The Man’s 101st Bad Ending

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Whenever everything went smoothly, a sense of unease would creep into his heart. Perhaps it was because of his past experiences.

This strange anxiety always accompanied the slow passage of time.

He reassured himself that everything would be alright, yet the thought that this might all end soon…

…made it impossible to relax.

“Your Highness.”

The position he had gained over time, that of the Princess’s consort, was more significant than he had anticipated.

It didn’t mean much now, but it had been a year since he and Miragen had become a couple. Winter was coming, and he would return to square one.

He was worried about Kaitel’s next move.

He had been falsely accused of treason in his past lives. He had wondered how Kaitel had managed to frame him, but it wouldn’t be as easy this time.

Accusing the princess’s consort of treason?

How could such a ridiculous charge be levied against him, especially with their widely publicized romance?

But he had died seven times. And Kaitel had been involved in each of those deaths. He couldn’t take this lightly.

Now that he was deeply involved with the imperial family, he had to watch Kaitel’s every move.

Things seemed fine for now.

Kaitel was focused on consolidating his power in the North after eliminating the remaining factions.

It wouldn’t be easy for him to kill the princess’s consort now.

Knock, knock.

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. He knew who it was without hearing her voice.

He smiled and walked towards the door.

“You seem to have some free time today. You didn’t even show your face yesterday.”

“We saw each other in bed. Are you that upset that we didn’t see each other for a day?”

“Of course. We’re practically newlyweds.”

“We’re not newlyweds. We’re not married yet.”

She kissed him lightly, a familiar gesture, then walked over to the sofa and sat down.

Miragen’s position was no longer what it had been.

The North had been stabilized, and the terranite mines there were now under her control. She had also secured several artifacts from the South, significantly increasing her influence.

Some speculated that she was aiming for the throne, but Miragen’s reasons were simple.

She didn’t want him to be looked down upon by the imperial family.

He was still in a precarious position within the Taylor family. Miragen seemed to be overly concerned about it.

She had taken it upon herself to secure the “Crown of Memories” and other artifacts related to the Four Dragons from the dangerous South.

The imperial family had no choice but to acknowledge her achievements.

Meanwhile, he had focused on securing his position within the Taylor family.

He wasn’t the head yet, but he was in a position where the current head couldn’t ignore him. He wasn’t just the princess’s consort. He had a voice within the Taylor family.

He had worked hard to get to this point.

So hard that he wondered if he could have avoided all those regressions if he had done this sooner.

Perhaps it was because he had something to protect. He had been powerless to protect anyone before, so he had found his own way.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“What are you thinking about? You seem to be spacing out a lot lately.”

“…There’s a lot going on. The wedding, the upcoming imperial succession…”

“I’ll be there, so clear your schedule. You’ll officially be my consort by then.”

“Yes. But it doesn’t feel real.”

“Just me then?”

He hadn’t imagined they would be in this position when they first met.

He smiled, looking at Miragen’s slightly swollen belly. She felt his gaze and smiled, stroking her belly.

Their child had played a significant role in his appointment as consort.

He hadn’t intended to use it that way, but the Emperor, who had been hesitant, had readily agreed after hearing about the baby.

Perhaps he longed for an heir that Kaitel couldn’t provide.

He still frequently inquired about the child, so they wouldn’t have to worry about being mistreated.

Even Kaitel seemed pleased, but he couldn’t let his guard down just yet. He had to be cautious.

“When I first met you, I thought you might be trying to use me.”

He flinched at her sudden words, but Miragen continued, tucking her hair behind her ear.

It didn’t matter anymore. His feelings for her, and hers for him, were genuine.

Even if he had initially approached her with ulterior motives, he was truly in love with her now.

He had worked hard to protect her, and he would continue to do so.

Even if it meant his own death, he would find a way to ensure Miragen and their child survived.

“Is that so?”

“I didn’t think so after you said you fell in love with me at first sight. Such encounters only happen in novels.”

“…I was surprised myself.”

He felt as if fate had brought them together. It was a storybook romance, just as Miragen had said.

He hadn’t fallen in love at first sight, but it had only taken him a week to be completely captivated by her.

He no longer felt embarrassed saying he loved her. It was as natural as breathing. Miragen had become a part of him.

One week left.

Until he officially became her consort, until his name was firmly etched within the imperial family.

“By the way, I have something to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“I love you. It’s not very romantic, but…”

“…It’s plenty romantic.”

Their lips met, a warm, comforting sensation.

He wished he could hold onto this warmth forever.

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“I heard you were in the North. I didn’t expect you to come all the way here. Secretly, no less.”

Duke Taylor spoke.

The hooded man chuckled softly.

The North? That matter had been settled long ago.

His plans had been in motion for three years.

Eliminating Adele Igrit had been just the beginning. He had already calculated everything, including the North.

He had taken care of it personally to expedite the process, to free up his time for his secret activities.

The man facing Duke Taylor removed his hood, revealing his long, black hair and golden eyes.

The insignia on his shoulder identified him as the Crown Prince.

The Duke sighed, rubbing his forehead.

The Crown Prince’s secret visit could only mean one thing.

He had opposed the imperial subjugation of the North from the beginning, so perhaps Kaitel had decided he had become too powerful.

He knew Kaitel’s approach was far more ruthless than the Emperor’s.

The Taylor family had vehemently opposed the subjugation because they knew the consequences of expanding the empire’s territory.

He wasn’t here to discuss that.

As the Duke pondered Kaitel’s intentions, the Crown Prince sat down and stroked his chin.

He knew what the Duke was thinking.

He was worried about the recent conflicts between the Taylor family and the imperial family.

“…Not that I care.”

Conflicts with the nobility were inevitable.

The Taylor family was more troublesome than most, but he would have to fight them eventually.

He couldn’t be bothered with every single conflict.

He would prove his point through results. But if the Duke thought that way, Kaitel would use it to his advantage.

Kaitel chuckled softly, then looked at the Duke and spoke in a low voice.

“You’ve become quite bold lately. Not only did you oppose the subjugation of the South, but you also defied me in the North. Even with the accusation of treason.”

“It was an obvious fabrication. Adele committing treason? No one would believe that.”

“Well…it was a fabrication. I needed her out of the way.”

“Admitting it so readily makes you seem vulnerable. You shouldn’t be wasting your time here. I thought you were more astute, but it seems…”

“The Duchess.”

The single word had a significant impact.

Duke Taylor’s expression hardened.

Kaitel smiled faintly and snapped his fingers.

“You should know why she died.”

“…She died of illness. She was always frail.”

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“Frail. A convenient excuse.”

He knew it wasn’t true.

Kaitel’s eyes narrowed, and the Duke clenched his trembling hands, trying to maintain his composure.

Kaitel’s aura was chilling, yet he remained calm as he continued. He had come here for a reason, to play his most important card.

Robert Taylor.

He had to be eliminated. Or rather, he shouldn’t exist.

He had to be driven to his death. It was an instinctive fear, a gut feeling.

He knew there was no logical reason, but he couldn’t ignore this urge.

“What do you want?”

Kaitel smiled and gave a short answer.

“Let’s eliminate someone from the Taylor family. I’ll make sure there are no repercussions.”

Just a brief silence.

That was all he needed.

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[Translator Notes]

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