So I Was the Persecuted Grand Duchess Destined to Die? Chapter 127

Chapter 127

“Th-Those golden eyes…! It really is His Highness, the Second Prince!”

“Your Highness, please save us!”

Felix swallowed hard as he saw the dying embers of hope reignite in the citizens’ eyes.

A fierce emotion surged in his chest—

But he crushed it down.

Then Xavier and Felix’s gazes met across the chaos.

In that fleeting second, an unspoken promise passed between them.

Felix gave the slightest nod.

Then he turned.

“Knights, with me! The safety of the imperial citizens is our highest priority!”

Perhaps it was the first true step he took as a prince of the Empire—

A young man choosing righteousness, even if it meant betraying his own blood.

Xavier answered with a brief look before striding toward the massive doors of the Sanctum.

And then—

Boom—!

Xavier staggered.

Deep in his chest—

A tidal wave crashed.

“Ugh—!”

He clutched his left side instinctively.

His heart tightened violently, as if it would burst apart.

His breath caught.

His vision flashed white.

He did not see it—

But the blue light at his chest flickered crimson before deepening into violet.

Mana—drawn by an overwhelming force—was returning to its rightful place.

And it hurt.

Through that crack—

Memories poured in like a shattered dam.

“Renée. Please don’t die.”

His own voice—raw, broken.

A frail woman stood before him.

Thinner.

Weaker.

But smiling.

Renée.

In that life, she had withered like a flower deprived of sunlight.

And yet—

She still smiled at him.

“Xavier, you’re the one who hurt me the most in this world. You admit that, don’t you?”
“I’m sorry…”
“But even that clumsy side of you… it’s still you. How could I not love you?”
“Renée. I was wrong. I made a mistake. So please—don’t die. Don’t leave me behind.”
“I still… love you…”

Yes.

That was who she was.

She gave everything.

Expected nothing.

Xavier had once despised that foolish devotion.

And yet—

Those very memories had carved themselves into his heart.

He remembered holding her skeletal body, terrified she would crumble in his arms.

A world without Renée had been worse than death.

And in that madness—

He had sought forbidden power.

Black magic.

Ironically—

He himself had approached the man versed in it, disguised as a priest.

“You’re the one rumored to bring back the dead.”
“Oh? I didn’t expect the Grand Duke of Celeste to take interest in such arts.”
“Spare me. I’m here to make a deal.”

Under normal circumstances, he would never have fallen for such an obvious trap.

But grief had blinded him.

“…So that’s how it was.”

Xavier’s eyes opened again.

Clear.

Awake.

He understood now.

Why this timeline existed.

Why Raphael had his heart.

And what must be done.

His aura surged.

Crash—!

The Sanctum doors exploded inward beneath his blade.

Dust roared outward.

And beyond it—

Renée.

Bound to the altar.

Their eyes met.

Both their left chests glowed—resonating in perfect sync.

“Renée.”

“Xavier!”

He leapt onto the altar and severed her restraints.

Then pulled her into his arms.

“Renée…”

His voice trembled.

Hot tears fell from the man who had once seemed invincible.

Renée clutched him just as tightly.

Their lips met—hungry, desperate, real.

When they parted, their gazes remained locked.

Renée smiled faintly.

The deep blue glow in his chest told her everything.

His memories had returned.

“Renée,” he said quietly. “I’m the one who hurt you the most.”

She shook her head.

“But because of you, I’m alive here now.”

“It’s too late.”

“How could it be too late?” she whispered. “We’re standing here together. That alone is a miracle.”

Something inside him shattered—and healed—at once.

“I’m sorry,” he continued hoarsely. “In our past life. Even now. I’ve only hurt you. I have no right to say this, but…”

He gripped her hands tightly.

“I love you, Renée. My heart beats only for you. I don’t know how you’ll receive those words—but they’re true.”

For once—

Xavier looked afraid.

“If you can’t forgive me, that’s fine. Just… let me stay by your side.”

Renée looked at him quietly.

The man who once feared nothing now trembled in front of her.

It was unbearably tender.

They had finally confirmed it.

Their hearts beat as one.

She wiped his tears.

He brushed her hair back gently, fingers trembling as if she were glass.

“Xavier,” she whispered, looping her arms around his neck.

“I told you before.”

She kissed his ear.

“I still love you.”

The moment the words left her lips—

He pulled her against him again.

And then—

Whoosh—

Light burst from their chests.

“Xavier—this is…!”

Blue-violet radiance spiraled around them.

Their hearts resonated completely.

Instinct told them the truth.

The incomplete heart was restoring itself.

Power unlike anything Xavier had felt before surged through him.

Full.

Whole.

He flexed his hand—recognizing the return of strength long lost.

Meanwhile—

Renée felt warmth settle into every part of her body.

Her breath grew steady.

Her pulse even.

Only then did she realize—

She had been living incomplete all this time.

Now—

Life flowed freely.

Xavier smiled softly at her.

Then his gaze shifted downward.

Raphael Blanche lay unconscious at their feet.

Xavier’s expression turned glacial.

“Now,” he said quietly,

“It’s time for judgment.”