Chapter 6 - Chapter 6
Why was I once so obsessed with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?
To be sure, His Highness is a magnificent man who prioritizes his duties and exerts himself for the sake of the people and the kingdom. He is also breathtakingly handsome.
I had let myself get carried away by that gentle smile, foolishly believing I was loved. But now, I understand.
That was definitely nothing more than a social smile.
Looking back, the warmth never reached his eyes. He wore the exact same expression when surrounded by squealing noblewomen.
I feel pathetic for trying to eliminate every woman who drew near him. Moreover, my behavior after my classmate was recognized as the Saint through the blessing of the Spirit King of Light is harrowing to recall.
To bully the Saint and go so far as to attempt to poison her...
Naturally, such a woman is unfit to be the future Queen. I recall that His Highness only ever showed a natural smile to the Saint. Our conversations were limited to a single thirty-minute tea party per week, held only out of his duty as a fiancé. He often spent time in the courtyard looking happy with the Saint, Ernest, and Cyril.
That was precisely why I went mad with jealousy. I believed I was the only special woman in His Highness's life.
This time, given the state of my body, I have completely discarded my past affections for him. Very well, let us proceed with an amicable annulment.
If I, whom he surely loathes, offer to dissolve the engagement, His Highness will likely be delighted to deepen his relationship with the Saint.
—Knock, knock.
Just as I renewed my resolve, the door opened and Father peeked inside.
"Ah, Rachel, you're awake. His Highness, Ernest, and Cyril-dono have come to visit you."
Sarah helped me sit up, propping a large cushion behind my back. Following behind Father were His Highness, wearing his usual smile, along with Ernest and Cyril.
Wait, he looks the same as always. Has he not heard about my condition?
I wondered for a moment, but the stiff expressions on Ernest and Cyril's faces gave them away. Ah, they know. To keep his expression so perfectly normal despite knowing the truth—he truly is the next King. I found myself impressed by His Highness.
"Is it alright for you to be sitting up?"
"Yes. I lack strength, so please forgive me for greeting you from the bed."
"No, I only wanted to see your face. I won't stay long."
"I am deeply sorry for taking up your time when you are so busy."
I tried to subtly suggest he leave quickly, but His Highness feigned ignorance. Instead, he dismissed Father and the others, saying, "The rest of you may wait downstairs." He even spoke to Sarah. "I will call if anything is needed, so please wait in front of the room." Sarah cast a worried glance at me, but she had no choice but to obey the Crown Prince's command.
Only His Highness and I remained in the room.
This is... awkward.
His Highness pulled a nearby chair right up to the bedside and sat down. You've seen my face, so you can leave now! I couldn't possibly say that, so I could only offer a weak smile.
"I heard about your condition from the Marquis. It is a tragic turn of events. You must be suffering, Rachel."
"No. In fact, I feel that it is for the best."
My response was so unexpected that His Highness, who always wore a smile, widened his eyes in surprise. Oh, what a rare expression. So he can make a normal face like that. The fact that I could observe him so calmly confirmed that my feelings for him had truly vanished.
"Why is that?"
"Having become like this, I realized something. I had overestimated my own power."
"Overestimated? Even without mana, you have your status and your sharp intellect."
"No, it is not about those things. I realized I was lacking in so many ways as a human being."
"Hmm."
His Highness's smile vanished, replaced by a narrow-eyed, searching look. He crossed his long legs and shifted his weight, prompting me to continue.
"I was your fiancée, Your Highness. Yet, I only looked at the surface of who you are. The same goes for this country. I never even tried to learn what kind of people live here or what they seek."
"And you regret that?"
"Yes. Though I have lost my mana and my body does not move as I wish, I have discovered the kindness of others."
"You've accepted it quite quickly."
"I noticed the loss of my mana immediately, and I have an idea of the cause. Though, I do feel sorry for my parents and those who assist me."
"Can you not tell me the cause?"
"...My apologies."
"I see. Then tell me when you feel like talking about it."
His Highness nodded, seemingly satisfied despite my vague answer. I raised my gaze to meet his eyes and, steeling my resolve, opened my lips.
"Your Highness, I believe there is no longer any need for someone like me to remain your fiancée. Therefore... regarding this engagement, I wish to ann—"
"I understand. Then, from now on, I shall come to visit Rachel frequently."
"Eh? As I was saying, the engagement..."
"It is a pity we cannot attend the academy together for now. Well, I have student council duties and my work as Crown Prince, so I cannot come every day, but still."
"Um, Your Highness."
"I'll tell you about things at the academy. You said earlier that you only saw my surface, Rachel, but the same was true for me. From now on, let us talk much more so we can deepen our bond."
He repeatedly cut me off, a stark contrast to the way he used to smile and listen—or rather, tune out—my trivial chatter. I could hardly believe this was the same man. Ignoring my confusion, His Highness stood up as if the conversation were over and walked briskly toward the door.
Turning back with his hand on the doorknob, he flashed a smile that looked more joyful and sincere than any I had ever seen.
"Ah, that's right. You spoke of being my fiancée in the past tense earlier, but you are still my one and only fiancée. I have no intention of listening to any premature talk of annulment, so keep that in mind."
With a brief "Until next time," he left the room.
I was left stunned on the bed.
Huh?
He won't dissolve the engagement?
Whaaaaaat?!