Chapter 193 - 2-75
As we left the reception room and headed toward the guest wing, I grabbed the hem of Louis-sama's sleeve. He turned back with a puzzled look, and I gestured toward the garden visible through the window.
"Let's take a short walk."
Louis-sama nodded with a smile. As we stepped into the garden, we saw rows of purple and pink tulips surrounding a pond. We sat on a bench beneath a large tree that provided ample shade, offering a clear view of the sparkling water under the bright blue sky.
"Ah... the outdoors really is nice. The breeze feels wonderful."
"Yes, it's a beautiful, cloudless day. Being in nature really calms the soul."
"Thank you, Rachel. It feels like it's been a long time since I've had a moment to just sit and enjoy the view. It's a relief."
Louis-sama leaned back against the bench and looked at me. The tension had left his face, and his color had returned. He stared at the sky in silence for a while, but then his expression clouded over as if he had remembered something.
"I'm sorry..."
"For what?" I asked, surprised by his sudden apology. He turned to me, his brows lowered.
"You heard what we were talking about earlier, didn't you? About how cold I am, and how I'm not fit to be a husband."
"Because you said you would prioritize the country over yourself and your family?"
"Yes. I love you, and I want to protect you. This feeling is unique, directed only at you. But if we were to have a child in the future... I'm not confident I could show them parental affection."
Louis-sama leaned forward, clasped his hands over his knees, and looked down. His silky blonde hair cast a shadow over his eyes, hiding his expression.
"Even if it were my own child, if I judged they didn't have the qualities of a king, I might choose a more capable relative as my successor instead."
"I understand your thinking, Louis-sama. Primogeniture isn't everything, and aptitude matters. You are in a position of great responsibility, after all."
"Do you remember when His Majesty almost broke off our engagement? He threatened to remove me from the position of Crown Prince."
I remembered. When Anna-san received the blessing of the Spirit King of Light, the King considered marrying her to Louis-sama. When Louis-sama resisted, the King threatened to pass the title to Prince Alberic. I recalled the heartache of thinking we might have to part. Louis-sama continued.
"I knew His Majesty was capable of it, but I was furious, thinking I would never make such a petty threat when I became King. But now I'm terrified to realize that I have that same coldness within me, the ability to make such a decision. I don't want to be like him."
"His Majesty and you both care for the country, but I don't believe you would make the same choices in the same situation."
I could say that with confidence because I had watched him more closely than anyone. I leaned in to look into his face, and his eyes widened in surprise. Then, he smiled happily.
"Having you say that is more encouraging than anything. You're right. His Majesty and I are different. Most importantly, I have you by my side."
"We don't know what the future holds. Whether a child has the qualities of a king or whether there are capable relatives is all yet to come. What matters more is how we treat them. Responsibility and capability aren't just innate; they are grown. It all depends on us."
"Grown, you say..."
"Yes. I believe the most important thing is to have faith."
I believed in a future with him. I looked directly into his eyes to convey that feeling. Louis-sama's cheeks flushed slightly, and he ran a hand through his hair, ruffling the blonde locks.
"I'm at a loss. I'm already as in love with you as I can be, yet my affection for you just keeps growing."
My heart leaped at his words. His soft gaze, his tone, and the very air around him told me exactly how he felt. He reached out and gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear. Just being this close to his handsome face made my heart race.
"Rachel, do you think I can become someone who truly loves his own child?"
"Are you afraid?"
He hummed thoughtfully.
"I've never felt a shred of parental affection from my father or mother. So I don't really understand the special nature of that bond. I wasn't confident I could feel for a child what I feel for you. Until just now."
He smiled at my tilted head.
"What you said just now changed my perspective a bit."
"May I ask how?"
"When our engagement was decided, I didn't have these feelings for you from the start. You slowly taught me how to love. Just as a child learns one thing at a time, I suppose I will learn how to be a parent one step at a time. And perhaps my heart will grow."
"Yes, exactly. If we are blessed with a child in the future, I'm sure they will teach us how to love them."
I didn't know what the future held, but I believed that with Louis-sama, we could overcome any hardship together.
"No matter what happens, I will be by your side. So let's support each other."
"Yes. With you, I feel like I can always change for the better."
"I feel the same. Because you're here, I feel I can face any difficulty without running away. Because I know I have someone who will always be on my side."
Louis-sama rested his head on my shoulder.
"Rachel... thank you."
His voice was a faint whisper, yet I heard it clearly. I leaned my cheek against his head. I heard him chuckle softly, a warm, pleasant sound. I hope this time lasts forever. Wrapped in the happiness of the moment, I closed my eyes and savored the peace.