Black Chain

Chapter 12

Aside from Count Schumacher, no one knew the truth, and honestly, no one wanted to. But the fact that Akelans had held back even once was impressive. If he hadn’t, there would have been a massacre in Impel the day before the coronation. No one knew that this tragedy had been narrowly avoided, and so, the day of the coronation arrived.

“It’s the day our new Emperor takes the throne.”

Even people in the countryside were excited. It was the first coronation in 180 years, so it was bound to be a grand event. People also looked forward to the gifts the new Emperor would distribute. Some were so happy to witness this historic moment that they even teared up.

But while everyone paused to celebrate and listen to the bells ringing across the empire, only Hasollan continued on her way.

“You’re leaving now? They’ll be handing out gifts from His Majesty soon.”

“Yes, I know. I’m fine.”

Hasollan smiled faintly. She had already seen a coronation once—up close, too. Back then, she had been overwhelmed with joy. But in hindsight, she had been foolish. Instead of just being happy, she should have questioned why she wasn’t becoming Empress alongside him.

“We can’t go anywhere, miss.”

“Oh, I see.” She nodded.

The carriage driver thought she was a polite young lady. Checking her shoes and surroundings, Hasollan then boldly set off on foot. Assassins didn’t take breaks just because of a coronation.

‘Three… No, two? That’s a lot.’

She could feel the temperature dropping—it made sense since she was being pushed north like a hunted rabbit. The empire was vast, and she carried only a pouch of heavy gold coins and a few clothes.

‘For the next three hours, I should stick to populated areas.’

Impel was still nearby, so towns were relatively close together, but once she moved further out, there would be vast stretches of empty land. If the assassins caught up to her in one of those areas, she could end up a cold corpse in an open field.

‘Or maybe they have a reason for driving me north…’

Whatever. Hasollan just kept walking. She was 23, healthy, and for the first time, she was physically far away from Akelans.

‘He must’ve been sick of me.’

She had clung to him for years without letting go.

‘I have to use this money wisely. And this time…’

She sighed deeply.

‘This time, I’ll live simply.’

She had worked herself to the bone to stay by Akelans’ side, rising to the rank of Grand Duchess of Solaris. But no amount of effort could make her Empress. She had been foolish.

‘I’ll just get a job, something decent. I don’t need much money or recognition. I’ll live quietly, without trying so hard.’

“I’m hungry.”

She wondered why the assassins hadn’t attacked yet. Since she was still in the city, she stopped by a store to buy food.

“Here, take this too! It’s a special day, after all!”

The cheerful shopkeeper handed her extra food. The streets were filled with people celebrating, and sharing flowers and gifts from the Emperor.

‘So this is what’s happening while the coronation takes place…’

Watching the joyful crowd, Hasollan felt she might belong here more than in the grand palace.

“But really, what happened with the Black Dragon?”

“I heard dragons sometimes wake up at the wrong time.”

“My friend in Impel says the Black Dragon has a mate.”

Hasollan shivered. How had rumors spread this far?

“If that were true, the wise former Emperor would’ve made him Crown Prince.”

“Yeah, it’s probably just talk. Still, it’s strange…”

“Watch your mouth. You could get in trouble for saying things like that.”

Feeling uneasy, Hasollan hurried on. No matter where she went, she felt like Akelans’ presence loomed over her. And the word “mate” wouldn’t leave her mind.

‘I need to find a quiet place, deal with these assassins, and then leave.’

Determined, she forced herself to eat as she walked. She probably won’t be able to take a carriage until tomorrow.

By the time she finally reached a deserted path, she realized she wasn’t alone.

‘They’re finally showing themselves.’

The assassins had stopped hiding, now openly walking behind her. A lone woman walking ahead, two men following behind—it was a dangerous situation.

Hasollan kept moving. By now, she was far from civilization, and her legs felt heavy from all the walking. The assassins finally made their move.

“Ugh, waiting for you to attack was tiring.”

A sharp dagger clattered to the ground. The assassins collapsed, unable to move. Hasollan still had the power of a mate—she could pin people down with just her will.

“I still have a long way to walk.”

She sighed, looking at the assassins struggling on the ground.

“Do you even have any money?”

She rummaged through their pockets without hesitation.

“Tsk. They barely brought anything.”

They only had enough to return to Impel—no identification.

“This is ridiculous. I thought I’d at least get a decent payout.”

She had been hoping the assassins would be carrying a fortune.

“Your boss pays this little? Do you guys work for this? You should at least get enough for travel and food!”

The assassins twitched, unable to protest.

“Well, now what do I do with you?”

As she debated, a group of riders appeared in the distance.

“Great.”

Not a large group, just six to ten riders. But meeting them in this situation was bad.

‘Can I get rid of the assassins in time? Or should I run?’

While she hesitated, she noticed something eerie—the sky darkened, and black mist gathered near the forest.

“Solaris.”

She turned.

Akelans, dressed in jet-black uniforms, emerged from the mist. His towering figure looked even more imposing in full attire. He approached smoothly and placed a hand on her cheek.

“Why are you walking alone like this?”

His voice was unsettlingly gentle. Hasollan instinctively slapped his hand away, then tensed. Akelans, no longer the Emperor but still the most powerful noble in the empire, was angry. She knew how terrifying his wrath could be.

“Did you eat?”

He wasn’t angry about her running away. He was worried if she had eaten, if she had slept well, if she had been safe. But Hasollan refused to answer.

“What’s all this?”

He glanced at the assassins. Hasollan silently held up the pouch of coins she had taken. Akelans chuckled, then effortlessly snapped the assassins’ necks.

“Come with me to Roetingen.”

“You’ve been exiled.”

He didn’t deny it.

“Yes. And what about you? You already have assassins after you.”

“So do you.”

She meant he was no different from the assassins chasing her.

“Then there’s only one place in the empire you can go—where I’m going.”

Roetingen, where winter was long and harsh.

“I don’t have to stay in the empire.”

“I’ll go wherever you go.”

“You can’t leave the empire.”

She pointed out his strict sense of duty.

“If you’re not here, the empire means nothing.”

He had already shattered it once.

“You have my power.”

His voice was heavy with obsession.

“That’s proof.”

Proof that she was his mate.

“I’ve had it for years. Since I woke you. You never said anything before.”

Her voice remained steady as she met his gaze.

“So what’s the point? It means nothing.”

The effort hadn’t changed anything before—why would it now?

“I was wrong. Please, come with me.”

“You never listen.”

Akelans took a deep breath as if struggling to hold himself together.

“Then tell me what to do.”

His voice was filled with desperation.

Hasollan looked up at him, silent.

Would she go with him? Or would she walk away forever?