Liberation of The Slaves

Chapter 72 – The Only Thing I Could Offer

— Celestia’s POV —

After hours of tears staining the silence of the cavern, I finally moved. My hands trembled as I gathered the lifeless bodies of the red wolves, tucking them one by one into my magic bag. My heart ached with every touch, every final glance. When the last one vanished into the shimmering magic, I unfolded the teleportation scroll Karin had entrusted to me.

With a soft flash of light, the cavern faded, and I was back on familiar soil—the guild grounds, lit dimly by lanterns and moonlight.

I guided my horse to the stables in silence. The stable master gave me a nod, but I couldn’t return it.

The murmurs of adventurers in the lobby faded into a dull hum as I walked through them like a ghost, eyes locked on the stairs that led to the quiet of my room. Voices called out to me, but I didn’t stop. I kept walking, drawn toward the solitude of my room.

Once inside my room, I sat at the edge of my bed. The moonlight spilled through the window, painting silver shadows across the floor. The silence returned, wrapping around me like a shroud.

*Click*

A soft click signaled the opening of the door, and Karin's voice started to weave its way into my solitude.

“I heard you are back so I ca–”

Her words stopped as she witnessed my distant gaze. The door closed behind her with a quiet thud as she crossed the room and sat beside me without another word.

Her arms wrapped around me, warm and firm. She pulled me close, and I leaned into her, letting my head rest against her chest. Her hand began to stroke my hair, tender and slow.

“He died,” I whispered.

That was all I could say. My voice cracked around it. And yet, she said nothing—only held me tighter. That silence, filled with understanding, said more than words ever could.

“You’ve worked hard,” she murmured eventually.

Those words… they should have comforted me. Instead, they broke the dam again. My voice trembled, tears welling up once more as my grief poured out.

“I’m so scared.”

“When I think that the past two years had gone to waste…”

“I became so scared.”

My voice trembled as my grief poured out—unstoppable tears streaming down again, faster this time.

“Hey, Karin, tell me…”

“What was the point of the past two years…?”

“Why did I fail!?”

“Why wasn’t I good enough!?”

“Why couldn't I save him!?”

“Why am I such an useless older sister!?”

My sobs took over. I couldn’t breathe. My voice fell into hiccupping gasps, my chest tight and aching.

“Should I have never been born!?”

“Hiccss... Hiccss…”

The room resonated with my cries, yet Karin's comforting hand continued its soothing gesture. I curled into her, my pain unraveling into her silence. But then she spoke—softly, like a lullaby for the broken.

“I know,” she said. “It feels suffocating, doesn’t it?”

“When the only thing left is a reality you never asked for, one you can't change no matter how hard you try.”

“When we have no choice but to accept the only reality that befalls us, no matter how cruel and heartless it may be.”

Her hand kept stroking my hair. My breathing slowly steadied as her voice continued.

“The painful reality turns into anger. Even giving them your best didn't seem enough. And the cruel part is that you aren't angry with anyone but yourself. You kept blaming yourself by trying harder and harder. And now, you feel so suffocated that all you want to do is just scream.”

A moment of silence enveloped the room before her voice resumed its comforting cadence.

“But this isn't the end. You can still choose how to live.”

“If you want your loved ones to live happily but are unable to do so, then you can start to live happily for the sake of them.”

“If you want to carry all the guilt on yourself, then do it. Take all the blame on you for your whole life as your punishment for your mistakes.”

“If you want others to avoid this pain, then help them. Become the wall they can lean on.”

“There are countless possibilities out there for you to choose for your life. Pick one—or pick a few. Then walk them, even if your legs shake.”

Her words didn’t erase the pain—but they shaped it, gave it a place to rest. Slowly, I felt the tears dry against her shoulder.

“…What do you think is the best choice for me?” I asked.

She gave a small huff. “Why ask me? It’s your life. You’ll just blame me if my choice ends up hurting you.”

“Then…” I raised my head, wiping my eyes. “If you were in my position… what would you do?”

Her lips quirked into a small smile. “Aren’t you supposed to be a genius? Guess it.”

I blinked, then let out a soft laugh—a real one, faint but genuine. I sat up fully, meeting her gaze for the first time since she walked in.

“Un… I think I can guess it now… older sister Karin.”

Her face went red instantly.

“W-What!? What did you just call me!?”

A sly smile tugged at my lips. “Oh? So I hit the mark, huh? I think I understand now—what you’ve gone through. What you chose.”

A faint chuckle escaped my lips.

“You little rascal..!”

She pounced, lightly knocking her fists against the sides of my head.

“Ouch ouch ouch, stop, it hurts.”

“Serves you right, rascal!”

“Pfft…”

A snort broke from my throat.

“Haha..!”

Laughter—fragile, but real—echoed between us, chasing away the gloom for just a moment. The warmth that bloomed in my chest wasn’t peace, but it was something close. Something I could live with.

“…Thank you. I feel a little better now.”

“That’s good then.” She stood, brushing off her skirt. “It’s late. I’ll leave you to rest.”

As she reached the door, I called out one more time.

“…Good night, sis.”

She turned back, eyes wide, and smiled.

“Good night, Celes.”

The next day brought a rare reprieve from my relentless training, yet the silence was no solace. The ache within me lingered—layer upon layer of emotion pressing down like unseen weights. Grief, guilt… hope? I wasn’t sure anymore. I only knew that something inside me refused to be still.

Evening fell gently, bathing my room in soft amber hues when a familiar knock broke the stillness.

“Celestia,” came the warm voice, “I heard from the guildmaster…”

“Count,” I called softly, “come in. Please, sit.”

Ronan stepped in, his every movement elegant but hesitant, like a man walking into sacred ground. He approached the chair beside my bed and lowered himself onto it with grace, offering a bow—far too formal, far too humble for someone of his rank.

“Celestia, I’m sorry,” he murmured, golden eyes downcast. “If only I had found the information earlier…”

His voice was thick with regret—sincere, aching regret. But none of this had been his fault. If anything, he had done far more than expected. Far more than I had deserved.

And yet… Why was he still here?

He was a noble. He had status, wealth, a name. I had nothing. Just a broken family, a failing heart, and a sword that hadn’t been enough. Still, he stood by me—after all this time. And that truth twisted something painful in my chest.

He kept giving… and I had nothing to give back.

Guilt settled upon me, a recognition of my own foolishness in disregarding the feelings of the gentleman before me.

“You don’t need to apologize,” I said gently, turning toward him on the bed. “None of this was your fault.”

“But—”

“Hey,” I said softly, “look at me, Count.”

“Y-Yes…”

He raised his gaze to meet mine. Those eyes—golden, sincere—never once looked down on me. Not even when I had nothing left.

“I still have a younger sister waiting for me. Will you… will you still help me find her?”

“Of course,” he replied without hesitation. “Even if I have to send my men across the ends of the world!”

His response was unwavering, a testament to his genuine concern for my siblings.

“At times like that, shouldn’t you be the one willing to go?”

“Well,” he chuckled, rubbing the back of his head, “I am a noble. That’s what subordinates are for, right?”

A small laugh escaped me. Even now… he makes me smile. That laugh melted something inside me, and I stared at him with something deeper than gratitude.

“Count Shufillen,” I said, voice dipping into something quieter, more fragile, “do you love me?”

“H-Huh?” His golden eyes widened, startled by the sudden question.

But only for a heartbeat.

He quickly regained his noble composure, meeting my eyes with a smile.

“Yes,” he said. Without hesitation. Without shame. With all the gravity of an oath. With everything. “Since the first moment I saw you… your strength, your beauty, your kindness. I couldn’t stop thinking about you. Before I knew it, I fell in love with you, Celestia.”

My breath caught.

I knew it.

Of course I knew. Deep down, I always had.

But hearing it—hearing him say it aloud, with no hesitation, no doubt…

It made my heart tremble.

Not from shock—but from the guilt that surged up, hot and choking.

He loved me all this time… and I never once acknowledged it.

Not truly. Not when he helped me tirelessly, not when he stayed by my side through two years of silence and struggle. I had known, deep down. I’d seen it in the way he looked at me, in the gentleness of his voice, the loyalty in his steps.

And yet—I ignored it.

I turned my eyes away, afraid of what it meant. Afraid that if I accepted it, I’d have to face the truth—that someone saw me. That someone chose me, even when I was nothing.

Why?

Why would he love someone like me?

A broken girl from a forgotten place. A commoner. A sister who failed. A sword that couldn’t protect anything.

I felt something sting the corner of my eyes. Not sadness, but shame.

Why did he wait for me for so long…?

“I knew it,” I replied with a soft chuckle to cover my shame. “You wear your heart too openly. It’s almost adorable.”

His cheeks flushed as he fumbled with his hair again. “Is it really that obvious? That’s… a little embarrassing.”

“…It is.”

And I hated myself for how long I had ignored it.

I lowered my gaze briefly, then asked, “But is it alright?”

I took a breath. The words stung. But they had to be said. “I’m just a commoner… I have no lands, no power, no riches to offer you. You deserve someone who can match your name. Someone who can stand proudly beside you.”

He said nothing for a long moment. And in that silence, my thoughts spiraled.

What else can I offer a man like him?

He gave me two years of patience. Two years of devotion. He looked after me when I couldn’t even look after myself.

He helped me search for my siblings without asking for anything in return.

No one has ever… loved me like that.

His sigh broke my thoughts.

“Why not? My parents already died a long time ago. I don’t have any siblings either.” He said. “So who will dare to oppose me from falling in love with you?”

“I see…” I smiled.

But my smile didn’t reach my eyes.

It was obvious, and I still pretended not to see it.

Because I didn’t think I deserved it.

I still don’t.

“T-Then?” He swallowed, clearly waiting—needing more than gratitude.

I gazed up at the ceiling and closed my eyes.

Maybe… just maybe, I could finally stop running.

Maybe it’s time I saw him.

Really saw him.

And let myself be seen too.

“I believe true love meets you in your worst, not your best.” I said, voice trembling with honesty. “When someone sticks around no matter how hard things get, they really love you.”

I leaned closer, my heart pounding. I smiled at him and continued.

“And you, Count, you have proved it to me for the past 2 years.”

His breath caught.

“S-So… does that mean—?”

He still asked nervously. Anxiety laced his question. It was clear he sought a more definitive response.

I didn’t answer with words. I leaned forward, brushing my lips softly against his. It was not a kiss of passion, but of quiet assurance, of acceptance.

When I pulled back, I smiled gently.

“Is that enough of an answer?”

His eyes were wide, full of something raw and awed. “Celestia…”

“Call me Celes, from now on.”

He blinked in wonder, as if unsure this moment was real. Then nodded.

“Then, stop calling me Count Shufillen. Just ‘Ronan.’”

“Okay… Ronan.”

“Celes.”

Our lips met again, and this time, it wasn’t tentative. Our kiss deepened, slow and searching, an expression of all that words could not say. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. My fingers traced his golden hair, tangling in the strands like I never wanted to let go.

And I… I melted into him.

I wanted to give him something—anything—that could repay even a sliver of what he’d done for me. If I couldn’t give him gold or a title… then let me give him the only thing I had.

Myself.

I pulled him closer, drawing him gently onto the bed with me.

“Celes?” he murmured, breath hitching.

I smiled up at him, eyes warm. I nodded, fingers stroking his cheek.

“It’s okay,” I whispered. “I want this. I want you. I offer you my first time… willingly.”

“Are you sure?” His voice trembled. “Once I take your first time… I’ll want your second, and third, and every time after. You’re my princess now.”

“You greedy noble,” I said, a soft chuckle escaping my lips. “But that’s okay. You may have me as many times as you want, my prince.”

I meant it.

Because that was the only thing I could offer.

“Celes…”

“Ronan…”

Our lips met again, and this time, I didn’t hold back. I wrapped my arms around him and offered myself fully. And in that kiss, I poured out everything I couldn’t say—the grief, the hope, the guilt, and the love blooming in the ruins of what I’d lost.

That night, in his embrace, I released the burdens that had weighed on me for so long—my broken heart, my trembling hope, my body aching for meaning.

That night, I gave him everything.

Not as payment. Not out of obligation.

But because my heart needed to be held.

Because he had held it—without asking for anything in return—through all my brokenness.

I gave myself to him… because it was all I had left. Because he had loved me through the silence, through the mess, through every part of me I couldn’t even bear to face.

And if loving him was the only way to repay that… then I would love him completely.

That was the moment I pledged myself to him. With my body—and also with my loyalty, my soul. This was the only thing I could give him in return for the love and tireless help he had offered me these past two years.

He cared about my siblings—not out of duty, but because he loved me. And if that love could save Daisy… then I would love him too. Fully. Unreservedly.

For the sake of my siblings, I will start to love him with my heart. Freed might have died, but Daisy's flame still flickered somewhere. Rejecting Ronan might lead him to abandon the search for Daisy.

Ronan Shufillen.

I would love him.

No, from this moment forth, I loved him.

I heard many men, especially in the noble world, often sought multiple companions. But—

Even if one day, he fell for another woman—took my place in his heart.

Even if I was no longer his only one.

Even if his love dimmed—

Mine would not.

Because Daisy still needed me. And I would endure anything—any sacrifice—to see her smile again.

If he could continue searching for Daisy… if his love for me meant her safety, then I would give him everything. My devotion, my smile, my soul. I would become his wife, his shield, his sanctuary.

He doesn’t need to love me forever.

But I will love him for the rest of my life.

Not because I had to.

But because I chose to.

Because he gave me a reason to keep breathing.

Because he saw something worth saving in a girl with nothing left.

Ronan Shufillen.

He was no longer just an ally.

He was the man I loved.

And even after my sister was saved… I would remain at his side, not because I had to—

—but because I wanted to.

From this night on, I would live to love him.

Not just with my heart.

But with everything I am.

To serve him.

Until the very end, and even after that—if he still needed me.

He could choose someone else, love someone else… but I would still be his. Always.

I would love him in silence, in shadow, in sorrow. Even if he never looked back.