Chapter 261 – Confrontation (1) Translator: Atlas / Editor: Regan Pondering the memory, Leah was certain that that boy had been Ishakan. Though of course, he had been completely different as a boy. The Ishakan she knew was always relaxed, a characteristic of the truly powerful. He was never rushed, never angry, and she could never remember him yelling once, unless it was something related to her. But that boy had been a ferocious little stranger, thin of build and delicate in appearance. It was a sharp contrast to his powerful adult body, almost like a beast in his vitality. But his eyes were the same. Their coldness, and that mysterious, glowing gold was unforgettable. If she had met Ishakan back then, she certainly should have remembered him. The only way she would have lost that memory would have been to some spell. Of all the memories that had sprung up in her mind, this memory made her feel particularly...strange. Leah adjusted her disheveled clothing as she waited for her headache to go away. She couldn’t waste anymore time. Ishakan was waiting for her. And anyway, she didn’t think she would solve the puzzle just by thinking about it. It would be something else to discuss with him. But as soon as she tried to rise, her legs wobbled under her and nearly sent her sprawling again. Someone caught her before she could fall and Leah turned back with a smile, expecting Ishakan. And then she immediately yanked away, trying to break free of the grip. The man’s hand followed her, an increasing and unpleasant pressure on her skin. Blue eyes looked down at her. “Please let go, Your Majesty,” she said calmly. But Blain only gripped tighter. “Where are you going?” “......” “Your body is weak. Obey me and return to the palace.” Leah only stared at him silently, and Blain’s smile was knowing. “And it looks as if you’re going to meet the barbarian. If I let you alone, you’ll spread your legs for him, won’t you?” How could he say such crude things? Leah didn’t understand it. The words stung her like needles, and if anything, it seemed to her that he was frustrated he couldn’t physically hurt her. Yanking on her arm, he pulled her before him, and his head bent inches from hers. “You should not be unaware of how an impure bride is treated,” he warned, low, as his gaze swept over her body. “I would have saved you from Byun Gyeongbaek, if you had given me a little...” 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮 He looked at her coldly. “Ungrateful bitch.” The words were like a dagger to her heart, and all Leah could do was laugh bitterly inside. How long had she believed that the way Blain treated her was the way a man was supposed to treat a woman? All this time, she thought if she loved Blain, then she should act as he wished. Now she knew the truth. Blain had used her love against her, to manipulate and mistreat her. When she had s3x with Ishakan, she felt connected to him. He had never forced Leah to do things she didn’t like, and he cared that she felt good. He even held himself back for her sake. He had never abused her if she didn’t know how to do something well, or did it poorly. Nor did he have s3x with other women in front of her, and tell her it was her fault because she couldn’t f*ck him herself. Ishakan never blamed her for anything. Leah shuddered. Her heart was pounding so fast as all the contradictions rose in her mind, and the sickening surety that she must get down on her knees and beg Blain’s forgiveness filled her, threatening to conquer her. Automatically, one hand went to her belly, and the thought of the life there made her quickly remove it. Her hands clenched into fists so tight, her nails bit into her palms. “...if that’s the case,” she said quietly, “then Your Majesty also acted indecently.” Every day, he had a woman in his room. Sometimes more than one, sometimes he had multiple women at the same time, to satisfy his desires. It was ridiculous for him to criticize her, when he treated women like replaceable objects. “If you don’t want an impure bride, then you may cancel our engagement,” she said firmly. “If it is purity Your Majesty wants, there is none left.”