The Cursed Beast Caught My Leash - Chapter 126

Islay, as promised, did not leave Stella’s side until just before dawn.

When the first gray light of morning broke, he gently picked up her sleeping form and retraced his steps back to her bedroom. Though he didn’t particularly try to hide his presence, no one noticed.

Stella, groggy and half-asleep, looked up at Islay as he laid her down on the bed. He kissed her forehead, her eyes, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush, the tip of her nose, and her lips—again and again. As though he’d completely forgotten how he had kissed her fingertips endlessly while she slept on the balcony.

Stella, still dazed and receiving his kisses, only regained her senses when the warmth that had never left her for a single moment finally began to fade. It was only then she realized his kisses had been a farewell from a lover she wouldn’t see for a long time.

Awkwardly lifting her upper body, she reached out and grabbed his hand just as he was about to step away from the bed. She pulled him close and buried her face in his firm abdomen.

“Don’t get hurt wherever you are, and don’t get injured…”

Her sleepy voice asked for his safety. He gently stroked her hair. Stella looked up to meet his gaze.

“We’ll meet again soon.”

Islay’s gaze, which had slightly lowered, drifted to the pale skin visible beyond her slipping nightgown. His crimson eyes flickered with unspent desire before a single blink brought his reason back.

“Yeah. You stay safe too. Even after I leave the palace, don’t give anyone a reason to worry… all right?”

Of course, his mind would always be filled with worry for her. But those final words were also a subtle reminder of the stubbornness she had yet to let go of. Since it was their last moment before his departure, he had purposely avoided bringing it up.

Stella nodded quietly. “You don’t need to worry. I’ll be fine.”

“Estella.”

“I mean it. I won’t make the wrong choice ever again.”

It was a slightly evasive answer. She wasn’t promising not to do what Alexio had called “recklessly dangerous solo actions.”

“Take care of yourself. I’ll pray for you every day.”

Stella hugged him tighter, rubbing against him. Islay opened his mouth to say something out of concern but shut it again. Her soft breasts, pressed firmly against him through thin fabric, were losing their shape against his body.

If her intention was to silence his scolding with this warm, squirming touch—it wasn’t a bad idea. His train of thought immediately short-circuited. Islay let out a dry breath and wrapped his arms around the small figure clinging to him.

“What I want most is your safety and well-being too, Estella. Nothing else matters more.”

He whispered low and leaned in to press a kiss to her lips. After a brief breath, their eyes met, flickering with unspoken emotion.

“You have to come back to me safe.”

“…I will.”

With that parting, Islay turned to leave. Stella, kneeling on the bed, watched his retreating figure for a long time.

It had been a short, bittersweet moment. The warmth of a man who always prioritized her over himself still lingered all over her body. It was a body heat that would quickly vanish, leaving only longing behind.

But their next reunion would be different. When their eyes met again, there would no longer be pity or sorrow. The night they had spent like ordinary lovers would last far longer the next time.

Just as Islay had stepped into the whirlpool of war for her peace, Stella, too, was determined to do her part for their future.

‘One month…’

She had firm faith in Islay’s promise to settle everything within a month. So she, too, had to act within that timeline.

It was a ritual to break a curse that had lasted a thousand years. It was meant to eradicate the disaster entangled within Peruno’s body. If his body were affected or harmed during the chaos of war, that couldn’t be allowed.

‘Then first…’

She needed to find someone who would accompany her to Metlica.

***

Stella, walking down the palace corridor, stopped in front of a window. Her gaze had caught the sight of the expedition forces in formation, exiting the city gates through the palace entrance.

The Northern unit, which had taken the lead, had long since disappeared from view, and now the soldiers of Largo, clad in armor that gleamed in the sunlight, marched one after another. Even from a distance, their solemn determination could be felt in their synchronized steps.

Alexio, who had been assigned to the rear troops more for command than combat, had also come to bid farewell before departure. He had briefly glanced around the bedroom that Islay had just left, his eyes doubtful, before embracing Stella, who was teary-eyed, and gently patting her back.

With a promise to swiftly annihilate those arrogant bastards who dared to demand a hostage exchange in their conceited letter.

“Your Highness.”

Stella returned to reality at the voice that came from behind her.

“Please don’t worry too much. It’s an allied force with Calis, after all.”

Dora, who had been following closely and stopped with her, tried to comfort her in a bright voice, all while carefully adjusting the summer robe draped over Stella’s thin dress.

“Our troops will surely return victorious and unharmed.”

“…Yes, I’m sure they will.”

“The vice-captain of the Northern army at the front survived even after taking a poisoned dagger straight to the chest. The lucky charm in his breast pocket helped a lot, but still—he’s truly extraordinary. He’ll come back unscathed, I’m sure.”

Dora’s voice trembled slightly as she rattled off details about Mikel. It was only then Stella realized that Dora’s words were more like a mantra to herself—a comfort for her own heart. Stella wasn’t the only one sending a man she loved off to war.

With warm eyes, Stella turned to look at her maid. “Did you give him another charm this time too?”

“Of course! I wanted to give him a whole bundle, since it’s a symbol of good luck, but he told me to cut it down because it kept getting in the way. He’s so cold—doesn’t even know how to speak gently. Still, I managed to slip in five.”

The cheerful maid soon regained her energy and chirped like a lark. Stella faintly smiled and resumed walking. Behind them, catching the cool early summer breeze, about five knights in armor followed with a clatter.

“When Mikel returns from the battlefield, will you marry him?”

“Oh my!”

Surprised by the sudden question, Dora jumped. Her always-cheerful face flushed bright red.

“M-marry him? Goodness, I haven’t even thought that far ahead yet. Besides, something so serious…”

“……”

“…Can I really decide that on my own?”

She fanned her flushed cheeks fervently, as if already standing under the midsummer sun. Clearly, it wasn’t that she had no feelings for him.

“Talk to him when he returns. A lifetime is happiest when spent with someone you love.”

“Mm… That’s true.”

“I will do the same.”

Stella quietly added. Her voice was resolute—not loud enough for the guards walking several steps behind to hear, but firm and unwavering.

Dora tilted her head slightly, unable to respond right away.

Having witnessed their arduous love from Calis, she understood Stella’s desire to pledge herself to Islay. But how could one promise themselves to a man whose life would end by winter? Could she truly be content with a marriage that might last only a single season? Surely she wasn’t hinting at another man already…

Meanwhile, Stella’s steps led her to the monastery on the outskirts of the Largo palace. Near the entrance, where sacred statues stood, Stella offered a small bow and turned to Dora and the guards.

“I’d like to offer a prayer for those who’ve gone to war. Will you wait here for a moment?”

“Of course. We’ll wait by the fountain.”

Dora, not the most perceptive, nodded without hesitation. To her, it made perfect sense that the first place Stella would visit after sending off her beloved and her brother was the chapel.

On the other hand, the knights under secret orders from Alexio to watch Stella’s movements closely exchanged glances without moving their heads.

The knight captain cast a glance at the sacred statues polished with devotion by the priests during the monastery’s restoration. Then he gave a subtle nod.

“Please go ahead.”