Chapter 162 - 2-44
Sunlight filtered through the curtains. Soft black fur brushed against my neck.
“Good morning, Kuro.”
“Still sleepy. Kuro's sleeping more.”
“Fine, fine. I'm getting up.”
Kuro curled into a ball as I sat up. Even in this spirit land, he slept constantly. I used to think it was because of the lack of nature in the capital, but it seemed he just liked lounging.
“I'm going out for a bit. I'll be right back.”
I left the room and headed for Louis-sama's chamber. Visiting him every morning had become my routine. I would open his curtains and check on him, always hoping today would be the day he woke up.
“It's Rachel. Louis-sama, I'm coming in.”
I opened the door. The room was already filled with light. The curtains were open. A man stood by the window, his blonde hair shimmering in the sun.
“L-Louis-sama...”
He turned slowly. My eyes filled with tears. He was finally awake. But then I saw his face, and the sound of shattering glass echoed in my mind.
“Why... are you here? Is this a dream?”
He frowned, his eyes cold and piercing. They were the same eyes he had the day I died in my previous life. I had imagined him waking up and calling my name with a smile. But that was just a convenient fantasy. This wasn't the Louis-sama I loved. This was the Crown Prince who had lost all faith in me.