In another vacant room, Penelope and Emily were listening to the whole conversation through a vent. Emily teased her whenever Callisto said something sweet about her, and they both became anxious when the Duke made threats on the Imperial Family. However, they were both very relieved that Callisto let it go and no harm was done.
After it ended, Penelope couldn't stop the slight blush that crept up her neck and onto her cheeks when she recalled the prince's romantic words. Does Callisto truly feel that way about me?
She had always dreamed of having someone love her so unconditionally. It was what got her through the difficult times in Korea; whenever she felt depressed and miserable, she would distract herself by imagining many romantic scenarios to lift up her spirits. They never failed to make her smile.
She shook her head in an effort to be rid of these unrealistic thoughts. Get a hold of yourself. This isn't some stupid fairy tale! He's a love interest, of course he'd act like that. Don't think for a second he truly feels that way. That's just what the game wants you to think.
While Penny was busy in her thoughts, Emily snapped her out of them by grabbing her wrist. "My Lady, we have to prepare you for the prince's visit now! He'll be expecting you at the greenhouse right away."
The two practically sprinted all the way from one side of the estate to the next in a few minutes flat. Penelope was sure their time would put many Olympic track stars in Korea to shame. Once they arrived at her room, Emily helped her get ready very quickly. All Penelope remembered was a blur of fabric flying around; She had never changed dresses so fast before!
Afterward, she quickly walked to the greenhouse. She stopped right outside to catch her breath, then used a moment to silently pray. I hope this visit goes well.
Once she was done, Penelope walked in. Inside the luscious and verdant greenhouse, the Crown Prince was sitting at a glass table by himself. The sunlight hit his face in the most striking way, highlighting his high cheekbones and perfect jawline. He was leaning his elbows on the table with a bored expression, but when he saw her, he immediately straightened up and gave her his signature grin.
As much as she wanted to, she couldn't deny the way his smile made her melt inside. It was like a ray of sunshine beaming right at her. Not that she would ever tell him that, of course.
"Geetings, Your Highness, Honorable Crown Prince of the Empre. Eternal glory to the Eorka Empire," she politely said as she courtsied.
Callisto waved her off and immediately rose up to pull out her chair. "You needn't be so formal with me. After all, we'll soon be husband and wife. Please sit and act comfortably."
"Of course, Your Highness." She flashed him her picture-perfect smile and did as he asked while he pushed her in like a perfect gentleman.
When he returned to his own seat, he rested his chin on his hand while gazing at her fondly. It made her heart melt.
"How are you doing today, Your Highness?" She asked as small talk.
"Very well. I pray the same is true for you." He cleared his throat. "Just so you're aware, I spoke with your father regarding our engagement. He gave us his blessing to marry."
She gave him a wide smile. "That is wonderful news! What does the emperor say?"
"The emperor… needs a little more convincing," Callisto hesitantly admitted as he glanced to the side. He then refocused his gaze on her and reached for her hand. "But don't worry, my love. I will make sure he agrees. I'll do whatever it takes."
My love.
Penelope had never been called that before by anyone. She was surprised how two simple words could make her genuinely smile and feel happy. But it was short-lived due to her trust issues.
He doesn't actually mean it, does he? It's just an empty term of endearment.
Her smile wavered for a moment. "Thank you, Your Highness. I truly appreciate it."
"There's no need to thank me. It's the least you deserve. I'll make sure you are happy, so please be honest with me about your desires from now on," the Crown Prince told her sincerely.
"I will do as you wish. As you know, I've always been interested in magic and archaeology. Would you let me study this after we are wed?"
"Of course. I will allow you to do whatever makes you happy."
She wanted to believe his words, but couldn't find it in herself to do so. What is the point if I'm going to be leaving this world soon anyways?
She decided to distract herself by checking his affection score out of habit. She was very shocked to see it was at 99%!
What? How can this be?!
Last she checked, it was at 96%! She was so, soclose to the 100% she desperately craved. All she needed was a love confession and she could finally leave this hell!
She needed to play her cards right. After thinking of a few different tactics, she decided to look dejected and looked down, not daring to meet his eyes.
"Is there something wrong, My Lady?" Callisto asked, oblivious as to the reason she would react in such a way. Wouldn't most women be weeping with joy at this point?
"You asked for me to be honest with you. As it were, I suppose I am… unhappy," Penelope admitted reluctantly. "When you first proposed to me, you claimed it would be a marriage of convenience. I accepted your proposal knowing this, but I do not believe I can follow through with it in good faith."
"What are you saying, Princess?" The Crown Prince asked with a hint of anger as he got up from his chair. He soon began pacing, a habit of his when he was anxious. "Are you having second thoughts about marrying me?"
She allowed a moment of silence to pass, making it look as if she were truly contemplating her answer. Then she responded in a low sorrowful voice, "I suppose I do feel a bit hesitant. I've always dreamed of finding someone who loved me and starting a family with them. It makes me sad to have to forfeit any hope of that happening. That's why… I have to know if you could ever find it in yourself to love me."
The question completely caught him off guard and he was speechless for a moment. He eventually found a fitting response after a moment of contemplation. "Don't you think love is a childish word that doesn't suit us? Why make this any more complicated than it has to be?"
Childish word?!She felt a sudden pang of bitterness at his callousness. How casually cruel he is! Does he not have a heart?!
"Because I need to know! Tell me, do you harbor any feelings for me at all?!" She asked with a bit of anger, staring him right in the eye.
I won't waver on this. Not one bit. Ihave to succeed; my future depends on it!
"Honestly, I believed you were above such nonsense, Lady Penelope," Callisto scoffed in annoyance while running his hand through his hair exasperatedly. "I was beginning to believe you weren't like the other noble ladies."
"No woman truly gives up on finding true love," Penelope murmured softly, allowing a few tears to fall from her beautiful turquoise eyes. "Can you blame me for wanting love as well?"
His silence made Penelope's heart drop. Her anxiety took hold once more and her thoughts began to spiral.I was a fool for believing he ever cared about me! How could I be so stupid?!
She pushed her chair back harshly, causing a grating sound. She then clenched her fists. "If you cannot even be bothered to respond then I suppose we are done here. Good day to you, Your Highness."
She stomped her way toward the exit, but he grabbed her wrist before she could leave. "Please wait, Lady Penelope! I'm sorry for what I said earlier. Please don't leave."
The magenta-haired woman sighed in annoyance but allowed him to lead her back to her seat. When she sat down, she crossed her arms in anger.
"May I ask why having love in our marriage is so important to you?" Callisto asked gently, slightly confused. She had never seemed like the sentimental type, so it was quite shocking to see her suddenly want love.
"Because I've never been loved by someone romantically before," Penelope admitted sadly. "My mother was the only one who truly loved me. When she died, it seemed that everyone else hated me. Even my adoptive family. I spent countless nights crying myself to sleep wondering if anyone cares about me or loves me. I don't ever wish to go through that pain again."
Her words brought back to mind her traumatic experiences with her abusive family in Korea. Before she knew it, she was sniffling and crying. "Is it too much to ask for someone to love me? Am I truly that unloveable?"
Callisto immediately wrapped her in his arms and allowed her to cry on his shoulder. He awkwardly began patting her back. "Is this all right? I'm not quite sure what to do…"
It's obvious he's never comforted someone before,Penelope thought with a smile.But he's trying just for me.
Penelope leaned into his shoulder and wrapped her arms around him. "You're doing just fine."
Callisto then cleared his throat. "No, of course you're not unloveable.You deserve all the love in the world. I apologize if I made you feel like you didn't." He then began wiping her tears away with his fingers lovingly.
After a few minutes when she had calmed down a bit, he asked, "I'm sorry but can you please give me a few moments to sort out my thoughts?"
She reluctantly agreed, and he began pacing once again. Penelope followed his movements and with each passing moment, she became more and more anxious.
Will he not say three simple words to save me from this hell?
Eventually, he turned to face her and grabbed her hand to hold it in his. "I've… never told anyone this, so please be patient with me. You may think I am after a marriage of convenience because my parents had one just like most other royals, but that's not true. They supposedly married out of love. While I do believe my mother loved my father, I don't believe he returned that feeling. That bastard never knew how to love my mother. He used her influence and support to ascend the throne. Then, he tossed her aside the moment he didn't need her, just as the duke did to you. He left her to die alone. Ever since then, I believed love was another sick way to control or manipulate someone."
His eyes became dull and sad as he recounted his mother's suffering, which made Penelope sympathize with him. When he refocused his attention on Penelope, they immediately became bright once more. It was as if her presence alone soothed his pain.
"But you changed my mind. I thought any romantic feelings in me died while I was on the battlefield, but I was wrong. When I got to know you, I was surprised to find that I fell for you. You even showed me how to feel alive again. It's been so long since I've felt excited or happy. You even made me laugh so many times during boring meetings when I'd remember your silly antics. You're the reason I smile. I don't ever want to live without you."
He then went down on one knee in front of her, almost as if he were proposing again. "So, if it's love that you want, then I'll try my best to give it to you. That isn't exactly my area of expertise, but I'll learn if that's what you wish. I'll do anything for you, Penelope. I promise you that every moment of every day, I will make sure you know that you are loved. Through my words, my actions, my support, and my affection toward you. I won't let you ever cry yourself to sleep again."
Tears formed in her eyes. She had bet on his love for her, but she didn't know the true depth of it. Today, she learned it was as deep as the sea, and as boundless as the sky.
It was all she could ever dream of and more.
Seeing her stay silent, he pressed on. "You asked me to save you from this hell, and I will. I'll give you a home you can actually feel safe in, one in which you can be yourself. It won't ever be a hell for you like the Duchy was. You'll finally be happy."
He finally brought her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to it. Then, he looked up at her with a wide smile. "I love you, Penelope Eckhart. For all your flaws and all that you are."
There it was. A love confession from one of the love interests!
As she expected, the system window popped up.
SYSTEM Congratulations! You have successfully completed the hard mode of this game by getting Callisto's affection score to 100%. Your reward is to choose between the following:
1. Return back home
2. Unlock the secret ending of hard mode in which you live happily ever after with Callisto!
[Accept / Refuse] Option 1
[Accept / Refuse] Option 2
Note: You must pick a reward within 180 seconds or the system will automatically choose one for you.
Unbidden tears began to flow from her eyes. I finally did it! I can go back home!
Upon seeing her burst into tears even more, Callisto became absolutely petrified and worried that he had hurt her. He was expecting to comfort her, not make her cry even more!
He immediately wrapped his arms around her. "Ah, shit-Did I say something wrong, Princess? Whatever it is, I take it back!"
Her eyes widened in realization at what the system's message really meant. That also means I'll have to leave him…
Her tears began to flow even more. She struggled to choke back her sobs, but managed to get a few words out. She didn't want to worry him unnecessarily. "No-No, I'm not upset. I'm merely crying tears of happiness."
He let out a sigh of relief as he wiped her tears away. "Thank God. I was so worried that you'd leave me because the life I was promising you wasn't enough."
He's worried I'll leave him. And that's exactly what I'll be doing if I accept the first reward. I can't hurt him like that. Not after everything he said to my father and I.
She moved to accept option 2, but hesitated when Derrick's cruel words came back to her. You're not fit to be Crown Princess. You're not nearly strong nor smart enough.
She lowered her finger away from the system window. "Your Highness, while you've made me immensely happy with your promises, I worry that I may not be good enough to be the Crown Princess and later empress. Are you sure-"
Callisto cut her off by tightening their hug, "Yes, I'm absolutely sure you're the one I want. It doesn't matter if you're not a good princess or empress. You're good enough for me. I can handle all political issues if you detest them. Just do whatever you wish and be yourself."
Though he eased her aching heart, she still felt very conflicted with her choice. I don't want to leave him, but I also don't want to abandon the life I knew…
Suddenly, another system window popped up.
SYSTEM Reminder that there is only 15 seconds left to make your choice. To help you choose, the system is willing to let you glimpse your body back home. Would you like to proceed?
[Accept / Refuse]
She pressed accept and a scene with her in a coma in Korea flashed in her mind. She was in a hospital bed, unconscious and barely being kept alive by the machines around her. What type of life is this? If I return now, I may not survive!
Next to her, Her two bastard brothers and father looked distraught, which made her angry. How dare they act like they care about me now?!
After seeing this disturbing scene, her resolve to stay became stronger. Here, she could do whatever her heart desired and be accepted for who she was; what reason was there to return to her wretched world where she was hated and mistreated?
She pressed accept on option number 2 without any hesitation. She would stay in this world, with the man she loved and who loved her so ardently back.
Penelope pulled away from their hug and cupped his cheek in her hand before saying, "I promise you now that I will never leave your side. Please don't ever say again that what you're doing for me isn't enough. Youare enough. You always have been. Just your presence alone brings me immense peace."
At the exact moment a huge smile graced his face, the sunlight formed a halo around him, making him look so angelic and regal. "That is all I've wanted for longer than you could possibly ever know." He then brought her close into a hug. "I can't promise that every day will be perfect. I know I'll make a million mistakes. But I do promise I'll make our home safe and sound for you. So please, stay by my side. Don't leave me in this hell alone."
Notes:
So excited to put this chapter out! I love it so much 3
Please let me know what you think in the comments!