Chapter 56 - The Crown Prince's Perspective
"Rachel, are you tired?"
"No, I am fine. But is it truly alright to leave the venue?"
"Yes, I have informed Cyril. Besides, my duties are finished. Surely I am allowed a moment with my fiancée?"
"...His Highness."
"Or perhaps there was someone else you wished to dance with? I find myself quite jealous."
"Nothing of the sort. I... I wish to be with you as well, His Highness."
I intentionally adopted a sorrowful expression, yet I never dreamed Rachel would respond with such words. She truly possesses a talent for bringing me joy. Even now, the simple statement that she wishes to be with me makes my heart soar, instantly dispelling the gloom that had clouded my mind.
We had returned to the same waiting room as before. Though guards stood outside the door, we were alone. Despite my position as Crown Prince, I couldn't help but feel that I deserved this moment. Rachel was dressed so beautifully today that everyone was captivated by her. I had fulfilled my duties, keeping a watchful eye while playing my part, so surely I could be permitted to dote on my fiancée.
There was one more thing I needed to confirm with her.
"Regarding what happened earlier..."
"Yes?"
"Well, why did you show Theodore..."
...such a lovely face? The words caught in my throat. If I said that, I would sound as if I were jealous of Theodore.
Wait, I was jealous. The irritation I felt earlier, the desire to hide that expression from any other man, whether it be Theodore or anyone else... that was exactly what jealousy was. The realization made me feel uncharacteristically vulnerable.
"Forgive me. It was nothing..."
"Um, this dress!"
Rachel interrupted, her face flushing a deep red as she gazed at me with slightly watery eyes. She was adorable. But what about the dress? Did she dislike it? A cold sweat broke out across my back at the thought. I had designed it myself because I thought it would suit her, but perhaps she would have preferred something more fashionable.
"Theodore-sama told me that you designed this dress for me, His Highness."
Rachel gripped her own arm shyly, her gaze wandering as she whispered in a small, hesitant voice. In the quiet of the room, her words reached me clearly. It was the last thing I expected. I felt the color drain from my face. This was bad. If she thought I was some sort of creep who spent his time designing women's dresses... I searched her face, anxious to see her reaction.
However, rather than disgust, Rachel seemed to be suppressing a smile of pure delight. I wondered if I was merely seeing what I wanted to see, interpreting her expression through the lens of my own desires.
"Thank you, His Highness. Just as you did with the wheelchair, you have given me a gift far beyond my imagination. To be able to wear a dress you envisioned for me... I am truly happy."
Rachel looked up and met my eyes with a smile so radiant it felt as if a garden of roses had suddenly bloomed. For a moment, I could almost smell their fresh fragrance. It was the same smile that had made me realize I was in love with her. Time seemed to stop, and I found myself unable to move.
I never expected her to react this way to something I had done for my own satisfaction. When I gave her the wheelchair, I had prayed for her happiness and her smile. This dress, however, had been a selfish whim. Yet, she offered me that same beautiful smile. Warmth flooded my entire body. It was troubling. I had always felt as though I were missing some fundamental emotion, yet I had just discovered that I could bring joy to the person I loved with my own hands. The realization brought me an indescribable sense of happiness.
"Haha, just how much do you intend to make me fall for you?"
"Eh?"
My own face must have been crimson by now. I couldn't bring myself to look up, unwilling to show Rachel such a pathetic sight. And yet, a part of me wanted her to know everything about me. I wanted her heart to be filled with thoughts of me alone.
"Let us go out together again when summer arrives."
"Yes! I would be delighted."
"I will introduce you to a different shop next time. I want to take you to the blacksmith's place, and perhaps we could even travel as far as the lakeside."
Rachel looked momentarily bewildered by my sudden change of subject, but she quickly narrowed her eyes in a happy smile. Watching her, I found myself wishing that these days would last forever.
"You seem quite buoyant."
"It is Rachel's fault for being too cute."
"I see. Well, I suppose I can tolerate a bit of buoyancy."
Though the guests had long since departed, I had stopped by the Office to finish some remaining work. The lingering afterglow of the evening made the reality feel like a dream. Cyril must have been exhausted, yet he remained by my side. He truly went above and beyond every single day.
In contrast, I thought of Ernest, whom I had intended to keep close in the future. He was physically strong, possessed more mana than most, and had a personality that made him well-liked. I had planned to have him join the knights and eventually serve as a member of the Kingsguard once he had proven himself. However, given recent events, I needed to reconsider.
"Cyril, summon Ernest tomorrow."
"Understood. His flaws have certainly come to the surface."
"Yes, he is compassionate. That is one of his strengths, but if he tries to take care of everyone and everything, he will only destroy himself."
"Are you referring to Miss Anna Carroll?"
Anna Carroll. It was one thing for her to loiter around me, but I could not tolerate her sniffing around Rachel. Furthermore, despite her constant attempts to follow me, I felt no genuine passion from her. When things didn't go her way, she looked genuinely confused, as if she couldn't comprehend why I wasn't acting according to her expectations. It felt as though I were dealing with something inhuman, which was deeply unsettling. She was clearly approaching me with some purpose, but the nature of that goal remained a mystery. I hoped my concerns were unfounded, but her obsessive behavior today was beyond the pale. It was better to be cautious.
"You are thinking of something frightening again, aren't you?"
"What?"
"Your expression is starting to resemble His Majesty's, His Highness."
"...You said that on purpose, knowing how much I dislike the comparison."
Cyril placed a cup of tea before me, and I looked up to find him giving me a flat, judgmental stare. I couldn't help but chuckle at his sharp tongue. I wasn't entirely unaware of the resemblance, but being told I looked like that cold-hearted old man didn't sit well with me.
"I suppose so. That smile of yours may be used to gain an advantage, but I suspect you also use it to avoid looking like your father."
"You truly don't hold back. Though, I do respect him."
"But he is not the man you wish to become."
I looked at Cyril, and his usually stoic expression softened. A laugh escaped my lips. "Haha, you have me there." I could never speak so freely outside these walls, but Cyril always knew how to lighten the burden I tended to carry alone.
"Cyril, you have my gratitude, as always."
"I should hope so. As a token of your appreciation, I am ready to accept a long holiday at any time."
"...We shall discuss that eventually."
"I thought as much."