Ch. 2021..2030

Chapter 2021

Chapter 2021

Morpheus could tell Persephone had been awkwardly trying to please him, doing everything to make him happy. He felt sorry for her and deeply guilty, too. He didn't know how to tell her about his past. Those ugly scars were something he didn't even want to touch himself.

"Morpheus, what's wrong?" Persephone's heart dropped when she noticed his constant distraction. "Did... Did I say something wrong?"

"No." He gently caressed her face. "It's not you, Sephy. It's me."

"Why would you say something silly like that?"

"It's really my fault."

Persephone tiptoed to run her fingers through his hair when a distant rumble echoed in the sky. Southeast Aciatic's weather was unpredictable-just moments ago, there were clear skies, and now dark clouds loomed, carrying a damp scent in the air.

Before she could react, large raindrops started falling.

Morpheus hastily pulled her into his arms and dashed in a certain direction.

"Where are you taking me?" Persephone urgently asked. "Our car isn't there!"

"The car is down the mountain, and going downhill with this downpour is risky!" Morpheus glanced at her. "There's a cave nearby. Let's take shelter there for now!"

Persephone froze, but as the rain intensified, she had no choice but to follow him.

To her surprise, the direction he mentioned did have a cave. Bushes partly concealed the cave's entrance, and the interior was relatively clean. Walking further in, they could even hear the trickling of water. "This cave leads to the outside. It's connected to a stream, so you can hear the water." Morpheus smiled, taking off his clothes to wring them out.

Persephone had been shielded by him, not getting wet much. However, as she was already dressed lightly, the rain had soaked her skirt, revealing her curves under the wet clothes.

Morpheus coughed and averted his gaze.

"The rain comes and goes quickly." He awkwardly tried to cover up the embarrassment. "Once it stops, I'll carry you back down the mountain."

"I... I can walk by myself." Persephone's voice was low. She knew Morpheus was avoiding looking at her, but she couldn't help glancing at him. His bare upper body displayed distinct muscles, and his tan skin felt raw and primal.

She had never seen him from such a close distance.

His body had numerous scars, most likely from his time fighting in the underground arena.

But...

Persephone furrowed her brow. Some scars were small, hole-like shapes, almost like bullet wounds.

"Come sit here for some rest, Sephy." Morpheus cleared a clean spot for her to sit, but as soon as he turned, he saw her staring at him.

Persephone snapped out of it, suddenly feeling flushed and feverish. Her rational mind urged her to stay put, but an uncontrollable force made her move closer to him.

Morpheus quickly turned away.

Persephone abruptly hugged him from behind!

Her soft face was pressed against the scar left by a bullet on his back. That bullet had nearly taken his life back then.

"Sephy..." Morpheus' voice was hoarse, his entire body tense.

He held her hand, and an intense warmth spread through his palm in that fleeting touch.

Chapter 2022

Chapter 2022

Persephone's hand wandered up and down his body.

Morpheus grabbed her hand with a frown. He exerted too much force, causing her to let out a low gasp. He quickly let go and turned to look at her.

"Did I hurt you?"

Persephone pouted, turning her face away.

Morpheus stood there stiffly, not reacting for a while. Despite that, there was a restlessness within him, a raging tumult-his last bit of rationality felt fragile and almost laughable. Persephone lowered her head, her face getting warmer. Outside, the rain poured heavily, but the temperature inside the cave shot up. Her heartbeat echoed loudly in her ears. "Morpheus..." After a silent moment, she approached him again, placing her hands on his waist and resting her head against his solid chest.

Morpheus panicked, afraid she might sense something was not quite calm with him.

"Sephy, don't do this!"

"Don't you..."

"Not now!"

Morpheus grasped her shoulders. How could he not want to? But he couldn't. He feared hurting her. Not restraining themselves in this situation would only hurt her.

"Even if I desire you, it can't be now!" He looked into her eyes, his voice low. "It will be after your studies-when I formally propose to your parents and marry you through proper rituals! On our wedding night! "Sephy..." He swallowed, his voice husky. "I need to be responsible for you!"

Persephone blinked her beautiful eyes, radiating a soft, warm light that brightened the cave.

She gradually calmed down. Once she regained composure, she chuckled, her cheeks flushed. She murmured, "You make it sound like I'm shamelessly begging you..."

"Silly goose." Morpheus gently embraced her, also smiling. "Even if you did something to me, I trust you'd take responsibility."

Morpheus ran his fingers through her long hair.

If he had truly wanted to do something to her, she would have been his back in Flinge. She was his cherished treasure, and while he desired her, he feared hurting her. "Morpheus..." Persephone said softly, "You promised that once I finish my studies, you'll go to my home for the proposal!"

"Mm."

"No backing out!"

"Have I ever backed out on promises to you?"

"What if my parents make things difficult for you?"

He chuckled. "As long as you don't marry someone else, I'll marry you sooner or later."

Persephone was startled. "Did... Did you misunderstand something?"

"What?"

"About me and Christopher." She bit her lip. "I know there have been rumors lately, but between him and me-"

Before she could finish, Morpheus' fervent lips pressed against hers. His kiss carried a possessive dominance, engulfing her like a tidal wave.

Persephone felt delirious. Only when she began to pant did he reluctantly release her.

"I never believe in what's said outside," he whispered in her ear. "I only believe in you." "Morpheus..."

"The rain has stopped. I'll take you back."

Chapter 2023

Chapter 2023

Persephone felt like she was in a dream. Morpheus led her out of the cave, her hand in his, and the post-rain air was exceptionally fresh.

The sun peeked out from behind the clouds, casting a smile upon the earth. The fragrance of the soil was uplifted by the sunlight, permeating every corner of the mountain. She smiled foolishly, following him as the roadside flowers seemed to sway her way.

When Morpheus drove near the palace, the night had fallen. Persephone lingered in the car, reluctant to leave. Morpheus pinched her nose with a fond gaze, urging her to go home quickly.

"You take the car back!"

Morpheus handed her the car keys with a gentle shake of his head.

"What's wrong?" Persephone seemed disappointed. "This was meant for you."

"This is something you've earned," Morpheus said tenderly. "It's rightfully yours. While I'm happy when you give me gifts, I believe your first gift should belong to you."

"But-"

"Listen to me," he said, patting her head.

Persephone wanted to say more but held back.

Seeing her disappointment, Morpheus felt a pang of guilt. He took the car keys from her hand. "How about this? I'll take it for now. If you're free tomorrow, I'll come to pick you up to go elsewhere, okay?" Persephone finally smiled and nodded vigorously. "Okay, I'll listen to you. But I'll get you something better when I earn more money later. By then, you have to accept it!"

"If you earn more money, I might as well live off of you!" Morpheus teased her. "Then, you'll be responsible for making money, and I'll be responsible for..."

"For what?" Persephone leaned in.

"For taking care of the kids!"

Persephone blushed and playfully hit him.

Suddenly, Morpheus held her tightly. "How many kids do we want in the future?"

"Hey!" She glared at him. "Are you back in high spirits now?"

Yet, he acted all timid in the cave...

Morpheus chuckled, released her, and urged her to hurry home.

Persephone looked back several times as she entered the palace. She kept looking back until she couldn't see anymore, then jogged back to her residence. Morpheus stood outside the palace gates and gazed at the majestic structure, feeling a mix of emotions. As Persephone vanished into the night, he prepared to leave.

However, a voice suddenly came from behind. "Are you Sephy's boyfriend?"

Morpheus stopped but didn't turn around. The footsteps behind him drew closer.

"Excuse me, I accidentally overheard your conversation just now... I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but it's late, Sephy hadn't returned, and I was worried. As such, I came to wait at the gate. I didn't expect..." Morpheus smirked, recognizing the voice.

"I heard you saying you'll let Sephy support you in the future?" Christopher seemed a bit angry. "As a man, how can you live off of her?"

"Can't I?" Morpheus chuckled, still not turning around. "Who said men have to earn money? I want to take care of my family and let Sephy pursue what she loves without worries. What's wrong with that?" "You... How can you be so self-righteous?"

"People like us always have a way with words."

"Sir! I'm genuinely talking to you!" Christopher sounded angry. "I know your background isn't great. Sephy mentioned you used to participate in underground fights in Flinge... I also want to believe that you're not with Sephy for her money! But... what you just said and this car make it hard for me to trust you!

"If you're with her just for her money, I advise you to find another woman! There are plenty of wealthy women in the world. Why stick to her?"

Morpheus snickered but didn't want to say more.

However, Christopher persisted, "Why won't you turn around and face me?"

"It's getting late," Morpheus said coldly. "You should also go back and rest."

"Hold on!"

At Christopher's command, the palace guards armed with guns swiftly surrounded Morpheus at the entrance.

Chapter 2024

Chapter 2024

Morpheus stood there steadily, devoid of any fear.

At Christopher's signal to seize him, the guards were all taken aback when they saw his face, halting in their tracks and refusing to move forward.

"What are you doing?!" Christopher demanded angrily. "This man is scheming to get close to Ms. Hamerton with ill intentions! Why aren't you arresting him?"

"Your Highness..." The guards looked at Christopher. "This... This is..."

Even Christopher found this peculiar. From the man's back view, he seemed slightly more robust than an average person. The palace guards were the cream of the crop, so how could they be easily intimidated by someone like him?

Since they wouldn't act, he decided to take matters into his own hands!

Christopher dashed forward, snatching a gun from one of the guards. As he raised the butt of the gun to strike, other guards rushed in and actually restrained him!

"Are you all insane?!" Christopher was hysterical.

"Your Highness, you can't... Please, don't take action."

"Your Highness, calm down..."

"Your Highness!"

At that moment, Morpheus slowly turned around.

The anger Christopher felt a moment ago turned into pure astonishment.

Morpheus smiled, but his eyes were icy. Just like years ago when he stood before the old king, vowing to quell the rebellion and fighting to the end...

The gun in Christopher's hand fell to the ground with a clatter.

"How could it be you..."

"Your Highness...." Morpheus' voice was low. "Have you been well?"

He bowed deeply to Christopher, who hurriedly stepped forward to stop him.

Even at that moment, Christopher was somewhat flustered. "General, you don't need to be so polite!"

"You're the prince. Proper decorum is expected," Morpheus said. "And I am no longer a general. There's no need for formality with me."

"Is it really... you?" Christopher stared at him, his expression somewhat complex.

No wonder the guards reacted to Morpheus as if they were wolves encountering a lion. Once wolves sensed the lion's scent from afar, they wouldn't dare approach. Morpheus' intimidation was even more formidable than a lion.

During the rebellion that almost overturned the entire country, had it not been for Morpheus' intervention, Southeast Aciatic might have faced a change in ruler long ago. He was hailed as a god of war throughout the country. But at the height of his glory, he quietly left Southeast Aciatic.

Christopher never expected that the man Persephone spoke of as her boyfriend would turn out to be him...

"Why that expression, Your Highness?" Morpheus smiled. "Don't want to see me that badly?"

"No, no!" Christopher scratched his

head awkwardly with a smile as well. He ordered the guards to open the gates and inform everyone to welcome General Orton with the highest honors.

However, Morpheus stopped him. "It's late now, it's not proper."

"But-"

"I told you, I am no longer a general." Morpheus looked at him. "Your Highness, if you remember my contribution to quelling the rebellion years ago, please pretend tonight's events never happened. I just want to live an ordinary life, to....be with the person I love."

After a moment of contemplation, Christopher nodded solemnly. He suddenly felt relieved. No wonder he couldn't win over Persephone, and no wonder he couldn't defeat the person she loved...

Chapter 2025

Chapter 2025

Morpheus wasn't just an ordinary person!

Christopher wholeheartedly accepted his defeat to Morpheus.

"Then... I'd like to invite you to come over to my place for a while as a friend. That's fine, right?"

A few days later, Persephone finally ran into Christopher, who had been missing in action for days, in the classroom.

"Hey, you finally showed up!" She dashed over, plopping down in the seat beside him and handing him breakfast. "You haven't eaten, right? Let's eat together!"

Usually, Christopher would readily accept, but he waved his hands now. "No, no, no!"

"What's wrong?" Persephone widened her eyes. "This breakfast isn't poisoned!"

Christopher awkwardly smiled. "You have a boyfriend, so maybe... we should keep some distance."

Persephone burst into laughter. Then she remarked, "Strange... Morpheus was right!"

"Uh, what?"

"My boyfriend!" She chuckled. "He made this breakfast. I asked if he could also make a portion for you, and he said sure, just worried you wouldn't take it!"

Christopher winced. General Orton's breakfast was reserved solely for the little princess of the Hamertons-no one dared have it.

"You've been acting odd these days." Persephone glanced at him. "You haven't come to work on our design plans or taken me to the factory... What's up? Don't you want me to graduate? Don't forget we need every member for this group project!"

"No, not at all!" Christopher nibbled on his pen, glanced around, then cautiously asked, "About going to the factory... Does your boyfriend know?"

"He does."

"He allows me to take you there?"

"Christopher!"

Persephone was exasperated. She took out the design plans she had been working on these past few days, rolled them up, and gave him a light smack on his head with them.

"You're underestimating my boyfriend. Do you think he wouldn't allow me to have any male friends around? Besides, this is for our graduation project. How could he disagree?" "Ahem... You might not fully understand your boyfriend."

"Huh?"

Christopher chuckled. "It's nothing. Since he's fine with leaving you to me, we'll go this afternoon!"

Persephone frowned. "The way you put it still sounds weird..."

"Anyway, let's focus on the important things!" Christopher could finally have his breakfast with ease.

Morpheus breakfast was simple-a

meat, eggs, and veggies sandwich. It was clearly made with care. If not for Persephone, he might have never experienced General Orton's cooking in his lifetime. sŵnovel.net

Persephone dedicatedly worked on her designs. This firework design was specifically created for Morpheus and revised over a dozen times to achieve the desired look. They planned to test it at the factory the same afternoon to see if it had the desired effect.

"If this firework design succeeds, are you planning to show it only to him?" Christopher teased.

Persephone's hand paused abruptly, a hint of faint sadness crossing her face.

Christopher suddenly remembered

the last time she went to set off fireworks with Morpheus. She had left eagerly but returned full of dejection... He had assumed her boyfriend had let her down back then. Thinking back now, Morpheus might have had his reasons. Content

He had heard that people returning from the battlefield often faced some form of psychological challenges-being sensitive to loud noises was one of the signs of PTSD.

"Actually..." Christopher hesitated. "You should try to understand him more."

Persephone paused. "What do you mean? Do you know my boyfriend?"

Chapter 2026

Chapter 2026

Christopher struggled to swallow the bite of the sandwich in his mouth for what seemed like ages. He gazed at Persephone, his mind wandering back...

He didn't just know Morpheus. He had been close since childhood to the children of the two prominent military families in Southeast Aciatic.

Compared to the Harrises, he preferred visiting the Ortons, especially when he got to spend time with Morpheus. He considered Morpheus a friend, a brother even, having engaged in countless mischief together, much to their parents' dismay.

In his memory, Morpheus was someone who smiled a lot, radiating warmth and brightness like the Southeast Aciatic sun when he did.

However, from the moment Kaiden betrayed the country, Morpheus never smiled again, gradually growing distant from Christopher as well.

It wasn't until that evening at the gates of the palace that Christopher felt like it had been a lifetime.

"I... I don't know him." Christopher forced a smile. "Where would I have met your boyfriend!"

Persephone blinked, skeptical.

Christopher ducked his head to munch on the sandwich.

It was Morpheus who had asked him to do that, not wanting Persephone to know too much about his past. However, he didn't seem to consider how sharp-witted the Hamerton heiress was. Could she not see through the veiled truth?

"Oh, right." Unable to withstand Persephone's piercing gaze, Christopher quickly changed the subject. "We're going to the factory at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon. A pyrotechnician there will show you the effects of your designed fireworks."

"Just one pyrotechnician?"

"Yeah." Christopher nodded. "The main factory is on holiday, so we're going to the smaller one. But don't worry, even though it's smaller, the pyrotechnician's skill level is top-notch!"

In the afternoon, Christopher arrived on time at the fireworks factory with Persephone.

Situated on the city's outskirts, this factory wasn't large, merely a downstream production line of that major factory.

The manager warmly welcomed them, "It's such an honor for Your Highness to visit us!

"Is this Ms. Hamerton? You two standing together looks like a match made in heav—"

"You talk too much!" Christopher glared at him.

The manager quickly shut up, wiping the sweat off his forehead. He didn't know this was a forbidden topic!

"Ms. Hamerton and I are just regular friends. Don't make things up!" Christopher hurriedly clarified.

"Understood!"

"Please, have the pyrotechnician act faster. We're here to see the effects and will head back."

"Of course!" the manager agreed and moved swiftly.

As Persephone looked around, she raised a concern about the environment, "Will this do? It seems a bit rundown. Doesn't it seem unprofessional?"

"Actually, it's my first time here, too,"

Re

Christopher admitted sheepishly. "But this is the only place where we can see the effects now. It might seem small, but the equipment is quite advanced. After all, it's the downstream production line of the royal factory, so it shouldn't be lacking in quality."

Christopher said this aloud, but he was still quite worried. Not about the equipment, but he sensed that the security there might not be as thorough.

They had come directly from school, and unfortunately, they hadn't brought anyone else along.

He had an uneasy feeling.

Not far from the factory entrance, someone kept pacing back and forth.

He occasionally glanced inside despite the lack of visibility. He strolled back and forth beneath the expansive banyan tree, occasionally deep in thought, with a subtle smile softening his earnest countenance.

Alfred chuckled. "Sir, it's too hot. Would you like to wait in the car?"

Chapter 2027

Chapter 2027

"No need, you can go back first." Morpheus glanced at him. "I'll wait here for her a little longer."

"Prince Christopher wouldn't do anything to Ms. Hamerton..."

"Alfred, what are you thinking?" Morpheus couldn't help but chuckle. "I know exactly what Christopher is like, but I just want to wait here for Sephy. Christopher mentioned that she'd specifically designed these fireworks for me. Hah! I'm the useless one. I don't even dare to go inside and take a look."

"Sir, don't say that."

"If I wait here, will it count as accompanying her in her efforts?"

Alfred nodded.

Morpheus smiled and sent Alfred back. He continued waiting under the tree.

The air in Southeast Aciatic was hot and humid. The shade of the banyan tree offered some relief, but it couldn't completely dispel the oppressive heat.

Morpheus took a deep breath, about to move elsewhere, when he glimpsed a suspicious figure swiftly darting through the factory's side gate.

The security at the side gate was lax, making it easy to enter.

Morpheus paused. His innate vigilance prompted him to chase after without hesitation. However, the person was fast, and there was some distance between him and the side gate. He couldn't catch up immediately.

His gaze darkened. He contemplated calling the authorities but hesitated just as he was about to dial the number. What grounds would he use to report it? Someone sneaked into the fireworks factory and went missing?

What if that person was an employee, or what if this was a misunderstanding...

Just then, a loud booming sound reverberated nearby!

Morpheus jumped in shock. The deafening noise seemed to plunge him back into that haunting nightmare. Thick smoke billowed into the sky, resembling black columns rising from hell.

He froze in place, a chill crawling up every vein in his body, and his mind went blank...

"Sephy..." He suddenly snapped out of it. Persephone was still inside the factory!

"Sephy!" Morpheus yelled desperately, disregarding everything and running headlong into the flames.

The factory was in chaos. The explosion occurred in the warehouse where the fireworks were stored.

At the time of the explosion, Persephone and Christopher were close to the warehouse.

Before they could react, a powerful surge of heat rushed to them. Persephone sensed her feet lifting from the floor. Her skin felt seared, her body momentarily weightless before forcefully crashing back down! Countless unknown fragments fell. She screamed, instinctively covering her head and curling up on the floor.

Christopher fared no better. He

stumbled from the heatwave, feeling

like he was being torn apart.

Ignoring the pain, he crawled toward Persephone and shielded her from the falling shards of concrete with his body.

Suddenly, a wave of fire rushed toward them!

Christopher dragged her out, trying to escape, but a roof beam fell dangerously close to their heads.

Persephone struggled to hold herself up, the pungent smell making her feel like she was about to suffocate.

"Christopher..." She strained to speak, "Go, leave me for now..."

"No way!" Christopher held her tightly. "If Morpheus finds out... he'll kill me!"

"What are you saying?"

Christopher had no time to explain. He dragged her desperately. But with the factory filled with fireworks, the explosion's fire rapidly engulfed and spread, turning the entire factory into a terrifying inferno...

Persephone found it harder to breathe, her mbs weakening. Every step felt like it drained her body. Her consciousness began to fade. There was a small rock ahead, and she couldn't steady herself in time, tripping over it and falling to the floor.

Chapter 2028

Chapter 2028

There was fire everywhere. Flames rushed toward Persephone like menacing dragons. Her consciousness grew increasingly blurred, but the searing pain coursing through her body became clearer. She struggled to get up, the agony almost unbearable.

Despite several attempts, it was futile...

Something was pinning her feet down, and stones kept falling on her. She couldn't even muster a shout.

Many images flashed through her mind in that fleeting moment, each frame featuring Morpheus' face...

She remembered the times they had spent together in Flinge, how he had initially distanced himself from her, then later had exerted every effort to protect her. She recalled how he would gently ruffle her hair and call her "silly goose"...

"Morpheus, I'm afraid I might have to go first..."

The fire grew fiercer, explosions resonated continuously, and she could no longer hold on.

Christopher, who was nearby, wasn't any better.

Amidst the roaring flames, he couldn't see anything clearly, only pulling at Persephone's arm by sheer instinct. Choked by the thick smoke, his throat was hoarse, but he persisted, calling her name, "Sephy... Please, don't fall asleep..."

Despite his words, he found himself closing his eyes first.

"Christopher..."

"Sephy, you have to hold on." Christopher's words came out incoherently. "Someone will come to rescue us... keep holding on..."

The two lay amidst the inferno.

Another deafening explosion echoed, and a column of fire shot up into the sky!

Morpheus dashed into the blaze, pausing momentarily.

He clenched his fists, his body involuntarily trembling. He wanted to take deep breaths, but every inhale filled his throat with smoke.

Fire and explosions were everywhere...

Morpheus covered his ears but soon lowered his hands and continued to run forward.

At that moment, it seemed like his nightmare had returned. Fire, smoke, and explosions intertwined, taking him back to that battlefield soaked in blood...

Kaiden's face appeared on the

battlefield, He was mocking his incompetence, arrogantly pointing a gun at him, and screaming hoarsely, you have the guts, then kittyour own father!"

"If

Morpheus ran with all his might, trying to leave the nightmare behind.

"Stupid boy, you can't outrun fate!"

if e

Kaiden's voice seemed to echo again. "You can't save her! Even if you save her, do you think she won't mind this past of yours? You're someone who can kill your own father. She'll never look up to you!"

"No!" Morpheus shouted, stopping to catch his breath. When he looked up again amidst the flames, there was also determination in his eyes.

"I will save her...

"I won't let anything happen to her!

"Sephy!"

Without hesitation, Morpheus plunged into the fiery sea.

Persephone thought she was about to die.

In that moment of fading consciousness, she was startled awake by the flames, her eyes jolting open. She heard someone's voice amidst the fire. "Sephy! Sephy!"

She couldn't believe her ears. "Morpheus?"

"Morpheus, I'm here..."

She waved desperately and screamed with all her might, but her voice drowned in the fire and smoke. Just as she felt hopeless, a pair of

large hands lifted her, and the next second, she was in the embrace that had given her a sense of safety countless times!

"Morpheus?" Persephone was dazed before she burst into tears. "Morpheus... is it really you?"

"It's me! Don't be afraid!" Morpheus carried her. "I'll take you out of here! You'll be okay soon!"

"I thought I was going to die..."

"You won't!" He looked into her eyes. "I am here and won't let anything happen to you!"

"How did you come here?"

Chapter 2029

Chapter 2029

"Let's get out first!"

"Hey, wait..." Persephone pointed to the other side.

In moments of life and death, it wasn't appropriate to laugh, but Morpheus still chuckled. The young Prince Christopher was sprawled on the floor in a very ridiculous pose, and they almost forgot about him! "Don't worry," Morpheus whispered. "I won't let anything happen to him."

He had Persephone cling to his back and then carried Christopher.

Christopher was a tall fellow, so it took some effort to carry them both to a safe place.

Fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars rushed in. Their sirens pierced the sky, startling a flock of birds.

The fire was soon extinguished, and Persephone and Christopher received timely treatment. Luckily, their burns weren't too severe, and even more fortunately, their faces were unharmed.

When Christopher woke up, he felt bandages wrapped around his head, and his skin had a burning sensation. His heart sank, and he was almost on the verge of tears.

"Tell me the truth! Am I disfigured?!"

The nurses nearby didn't speak but suppressed their laughter.

"Oh no! Ahhh!"

Christopher was in despair, about to cry his heart out, mourning his lost handsome face, when someone opened the ward door.

Doctors and nurses bowed and greeted the newcomers, "General Orton, Ms. Hamerton!"

"You guys go out first." Morpheus smiled. "I'll talk to His Highness."

The doctors and nurses exited, and Christopher covered his face, adamantly refusing others to look at him.

Persephone laughed as she brought a mirror over, and though Morpheus tried to persuade him gently, he remained engulfed in sorrow. "Christopher!" Morpheus' tone shifted from gentle to authoritative.

This stern reprimand instantly took Christopher back to many years ago when he trained with the Orton Troop, and Morpheus was in charge, often shouting at him like this: "Christopher, stand at attention!"

"I..."

"Put your hands down!"

"But... I'm already like this, and you're still..."

Christopher saw Morpheus' serious face through the gaps between his fingers. Although his face was stern, the amusement in his eyes was evident. Christopher hesitated but eventually lowered his hands.

Persephone quickly held the mirror in front of him. He was startled at first, then saw himself in the mirror with his head wrapped in bandages.

His face was unscathed!

Christopher was stunned for a long time before he cried, overwhelmed with joy. He had never liked his face this much before!

"Hey, why are you crying?" Persephone smiled. "Look at me. I'm more injured than you, and I didn't cry!"

Christopher took in the bandages on Persephone's arms and legs. Though not hindering her movement, it was clear these burns would need some time to heal. He was the same. His head was injured, his legs grazed. Thinking back to the chaotic scene in the fire, he felt a sense of joy from surviving the ordeal.

"It was Morpheus who saved us!" Persephone held onto her beloved's arm, incredibly cheerful. "That day, he single-handedly saved both of us! We had barely escaped when the building behind us collapsed."

"So, if it weren't for General Orton, we wouldn't be alive." Christopher looked at him gratefully. "Many years ago, you saved our country, which means you saved me And this time... you saved me again."

Morpheus smiled as he gently embraced Persephone by his side.

"Hey!" Persephone looked at Christopher. "Not only did he save you, but he also carried you out! Princess carry, you know!" Christopher was dumbfounded. "What?!"

"I think you should stop being a prince and become a princess instead!"

Chapter 2030

Chapter 2030

"No way!" Christopher smirked, glancing at Morpheus. "To him, you're his only princess! I just got lucky for the princess carry, thanks to you!" "Yeah, at least you're self-aware!" Persephone nodded, rubbing her chin.

"We've known each other for so long! What kind of person do you think I am?" Christopher laughed. "I can be a bit shameless at times, but..."

But upon learning that the one she loved was the unbeatable god of war, he willingly stepped back, offering his blessings with a smile.

"Okay, okay. You two stop crowding around me!" Christopher waved his hand. "Sephy needs more rest, and I'd like to get some more sleep, too! Once we heal, let's go out and have some fun together!" "You're still thinking about fun?" Morpheus' deep voice intervened with a wry smile. "With the factory explosion incident, the royal family is furious and will thoroughly investigate it. Many people will probably be coming to talk to you both in the next few days. After all, you two are the most directly involved parties."

"True..." Christopher scratched his head. "How did the factory suddenly explode? Even though there were security lapses, it shouldn't have resulted in such a serious accident!"

"Security lapses are just one aspect." Morpheus' gaze grew serious. "Someone tampering behind the scenes is the main issue."

"Have you found out anything?"

Morpheus pursed his lips, a glint of determination flickering in his deep eyes.

"Whoever it is, that person must pay the price!"

Morpheus carried Persephone back to her hospital room, carefully laying her on the bed and placing a soft pillow behind her.

Persephone smiled. "I'm not actually in pain. I can walk by myself!"

He lowered his gaze in silence.

She wasn't in pain, but his heart ached. Especially seeing her covered in these bandages, he regretted not entering earlier. If he had stayed by her side that day, he would have been more alert to the danger, and she wouldn't have suffered so much.

He had lingered outside the factory all because he was afraid of fireworks.

Morpheus bit his lip, tucking the bedsheet for Persephone. The more helpless one felt, the busier one tried to seem.

Even though Persephone's view was blocked, she could sense that Morpheus might be shedding tears.

"Morpheus..."

She reached out to touch him, and he held her hand, pressing her palm against his face.

"Are you crying?" Persephone was surprised. "Don't be like this! I'm fine, you know?"

"It's my fault for not protecting you."

"It's not your fault!"

"I should've been with you."

Morpheus lifted his head, his slightly reddened eyes a pitiful sight. "Why do I have to be scared of fireworks... I'm such a coward!"

"Don't say that about yourself!"

Persephone hugged him, gently patting his back.

After experiencing this life-and-death disaster, she finally learned about his true identity and understood why he was afraid of loud noises and fireworks in the night sky. Content

Those weren't fireworks to him—they were demons that could drag him back onto the battlefield.

He had experienced the cruelest

things in the world on that battlefield, watching his comrades go down one by one. The person who was just talking one second ago would turn into a battered corpse the next second...

Loud explosions and the heat of bullets grazing ears weren't things the fireworks could romanticize.

She finally understood what PTSD meant.

"You're not a coward but a hero," she whispered in his ear.

Morpheus' back tensed, remaining silent for a while before murmuring, "I'm not a hero, either. I killed my own father. I'm a heinous murderer..."