisingly has some connection with Rebecca."

Morpheus remained silent.

Rebecca had been working for the Hamertons for a few years and, with her sharp mind, had reasonably developed some connections. Yet, her ability to get close to people around Persephone revealed that her scheming was not to be underestimated. She required more caution than he had initially thought.

The assistant asked, "Should we secretly..."

"No need," Morpheus replied in a low voice. "I can handle matters in Southeast Aciatic. Keep an eye on the Hamertons. If anything happens, contact me immediately!"

Rebecca had spent a few days with Persephone. She couldn't come and go from the palace at will; instead, she had to accompany Persephone wherever she went.

Despite this restriction, Rebecca had a decent grasp of the palace surroundings.

It was evident to Rebecca that Persephone was not on guard against her. Persephone, a wealthy young woman with a straightforward mindset, had been overly sheltered since childhood and lacked the ability to be cautious about others.

In Persephone's presence, Rebecca exhibited loyalty and obedience.

Chapter 2012

Chapter 2012

Rebecca was about the same age as Persephone, naturally sharing more common topics of conversation, like outfit styling. Persephone praised her sense of style. A seemingly ordinary top looked refreshing when paired with a skirt suggested by Rebecca.

"Where did you learn all this?" Persephone casually picked up a bag and glanced at the mirror. "Hmm, I've never worn this since the designer sent it over. I always felt it was too plain. Your combination looks pretty good."

"It's your inherent charm," Rebecca complimented with a smile.

However, her gaze shifted to the bag in Persephone's hand-a top-tier international brand. The chief designer had personally tailored it, making it the only one of its kind in the world.

Owning even one of these unique luxury items in their lifetime would be a challenge for an ordinary person. Yet, Persephone had a room full of them. From clothes to shoes to handbags, even various scarves, belts, and accessories-she didn't use limited editions but customized pieces, the only ones of their kind in the world.

A surge of jealousy rose in Rebecca at that moment, much like a weed growing wildly in her heart. Persephone, who didn't possess any skills, merely lucked out with her birth. Without the Hamertons, she'd be nothing!

Why did she deserve all this? Why did she have the adoration of thousands? Why could she make Morpheus so devoted to her?

Rebecca clenched her fists, nails digging deep into her palms.

"What's wrong?" Persephone turned to look at her.

Rebecca snapped out of her thoughts abruptly, forcing a smile. "Any instructions, Ms. Hamerton?"

"I'm asking you which pair of shoes looks better."

"Oh..." Rebecca forced a smile. "Are you going on a date?"

Persephone blushed slightly. "Yes."

"Is it with Mr. Orton?" Rebecca guessed.

"Yeah."

"Then, neither of these pairs would be quite suitable," Rebecca said, suddenly pulling out a pair of high heels from the closet and squatting before her. "These would fit you better."

"But..." Persephone hesitated. She was naturally active, and these high heels were too decorative for her taste. It was something she would only wear at certain formal events. The slender straps were adorned with diamonds, and the heels were about four inches high.

Rebecca then handed her an off-shoulder dress.

"Ms. Hamerton, this style goes better with these shoes."

"But I'm going out with Morpheus. Dressing like this..."

"Mr. Orton will like it." Rebecca smirked. "You forgot, I was a psychologist before. I understand people's psychology very well."

"Is that so?" Persephone paused for a moment, then chuckled. "You may understand psychology, but you might not necessarily understand Morpheus."

Rebecca was taken aback.

Persephone's gaze held a deeper meaning as she took the dress from her hands, casually saying, "But your taste is good. I really like this dress.

"In this case, I'll follow your lead and wear this outfit to have coffee with Morpheus!"

Upon saying that, she turned and went into the dressing room.

After a moment of daze for Rebecca, Persephone emerged in her changed outfit.

The high heels shimmered under her feet. She looked like a princess in glass slippers-even the sunlight favored her.

"Let's go." Persephone smiled at her.

Rebecca was surprised. "Me?"

"Yeah." Persephone adjusted her long hair. "Let's go together. I'll introduce you to my boyfriend!"

Chapter 2013

Chapter 2013

Rebecca froze, an instant chill running down her spine.

In a panic, she mentally reviewed everything. Though she liked Morpheus, Persephone had been in Southeast Aciatic at that time. They had been separated, so there was no way Persephone could have known about her interest in Morpheus.

Rebecca composed herself. Maybe her panic was just due to feeling guilty.

Given Persephone's intellect, she wouldn't suspect a thing.

"Rebecca, why are you standing there? Let's go together," Persephone urged.

"Oh..." Rebecca responded. "Ms. Hamerton, maybe I shouldn't come. It's your date with Mr. Orton. It might not be appropriate for me to tag along."

"Why does that matter?" Persephone smiled innocently. "You're my personal assistant. Naturally, you're responsible for my every move. It's not inappropriate for you to be with me."

"Ms-"

"Let's go." Persephone took her hand. "You probably haven't met Morpheus, have you?"

Rebecca's face fell. For some reason, she felt that there seemed to be something more beneath the surface despite Persephone's smile.

To her surprise, she noticed that while Persephone was wearing high heels and walking this distance, she moved steadily. She had assumed that Persephone wouldn't handle high heels well, that she might stumble outside and embarrass herself in front of Morpheus.

"Hey, what's up with you?" Persephone kept smiling. "You look off. Is something bothering you?"

"Nothing..."

"Then... something you aimed for didn't work out?" Persephone's pause was meaningful. "Is that it?"

Rebecca was startled, her heart pounding, but she forced a calm gaze at Persephone.

"Okay, just teasing you." Persephone patted her hand.

Rebecca looked down, biting her lip hard. Her hatred toward Persephone burned like a flame in her heart.

She couldn't compare to that innate confidence, inherent nobility, and sense of superiority.

Some people were born with silver spoons, while others fought tooth and nail, only to fall short of even having a silver spoon.

Rebecca glared at Persephone's retreating figure.

Without knowledge or skills, Persephone possessed the whole world. Despite Rebecca's efforts, she remained a mere supporting role by Persephone's side.

Persephone and Morpheus' meeting place remained the picturesque cafe.

Morpheus had already ordered what she liked, even preparing the seasonings beforehand.

Upon Rebecca's arrival, he merely froze momentarily, then greeted her naturally as if none of the previous incidents had happened.

Rebecca remained composed, giving him a smile.

As Persephone got up in her high heels, Rebecca quietly observed Morpheus' expression. He showed no reaction, even when the sound of Persephone's high heels tapped on the wooden floor.

Rebecca frowned.

The happiest one throughout the evening was Persephone.

After a delightful dinner, she held Morpheus' hand and went to the rooftop terrace to gaze at the stars. Persephone was nestled against his shoulder, her petite frame enveloped by his broad chest. She heard his powerful heartbeat and couldn't resist kissing his slightly protruding Adam's apple.

Rebecca stayed downstairs, not joining them upstairs, but she could imagine the rooftop scene-not just the starlight but also Morpheus' unique tenderness toward Persephone.

That uniqueness was akin to every custom-made bag and outfit in Persephone's dressing room-each one unique to her.

Rebecca felt like countless insects were gnawing at her heart. Despite being a psychologist, she couldn't achieve psychological calmness at that moment.

"Are you alright?"

Suddenly, a hand rested on her shoulder.

Startled, Rebecca stood up with a gasp, meeting Persephone's cryptic gaze.

Chapter 2014

Chapter 2014

"What's wrong? Am I scary?" Persephone chuckled. "Morpheus has already gone back to his place. We should head back, too."

"Mr. Orton... has left?"

"Yeah."

"How did he leave?"

Persephone smirked at her. "He jumped off the rooftop!"

Rebecca was stunned and instinctively glanced outside. The night was dark, making it hard to see anything. Persephone urged her into the car, and she hurriedly followed. As she crossed the threshold, she nearly stumbled.

Persephone looked at her from inside the car and chuckled. "I thought I'd have trouble in high heels, but who knew you'd stumble even in flats?"

"Sorry about that," Rebecca replied awkwardly, rushing into the car.

She sat in the passenger seat and caught a glimpse of Persephone's slightly flushed face in the rearview mirror.

"Ms. Hamerton, you must be happy tonight."

"It was alright."

"Did you drink tonight?"

"A little red wine," Persephone said softly. "No one will find fault with it as long as we return to the palace before curfew."

"Mr. Orton taking you out for a drink is quite..."

"Inappropriate?" Persephone leaned forward with a mischievous fox-like expression. "Then tell my parents he's corrupting me over here!"

"Ms-"

"In that case, he loses points with my parents again, and you get a step closer to him, right?"

Rebecca stared at her in shock.

"Do you know why I brought you along tonight?"

Persephone kept smiling while speaking, but underneath her eyes lay a chilling indifference.

Rebecca forced herself to stay calm but couldn't find words to say.

"Actually, I know the outfit you picked for me tonight is Morpheus' least favorite style." Persephone sneered. "And the high heels? He detests the sound of women's high heels. You knew all this!" "Ms. Hamerton, you might misunderstand-"

"Let me finish!" Persephone's demeanor turned cold, her gaze fixed on Rebecca.

"You know he dislikes these things because you were his therapist. But you only know he dislikes them. Do you know why?

"Rebecca, you might understand others' psychology but can't comprehend their past. Especially the past Morpheus and I shared!"

Morpheus disliked women dressing provocatively and despised women's high heels because such women were rampant in the dirty underground matches in Flinge.

Persephone had dressed like them once in Flinge, just for fun, but he had scolded her fiercely.

"But he didn't dislike it when I'm dressed like this today." Persephone grinned. "Do you know why?"

Rebecca's face turned pale, her tightly clenched teeth trembling.

"Because he likes me.

"He won't dismiss me over an outfit or shoes.

"What he loves is me as a person!

"Today, I wanted to make you face reality. Stop having any delusions about him," Persephone said icily. "His choice is me, and I'll always stand by his side!"

Chapter 2015

Chapter 2015

Rebecca felt flustered, not daring to move in the passenger seat.

Persephone smiled after speaking, reclining comfortably in the back seat and stretching lazily.

"Oh my, it seems like I'm really drunk now." She laughed. "I'm starting to feel a bit of a headache. Rebecca..."

"Yes?" Rebecca felt extremely uneasy.

"When we go back later, I won't have you stay there tonight."

Rebecca was startled. "What?"

Since she arrived in Southeast Aciatic, she had been living and eating together with Persephone as it was convenient to take care of her. If Persephone didn't let her stay there tonight... where would she go? "Ms. Jacox, you might not know, but Ms. Hamerton has always been like this. When she has a headache, she dislikes having anyone around her," the chauffeur said with a smile.

"I... I won't be around her!" Rebecca turned to the backseat. "Ms. Hamerton, I'll stay in the downstairs living room! If you need anything, just call me. I—"

"Ms. Jacox, when Ms. Hamerton asks you to leave, just leave. Don't bother her," the driver interrupted. "Don't worry. You won't be homeless. You can stay at the servants' quarters of the palace for the night."

"But-"

"It's pretty decent," the driver said. "Of course, it can't compare to Ms. Hamerton's place."

Rebecca bit her lip. In the back seat, Persephone's eyes were closed, her face slightly flushed, seemingly asleep. Yet, Rebecca noticed the faint curl of her lips.

She took a deep breath. When she arrived in Southeast Aciatic, everyone saw her following Persephone, so even the service staff in the palace treated her with respect. What would people say if she inexplicably went to stay in the servants' quarters now?

The palace was full of people, all astute and perceptive, quick to notice something amiss. How would she carry herself then?

Wealthy people like Persephone enjoyed mocking others, didn't they? They had money, power, and an innate sense of superiority, punishing others for their slight displeasure... Did they know how much effort someone as insignificant as her had to put in just to stand beside them?

With just a few words, they could negate all her efforts!

"Ms. Jacox, I'll send Ms. Hamerton back first." The car had already stopped at Persephone's residence. The driver looked at Rebecca and said, "The butler will bring your luggage later. Just wait here." "What... What luggage?"

"Your luggage! You're staying in the servants' quarters tonight. How can you manage without your personal items?"

"You..."

Rebecca was appalled. Was this a way to drive her away?

"Ms. Jacox." After the driver got out, he quietly observed her for a while. "Normally, Ms. Hamerton treats people well. She wouldn't have done this to you if you hadn't upset her."

"I didn't do anything!"

"Even a mere driver like me can tell she's upset. Why don't you have the slightest self-awareness?"

Rebecca was furious as she watched Persephone get out of the car, pretending to be drunk. When she passed by, she deliberately ignored Rebecca.

Chapter 2016

Chapter 2016

The state of the palace's servants' quarters wasn't bad, but Rebecca didn't stay long. She returned, dragging her luggage. Persephone didn't have classes that day. She was in the yard reading a book and sipping coffee when the butler brought Rebecca in. Persephone pursed her lips. It seemed like she had been waiting for this moment, only it came much sooner than she had anticipated. "I thought you wouldn't come to me so soon," Persephone said softly. "Even if you did, I thought it would at least take three days." "Ms. Hamerton, can you give me another chance?"

"Not particularly inclined to." Persephone was blunt, looking up at Rebecca. "When you were trying to get close to my boyfriend behind my back, did you ever think this day would come?" Rebecca was pale, fists clenched tightly.

These past few days hadn't been easy for her. The servants in the palace knew she had been kicked out late at night by Persephone and didn't treat her kindly.

The story had spread, and various versions of rumors circulated. There was even gossip about Rebecca stealing from Persephone, which was why she couldn't tolerate her. In the palace, tolerance for thieves was zero.

That was why Rebecca returned today looking dejected-she couldn't stand it there, either.

"Ms. Hamerton, I understand this is your way of punishing me." Her voice trembled. "I coveted something that doesn't belong to me... But does Mr. Orton truly belong to you?

"You said I don't understand him, but how much do you know about him?"

Persephone had been sketching in her notebook and suddenly stopped.

She was drawing a firework, an idea that had come to her in a burst of inspiration. She intended to sketch the outline first and then make detailed modifications as her graduation project for her professor. Meanwhile, Rebecca slowly walked up behind her, looking at the sketch with a smirk.

"It's beautiful... Is this for Mr. Orton?

"Ms. Hamerton, do you know that he doesn't like fireworks at all?"

Persephone abruptly turned around, staring at her.

The look in Persephone's eyes frightened Rebecca.

Nevertheless, she forced herself to remain calm and continued. "I might not know Mr. Orton well, but I have been his therapist. Though he didn't mention his past to me, I can infer a few things through some small details."

Persephone narrowed her eyes, asking calmly, "What exactly are you trying to say?"

"I used hypnotherapy on him," Rebecca said. "During the hypnosis, his emotions were unstable. After the treatment, I asked him what he saw, but he refused to say. Coincidentally, that same night, there were kids setting off fireworks outside, and his expression changed drastically.

"I could tell he's very afraid of such things." Rebecca bent slightly, pointing to Persephone's sketch. "Ms. Hamerton, in psychology, there's a term called PTSD, which is post-traumatic stress disorder." "So..." Persephone looked at her, puzzled. "He has PTSD?"

"What I'm saying is, he's hiding a lot from you." Rebecca looked at her. "If Mr. Orton truly stands as firmly on your side as you say, why hasn't he told you about his past? Do you really know how complex his past is?

"He's hiding things from you, which means..." Rebecca spoke slowly. "You're still not the person he trusts the most!"

"Enough!" Persephone stood up, tidied her sketchbook, and headed inside.

"Ms. Hamerton, I'm a psychologist!" Rebecca hurriedly called out. "I can help you with this! As long as you follow my instructions, Mr. Orton will definitely tell you everything about his past! You also want to know about these things... don't you?"

Chapter 2017

Chapter 2017

Persephone turned away from Rebecca, her hands involuntarily clenching.

She could sense Rebecca's gaze behind her, filled with resentment and a hint of smugness.

Bringing Rebecca to Southeast Aciatic was actually her idea. She had learned about her ulterior motive back in Centrolis. What she hadn't expected was Rebecca's stubborn nature even after arriving. Persephone took a deep breath, calmed her emotions, and turned around to give Rebecca a smile.

"Sorry, I'm not interested in what you're saying at all."

Rebecca looked somewhat surprised, staring at her.

"Ms. Hamerton, don't you want to understand Mr. Orton's past better? I can help you!"

"You know deep down if you're really helping me or trying to help yourself." Persephone crossed her arms mockingly. "In your eyes, I'm just that rich, spoiled young woman who's reckless because of her family's money, right? I'm a person without any brains to you, aren't I?"

"No..."

"Correct, I'm not too brainy." Persephone chuckled. "Because I'm in love!"

Rebecca looked nervous and avoided meeting her eyes.

"Do you know the characteristics of being in love, Ms. Psychologist?" Persephone walked up to her, poked her, and grinned playfully. "The biggest characteristic of being in love is that one only sees their significant other. In my heart and eyes, it's all Morpheus. Whatever he says, I believe!

"If he says his past is a certain way, then that's how it is!" Persephone enunciated each word. "As long as he's willing to tell me, I believe him. If he doesn't want to tell me, I don't want to know. I'm not dating his past, so why should I know so much?

"It's you who's overly concerned." Persephone glanced at her. "If you love meddling so much, why not think about your own future?"

"Ms. Hamerton..." Rebecca looked alarmed. "Ms. Hamerton, are you asking me to leave?"

"I'm not asking you to leave." Persephone looked at her. "But you've crossed my bottom line, so you have to leave."

"I was wrong!" Rebecca shouted and was about to kneel down but was stopped by a few people around Persephone.

"Ms. Hamerton, I know I was wrong! I... I won't do this again in the future. I won't dare to have any improper thoughts about Mr. Orton."

"Isn't it a bit too late?"

Persephone remained expressionless, turning away.

The people around immediately understood and tried to drag Rebecca away. She cried and refused to leave.

Meanwhile, Christopher walked into the courtyard and was startled by the crying. "What's going on?"

Rebecca was taken aback. Seeing his extraordinary demeanor and realizing his easy access to Persephone's residence, she quickly guessed he was the young prince rumored to be engaged to Persephone. Rebecca's eyes darted around before she broke free from the people around her and rushed forward to hug Persephone's leg as she kneeled on the ground!

Persephone was shocked, and the bodyguards moved forward to pull Rebecca away.

However, Rebecca held on tightly, crying louder, "Ms. Hamerton, please..."

"Sephy?" Christopher approached. "What's happening here?"

Persephone glanced at Christopher.

After all, this was the palace where solemnity and calmness prevailed. Making such a commotion was inappropriate, especially now that Christopher had witnessed it.

For now, Persephone could only ask the bodyguards to loosen their grip on Rebecca.

Rebecca escaped, flustered, and ran into the room.

Christopher chuckled. "This is your love rival?"

Persephone glanced at him with a pout. "What are you saying?"

"Yes, yes," Christopher said. "Your boyfriend is extremely loyal to you. How could he accommodate a love rival? But... What's the matter with your boyfriend? Why does he always want to meet you outside? His Majesty has already said you can treat this place as your home, and bringing friends here is fine."

"He... is used to being free." Persephone smiled reluctantly. "He finds it suffocating here. It's better not to come."

"But you're here."

Persephone didn't continue. Sometimes, Morpheus indeed seemed unwilling to compromise for her.

Christopher changed the subject. "By the way, graduation designs are coming up soon. How are your drawings coming along? Let's find a time to visit the factory, get the pyrotechnicians to help, and then test i out to see the effect!"

"Sure, sounds good!" Persephone agreed happily.

The two of them chatted and laughed in the courtyard. Christopher saw Persephone's doodles in the notebook, picked it up, and made some constructive comments, making her burst into laughter.

Rebecca observed this scene quite clearly while hiding behind the window. She had rushed away hastily but hadn't settled down somewhere peacefully. Instead, she kept watching the courtyard. Her gaze turned cold as she wore a sinister smile.

Fireworks factory? That seemed like a good place!

Chapter 2018

Chapter 2018

Persephone's final design experiment was set to take place in a fireworks factory, and she put in a lot of preparatory work for it.

This fireworks factory was under royal management, so she was often seen entering and leaving with Christopher.

There were murmurs in the palace, and these bits of gossip quickly spread outside.

Morpheus also caught wind of some information outside the palace.

In the cafe, he sat quietly by the bed. The sunlight was still bright today, and the place remained empty without any patrons. A sign hung outside the courtyard door, indicating a temporary closure. It had been there for many years.

Since he left Southeast Aciatic, this courtyard hadn't seen any visitors.

Alfred Farrar placed a cup of hot black tea in front of Morpheus while his wife, Marie Farrar, was busy cleaning inside and outside. Both exchanged a glance, shaking their heads in resignation, and sighed.

Back then.

Kaiden, the military general of Southeast Aciatic, conspired with foreign powers and incited rebellion, threatening the regime. The Harrises, also a military family, mobilized a considerable force but returned unsuccessfully.

Kaiden's preparations had been too thorough, catching the Harrises and the Southeast Aciatic royal family off guard.

At that point, Morpheus stepped up. He was just in his early 20s, full of youthful vigor, and aimed to make a name for himself. Yet, he didn't expect his first battle to be against his father.

It was unclear whether it was Kaiden's consideration for the father-son relationship on the battlefield or Morpheus' effective strategy, but despite the hardships, the goddess of victory ultimately sided with Morpheus. He won, but the cost was forever bearing the heavy cross of killing his own father.

Everyone in Southeast Aciatic revered him as the god of war, but only he knew that the title was written with his father's blood.

His guilt toward his father, coupled with PTSD after the war, led him into severe depression. He resigned from the royal service, renounced his position as a general, and took over this cafe. He thought keeping busy and living an ordinary life would help.

However, his depression kept recurring. Every night, he was haunted by nightmares. Helpless, he had no choice but to leave Southeast Aciatic and head to Flinge, where he endured a period of dark and dismal days.

At that time, he had somewhat given up on himself, wanting to become a rat in the gutter, a cockroach everyone loathed. He won fight after fight on the dirty underground ring, hoping to wash away the bloodshed from the battlefield.

He never expected Persephone to appear in his life in that way. He didn't know how she redeemed him, but he only knew that he wanted to follow her, to be with her.

She was the only light in his life, and if he couldn't hold onto it, he would sink into the abyss forever.

Morpheus' phone had some videos from tabloid accounts continuously playing. They were grainy, blurred footage of Persephone and Christopher together. These videos had been taken secretly and falsely portrayed the two sneaking out of the palace for romantic escapades in the dead of night.

"Sir, don't watch these." Alfred took his phone away. "You can't trust these bottom-lineless tabloids!"

"I know." Morpheus chuckled. "How could I not trust Sephy? When I was looking at these just now, I was only thinking of one thing..."

"What is it?"

Morpheus looked up. "Where is Rebecca?"

Alfred paused and looked at Marie. Both of them had previously worked in the palace, and even to this day, Marie sometimes went there and knew more about the situation.

"I heard Ms. Hamerton drove her away," Marie said in a low voice. "As for where she was driven to, I'm not sure. If you want to know, I'll go ask the butler."

"I suspect Rebecca hasn't gone far." Morpheus paused for a moment. "The royal family has always been strict, and there's never been such scandal leaking out before... Why have so many tabloid accounts suddenly started focusing solely on Sephy?"

"Yeah!" Alfred and Marie were struck with realization. "Could it be that the butler..."

Chapter 2019

Chapter 2019

"No." Morpheus shook his head. "She's an old member of the Hamertons. There's no reason for her to help Rebecca. But when Sephy drove Rebecca away, perhaps the butler only instructed the people below She wouldn't personally handle it. So, I believe there's an issue among the subordinates."

"Sir, what do we do now?"

Morpheus remained silent for a while, then said slowly, "Contact the former Orton Troop."

Alfred and Marie were initially surprised by this statement, then showed signs of delight.

"Sir, have you already... made up your mind?"

Morpheus smiled faintly. He stood up and held their hands gently.

"You both have always been loyal to me, as were the former Orton Troop... I know you've always hoped for my return. This time, I don't want to disappoint you or let anything bad happen to Sephy." Alfred and Marie smiled, too excited to find words.

At that moment, a clear voice came from outside. "Morpheus!"

Alfred immediately understood and chuckled. "The 'closed for business' sign has to be taken down. Our only patron has arrived!"

Morpheus walked out with a smile. In the sunlight, Persephone's smile resembled sweet ice cream as she enthusiastically waved at him.

"Why did you rush out like this?" Morpheus furrowed his brow. "Aren't you afraid of getting sunburned?"

Persephone grinned.

She was wearing a sleeveless T-shirt and a floral skirt today, looking youthful and beautiful. However, she was always afraid of the sun, and now, with such a large area of her skin exposed, it turned red within no time.

"It's okay. It's just too hot today!" Persephone pouted. "I'd rather get sunburned than die of heatstroke!"

Morpheus took her hand to lead her into the cafe.

However, Persephone pulled him across the street. A beautiful sports car was parked there-its sleek body exuding elegance and the unique chocolate color shimmering in the sunlight. Morpheus was taken aback. "This..."

"I bought this!" Persephone couldn't hide her excitement. "Morpheus, do you know? I earned it myself!

"My fireworks design won an award, and the factory got orders quickly. As the designer, I get a share from the factory... Hehe! I bought this car with that share!"

"Really?" Morpheus was genuinely happy for her. "You're amazing!

"Oh, I see." He looked like realization struck him. "You drove here today because you wanted me to ride in your new car and take a joyride?"

"It's not mine." She smiled, then handed him the keys. "It's yours."

"What?"

"It's my gift to you." Persephone's cheeks blushed, her pretty eyes sparkling. "I'm not just a parasite relying on my family... I have the ability to earn money! "And the first fortune I dug up, I want to share it with you!"

"I..." Morpheus was about to speak but was suddenly silenced by her hand covering his mouth.

"You're not allowed to refuse!" she asserted. "Isn't loving someone like this? Isn't it about giving them the best you can?"

Chapter 2020

Chapter 2020

Morpheus paused, meeting Persephone's earnest gaze. "But I haven't given you anything yet..."

"You've already given me the best!" Persephone blushed, smiling softly. To her, he was the best gift in the world.

"Let's go. Don't stand in the blazing sun!" She took his hand. "Today, you're my chauffeur, and I'm touring Southeast Aciatic!"

He indulgently chuckled. "That wish seems a bit challenging."

"No matter what Grandma Cordelia wishes, Grandpa Zephyr always makes it happen!"

"I see." He ruffled her hair. "Grandpa Zephyr is Grandma Cordelia's superhero."

"So what about you?"

"I..." Morpheus pondered. "I'll be your Doraemon, okay?"

Persephone smiled sweetly.

After securing their seatbelts, Morpheus started the car. Under the sunlight, their laughter drifted in the wind.

Persephone shared her plan to complete her graduation project at the fireworks factory with Morpheus.

Morpheus' brow twitched, and he turned to her with a smile, which she could tell was quite strained. Her mind wandered to what Rebecca had mentioned about PTSD...

What had he experienced to have PTSD related to fireworks?

Persephone bit her lip, taking his hand to continue forward.

They had reached the highest mountain in Southeast Aciatic.

Southeast Aciatic was a country surrounded by the sea on all sides, with a lower altitude, so this highest mountain might be shorter than even a small hill in other countries. Still, the scenery was incredibly beautiful.

As they parked the car below and trekked up, they encountered numerous vibrant flowers, little rabbits hopping in the bushes, and beautiful butterflies fluttering around.

Feeling the atmosphere too silent, Persephone changed the topic softly. "I heard this place used to be an active volcano, but it hasn't erupted for a long time."

Morpheus chuckled. "I reckon it won't erupt again."

"How do you know?"

Morpheus paused, choosing not to speak. He used to come to this mountain often, running, climbing, exercising every corner of this mountain was familiar to him.

"Morpheus, I feel you've been acting a bit strange since you came to Southeast Aciatic..." Persephone voiced her concern after a moment of consideration, "Sometimes you're silent, and even when you speak, it feels like you're only saying half. It is as if there's something you're keeping from me."

"Sephy..." Morpheus paused.

"It's okay." Persephone smiled. "Everyone has secrets, and if you don't want to tell me, it's fine. But... I still want you to know that I'm willing to share whatever happens with you.

"As for my graduation design, I initially wanted to invite you to see it." She smiled wryly. "The professor said we'd display the fireworks we designed at the graduation ceremony. My mom and dad will be there, and I really hope you can come.

"But your reaction after seeing the fireworks last time was a bit strong... I think maybe you don't like them? If you don't, it's okay. Don't force yourself."

Morpheus looked at her in silence.

It felt like a needle had pricked the softest part of his heart. He knew he hadn't been himself since he came to Southeast Aciatic. He was doing his best to appear normal, but sometimes, his PTSD wasn't within his control.

He had an aversion to Southeast Aciatic from the start. The fireworks that bloomed in the night sky were more like ropes pulling him into the hell of war.

It wasn't that he disliked them-he just couldn't get past them.