Chapter 118 - 118
Under the glittering chandeliers, elegant dresses danced. I watched the shimmering blonde hair sway to the graceful music, truly enjoying every moment.
"Are you tired? That's three songs in a row. Let's take a break."
"Yes, let's."
As the song ended, His Royal Highness led me away from the dance floor. He took two glasses of champagne from a server and handed one to me. I thanked him and took a sip. The cold bubbles danced on my tongue and cooled my flushed body. It felt wonderful.
"Tonight's ball is even more magnificent than usual."
"Yes. We've invited many guests from both home and abroad. Let's go around and greet them together later."
"Of course."
Today was an important day for me, a special royal ball. After all, the date for our wedding was officially set and would be announced tonight, along with the news that I had received the Dark Spirit King's blessing.
"Your Royal Highness, thank you for the invitation today."
"Your Royal Highness, Rachel-sama, congratulations on setting the wedding date. I intend to do my small part for the continued peace of this kingdom."
I turned to see Anna-san offering her congratulations alongside the High Priest. She wore a simple, elegant cream-colored dress. Despite the lack of ribbons or frills, she radiated an inner beauty.
Anna-san.
She possessed the compassionate aura of the first Anna Carroll, combined with a bright, lively energy, likely a result of her memories as An.
While His Royal Highness spoke with the High Priest, I faced Anna-san. Looking at her now, even our past troubles felt like fond memories. Just as I had traveled back in time, she had remembered her past life. Having experienced such extraordinary things, we had finally arrived here after many detours, tears, and hardships.
We finally grasped what was precious to us.
"Thank you. Having you here as a friend is very reassuring, Anna-san."
"Rachel-san... um..."
"Yes, you are an irreplaceable and precious friend to me."
"Th-thank you. I... I wish for your happiness, always."
Anna-san once said she wanted to be friends in the true sense of the word. But we were already friends. More than that... we were comrades who had fought through these past two and a half years.
I had hoped we could laugh together one day, but that day came sooner than I expected. It made me truly happy.
As the High Priest and Anna-san moved on, a familiar voice spoke as if waiting for the moment. "You look even more beautiful than usual today." My cheeks flushed, and the air around His Royal Highness softened.
"Don't tell me you designed this one too, Louis?"
It was Theodore-sama, smirking as he teased us.
"Don't worry, I won't be consulting you on dresses anymore."
"Is that so? Well, I don't really understand that stuff anyway, so it's fine."
Theodore-sama laughed at His Royal Highness's huff. The familiar banter made me sigh with relief. Their bond of deep trust was always evident and truly wonderful.
Theodore-sama.
The fact that I could travel back in time was surely thanks to him. Because he had protected me from the shadows, as I saw in the past within that forest, I was able to be here today.
"But really, you two look great together today."
Theodore-sama squinted as if we were too bright to look at. He was a man who loved fun and freedom, someone hard to pin down. Yet, he watched over everyone more than anyone else, pushing me forward with both kindness and sternness. I suspected he was the same for His Royal Highness. If there was no path, he would simply make one. I had been saved so many times by the way he easily broke through solid walls.
"Theodore-sama... thank you, truly."
I poured all my feelings into those words of gratitude. Theodore-sama's eyes widened for a moment, caught off guard. Then, a gentle smile graced his face as he leaned in close to my ear.
"Yeah, I'm sure you'll be happy. ...My little princess."
"Eh?"
I looked at him, wondering what he meant, but he only deepened his smile. Without another word, he pulled away.
"Hey, what did you just say?"
"It's a secret."
Theodore-sama nimbly dodged His Royal Highness's frustrated questioning. "Well, see you later," he said, raising his glass before turning on his heel. He left like a sudden gust of wind. I watched him go, stunned.
"Honestly, he never changes."
"Yes, but that's just like him."
His Royal Highness broke into a wide grin. I had grown used to seeing him smile like this. Lately, he had shown me many sides of himself, annoyance, sulking, loneliness... and expressions filled with sweet warmth.
Every one of them was precious to me.
"Your Highness, um..."
"What is it?" He looked down at me with a gentle smile.
"Thank you for wanting me as your bride."
So much had happened since I woke up at fifteen. At first, I had tried to annul our engagement. But because he had patiently reached out to me again and again, I was able to see his true self for the first time. It was undoubtedly he who had expanded my world. Moreover, he had always protected me and believed in me. That had been such a source of strength.
If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be standing here on my own today.
"Rachel, I am the one who should be thanking you. If it weren't for you, I would still know nothing of loneliness, solitude, jealousy... or the feeling of cherishing someone. You taught me everything."
Your Highness.
I was captivated by his sweet, melting gaze. At the same time, my heart swelled with warmth. His smile grew even softer and more peaceful, making me smile in return.
"Thank you, Rachel."
"Please stay by my side forever... Louis-sama."
The name slipped out naturally. I had wanted to call him that for a long time, but I had been too embarrassed.
"Eh? Rachel... what did you just..."
He looked at me with a stunned expression. Then, a flush slowly spread across his face, reaching even his ears, as his eyes sparkled with joy.
If it makes him this happy, maybe I should have called him that sooner.
But perhaps it was only now that I was finally able to say it. I fought the urge to look down in embarrassment and offered him a smile instead.
"O-Once more..."
His slightly raspy request never reached its conclusion. A voice calling out to us interrupted the moment.
"Your Highness, Rachel-sama."
It was Cyril, dressed in formal attire. He glanced at His Royal Highness, let out a long sigh, and muttered, "I've told you many times to save that for when you're alone."
"Wait, Cyril! This was an important moment!"
"No, I won't wait. This is also an important moment. Come, Your Highness."
"Your timing is truly terrible."
"On the contrary, my timing is always perfect."
I couldn't help but laugh at the exchange between Louis-sama and Cyril. Louis-sama looked at me, his eyes narrowing with affection, and offered his arm. As I took it, he didn't hide his blushing cheeks and smiled even wider.
"Rachel, we'll finish this later."
"Yes."
I nodded back as he leaned in to whisper. I was certain that if I looked in a mirror right now, I would see a woman overflowing with happiness.
This concludes Part 1. Thank you for following along. Your reviews and comments have been a great encouragement. I am truly grateful. As for what's next... Part 2 begins! New characters and that person will appear, potentially causing further turmoil. I hope you enjoy seeing what the future holds for Rachel and Louis. Also, the second volume of the light novel from Tsugikuru Books has been confirmed! Please check the activity report for details.