The Dragon’s Obsession with Water is Difficult - Chapter 150

Episode 150 – End

Now, the people were filled with hope for the next emperor.

They longed for a figure who could serve as a spiritual pillar and rebuild the ravaged Empire.

And Ludwig, as if answering that hope, soon declared the founding of a new imperial dynasty to follow the fallen Terium line.

The commander who had led the Allied Forces in the war against the demons, the hero who had slain Hertz.

There wasn’t a single reason why he should not become emperor.

Thus, Ludwig Karsian finally ascended the throne as the first emperor of the Karsian Dynasty.

* * *

One day, under the brilliant midday sun, I visited the Karsian Grand Duchy.

The butler, leading me toward Ludwig’s office, politely said,

“His Majesty has briefly stepped out on business. If you could wait here for a moment, he’ll return shortly.”

“It was an unplanned visit anyway. Please tell him he doesn’t need to rush—I’ll wait.”

I sat on the sofa in Ludwig’s office, feeling like it had been ages since I’d last been there.

After the butler quietly closed the door behind me, I looked around.

Ludwig’s office was impeccably clean and orderly, just like its owner.

Thinking about it, Ludwig had always come to see me. It wasn’t often that I came here.

‘Once he moves to the Imperial Palace, I’ll have to visit more often.’

We’d been incredibly busy over the past year.

Ludwig had ascended as the first emperor of the Karsian Dynasty.

For now, he was still staying at the Grand Duchy, but he would soon relocate to the capital.

I had no doubt he would become a great sovereign. How could he not, when the soul of Damon still lived within him?

Even after a historic catastrophe like the Great Demon War, he had managed to stabilize most of the chaos within just a year—his capabilities were beyond question.

As for Bergheus, after transferring all his power to Ludwig, he left the Empire altogether.

Apparently, he went to a place he had promised to live in with Laila.

When I said I would visit someday with Ludwig, he even handed me a map, although he had mumbled something like:

‘Come or don’t.’

So stubborn, as always.

Still, it was cute in its own way.

Without thinking, I spoke into the empty air.

“Askan, are you listening?”

As expected, no response.

Askan had fallen into a deep sleep.

He had exhausted himself fighting Hertz after forcing a manifestation. Now he needed time to recover.

I didn’t know when he would return.

Time for spirits flowed differently than it did for humans; it could be hundreds of years before he woke up again.

“I’ll wait for you. You know, it’s really lonely without you.”

I missed his voice that always seemed to chatter beside me.

Maybe that’s why I had gotten into the habit of talking to myself.

Sometimes, it even felt like he might suddenly answer back.

And as for me, I had inherited the Duchy of Drenihan from my father.

At the same time, I became the Countess of Chetwind.

Just as I feared, I ended up carrying both titles.

There’s a lot I could say about that, but frankly, it was thanks to the public’s favor, just like with Ludwig.

It meant days and days of handling succession duties and leading the purge of demons in the south.

Only recently had things settled down enough to catch my breath.

I looked wistfully at the papers fluttering on Ludwig’s desk.

Being buried in paperwork… felt oddly relatable.

The smell of fresh ink still lingered in the air. He must have been working until right before he left.

The sunlight pouring in through the windows felt unusually pleasant today.

I was humming a tune when hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway, growing closer.

I smiled knowingly.

And sure enough, Ludwig flung open the door.

“Sierra!”

“Ludwig.”

I waved at him brightly.

“You’re surprised, right? I know we were supposed to meet for dinner, but today, I just wanted to see you earlier.”

At my words, Ludwig crossed the room in an instant and said,

“It seems our hearts were in sync. I had just finished my work and was about to leave for Drenihan.”

“Really? Then we can spend the whole day together.”

When I beamed happily, Ludwig smiled warmly and said,

“Does spending time with me make you that happy?”

“Of course! Even spending the whole day together wouldn’t be enough.”

Time always flew when I was with him.

It felt like I blinked once, and he was already walking me home.

“Once the issues with the Imperial Palace are settled, I’ll be able to spend even more time with you. To the point where you might even get tired of seeing me.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

I lifted my hand and touched his face.

His sharp features, his sculpted nose, the beautifully shaped lips—all of it looked as if someone had created him to fit every last one of my tastes.

Honestly, Ludwig Karsian was the most flawless creation in this world, and the only man who could ever make my heart tremble.

“How could I ever get tired of a face that looks new every day?”

At my words, Ludwig chuckled and placed a soft kiss on my forehead.

“Am I imagining things, or are you getting more and more shameless by the day?”

“You’re the one who made me like this, Ludwig. Look, your ears are already turning red. How could I not tease you when you’re this cute?”

“I can’t help it when it comes to you.”

Hearing him say something just as shameless made me burst out laughing as I wrapped my arms around his sturdy shoulders.

“But seriously… We already see each other half the week, and now you’re promising even more time? Can you really keep that promise?”

“Of course.”

Surprisingly, Ludwig answered easily, with no hesitation.

I wasn’t complaining, of course—I loved seeing him as often as possible.

I was still mulling it over when Ludwig suddenly extended his hand to me.

“Sierra, before lunch, the weather’s lovely. Shall we take a walk together?”

“I’d love to!”

I strolled through the Grand Garden of Karsian with Ludwig.

The sky was exceptionally clear today, and a cool breeze was blowing, making me feel even better.

‘Well, good weather is always a good thing, but…’

I could sense that Ludwig’s demeanor today was subtly different from usual.

It seemed like he had a lot on his mind, and he looked a little tense.

It was a very slight change, but it didn’t escape my eyes.

‘Is he worried about something?’

Given that he was now the emperor leading the Grand Empire, it would have been stranger if he had no worries at all.

As I was walking, wondering how I could ease his burden, a gentle voice called out from behind me.

“Sierra.”

“Yes?”

When I turned around, I saw Ludwig kneeling on one knee, looking up at me.

“Ludwig…?”

In his hand was a ring.

A diamond ring that shone as brightly as pure moonlight.

My eyes slowly widened.

“They say there are things in this world that are eternal. Like the warm sunlight or the fresh breeze…”

Ludwig spoke with the smile I loved so dearly.

“I want your smile to be eternal too. I want to always be by your side and make you happy.”

“……”

“Will you spend the rest of your life with me?”

He asked, his gaze unusually nervous.

At that moment, countless emotions and memories flashed through my mind.

Before I knew it, my eyes turned red and my vision blurred.

So this is what it feels like to be proposed to by someone you truly love.

It was supposed to be a moment of pure joy, something to smile brightly about—yet tears came first.

With teary eyes, I smiled wide and nodded.

“Yes!”

Ludwig gently slipped the ring onto my finger.

Then he stood up and wrapped his arms around my waist.

We drew closer to each other, and our lips met.

Petals danced in the wind just as we kissed.

Without a doubt, in that moment, I was the happiest person in the world.

After the long kiss ended, I looked up at Ludwig and said,

“You seemed a bit nervous today. I never imagined you were preparing something this adorable.”

“Don’t even get me started. I thought my heart was going to explode.”

“Hahaha.”

The moment we laughed together, facing each other, felt incredibly precious.

“From now on, I’ll spend my life loving you. Forever.”

Ludwig said that, and kissed me once more.

Just knowing we’d be together tomorrow, the next day, and in the far future made everything feel perfect.

We had come a long, long way to meet again—and now, we would never let each other go.

I was happy.

And I would be happy, for as long as I was with him.

<The dragon’s obsession with water is difficult.: The End>