Prologue

There's a phantom forest just outside the city. It's a spooky place, with eerie trees and dark woods. It's a dangerous place to explore if you're looking for a bit of excitement.

A handsome man kneeled on the muddy road near a figure he loved deeply. He clutched his hand, with intense pain and regret clearly visible on his face. There was blood everywhere, and he was struggling to stay conscious. He wanted to tell the figure before him that he regretted not telling her about him earlier, but he was afraid of her reaction. Despite his fear and pain, he said the words, "I'm sorry - I should have told you how I felt earlier." He knew the truth about him—he was a prince—but he was terrified of what she would think. He had kept his true identity hidden from her out of fear that she would reject him because of his status. He was afraid she would not accept him for who he was, and so he kept his secret to himself until it was too late. He had the option to leave her when they first met, but he couldn't bear the thought of losing her. He stayed with her for as long as he could.

The things that people regret are usually nothing monumental, just things that make them happy. But sometimes, those things can cause them pain that is even greater. Matthew regretted not telling her, but more than that, not trusting her. He slowly rose from the ground, his wounds aching, and looked at the figure in front of him.

Angela looked at the figure in front of her, who was breathing heavily from the pain. She loved him with all her heart, but she had to hurt him with her sword. Her hands were shaking as she looked at the blood leaking out of his hands. She could have protected him if he had told her earlier, but now it was too late. She wanted to put down her sword and run towards him, hug him, kiss him, and comfort him. But she knew that she had to do it. Even if it was the last thing she ever did, she had to protect him from the enemy. She had to show them that she was strong enough to take this burden, no matter how much it hurt her. She steeled her heart and lifted her sword, determined to do the right thing for him.

But, if she ever decides to go to war, the nation and the people she protected for years will be in for a tough time. War would destroy their peaceful lives.

The mighty princess was shedding tears for the first time. If her people saw her now, they would be astonished. The Astral Princess, who was so strong yet always in control, was crying like a little girl.

Mathew knew she had no other choice, and all he could do was let her kill him, but how could he do that?

A smile crossed his lips when he looked at her, and a thought occurred to him.

Maybe this is what bliss is. He made her love him, and then made her cry for him. For the first time in her life, she was hesitant to kill someone.

Maybe that is the love he was looking for, because if that's not love, then what is?

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