Chapter 104 - 104
"Good morning. I look forward to our work today."
"Ah, good morning. I hope we find it today."
As I was having breakfast in the dining room, Theodore-sama walked in, yawning sleepily, and took the seat opposite me. "You look quite tired. Were you up late after we spoke?"
"A bit. The stars were beautiful." He took a sip of tea before starting on his breakfast. I set my own cup down and looked at him intently. "I was thinking about what we discussed last night."
"About what?" Theodore-sama began buttering a piece of bread, his gaze shifting to me.
"When we were children, you were very kind to me, weren't you?"
"...If anything, I was the one who was saved by you."
"Saved?"
"No, it is nothing. What about it?" He shook his head slightly and prompted me to continue.
"Well... I do not remember much of the time we spent together. I have only a vague memory of playing with an older, dependable boy."
"I see. You do not need to worry about it." Theodore-sama truly seemed to mean it. His casual tone carried an underlying warmth. But perhaps by relying on that kindness, I was missing something important. If he had rushed to my side in that forest... then there must have been something significant between us in the past.
"I find it regrettable that I do not remember. If I did, perhaps we would have different memories, or a different relationship."
"I like our relationship as it is now. Before, I was not sure how to act around you. But with the black cat and everything else, I have spent more time with the current you. I realized I was being wasteful."
"Wasteful?"
"Worrying about whether you remembered or not. It does not matter. We are talking like this now, aren't we? We can have a pleasant conversation. That is enough." Theodore-sama had looked surprised for a moment, but then he gave me a gentle smile.
"Is that how it works?"
"That is exactly how it works. If you forgot, we can just start from scratch. We can make new memories and a new relationship."
Starting from scratch. Theodore-sama was a mysterious person. He didn't have my memories of the previous life, yet he always said exactly what I needed to hear. "Starting over... as long as we are alive."
"Exactly. Even if we cannot take the same path, we might find a connection from a different one."
My life since turning fifteen had changed drastically. In my previous life, just before the third year at the academy, I had begun to spiral into jealousy toward the Saint. Now, I had a contract with Kuro and new friends. My relationship with His Highness was entirely different. And so was my relationship with Theodore-sama. We had barely interacted before, but now we could speak as friends. I was moving forward, even if the path was different. My choices and actions could change everything. Theodore-sama had reminded me of that.
"Theodore-sama, thank you."
"Haha, you are very welcome."
I bowed my head, and he returned a calm smile. It was a peaceful moment, the air between us filled with a gentle warmth. But that peace was shattered by a sudden commotion outside the dining room doors. I looked around in confusion, but Theodore-sama remained unperturbed, elegantly sipping his tea.
"It sounds quite noisy outside."
"Ah. He must have arrived."
"Arrived?"
"Go and see for yourself. I am sure you will be pleased."
I didn't understand, but I stood up and left the dining room. In the main hall, I saw several figures. A visitor this early? As I drew closer, I realized who was standing in the center of the group. Wait, that is—! My mind was racing, but my feet moved on their own, a smile spreading across my face.
"Your Highness!"
At my voice, His Highness slowly turned toward me. His eyes crinkled with joy. "Rachel! I wanted to see you. Are you feeling well?"
He walked over and cupped my cheeks in his hands, peering into my face. Seeing my complexion, he let out a relieved sigh. "Good. You seem fine. You asked why I am here? I am actually on my way to the Chantreuil Monastery in the Bousquet Territory."
"Oh, then will you be staying here today?"
"I will." He laughed at my obvious delight. A cough from behind him startled me. It was Cyril, standing right behind the Prince.
"Rachel-jou. It has been since the graduation party."
"Yes. Good morning." Cyril bowed, and I returned the gesture. "To supplement His Highness's explanation," Cyril added, "we have been reviewing the security and personnel at the monastery following the escape. Now that the initial work is done, we are on our way to finalize things on-site. That monastery is unique, and we cannot allow such an incident to happen again."
"I see. That must be difficult."
"We put you through a terrifying ordeal, Rachel-jou."
"No... I am the one who should apologize for causing trouble." It wasn't really their responsibility, and since Katrina-sama's grudge was against me, I felt I was the one who had dragged them into it. Cyril looked apologetic, and I shook my head in denial. We caught each other's eyes and shared a small laugh. My relationship with Cyril had also improved since we spoke at the party.
"Still... if only I had known you were coming... wait." Thinking back to Theodore-sama's behavior, he clearly knew. "Louis sent word yesterday that he was coming," Theodore-sama said, appearing behind us and waving a piece of paper.
"So I was the only one who didn't know?"
"If I had told you yesterday, you wouldn't have slept well. You need your strength for the search." He was right; I had been so tired I fell asleep instantly. If I had known His Highness was coming, I might have been too excited to rest. "Besides, seeing your smile now confirms that the surprise was the right choice for a reunion between lovers."
His Highness and I looked at each other, both of us blushing. "I wanted to see you so badly, Rachel. I have been dreaming of you since the moment I left the castle."
"...Your Highness. Please, that is embarrassing."
"Why? It is how I feel. And I want to see more of your lovely face." Cyril cleared his throat again. "Please save that for when you are alone."
"Haha, you are right, Cyril. There are too many people here to fully appreciate her loveliness." His Highness laughed heartily, while I felt the heat in my cheeks intensify. "By the way, Rachel, I heard the situation from Leonie. You are searching the forest again today?"
"Yes, that is the plan."
"Then allow me to accompany you."
"But... aren't you heading to the monastery?"
"I am not due there until the day after tomorrow. Today is a rest day for the knights."
"But you must be tired."
"I am not one for sitting around. I would much rather be near you; it is far more refreshing." He countered all my concerns with a smile. Theodore-sama let out a theatrical sigh. "Louis is as hopeless as ever. Rachel-jou, just take him with you."
"I do not mind, but... Your Highness, are you truly sure?"
"Of course. I may not be a match for Theodore, but I have a fair amount of mana. Use me however you see fit."
"I could never 'use' the Crown Prince!" The very idea was daunting. Theodore-sama laughed and clapped a hand on the Prince's shoulder. "Why not? He is willing. We leave in an hour. Rachel-jou, go tell the black cat."
"Ah... yes!" Theodore-sama hurried off toward the guest rooms. Cyril announced he would be staying at the manor to rest, giving the Prince a pointed look. "Rachel. I hope we find it today." I looked at His Highness, still wondering if this was really alright, but he simply gave me a brilliant, charming smile.