I'm sorry if the language is difficult to understand and contains many mistakes. As the author, I don't speak English and only use a translator, so I hope it can still be understood. The grammar is also kept as it originally is.
I can't write a lot of words because I'm not under any contract and don't have much income to focus on writing novels... It's sad to think about this, hahaha~
(Chapter 52) END)
In the dimly lit room, only the two of them remained. Clarisse Faeloria, now known as Clarisse Faeloria 'Frostborne,' lay exhausted, a gentle smile gracing her lips. Beside her, their newborn daughter let out soft cries, her voice filling the silence of the room.
"Our child is a girl," Clarisse whispered, gazing at their little daughter with love. "She's beautiful, isn't she?"
Lorcan Frostborne, Duke of the North, remained silent, his eyes fixed on their daughter's tiny face. A whirlwind of emotions surged within him. After a long pause, his voice hoarse, he finally said, "Thank you..."
Clarisse tenderly touched Lorcan's cheek, feeling the deep sorrow reflected in his eyes—an expression that reminded her of the hardships they had endured together.
"It's suffocating…" Clarisse murmured, looking at him with quiet understanding.
Lorcan furrowed his brows, confused. "What do you mean?" he asked, searching for meaning behind her words.
"It hurts," she continued, her voice soft yet full of emotion. "Seeing you like this."
The baby's cries broke the moment, shifting the atmosphere. Lorcan, now focused on their fragile daughter, looked more anxious than ever. Clarisse swallowed the words lingering on her lips, realizing this was not the time for deeper confessions.
A month later, they were both drawn back into their responsibilities. Lorcan could no longer delay his duties; the North called for him. Meanwhile, Clarisse remained at the Faeloria estate, tending to their daughter with boundless love.
Time passed swiftly. Their newborn daughter grew quickly, crawling around with remarkable energy. Despite the distance between them, the longing in their hearts only deepened.
Clarisse became skilled in caring for their daughter, Naira Frostborne, with great patience and affection. By the time Naira turned two, she had grown into an intelligent and curious child. One day, Clarisse decided to return to the North with Naira, joining Lorcan, who had resumed his duties as Duke.
In the North, Naira quickly adapted to her new surroundings. However, one thing troubled Lorcan—her strong interest in swordsmanship, while she showed little enthusiasm for magic, the Frostborne family's traditional strength. Her quiet nature also reminded Lorcan of his own past self.
Clarisse often found Lorcan's concerns amusing. "Why are you so worried?" she asked one day, watching Lorcan observe Naira's sword training from a distance.
Lorcan sighed, his expression serious. "I just hope she doesn't become too much like my family," he admitted, though the feeling only grew stronger over time.
As the years passed, it became clear that Naira did, indeed, share many traits with him—quiet, often keeping to herself, and rarely speaking unless necessary. One afternoon, as Naira trained with the elite knights, Clarisse approached Lorcan. She saw the worry in his eyes and, though she found it endearing, she understood its depth.
When they were alone, Lorcan often discussed Naira's education with Clarisse. He was torn, uncertain if sending her to the Academy was the right choice.
"Is it really necessary? I'm not sure she needs to go to a place like that," Lorcan said, doubtful.
Clarisse offered him a reassuring smile. "The Academy is a good place. She'll make friends, learn many things, and grow into her potential."
Lorcan exhaled heavily, eventually agreeing, though his hesitation lingered.
Three years later, at the age of twelve, Naira spent most of her time at the Academy dormitory, bonding with her peers. Though he missed her terribly, Lorcan couldn't always be by her side. Sometimes, he longed to visit her just to ensure she was doing well. Clarisse always embraced him whenever his possessiveness resurfaced, reminding him of their younger days.
One evening, after some time had passed, Clarisse surprised Lorcan with unexpected words. In a gentle voice, she said, "Thank you for everything, Lorcan. I love you."
Lorcan remained silent for a moment before pulling her into a tight, affectionate embrace. Clarisse smiled warmly, savoring the moment, hoping it would last forever.
Lorcan had once promised he would make Clarisse love him, though he had doubted it would ever come true. Now, thirteen years later, that memory remained vivid. He realized how immature he had once been, forcing his will upon Clarisse. But now, his feelings had never wavered.
"Does your love still remain the same?" Clarisse asked, a hint of worry in her voice as she noticed the subtle changes in him.
"From the beginning, my feelings have never changed," Lorcan answered firmly, his gaze filled with certainty.
Clarisse smiled, embracing him even tighter. The man she had once never imagined loving had become the person she cherished more than anything. Her love for Lorcan was even stronger than she had ever thought possible.
(End)