Chapter 117 - 117
Just as His Majesty had said during the audience, he planned a grand royal ball to move forward with our marriage. It wasn't just for the domestic nobility; numerous neighboring royals and ambassadors were invited to formally announce my entry into the royal family to the world. The wedding date would likely be decided by then, though we expected it to take at least two or three years.
This was because I had decided to spend a year after graduating from Torsova Academy of Magic attending the Great Church to study sorcery and the nature of spirits.
"Rachel-san!"
"Anna-san, hello."
"Um, today is..."
Having been granted permission to study at the church, I stopped by during my free time. Today, after hearing a lecture from the High Priest himself about the origins of the country and the spirits, I was greeted by a bright voice as I left the room. Anna-san was regaining her natural cheerfulness day by day, her face reflecting a fulfilling life. However, as she spoke to me, her eyes darted around restlessly as if searching for someone.
"Ah, I'm sorry. I came straight from the academy, so Samuel is not with me."
"...I see."
When I told her Samuel wasn't there, her shoulders slumped instantly. I could almost imagine her ears and tail drooping if she had them.
"But I have something for you from him."
"Eh? W-Wait... this is..."
"Yes, a letter and some sweets."
"Wow, it really is Makoto-kun's handwriting! Rachel-san, thank you so much!"
I took Samuel's package from my bag and handed it to her. I couldn't help but chuckle at how her expression brightened instantly.
"Things seem to be going well."
"Yes, thanks to you. ...Sometimes, I get scared because I'm so happy. I wonder if it's really okay for me to be this happy."
At her words, I smiled and nodded, turning my gaze toward the blooming garden. Her eyes seemed to be looking even further than the garden, showing a hint of vulnerability.
Scared because you're so happy, huh?
"I feel the same. For a long time, I lacked the confidence to believe I was allowed to grasp this happiness."
"You did, Rachel-san?"
"You look surprised. ...I was simply lucky. I met people who helped me when I went astray, people who supported me, and someone I can walk beside. But now, I also think this: it is the path I chose for myself."
"The path you chose..."
"I believe your reunion with Samuel was also brought about by your own strong feelings, Anna-san. If you move forward on your path with all your heart, perhaps an unimaginable future, a new road, will reveal itself."
The feelings of regret for the past will likely never vanish. Remorse and anguish are burdens I must carry. Even so, as long as I am alive, there is a future. I will act in a way that does not betray myself or the person who believes in me. That is all I can do now.
"The happier I am, the more I fear this happiness might vanish. ...But that just means I know what happiness is, and that it isn't something to be taken for granted. Rather than fearing loss, I want to be grateful for the happiness I hold now and cherish it. That's how I feel."
Anna-san whispered, "Cherish it..." She looked down for a moment, and then...
Slap!
The sound of her slapping both her cheeks with her palms left me speechless with surprise.
"Alright! I'm fired up!"
"W-What are you doing...?"
"Ah! I'm sorry for startling you. I was just giving myself a pep talk."
"A pep talk?"
"Yes. To work even harder."
Doesn't that hurt? That was quite a loud sound...
"Rachel-san. I'm truly happy to have met Makoto-kun again."
"Yes, I can see that."
"And I'm so glad I met you, Rachel-san. I really mean it."
"Me?"
"Yes. You always light up the darkness for me. I can't thank you enough. ...That's why I want to become strong enough to help you when you're in trouble. I want to be able to support the future of this country that you and His Royal Highness are building."
With a clear, refreshed expression and strong, determined eyes, Anna-san looked radiant in the sunlight. The gloomy, lost girl was gone. I felt a sudden conviction that she would soon be able to use her Saintly powers to their fullest.
I stood before her, straightened my posture, and reached out my hand.
"I am also glad to have met you. Thank you, Anna-san."
Anna-san looked blank for a moment, then her face broke into a joyful smile as she squeezed my hand tightly.
"It looks like I'll be able to attend the upcoming ball with the High Priest. So, I'm going to burn the image of your happiness into my memory!"
"It will be your debut as well. I'm looking forward to it."
"I-I'll do my best..."
We looked at each other and giggled. A gentle breeze, like fluttering petals, wrapped around us both.