Chapter 134 - 2-16
I could do nothing but cling to Louis-sama and weep as he lay there, eyes tightly shut. Fear and despair chilled my body, making my lips tremble. But I didn't have the luxury of caring about that.
At this rate... at this rate, Louis-sama will...
The world felt as if it were being swallowed by darkness, and I unconsciously gripped his hand tighter. My consciousness blurred, and my heart screamed.
But then.
"Stop."
A firm hand gripped my shoulder, pulling me back to reality. I looked up to see Theodore-sama, his brow furrowed with a severity I had never seen before.
"Your mana is overflowing."
"Theodore-sama... but..."
"If you use that power, Louis's body will break. And if you use too much, you won't come out of this unscathed either, Lady Rachel."
"...Then, what should I do? How can I make him wake up?"
Theodore-sama's frown deepened. He closed his eyes and shook his head.
No... that can't be! Even Theodore-sama can't do anything?
"No... you're lying... right? Louis-sama, wake up. Wake up and let's go home together."
"...Lady Rachel."
"You said you'd always be by my side... that we'd be together... please, Louis-sama. Louis-sama..."
I tried to force the smile he always loved as I gently shook his shoulder. I probably looked terrible, but if there was even a chance he'd react, I'd do anything.
When I was in pain, he always held me. When I was suffering, he stayed by me. Because you were there, I could be strong. Because you were there, I could stand tall no matter what.
I love you. Only you, Louis-sama. So...
"Please, I beg of you... wake up. Open your eyes."
I gripped his hand with both of mine and pressed my forehead against it in prayer. But Louis-sama remained still, his eyes closed. He didn't smile at me, nor did he look at me with that dazzling gaze. He didn't laugh, and he didn't call my name in that clear, resonant voice. He just lay there in a deep sleep, his eyelashes not even fluttering.
No, no... please don't take him away. Don't take him from me.
Terrified of losing him, I clung to his chest, oblivious to the voices around me. I heard his heartbeat against my ear—thump, thump.
It was weak and slow, but in this moment, he was alive. He was fighting to live.
"I won't accept this. I won't accept being unable to do anything. It's a lie. Because Louis-sama is... still... Theodore-sama... Prince Ricardo... please... can't you save him somehow?"
"...I... I am so sorry..."
Prince Ricardo bit his lip, his expression pained. I couldn't even offer him words of comfort as I slumped forward, defeated.
I had returned to the past to redo my life. I had seen the real Louis-sama and fallen in love. I had learned how wide and beautiful the world was. I had received the blessing of the Dark Spirit King. Despite gaining so much in this new life, I couldn't even use that power for the one person I loved most.
If I couldn't protect a single person... what was the point of this mana? I had felt my own powerlessness many times, but never had I been so furious with myself. I stared at my trembling hands and then covered my face. Please, someone, save him. I could only pray for a miracle.
"Louis, why... you always try to handle everything alone. That's your worst habit. If you're gone, who's going to protect Lady Rachel? Who's going to make the country prosper? You're just getting started. Your happiness is just beginning. Your wedding with Lady Rachel is still ahead of us. Knowing you, you'd probably say you're going to design her dress again. ...And then we'll have lots of kids, and lots of grandkids. You and I will be old and wrinkled with white hair."
Theodore-sama knelt on the other side of the bed, looking at Louis-sama's face. Despite his own pain and frustration, his voice was gentle. I couldn't hold back my sobs.
"We'll tell each other that life wasn't so bad after all, even when we're old men. That's when the end is supposed to come. ...Not now. Come on, come back. If you're not here..."
Theodore-sama's voice trailed off. His final whisper—"I'll be lonely"—might have only been heard by me. Despite his best friend's plea, Louis-sama didn't move a muscle. Theodore-sama clenched his fist, then muttered, "Sorry. I need a moment," and walked out with unsteady steps, his head down.
Before I knew it, the room was empty. I heard Prince Ricardo dismissing everyone. I didn't have the mental energy to care. Only Kuro remained by Louis-sama's pillow, letting out a sad meow and licking his forehead.
I don't know how much time passed. Seconds, minutes, or more. Only my voice, calling his name like a scream, echoed in the room.
I couldn't think. I felt myself being pulled into a void of helplessness and despair. Only Louis-sama's warmth kept me anchored. If I lost even that, I didn't know what would happen to me. I didn't want to think about it.
Suddenly, Kuro's ears twitched, and he jumped off the bed. I forced my heavy eyelids open and saw someone standing where Kuro had run.
I slowly raised my gaze.
There sat a person who shouldn't have been there, lounging casually in a chair. As I stared in shock, unable to speak, the person offered a playful smile.
"Well, I've come to get you. It's time for a fun game."
The person spoke with a bright tone that didn't fit the atmosphere and snapped their fingers. It was undoubtedly the Dark Spirit King, radiating the same overwhelming presence as when we met in the forest.