Moonlight Ball - Chapter 160

When Sidrain realized that Iris’ magical energy was beginning to deplete, he was filled with fear, yet he pretended otherwise. He had killed dragons and conquered other countries. But he could never prepare himself for the death of this lovely woman. People die. Yes, they can die. Even if he tried to convince himself of that, it was futile. Intense fear spread through his spine, entangling him like a vine.

“What are you doing, Ris?”

“It’s a protective barrier.”

One night, in the queen’s chamber, ancient inscriptions written in a mixture of Lapis Lazuli and blood were being etched onto the walls. Eris, with one hand wrapped in bandages, swiftly and boldly traced the ancient characters all around. She had terrible handwriting, but when it came to ancient inscriptions, she had a talent for drawing them beautifully. However, Sidrain couldn’t find it in himself to marvel at the beauty of those writings.

“Why is your hand like that?”

“A powerful barrier requires blood and gems.”

Nothing more than that. Eris smiled.

“We need treatment!”

Startled, Sidrain grabbed Iris arm and shouted, but she lowered her head.

“Not yet. I’m still synchronizing with my magical energy. I’ll treat you after the barrier is completely erected. But I’m sorry, Syd. Can you give me some blood?”

Iris asked in a tone that demanded salt. Sidrain stared silently at his lover, who didn’t even blink while asking for his blood. When he didn’t move, Iris looked up at him. What’s wrong? Her face seemed to ask

Sidrain realized that Iris was genuinely building the barrier. She appeared casual and cheerful, but it was a serious matter. Of course. It was natural. She was the one directly involved. The one who could die The one who had to endure the distortion of magical energy The one who had to endure both pregnancy and childbirth!

Sidrain gritted his teeth for a moment. He had to regain his composure. Iris couldn’t bear this suffering alone.

“How much do you need?”

Even if I want to sever my arteries, if you need it,

“Just a little.”

Iris rummaged through the table in the bedroom and pulled out a small beaker, offering it to him.

“Please fill this out.”

The beaker was too small. Sidrain accepted it absentmindedly. The small and slender beaker seemed infinitely insufficient to fill his heart. He wanted to gather more beakers and fill them with blood.

You’re not alone.

He wanted to say that, but in reality, he couldn’t do anything. Iris turned her back to Sidrain and focused on rebuilding the barrier.

As Iris examined dozens of papers, setting up the barrier, a crimson vial with swirling red liquid was thrust forward. When she looked up, Sidrain was sitting on the opposite side of the room.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” he asked.

“No, there isn’t, and this is the final step,” Iris replied.

She murmured ancient incantations softly, and a blue light flickered around the room. She felt her magical powers surge exponentially, focusing entirely on the barrier. For the sake of this single barrier, she poured most of her magical energy into it.

Finally, she sprinkled Sidrain’s blood at the entrance of the room. Ancient words flowed rapidly from her lips. Her voice, reminiscent of Rosemary’s occasional singing, resonated with power as she chanted the spell. Her previously soft voice grew more intense, almost to the point of breaking. By the time her voice reached its peak, the barrier had been fully erected.

“Ah, it’s done,” Iris said, smiling.

She turned to Sidrain, her face covered in blood—her own and his. Perhaps their state of mind wasn’t much different. Sidrain clenched his teeth.

He had to pull himself together.

As a man, he needed to support her. She was carrying his child and was fighting to give birth to their child. For that, she was putting up a fight. He, too, needed to regain his composure. There was no room for leisure or idleness. He would do anything for her, whatever she needed.

“Why the barrier?” Sidrain asked, pulling Iris close from behind. This delicate woman was hard for him to bear. May the pain destined for her not be too severe. Please.

Ruthna, please don’t let her experience death twice or anything similar. Remember your devoted servant, me? I will always answer your call, so please bless her with only good things.

“Perhaps the depletion of magical energy will start tomorrow,” Iris said, grasping Sidrain’s arms with both hands. She leaned her body comfortably against his chest. Despite that, Sidrain’s strong body supported her firmly, like an ancient tree.

She felt a sense of security. Iris closed her eyes for a moment, enjoying that feeling, before opening them again.

Sidrain’s face had turned pale. His red eyes trembled. When their eyes met, he gave her a faint smile.

“I see.”

His voice didn’t tremble, but his arms wrapped around her were shaking. They were the arms of a man, thick and sturdy like iron, but now he was desperately trying to overcome his fear.

“Alright, then. From tomorrow?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“So, that’s why you created the barrier?”

“Well, it would be problematic if I were to turn into a bloodthirsty slaughterer due to hunger. My magical powers are quite strong, and…”

Iris simply smiled, but Sidrain had to make an effort to swallow the overwhelming emotions welling up inside. She had imprisoned herself by erecting the barrier. Starting tomorrow, when the magic depletion began, she had chosen to confine herself here. Just in case she might hurt others. Because she couldn’t trust herself. So she poured out as much magic as she could while maintaining her sanity, creating the most powerful prison.

For the sake of their child.

“I’ve thought about even a dungeon-like place, but if the magic depletion doesn’t happen until childbirth, which is unlikely, giving birth in a prison would be quite problematic.”

“Nonsense!”

Sídrain exclaimed as he held Iris tightly in his arms. A prison! Is she in prison? Unthinkable!

Sídrain’s arms trembled noticeably, unlike before. Iris didn’t know what to do, holding that arm that convulsed with all its might with her slender hands. Perhaps she was not delicate enough. She reflected. She must have forgotten to consider others amidst the storm in front of her. It becomes self-centered so quickly. Gently, Iris touched Sídrain’s arm, which trembled from her exertion.

“It’s okay, it’s okay.”

She tried to convey her emotions wholeheartedly, but they didn’t reach Sídrain.