- 8 hours ago
The Cursed One's Second Chance
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Short filmTranscript
00:02I woke up at the mate selection ceremony, standing beside my sister, Rosalind.
00:08On my third rebirth, my previous mates knelt before me.
00:12They begged for my forgiveness and to be chosen.
00:16In my first life, I married Theodore of the Tiger Clan.
00:19He sold me to a military camp as a whore.
00:22In my second life, I chose Alfred, my fox shifter childhood friend.
00:27He cut the baby from my womb on my due date.
00:30Both the baby and I died that day.
00:32Only then did I realize they always loved Rosalind.
00:35I opened my eyes at the selection ceremony again, standing beside Rosalind.
00:40As spirit deer princesses, we must toss handmade floral crowns from a high platform.
00:45The person who catches it will be our betrothed.
00:48I threw my crown into the crowd.
00:50It flew toward Theodore and Alfred, but they exchanged a glance and shoved it into an old slave's hands.
00:57The entire crowd froze in shock.
01:00Theodore was a decorated general.
01:02Alfred was a prestigious royal tutor.
01:05We had grown up together.
01:07Everyone knew I loved my two childhood sweethearts.
01:10I even warned other noble sons to stay away.
01:13They're mine.
01:13But they actually treated me like this now.
01:16Eleanor, didn't everyone say they only wanted you?
01:21I thought they would only choose you.
01:23The guests began to whisper.
01:25The crown flew towards Theodore, but he deliberately stepped aside to dodge it.
01:29Alfred feigned blindness and pushed it to the old slave.
01:32The princess loved them, yet they shamed her so hard.
01:34Theodore and Alfred scowled with annoyance.
01:37The king doles on you.
01:39He would never permit you to bond with a mere slave.
01:42My heart has always belonged to Rosalyn.
01:46You're highborn, but I love your sister.
01:49I'm unworthy of your noble rank.
01:51You might as well wait for the king's arranged marriage instead.
01:53Don't waste our lives on a forced bond.
01:55Your Highness, how can they be this ungrateful?
01:58Back then, you snuck out and were injured falling from a cliff, saving Theodore.
02:02My Justy almost beat you to death for it.
02:04They swore to protect you for your entire life.
02:06How could they humiliate you like this today?
02:09Why wouldn't they?
02:11They're Rosalyn's childhood friends, too.
02:14I had thought my sacrifices would have made me matter more to them.
02:18Recalling past tragedies, I took a deep breath.
02:21No one caught my crown, so today's selection is void.
02:23My father will arrange my marriage from now on.
02:27I truly hope Theodore and Alfred get their wish and become Rosalyn's mates.
02:35Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness.
02:37We've made a pact.
02:39Whoever the second princess chooses, the unloved one will spend the rest of his life alone.
02:43You're a princess.
02:45Have some dignity and let us go.
02:47They would rather remain single than marry me.
02:50As you wish.
02:51A tear rolled down my face, only to be stolen by the wind.
02:55I returned to the palace.
02:57Father's messenger summoned me immediately.
03:00I knew my purpose there.
03:02Looking at the agitated Matilda, who begged the king to seek justice for me.
03:06I destroyed her indenture and gave her some money.
03:10You're older now.
03:11Leave the palace.
03:12No, princess.
03:13She didn't want to leave, but I didn't look back.
03:16Dot Matilda was the only one fiercely loyal to me, but I couldn't even protect myself now.
03:21As I approached the study, I heard Rosalyn whining sweetly inside.
03:25Father, Theodore and Alfred both caught my crown.
03:29I love them both so much.
03:31Can I have two mates?
03:33Nonsense!
03:34We'll care for her together.
03:37Please, Your Majesty, grant this.
03:40Have it your way.
03:42Since things failed with them, I have arranged another mate for you.
03:48You'll marry in three days.
03:50How's that?
03:52Father, who did you choose for Elenin?
03:54Rosalyn watched with jealous resentment.
03:57She feared his favoritism.
03:58Is the new mate as impressive as Theodore or Alfred?
04:04Perhaps?
04:05Father favors sister the most.
04:07I just wonder who he's chosen for you.
04:12Elinor's mate is naturally a superior male.
04:15Then waved his hand and left to rest.
04:20Damn it!
04:21Rosalyn reached for my scroll, but I dodged.
04:24Theodore struck the back of my knee with a stone.
04:26I collapsed onto the ground.
04:27My palms were scraped raw.
04:29Rosalyn assumed I was gloating.
04:31Her eyes reddened with grievance.
04:33Alfred comforted her.
04:34Don't be upset.
04:35No one here compares to Theodore and me.
04:38Acting so secretive,
04:39it wouldn't happen to be some old man, would you?
04:41Don't be curious, Rosalyn.
04:44A woman like her never ends well.
04:46Then Theodore loomed over me and ripped the necklace away.
04:52My mother said this belongs to my savior and future mate.
04:56Alfred reached out, demanding his family bracelet.
05:00So you two love Rosalyn, but she saved Theodore's life and Alfred's entire clan?
05:05Obviously.
05:06Why love a vicious woman who stole Rosalyn's heroic deeds for three years?
05:10We saw through your tricks long ago, Elinor.
05:12You never even left the palace during our accident.
05:15Know your place and marry the man chosen for you.
05:17Stop targeting us and stop bullying Rosalyn.
05:20Otherwise, even with the dear king's favor, we won't let you off.
05:25Fine.
05:26You'll get your wish.
05:28I also hope you won't regret it.
05:30They claimed I stole credit for Rosalyn's deeds.
05:33They never knew I was just a decoy.
05:35I sneaked out to save them back then.
05:38Only father and Matilda knew the whole truth.
05:41I thought complete honesty would earn me respect.
05:44Instead, they gave my life-risking sacrifice
05:47to Rosalyn.
05:48Remembering she once swore to take everything from me,
05:51I mocked.
05:52Alfred bent down and snatched the bracelet from my wrist.
05:56Rosalyn's expression shifted as she clutched her chest,
05:59coughing.
06:00The two men rushed her to the royal infirmary.
06:02Her eyes were sharp with wariness and heavy with guilt.
06:06I chuckled and didn't try to stop them.
06:08Three tragic lifetimes.
06:10My fate was already sealed.
06:12Back at the palace, the wedding dress father had sent made my blood run cold.
06:17Matilda defied orders and rushed back to my side.
06:20Thought she opened the blood-stained decree and wept.
06:23My lady, please don't send me away.
06:26I'll follow you wherever you go.
06:28She had already guessed my tragic fate.
06:31I chuckled and gave a helpless reply.
06:34Just don't regret it if life becomes harder later.
06:37I stayed hidden, waiting for my wedding day dot.
06:40But at midnight, Rosalyn slammed my doors open.
06:43Her eyes instantly locked onto my gown.
06:46Why?
06:47Why did father prepare yours first?
06:50She lunged, summoning flames to burn the dress.
06:53I didn't move.
06:54I watched her coldly.
06:56Father's biased!
06:57He gave you shadow guards!
06:59I smirked with a hint of bitter mockery.
07:02Rosalyn tormented me repeatedly and even pushed me into the water.
07:07These guards never appeared during those times.
07:10They only intervened because a ruined dress would jeopardize the Leopard Alliance.
07:15Rosalyn didn't understand.
07:17She swept her sleeves and stormed out.
07:19I didn't know how Rosalyn pulled it off.
07:22Dottie actually agreed to let Rosalyn marry on the same day as I do.
07:27What's the need to the craftsmanship?
07:29Rosalyn forced me to show my dress to the tailors, using our joint wedding as an excuse.
07:34They ran their hands over the fabric, praising every stitch.
07:38Theodore gently tucked Rosalyn's hair back.
07:41Alfred patiently checked the progress of her dress.
07:44I stood silently in the corner.
07:46Once they were done admiring it, I grabbed my gown and left.
07:50But just then, a wild horse broke free.
07:52As I stepped outside and charged straight at me, the horse's hoof stomped heavily on my right leg.
07:59I curled up in agony.
08:00Theodore leaned against the door with icy eyes.
08:03That's your lesson for bullying Rosalyn.
08:07I said nothing and let Matilda take me back to the palace for treatment.
08:12The palace buzzed with festive energy.
08:14The next morning, Father held our hands and signaled for the decree.
08:18Princess Rosarine will marry Theodore and Alfred.
08:22Everyone felt shocked and envious that Rosalyn had two mates.
08:26Then, they waited for the announcement of my groom.
08:29Even Theodore and Alfred went rigid, scanning the young nobles in the hall.
08:33They wanted to see who I would marry.
08:35The herald's next words made their faces turn pale, and all would be exposed right now.
08:41Suddenly, the room fell dead silent.
08:43Your Majesty, are you joking?
08:45Dudfather released my hand, and his smile vanished.
08:48I'm not joking.
08:50Ready the carriage for Eleanor to the Leopard Clan.
08:53Ready Rosalyn's in two hours.
08:56Nobody dared to say another word.
08:58I accepted expressionlessly, without crying or questioning.
09:02After all, struggling was futile.
09:04The freezing wind made me shiver outside the palace.
09:07My lady, please beg the king.
09:09The Leopard Clan is extremely dangerous.
09:12How will you survive such danger?
09:14Eleanor, you must marry either Theodore or Alfred.
09:17Theodore holds military power, while Alfred has factions everywhere.
09:21Balance them through marriage, or you will be worthless.
09:24This time, I never want to lay eyes on them again.
09:28A shabby carriage sat desolate outside the palace gates.
09:31I tried boarding when a hand suddenly gripped my wrist.
09:34How can you degrade yourself like this?
09:36Just because you couldn't marry Alfred or me?
09:39Why beg the king to mate with the Leopard King?
09:42Don't touch my lady with your filthy hands.
09:44You don't deserve her.
09:46My lady would never do this willingly.
09:49Hood's trade royal status for a brutal old man.
09:52You know her highness fell off a cliff to save you?
09:54She's been chronically still with horrible leg scars ever since.
09:57Yesterday, you even purposely let your horse trample her legs.
10:01Is this how you repay her for saving your life?
10:04Get lost, you ungrateful piece of trash!
10:07And you, Alfred!
10:08You ungrateful bastard!
10:10Drop dead!
10:11Her piteness shouldn't have snucked out to clear your name.
10:14The Dearing nearly beat her to death for it!
10:17Stop lying.
10:19Rosalyn was the one who saved us.
10:20Right.
10:21You found her highness stayed in the palace those days, so you assumed...
10:26So you assumed Rosalyn saved you.
10:29But did you ever check where Rosalyn actually went back then?
10:34Does she have a centerpiece-shaped scar on her leg?
10:37In those three lives, only Alfred had seen my body.
10:40Don't go through with the political marriage.
10:43I'll tell the dear king, I'm marrying you.
10:46Alfred, what do you mean?
10:50Did Rosalyn lie to us?
10:52Alfred didn't answer immediately.
10:55I don't know.
10:56I don't know why I blotted that out.
10:59A princess indeed saved us when we were attacked.
11:02We heard Eleanor hadn't left the palace then.
11:05So we naturally assumed it was Rosalyn.
11:08Your maid mentioned that sense-impeded leg scar and penetrating chest wound.
11:12I did see those on you before.
11:14I don't know if you're lying or telling the truth.
11:16My promise to marry you still stands.
11:18Consider it compensation for almost forcing your political marriage.
11:22Alfred, you're so naive.
11:24There are only two princesses in the palace.
11:28How will you explain this breach of contract to the leopards?
11:31Would father send his beloved Rosalyn into a political marriage for me?
11:36Would he really do that for a decoy like me?
11:39Go back now.
11:41Rosalyn is waiting for her banquet at the palace.
11:45She's waiting for you to become her mates.
11:47After I finished, I stepped into that rickety carriage and dropped the curtain.
11:52Your Highnesses, why didn't you explain everything?
11:54Why not make them investigate?
11:56Let them see how foolish they were!
11:57They should know they hurt their real savior!
11:59It doesn't matter anymore.
12:01Right or wrong, truth or lies, it's all meaningless now.
12:03I just want to put this place behind me and survive.
12:06That's enough.
12:07Alfred and Theodore stood frozen with grim faces.
12:12Palace attendants urged them forward, reminding them the banquet was starting.
12:16They locked eyes, seeing mutual gravity and panic.
12:20They nodded and complied with the attendants' urgency.
12:23Investigate the hunting attack and Alfred's family case details now.
12:26Be fast.
12:27Report back the second you find the truth.
12:29Fear gripped their hearts.
12:30They prayed I lied and Rosalyn hadn't deceived them.
12:34Those scars were merely coincidences, but watching Rosalyn dance at the banquet, they grew restless.
12:40Two hours passed quickly.
12:42Go and change your wedding robes at once.
12:45The ceremony for the second princess awaits.
12:48They stood up and hurried away immediately.
12:51Their confidants were already waiting at the gate with evidence.
12:54How's it going?
12:56Theodore snatched the letter, even more desperate for reassurance.
13:00In the next instant, Theodore spat out blood violently.
13:05Rosalyn never even showed up three years ago.
13:08She claimed the credit, deliberately tricking them into thinking Eleanor stole it,
13:12because she knew Eleanor's departure from the palace was never recorded.
13:17So, they believed Eleanor despicably stow credit for Rosalyn's kindness.
13:22They never realized Rosalyn was the actual thief.
13:25Her lies were so clumsy, she never even thought to destroy evidence.
13:30But they were blinded fools who believed her for three whole lifetimes.
13:34They loathed, ostracized, and hurt Eleanor, trampling her heart underfoot.
13:39They even personally pushed her into the abyss of death.
13:43Theodore's fists clenched tight.
13:45Blood dripped through his fingers, unnoticed, as his heart tore apart.
13:49After her!
13:51Hurry!
13:51He mounted his horse with Alfred right behind him.
13:54Their horses thundered away, shattering the palace's peace.
13:58They chased the humble carriage, desperate to keep me,
14:01and they wanted to repay three lifetimes of debt.
14:04I reached the path outside the city.
14:06The carriage slowed.
14:08Theodore and Alfred galloped up.
14:12Eleanor, stop!
14:14We know the truth now.
14:15We're wrong.
14:16Come back with us.
14:17We shouldn't have believed Rosalyn to hurt you.
14:19Give us a chance.
14:21We'll protect you.
14:22Their words sounded absurd and laughable to me.
14:25I didn't lift the curtain.
14:27Keep going.
14:28Hearing my icy words, the two of them hung their heads in dejection.
14:32Alfred raised his hand.
14:34Magic draped the curtain, making it drop instantly.
14:37My vision went black.
14:38I lost consciousness completely.
14:40I woke up later on a soft bed.
14:43Theodore and Alfred knelt by the bed, eyes bloodshot.
14:47Eleanor, you're awake.
14:49We broke the engagement with Rosalyn.
14:51We won't marry her.
14:52We know the dear king never truly loved you.
14:55His majesty planned to use you as a pawn against us.
14:58We've switched the bride for the alliance.
15:00You won't have to go to the leopard clan.
15:02We've given you a new identity.
15:04You aren't Eleanor anymore, that helpless decoy for everyone.
15:08Alfred reached to touch my cheek.
15:10I turned my head to avoid him.
15:12His hand froze in midair.
15:14Regret deepened in his eyes.
15:17Eleanor, we know we were wrong.
15:19Please forgive us, okay?
15:22Give us one chance to care for you forever.
15:24Let us repay our debt from three lifetimes.
15:27I watched the two men who personally sent me to hell.
15:30I smirked.
15:32Forgive you?
15:33Do you remember how I died in my past two lives?
15:37The past flooded back like a tide.
15:39I recalled the lively marriage trials from my past lives.
15:43Rosalyn and I tossed our floral crowns together.
15:46I threw mine first as the eldest princess.
15:49Theodore and Alfred fought bloodily for my crown.
15:52In the first life, I joyfully chose Theodore after he won.
15:56I thought I'd found a soulmate for life.
15:59But Rosalyn shed just a few tears on our wedding night.
16:03Theodore announced I had died suddenly of a fever.
16:06He threw me into a border camp for soldiers.
16:09I was a military whore for the rest of my life.
16:12In the end, I froze and starved to death in the snow.
16:16I realized then that he actually loved Rosalyn.
16:19I chose the refined Alfred in my second life.
16:23He treated me with respect and constant care.
16:26I believed that was true happiness.
16:29Until Rosalyn got scarred while I was eight months pregnant,
16:32she begged Alfred for a cure while crying.
16:34Alfred followed a folk remedy while I slept.
16:38He sliced my belly open and took my unborn child.
16:41I lay on the cold bed as blood soaped the sheets.
16:45So I was just delusional from the start.
16:48Theodore, you felt guilty in the first life because Rosalyn cried.
16:53You threw me into the border camp as a humiliated servant.
16:57I raised my hand as my energy spiraled out of control.
17:00Do you have any idea how much I suffered?
17:03There were so many men.
17:06Eleanor, I'm so sorry.
17:07I was truly wrong.
17:09Get lost!
17:14You're disgusting and filthy.
17:16I snapped my gaze to Alfred, who stood stiff, awaiting judgment.
17:21You thought I was a spirit deer whose feudus was medicine.
17:25So you carved my belly open while I was eight months pregnant.
17:29You did it just to heal that disfigured Rosalyn.
17:33Did you know her face wasn't even scarred?
17:35She ate allergenic plants just to take both our lives.
17:40I didn't know.
17:41I really had no idea.
17:43He gripped my icy hand tightly.
17:46You told me as I was dying that you mistook me for Rosalyn.
17:50It was always her you loved.
17:52If you were in my shoes, murdered twice by the ones you risked your life to save,
17:57could you ever bear to look at them again?
17:59My light voice hit them like a heavy hammer.
18:03I'm a bastard!
18:05I failed you!
18:07He drew his sword to stab himself.
18:10Alfred's eyes reddened as he snatched the blade.
18:14I'll die if it vents your anger!
18:18Either kill me right now, or let me go!
18:21Why?
18:22We'll spend our lives making amends.
18:24Why won't you give us one chance?
18:26You're sorry, so I owe you a chance?
18:29Did you give me a chance when I explained?
18:31Did you give me a chance when I begged you?
18:32Did you give me a chance when you pushed my crown to that slave?
18:35Both of you are repulsive.
18:38I'll never forget what you did to me.
18:42Make it up to me?
18:43Can you erase two lifetimes of torture?
18:46Theodore and Alfred stayed silent.
18:48They knew I was over it.
18:51Fine.
18:52I'll let you go.
18:54Theodore flinched and looked at Alfred in disbelief.
18:57The carriage left the royal city.
18:59We reached the border of the Deer and Voxlands.
19:01Matilda and I changed our names.
19:04We bought a small house and settled down.
19:06I was finally free from power and schemes.
19:09But the nightmares still came.
19:11The bloody memories woke me up every night.
19:20Matilda looked worried.
19:22Your Highness, should I call a doctor?
19:24I watched the blue magic in my palm.
19:27It felt like a joke.
19:28Time will heal everything.
19:31Your Highness, my expression went cold.
19:36No.
19:38Never.
19:40Power within the capital shifted long ago.
19:43Alfred used his noble influence to strip the Deer King of power.
19:47He finally abandoned his cherished daughter to their mercy.
19:51Theodore personally dragged Rosalind to a derelict courtyard outside the city.
19:56He repaid every past scheme and humiliating death exactly as they occurred.
20:01The princess became a prisoner.
20:06Alfred occupied the palace, crushing any chance of Rosalind's comeback.
20:11He rooted out every faction connected to her one by one.
20:14He and Theodore coordinated to torture her in various ways.
20:18Soon, no one in the capital mentioned Second Princess Rosalind.
20:22Do you think Eleanor will give you impossible?
20:24You're stupid enough to believe every lie I told.
20:27You're the ones who truly deserve to die!
20:31I'll pay with my life once this ends.
20:34I can't die yet.
20:36Kill me!
20:38Kill me if you have the guts!
20:42They met at the altar every March 15th of the Deer Clan calendar.
20:48They subjected themselves to hours of whipping.
20:51Alfred and Theodore used their blood to atone for three lifetimes of sins.
20:56It had been five years since I last saw them.
20:59Theodore and Alfred looked pathetic.
21:01They brought Rosalind.
21:02Torture had made her unrecognizable.
21:04I don't want to see you.
21:06Why are you here?
21:08Theodore's arrogance was gone.
21:10He was too scared to speak.
21:11I grew impatient.
21:13If you've nothing to say, then leave.
21:15We're here because the king is dying.
21:18You and Rosalie are his only heirs.
21:21We'll make you queen when he's gone.
21:23My hand paused, Dot.
21:24I finally turned around.
21:26Then I spotted that Rosalind was bound and covered in scars.
21:30She spat blood.
21:32In your dreams!
21:35If she's queen, the Leopard King will find out.
21:37He'll know the bride was a fake.
21:39He'll never let you off the hook.
21:41Did you ever truly love me?
21:42If so, why did you believe her lies and destroy me?
21:45If not, why act so devoted now?
21:48We thought your father favored you back then.
21:50We pitied Rosalind.
21:51That's why we believed her lies.
21:53You only ever loved yourselves.
21:56Your love is overturned so easily.
21:59Back then, it was me.
22:01Now it's Rosalind.
22:03The Leopard King will never let this matter rest.
22:05If the Leopard Tribe invades, I want you to command the army.
22:09Will you serve me?
22:10My words felt like a gift to Theodore.
22:14I will!
22:15I do!
22:16And I finally sat with Theodore and Alfred in peace.
22:19I stayed calm while they were on edge.
22:22Why is the dear king dying?
22:24I've been slow poisoning him.
22:25The kingdom was unstable then.
22:27We couldn't kill him yet.
22:28We've worked for years.
22:30Now the situation is secure.
22:32I'm sorry.
22:33I truly didn't know then.
22:35I don't expect forgiveness.
22:36I only want to make amends.
22:38Even if it costs my life.
22:41Fine.
22:42I'll go back with you.
22:44Father gave you everything.
22:45Why were you so jealous?
22:46He never blamed you for pushing me into the river.
22:49We're flesh and blood.
22:50Why hate me this much, Rosalind?
22:55My past was gone.
22:57Love and hate meant nothing now.
22:59I sighed.
23:00Kill her.
23:02My past was gone.
23:03Love and hate meant nothing now.
23:05I sighed.
23:06Long time no see, father.
23:08You don't seem to be doing very well.
23:11But I have lived well for two lifetimes.
23:13You're the root of all this evil.
23:15My mother died giving birth to me.
23:17Rosalind was born to the second queen.
23:20She's only three months younger than me.
23:24I've hated you every single moment.
23:27Luckily, it's all ending now.
23:29You wicked woman!
23:31He screamed in pain a second later.
23:34I wrenched his antlers off with my bare hands.
23:37They'd never have the chance to regrow.
23:40You can die now, father.
23:43He gripped my dress, gasping.
23:45Where's Rosalind?
23:47What did you do to her?
23:49She's dead.
23:50You'll see her again in hell.
23:53Monsters like you belong there.
23:57The old dear king died the next day.
24:00I inherited the throne as his only surviving daughter.
24:04Nobles were stunned by my return.
24:07Many already knew the old secrets.
24:10I overheard servants gossiping in the garden.
24:12Theodore and Alfred lost their minds after that banquet five years ago.
24:16They went completely feral.
24:17Their fangs and claws were terrifying.
24:19I thought they'd devour us.
24:21I didn't care about anything anymore.
24:23News of my coronation reached the leopard clan quickly.
24:27The duke's daughter, who replaced me, died from the leopard king's torture.
24:31That was the fate meant for me.
24:33The leopard king realized the deception and declared war.
24:36I used the girl's death as an excuse to fight back.
24:40Theodore led the charge.
24:41This tiger crest is a protective artifact.
24:45Wear it for protection.
24:47Even if I die, no one can hurt you.
24:53I stared at the badge.
24:55Its heavy scent made me nauseous.
24:57No need.
24:58You keep it.
24:59I don't need it.
25:00He would win anyway.
25:02In my past life, he crushed the leopards for Rosalind.
25:06He even seized their secret treasure.
25:08If I win, can I atone?
25:14That's just your duty as a general.
25:18I'll bring you the leopard king's height.
25:21Alfred had been the lord protector for years.
25:23He abandoned all state affairs after my coronation.
25:27Alfred was desperate to show his regret.
25:30He tried to visit my study every day.
25:32I won't see him.
25:33Looking at them made me sick.
25:35But Matilda soon returned.
25:39Alfred's kneeling outside your majesty.
25:41He won't leave until he sees you.
25:43Let him kneel.
25:47Your majesty, Alfred's still kneeling.
25:49It's been six hours.
25:50His knees are bleeding.
25:52That's his problem.
25:54Then tow the Byzantite at Banfen.
25:56He can leave whenever he wants.
25:58Alfred finally collapsed into the snow that night.
26:01The heavy drifts buried half of his body.
26:05Your majesty, should we help him?
26:07I frowned at the figure in the snow.
26:11Have someone drag him home.
26:13Don't let him die here.
26:15He'll stain my study.
26:17Yet he returned the very next morning.
26:19I sighed and let him into the study.
26:23I watched him limp toward me with a blank face.
26:28Do you think this will make me pity you?
26:31No.
26:32I know.
26:34Your legs are injured.
26:36I feel that keeping my legs functional is an insult to your suffering.
26:41I'm sorry.
26:43Even if my legs break, it's what I deserve.
26:45Alfred, you're pathetic.
26:47You aren't a fox anymore.
26:49You're a lapdog begging for scraps.
26:56Then let me be your pet.
26:58Is that okay?
27:00Theodore returned with the Leopard King's crown and surrender papers.
27:04He was severely wounded during the war.
27:07A sword pierced his shoulder.
27:09He couldn't move his arm properly, so I allowed him not to bow.
27:12I haven't failed my mission.
27:15I didn't fail your expectations, your majesty.
27:19Reward him.
27:23Theodore remained standing there after everyone left.
27:26He hung his head.
27:28His tiger ears drooped limply.
27:31What can I do to make you hate me less?
27:34I don't hate you.
27:36I stepped down from the throne.
27:38I stood before him.
27:39I told you hate is too exhausting.
27:42Then what should I do?
27:45Tell me.
27:46I'll do anything.
27:49You can't do anything.
27:51Broken things stay broken.
27:53The cracks remain even if repaired.
27:56I won't forgive you.
27:58Not in this life or the next.
28:01His tears finally fell.
28:03But you'll remain a general.
28:06The dear clan needs your sword.
28:10That's all.
28:13Then I heard his deep sobs behind me.
28:16When spring arrived, I held a grand banquet.
28:19Invoys from every tribe came to pay their respects.
28:23Each eager to present their prince and win my favor.
28:26The finest males from the eagle clan.
28:28The snake clan.
28:30Not far away, Theodore and Alfred sat with grim expressions.
28:34Their hands gripped the wine cops tightly.
28:37The clang elders urged me to choose a mate soon and secure an heir for the deer clan.
28:42I looked them over in silence, savoring the sweet wine.
28:47I casually pointed at one of the males in the crowd.
28:50The snake clan's youngest prince.
28:52The shimmering scales on his neck fascinated me.
28:56I want him to be my mate.
29:00A dull crack echoed through the hall.
29:03Theodore crushed his wine cup in his hand.
29:06The shards cut deep into his palm.
29:09Finally, I was free to choose my own mate.
29:12As for the past, it would stay buried where it belonged.
29:15I reached for the snake prince's hand.
29:18From then on, brighter days lay ahead.
29:22Let's go.