Chapter 879
Zora looked at the handsome face before her, so carefully composed yet so clearly nervous, and the corner of her lips curved upward in amusement.
"I already said it," she replied lightly. "If you didn't hear it clearly, then forget it."
With that, she took a step forward as if ready to leave.
Before she could move another inch, Prince Kael caught her by the elbow, stopping her firmly.
"Once more," he said urgently. "Just once. Please. Say it again."
His grip was gentle but resolute, as if letting go would cost him everything.
Zora had no way of knowing just how much that answer meant to him.
For the first time in his life, there was a woman he cherished more than his own existence, a woman he longed for yet feared losing with a single word. Even if the world laughed at him for it, even if she rejected him, he knew one thing clearly.
He would never give up.
Because in his heart, no one could ever replace her.
If Zora were unwilling to walk through life with him, then he would rather walk alone forever.
In the past, aside from his master, cultivation had been his entire world. Cold, disciplined, unshaken. Then she appeared, and that still world cracked open, letting in warmth, desire, and longing he had never known.
For the first time, his blood felt hot. For the first time, he wanted something with a desperate, wholehearted hunger.
Seeing his expression, Zora couldn't help but laugh softly.
"I said… alright."
The moment those words fell, the tension on Prince Kael's face shattered, replaced by pure, unrestrained joy. The ecstasy rose from the depths of his heart, so bright it could not be hidden.
Without thinking, he pulled her into his arms and spun her around, laughing freely.
"My lady agreed to be my wife! Hahaha!"
His laughter echoed through the quiet forest, clear and unrestrained, carrying a happiness he had never allowed himself before.
Suddenly lifted off the ground, Zora was startled for a brief moment.
Then, hearing his words, she wrapped her arms around his neck, laughter spilling from her lips as well.
She didn't know when she had fallen for him.
Maybe it was the first time they met, when his figure stood peerless and unmatched.
Maybe it was when he accompanied her to cultivate by the waterfall, unconcerned with her appearance, despite being such a man himself.
Maybe it was when he left everything behind to enter the academy, simply to ensure her safety.
Or maybe it was when he entrusted his very life to her and walked into the dangerous forest without hesitation.
This man's devotion had etched itself deep into her heart, layer by layer.
She did not know what the most perfect love in the world looked like.
But she knew this much: everything he had done for her was something she would never forget.
To hold hands and grow old together was something she had never imagined for herself.
Yet when Prince Kael appeared, that future suddenly felt natural, inevitable, and quietly right.
Meanwhile, ahead, Reesa and the others had clearly heard Prince Kael's outburst. The moment the words registered, confusion flickered across their faces.
"What's going on with Prince Kael?" Reesa asked, blinking. "Wasn't Zora already his wife? Why does it sound like she only just agreed to marry him or something?"
It was strange. Too strange.
Raphael chuckled softly, the corner of his lips lifting in an easy smile. He had already let go of many things.
"Whatever it is," he said calmly, "as long as Zora is happy, that's enough."
Hearing this, Reesa and Alaric Von Seraph also smiled. There was no trace of envy or bitterness in their expressions, only genuine happiness.
"It really is a good thing," Reesa said, her eyes curving into happiness too. "If I can meet someone like that in the future, I'll be satisfied too."
Soon, Zora and Prince Kael caught up with them. The moment the two appeared, Reesa and the others exchanged meaningful looks, smiles turning sly.
"Well, well," Reesa teased, glancing at Prince Kael. "We heard someone shouting with joy just now. Care to explain?"
Prince Kael's handsome face broke into a radiant smile, one that carried no restraint at all.
"My lady finally agreed to be my wife."
The answer only deepened Reesa's confusion.
"What does that mean?" she asked. "Weren't you already married?"
Prince Kael shook his head lightly, still smiling. "Being married doesn't always mean two hearts are truly connected. But now… I finally have her heart."
"What?" Reesa scratched her head, completely lost. "Why does this sound more complicated the more you explain?"
Alaric Von Seraph also looked puzzled, clearly not following the logic. Only Raphael showed a faint look of realization.
As someone who had unrequited feelings for Zora, he had noticed it long ago.
Although Zora and Prince Kael were said to be husband and wife in name, there had always been a subtle distance between them. From the start, Kael shows his love very openly, but Zora never shows that love toward him, at least from Raphael's point of view.
Yes, Raphael did observe that Zora treated Kael more special than others, the trust she had in Kael… it was obvious, but he couldn't see those feelings one has when someone is in love. It was like there was an invisible barrier that was stopping her.
It wasn't until Prince Kael had stepped into the Suffocating forest without hesitation for her sake that the final barrier quietly dissolved.
"Don't think too much about it," Zora then said with a smile, cutting off Reesa before she could spiral further. "You'll just confuse yourself."
Reesa nodded decisively. "Fine, I won't think about it. But when we get back to the academy, you two are treating us to a big meal."
She winked at Zora. "After all, I helped you chase away a very annoying fly."
"No problem," Prince Kael answered without hesitation, his mood clearly soaring.
"Both of you must come."
"Of course," Zora replied with a smile.
After everything they had experienced in the ruins, everyone could feel it. The bond between them had grown much closer.
Standing shoulder to shoulder against the four great martial families, advancing and retreating together, was not something easily forgotten.
When the group finally walked out of the suffocating forest, they found that the mercenaries who once surrounded the area had already dispersed.
Most likely, when Sigmund withdrew, the rest had followed suit.
Although the original Blue rank mission had been delayed, no one felt any regret.
What they gained from this journey far exceeded any ordinary mission reward.
The five of them made their way back toward the academy, and the feeling of this return was completely different from before.
This time, their steps were light, their hearts unburdened.
Without Julian and the others lying in wait, and with Zora and Prince Kael leading the way, leaving the White Mountains was unexpectedly smooth. Along the journey, not a single demon beast dared to block their path. Once they left the White Mountains safely, Kael momentarily left Zora's side to handle some other matters, while others continued their journey to the Heavenly City.
*****
Heavenly City;
After days of travel, the familiar outline of the city finally appeared before them.
The moment they stepped inside, the noise of the streets rushed toward them like a tide. Shouts of vendors, the clatter of carts, the flow of people coming and going—everything was lively, bustling, and vividly real.
Seeing this familiar scene again, everyone felt an indescribable emotion well up in their hearts.
Although they had only left the academy for a single month, the time spent inside the illusion felt like many years. Those experiences had already been etched deeply into their minds. Now, returning to Heavenly City felt like stepping into another lifetime.
"We're finally back…"
Reesa couldn't help sighing. They have only gone like barely for a few weeks, but not just her, even others felt like they had gone for years.
Everyone headed straight toward the academy.
Now that they had returned safely, the first thing to do was report back.
As the group walked through the city streets, countless gazes gathered around them.
"Isn't that Zora from the academy's special enrollment class?"
"Yes, it's them! I heard they were chosen by the ancient ruins in the Suffocating Forest. They're finally back!"
"The inheritance from those ruins is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Their luck is unbelievable. I wonder how much stronger they've become?"
Curiosity, envy, amazement—every kind of look followed the five of them.
Ever since Sylvandria and the others returned ahead of time, news had already spread throughout Heavenly City. During this period, Zora and her group had become the center of countless discussions. Now that they appeared in person, it was only natural that they drew attention.
Hearing the whispers around them, Reesa broke into a wide grin. "Zora, this is the first time in my life I've been stared at by so many people!"
Back when she followed Zora, all the praise and astonishment were directed at Zora alone. She was barely noticed.