Chapter 153: Eyes of a Dragon and the Human Heart (17)

༺ Eyes of a Dragon and the Human Heart (17) ༻

Anger was a volatile emotion.

It burned hotter than anything, igniting like a fervent flame. Yet, as it waned, one could quickly regain their rationality. Therefore, I preferred to remain silent when my mind simmered with heat.

Because I was uncertain of what I might do in a fit of anger.

Furthermore, as a noble of the Empire and a skilled swordsman studying at the academy, the weight of responsibility accompanying my actions was incomparable to that of ordinary citizens.

Perhaps it was because of my stoic existence, but I had never once reached the peak of anger.

Today, for the first time, I understood.

Anger was not a fiery emotion. Rather, the more intense it grew, the calmer the storm in my mind became.

It manifested as a serene and cold force.

Only a bone-chilling hostility gripped my heart, akin to a finely sharpened blade, focusing solely on crafting strategies to slaughter my opponent.

This realisation struck me the moment Emma crumpled after the forceful slap.

The pale-faced woman I had seen in the Temple’s intensive care unit.

Her father weeping… It might have been my fault. No, deep down, I knew it was my fault.

Scenes from my mind overlapped.

Snowflakes fell on the woman sprawled on the ground—her face drained of colour, and her body adorned with scars. Even the sword she had clung to until the very end lay discarded at her side.

The woman softly whispered into my ear.

“…Live.”

How am I supposed to live?

He wanted to ask in a trembling voice, but the words escaped him.

The memory shifted again. This time, ushering in a different season.

A man stood amidst the crackling remnants of a fire. In a solemn atmosphere, priests and soldiers knelt, offering their prayers.

A ritual to guide a soul to the heavens.