Thought It Was ‘The End’, Only to Return to a Changed Genre - Chapter 183

Harrison was still, but alive.

“There’s no such thing as ‘your share’.”

Shane had decided they would all die, without exception.

“Lady Adeline, you said this is something I’m allowed to be angry about.”

Genevieve spoke to Adeline rather than to Shane, and Adeline nodded unconsciously. Yes, she had indeed told Genevieve that.

Shane glanced sidelong at Adeline’s profile. She could feel his gaze, but she didn’t look at him.

“So, you’d rather spare him because he was your husband?”

“I’ll kill him myself.”

It was her responsibility, a final show of respect for someone who had once been her husband.

Genevieve thought back on whether she felt any real anger toward Harrison. There had never been love between them, only timing and one-sided expectations.

And yet, she realized that there had been trust, a fact she only understood after his betrayal.

That was why it hurt, why it stung.

But the fact of his betrayal didn’t make her angry—just shocked. Now, there was only justice left to be served.

They were never truly a loving couple, but it had been her mouth that had sworn “to stay together until the end” in front of God.

“A bit of an honorable death for a traitor, don’t you think?”

“Well, now that you’ve finally heard what you wanted, perhaps you could grant me this man.” Genevieve directed a rare, cold smile at Shane. “You must be feeling better now, aren’t you? You finally got Lady Adeline’s confession.”

“What?”

I confessed?

Adeline looked at him, wide-eyed in shock.

Come to think of it… I guess it was a confession?

It was the first time she’d actually said it aloud.

Stunned by her own words, Adeline found herself staring blankly at Shane. Just as she turned her head, their eyes met. Shane was smiling brightly, as if he’d been waiting for her.

“Shane…?”

“I love you, too.”

It was a radiant smile, like a flower in bloom.

“…Didn’t you just say you didn’t care if I lived or died…?”

“I said you’re mine, alive or dead. I never said I didn’t care.”

“Isn’t that the same thing?!”

“No, Adeline.”

Shane’s voice was light but firm.

“I’d never let anyone kill you, and I’d never stand by and watch. You should know I’d never allow it.”

Adeline couldn’t understand the difference.

“To bring you back safely, I needed them to let their guard down. I’m sorry if I startled you.”

“But in the end, you just brute-forced it, didn’t you?”

“Oh.”

Shane glanced at the deep cut on his hand and smiled nonchalantly.

“I got a little carried away.”

Adeline was speechless. He looked genuinely happy.

He made those threats just because he was… excited?

A terrifying threat to cut people’s limbs and force her to eat them… all because he was thrilled by her confession.

Is this okay? Is he really okay?

“If you’re going to lie, at least don’t get hurt…”

“I didn’t lie.”

“……”

“If you permit it, I’ll leave him to Genevieve.”

“Let’s leave him to Genevieve…”

Maybe it’s best not to ask too much…

Adeline chose to set Shane’s words aside rather than dwell on them. This wasn’t the time or place to look into the depths of it.

Edwin spoke,

“He was my knight, you know. Seems like I don’t get a say.”

“Don’t spoil the mood, Your Highness. The coolest thing a boss can do in a moment like this is to accept their resignation gracefully.”

Adeline wanted Genevieve to be free to do as she pleased, without any interference.

Edwin was silent for a moment. Shane pulled Adeline into his arms, and with a sigh, Edwin relented.

“All right. I won’t spoil the mood.”

His gaze lingered a moment longer than usual before he looked away and spoke to Genevieve.

“Genevieve, Adeline’s neck wound… it bothers me.”

“Yes.”

Genevieve moved closer to place her hand on Adeline’s neck.

“There won’t be any scars.”

“I’m not worried about that.”

“I am.”

Genevieve was resolute… Adeline felt like swooning over her strength.

Though she couldn’t see her own state, she knew she probably looked a mess. Genevieve was the same.

Adeline reached out and gently touched her cheek, and Genevieve closed her eyes, leaning into Adeline’s hand as if seeking comfort.

“I’ll make sure to kill Harrison myself. Thank you for letting me.”

“Oh… it’s not exactly a favor…”

“He hurt you quite a bit, didn’t he?”

Shane tightened his grip on Adeline’s shoulder.

“Wait. I didn’t hear about that.”

“It’s over now, Shane.”

She had thought he was letting it go unusually smoothly. By the time Shane had arrived, Genevieve had already treated Adeline’s wounds.

Though her appearance was disheveled, Adeline hadn’t actually lost much blood—the injuries from the sorcerer and her controlled sailors were mostly bruises.