Chapter Six: The King's Punishment

“I don’t recall ever allowing this kind of deal.”

The sudden sound, as if from the depths of hell, froze Gella in his tracks, causing him to tremble involuntarily.

It was as if a gust of wind had swept past me; when I looked closely, the ring in my hand had vanished into thin air.

Huan smiled, realizing that she was indeed only suited to this person's embrace, and slowly closed her eyes with a happy smile.

Heng gently stroked his dirty face; his breathing was fairly even, and she finally felt relieved. Honestly, he was still acting recklessly, just like before.

He chose a soft patch of grass unsplattered with blood and carefully placed the ring on the ground.

"I'm very angry about this whole series of events!"

When Heng turned around, his demeanor was completely different... He looked at Gella with a cold voice and a gaze that could frighten even a devil back to hell.

Gella subconsciously took a breath; she hadn't expected that after all her efforts, she would still have to fight this person.

"You're back so quickly. When did you find out?"

"I must commend your strategy; I only realized I'd fallen for it when I saw all of this," Heng said bluntly.

I was indeed careless. I had a bad feeling and was uneasy, which is why I rushed back. Luckily, I made it in time.

“That’s just bad luck,” Gellar sighed, getting into a fighting stance.

Heng sneered, remaining motionless: "Want to have more fun? I can satisfy you."

"Very well, I'll show you the prowess of the Nobisola family's second-best warrior, after Lord Loku!"

What a joke! He simply doesn't want to fight battles he's not absolutely certain of winning, not because he's afraid of this guy. When going all out, he's never lost a battle except against Loku!

"I heard you're very confident in your body. Come and try attacking me. Don't worry, I'll stand still." Heng crossed his arms, looking nonchalant.

With the last vestiges of his consciousness, Peso watched the battle unfold. Had Noah, the King, gone mad? He wanted to stop him, but couldn't utter a single word.

Really? Well then, I'll make sure you can't laugh anymore.

Gella concentrated all his strength in his proud fist and struggled toward his past...

But he was the one who couldn't laugh.

His face was filled with terror as he was thrown out with a thud. Looking at his fist, it was a bloody mess. The intense pain told him that his hand was completely ruined, and even the bones had been shattered.

Why? This man didn't move at all! Yet he was thrown back by an invisible, immense force!

"This is just the beginning. You've made me very angry, so I'm going to show you what terror is," Heng said calmly.

That was an air shield, manipulating the local density of the air… This was the legendary “power of existence and non-existence.” Peso could only lie motionless, using his last strength to watch the battle. Seeing this, he finally understood, and also how his arm had been taken away.

"This is your punishment for daring to deceive me—"

...

Gella stared at him warily... but it was no use... a huge cone, over a meter long, pierced his abdomen...

His wounds couldn't withstand the weight of the awl dropping down, forcing him to kneel on the ground...

From this point on, this was no longer a battle... but... a judgment!

"Why..." Gella raised her head with difficulty, looking at the ghostly man, already sensing her impending death.

But how did he conceal such a massive weapon on his body? How did it penetrate his steel frame? He didn't move at all, so when did he attack?!

“Let me let you die knowing why.” Heng moved a little closer. “'The Power of Existence and Non-existence'—the power of the gods. The King of Norbisola inherited the 'Power of Nothingness,' which can turn everything into nothingness; while I inherited the 'Power of Existence,' which allows me to create things at will, even when there is nothing there…”

I remember wondering back then why I couldn't see his attack... In an instant... Peso realized this and finally understood. It turned out that this guy hadn't moved at all; he had simply created a weapon inside my body... Such a perverted attack method... The power of a god is indeed terrifying.

"'Possessing power'! You are King Noah!" Gala was filled with shock. He should have known that the king who could protect them like this, with such power... was the legendary "lover who offered unchanging love" from twenty-two years ago... But... his most beloved Elsa... had kept this a secret from him...

"This is the portion of the harm suffered by Bisso and China—"

...This time, four two-foot-long, handleless swords pinned him firmly to the ground at the points where they connected to his body.

Gella lay prostrate on the ground, covered in blood. If it weren't for the faint sound of his breathing, he would have been the most gruesome corpse around.

"Is it no longer possible? I thought your body, which you're so proud of, would allow me to have my fill of fun." He looked coldly at Gella, who couldn't even speak, feeling somewhat disappointed.

It's rare that Huan is asleep now. I haven't played this kind of game in a long time so as not to be disliked by him. Right now, he's excited all over, but this cheap toy is no longer working.

"In the end, you damaged my most important link... and you deserve the punishment."

He stood above Gella, gritting his teeth as he sprinkled down a strange, powdery substance.

This is the most unforgivable thing! He wants to see if these corpse worms, which he has carefully cultivated, can even break through this so-called steel and iron body!

Gella screamed in agony, her face contorted in agony... oblivious to the instruments of torture piercing her body as they rolled across the floor...

Peso, witnessing everything unfolding before him, was filled with lingering fear… This was the true face of King Noah… If it weren't for his love for their king, his fate would likely have been the same…

...

Peso slowly opened his eyes—

The room was dimly lit, but the furniture was arranged in a fairly orderly manner. Through the window, the sky outside was already tinged with the red of the setting sun.

I... am I still alive...

Wang! Qina!

He sat up abruptly, a sharp pain shooting through his entire body.

"She's fine, she's making dinner for everyone." Heng leaned against the door and said irritably, "The king and his subordinates are all so reckless."

Huan hasn't woken up yet.

"Did you save us?"

Why would the cold-blooded King Noah save them...?

"Did you think you flew here on your own? No need to thank me, I just didn't want Huan to be sad."

Peso, who had suddenly appeared with one arm missing, was racking his brains trying to figure out how to explain this to Huan... He was doomed this time; he would definitely get scolded when Huan woke up!

However, it was thanks to their delay that he was able to make it in time.

"Why don't you awaken the King? According to that legend, isn't it only you who can do it? If you awaken him, you won't have to work so hard to protect him..."

"And then?" The warmth of the setting sun did not reach Heng's dark and cold eyes.

And then? Peso was taken aback.

“After he regains his memory, we will both face the exact same choice as twenty-two years ago! How can we change our situation... I don’t plan to awaken him until I come up with a solution... because... I don’t want to see his painful expression from back then again.”

This has nothing to do with whether he is a king or not; that expression belongs only to lovers… to those who offer unwavering love…

Peso felt he was gradually understanding.

Moreover, Heng harbors another secret in his heart... He bears this secret alone... Didn't he say it before? The rumors heard by outsiders are not true, and he is not an omnipotent god.

...

Huan was frowning in her sleep, probably dreaming of something bad. But considering the series of events that happened during the day, how could she possibly have a good dream?

Heng gently wiped away the sweat that kept seeping from his forehead.

"Your Majesty, what should we do next?" The unfamiliar woman stood guard on the other side of the bed.

Qina secretly observed her. This was the person summoned by King Noah, the one who had saved her and Bisso from the brink of death. Her medical skills were remarkable, clearly different from theirs. Even within Noah's travel group, this person must hold a high position. Yet, the woman's expression showed no arrogance, as calm as still water. This demeanor wasn't out of respect for the king, but rather innate.

Is this kind of person also Noah's murderous devil? She couldn't imagine.

"Qina, go and call Biso here."

"yes."

It was only when Qina turned to leave that she realized—why should she obey King Noah's orders?

Aren't they enemies? Oh well, from the moment they attacked Gella, they were no longer members of the Nobisola family. They were merely servants of the king and had no connection with any organization, which is why it was so easy for them to let it go.

Watching Qina's disappearing figure, Heng slowly replied, "Ghost Princess, now is not the time to ask me what to do. You and I are different, and you know that very well. I had no choice but to call you here. Now you can choose whether to stay or leave."

The Ghost Princess smiled, a gentle smile, like a breeze rippling across the water, making one feel comfortable.

Indeed, she cannot compare to the king.

The king can be capricious without limit, and can turn back whenever he wants, because he is the king, because he is the shadow of God. But she cannot. Once she takes that step of exile with them, she will be Noah's traitor, and the organization will find her and execute her no matter where she is.

Moreover... if Lord Moyin finds out, he'll probably hate her to the core, and she'll likely be captured and taken back soon... who knows, maybe even dismembered...

However, her love was different from that of that man. Since this man, no matter whose he was, would never be hers... all she could do was stand up for him when he needed her, and let him have the happiness he desired!

"Abandoning the honor of being Noah's Second Lady and risking your life, have you made up your mind?" Having found the answer in her smile, Heng couldn't help but ask again.

Her gaze swept across Huan Anshui's face. It was impossible not to feel jealous, but he was the king's lover, so she offered him everything she had to cherish him.

“Those two humans alone are not enough to protect the people most important to you, are they?” She nodded again, looking so relaxed.

"Don't criticize others behind their backs, even though you saved their lives." Just then, Bisso was helped up by China.

"you……"

Just as Gui Ji was about to call this person to her side, she saw him break free from Qina's support, stumble, and kneel obediently in front of Huan's bed.

"What are you doing?" Ghost Princess tilted her head and looked at him, looking puzzled.

Does this guy even have a brain? He just escaped death and he's already so careless? I looked at his empty right sleeve—this was the first task the king had given her.

“I come to apologize and beg for death! As a servant, not only did I fail to protect my king, but I also caused him to be injured like this while saving me…” Biso lowered his head in remorse.

Oh? Sacrificing himself to save the servant? Her gaze fell on Huan again. Not only did he not have the king's memories, but he had not even regained the king's power. He risked death with only his flesh and blood... but his soul was so pure. No wonder he cared so much about this person.

Wang Du is willful... She remembered what he often said.

Whether it was a coincidence or because there were more people and the noise got louder, Huan woke up at that moment.

"Heng—"

"Heng—"

"Heng—"

She kept calling his name... as if she were in a void... unable to remember anything... unable to hold onto anything... the only thing she remembered... was this name... an indelible memory etched into her heart...

He suddenly opened his eyes, and Heng was standing beside him, holding his pale hand and gazing at him tenderly.

She hugged his neck tightly, ignoring the tears streaming down her face and onto Heng's neck: "It's so good to see you again! I thought I would never see you again!"

"Heng—"

"Heng—"

Even after waking up, only this one name remained in his mind. He called it over and over again, incoherently and tirelessly, in order to confirm the reality of this person being by his side.

"Yes, I'm here with you, I'll never leave again. Don't cry." Heng carefully lifted his neck with one hand, and wrapped his other arm around his waist, so that he could get closer to his face. Then, little by little... just like every time, he gently wiped away his tears.

The scene brought tears to the eyes of everyone present. The love between the kings could actually reach such a level.

It wasn't until Huan fully regained consciousness that she realized there were other people watching. She quickly pushed him away, her face turning bright red.

"You're so cute, always crying and blushing." Heng gave him a light kiss on the forehead, not caring whether anyone was watching.

This startled Huan, who quickly stepped back... Huh? Why doesn't it hurt? She tentatively touched her back... No gauze, no wound... Was it a dream?

Wait, pesos—

"What are you doing, Peso?"

“I have come to apologize and beg for your punishment! As your servant, I failed to protect you and instead caused you injury. Please punish me.” Biso bowed his head.

So... it wasn't a dream after all...

That peso's wound!

"What nonsense are you talking about! I've never considered you a servant, we're partners! And we're both here to protect me..."

In a moment of panic, Huan stepped off the bed, but unexpectedly felt her body go limp the moment her feet touched the ground... and she fell off the bed...

"Watch out!" Heng grabbed him and hugged him tightly.

Although the wound has healed, my body is still very weak.

At the very moment of landing, Huan instinctively reached for Peso's hands...

Empty!

The right sleeve is empty!

Back then... the man named Gella said... he painfully recalled what happened back then...

"Heng, what happened?" He asked with his eyes closed, his tone already revealing reproach.

“Uh, well, it’s not that, it’s because…” Heng stammered, unable to answer.

Lying is child's play, isn't it? Didn't you prepare the lie before he woke up, and even rehearse it several times in private? Why is it that now, whenever he's in front of Huan, he can't say anything at all!

Looking at him, the Ghost Princess couldn't believe it. Their king could be like this, like a child who had done something wrong... What kind of love was this? Could love have such power?

"It's not his fault, it's just a misunderstanding. He mistook me for an enemy trying to kidnap you, so he accidentally injured me. Besides, I attacked him first because he's from the tour group... but I'm just not as skilled. Lord Huan, please don't worry about this little injury." Bisso raised his head and said casually.

Heng met his gaze, his face clearly saying: Don't thank me, it's all for our king.

He really has a stubborn streak; Heng's meaning was written all over his face: I was born without knowing what gratitude is!

"You guys are really something, you didn't even ask each other anything before you started fighting." Huan's tone softened, and she leaned on Heng's shoulder.

They knew Heng was part of the tour group, but it was probably Heng's unwavering resolve against killing that moved them. A blessing in disguise, they no longer needed to hide.

Heng was finally relieved.

“Then this hand—” Huan stared blankly at the empty sleeve, her heart aching.

"Leave this hand to me. I'll help him restore it." Ghost Princess bowed slightly, appearing very amiable, but secretly she mustered her courage and, regardless of whether Peso was willing or not, forcibly "helped" him up.

Huan then realized that there were strangers standing next to her.

"This is Gui Ji, my good friend. You were too badly injured, so we had to ask her for help," Heng said quickly.

"Friend?" Wang was being too kind. Although she knew it was just a way to make Huan happy, she couldn't help but feel a warm sense of joy.

"You're a doctor? I thought you were part of a tour group." Huan always spoke so bluntly.

Ghost Princess chuckled, "I am indeed a member of the tour group, and the tour group's chief physician. No matter what kind of injury I suffer, as long as I have a breath left, I can restore it all."

Huan's mouth dropped open: "Wow! I never imagined Heng had such an amazing friend!"

His words left everyone present speechless...

"Hey! You've been here too long! Those who need treatment should get treatment, and those who need cooking should cook!"

Heng suddenly frowned and, without saying a word, chased everyone out.

It is very unethical to disturb other people's good time!

Unfortunately, the person involved was completely uncooperative.

"Heng, where is this place?"

"Near the original village."

"Na Heng, are these also ordinary people's houses?"

"Um."

"Nah Heng, what about the residents here?"

"Having heard about the tragedy that happened during the day, they thought it was a terrorist attack and all fled."

"Na Heng..."

Unable to bear it any longer, Heng shoved him onto the bed and silenced his incessant chatter with a kiss.

In the entire incident that caused his most precious treasure, Tamaki, to be hurt, the one who deserves the most punishment is himself for not showing up in time! So, as punishment, let him be made to let Tamaki be happy...

Huan squinted her eyes, moaning, responding to his passion... Clothes were scattered all over the floor, her body bearing the marks of Heng's lingering lips, her whole body throbbing with intense desire...

All of this... is like that dream that started long ago...

But now, he no longer feels that it was a nightmare.

...This is a beautiful dream...a dream I wish I could never wake up from...