Chapter 69 - A Midnight Visit
After renewing my resolve, I first spoke with my parents. My father had been secretly staying in contact with Louis, bypassing the King. He told me, "I know it is disrespectful, but as the head of the Marcel household, I cannot help but feel a profound distrust regarding this matter. I told him that regardless of what the Crown Prince wishes, I have no intention of marrying Rachel into the Royal Family anymore."
His words shook me. I feared that if my father were truly set on it, he might find me a new fiancé immediately. But seeing my face, he gave a troubled smile and stroked my head gently. "I am not like His Majesty. I would never steal my daughter's happiness. I spoke those words as a father, but my only wish is for your happiness." My mother hugged me tightly, and in that moment, I felt their love anew.
I consulted them about what I wanted to do next. Both of them were hesitant, but I had expected as much. I knew I would have to persuade them over and over.
"Meow."
"Kuro, what is it?"
While I was writing a letter to Louis, reflecting on recent events, Kuro began tapping his paw against the glass of the balcony door. Is there something outside? It was nearly time for bed, and the world outside was pitch black. I didn't expect any visitors.
I picked Kuro up and pulled the curtain back slightly. There was nothing but darkness, yet Kuro continued to squirm as if trying to tell me something. Wondering what it could be, I unlocked the door and stepped out onto the small balcony. The gentle night breeze wrapped around me, feeling wonderful.
"It's not cold tonight, and the stars are so beautiful."
I sighed as I looked up at the countless sparkles scattered across the obsidian sky. Lately, I had been buried in the library at the academy; it had been a long time since I felt this relaxed. "Thank you, Kuro."
I thought perhaps Kuro just wanted me to take a break. Just then, a sudden gust of wind blew through the open door, catching the stationery on my desk.
"Ah!"
I turned to step back into the room. In that instant, a soft warmth enveloped me. My shoulders jumped in surprise, but I tightened my grip on Kuro so as not to drop him.
...But I knew these arms. The arms wrapped around my shoulders held me tightly, as if afraid I might run away. I felt the sensation of a forehead resting against the top of my head. I placed my hands over the arms that felt like a scarf around my face and spoke the name of the person I knew was there.
"Your Highness."
The arms holding me trembled for a second before pulling me even closer.
"Rachel, I wanted to see you."
It was his voice. My chest tightened at the sound. It really was him. I slowly turned around to see him smiling, though his expression was tinged with the same suppressed pain I felt. Kuro jumped out of my arms and began sniffing around the area.
Louis let out a short laugh and knelt to pet Kuro's head. "My apologies. This is Theodore's magic, but he himself is back in my office."
Kuro listened intently, then, as if losing all interest, turned away and walked back into the room.
"Did I make him sad?"
"Um, Your Highness... what is the meaning of this?"
I had been so overwhelmed with joy at seeing him that I had forgotten the absurdity of the situation. For the Crown Prince to suddenly appear on my balcony in the middle of the night... it was unthinkable.
"Ah, I'm sorry for startling you. I wanted to see you so badly that Theodore helped me."
"Theodore-sama did?" I tilted my head, confused. "He transported you to where I am?"
I covered my mouth with my hand, my eyes wide. Theodore-sama truly is a mysterious person. But then it hit me—Louis wanted to see me that much. I smiled and thanked him.
Louis blushed slightly, his eyes crinkling with happiness. "Good grief. I'm the one who wanted to see you... those words only make me happier." He beamed at me with the smile I always remembered. Seeing it, I felt tears threatening to spill again, but I pushed them back and smiled.
"But is this alright? Our engagement..."
"It hasn't been dissolved yet. I haven't signed it."
He hadn't signed? But the King had surely spoken to him. "Is it safe? Defying His Majesty's order..."
"His Majesty underestimates me. He likely thinks it's a futile struggle. But I won't let it end like this."
So he was fighting for us, even if it meant jeopardizing his own position. "Your Highness, I..." I looked him straight in the eye. He met my gaze with a gentle smile. "I cannot keep relying on you forever. I intend to face the reason I lost my magic."
Louis's eyes widened in surprise, but then he looked at me as if I were something radiant. "Can I help?"
"No. You do what you must, and I will do what I must."
Of course, I would consult him about anything dangerous and wouldn't act alone if it would trouble others. We would need to discuss the details. But I couldn't remain in a position where I always needed to be looked after. I wanted to stand beside him, not behind him.
"I see... Yes. You've always had that strong heart. You have the same eyes now as you did when I visited you right after you lost your magic. When you said 'it's for the best' even without your powers... Come to think of it, it might have been that strong-willed gaze that first drew me to you."
My cheeks burned at his nostalgic smile. Louis then pulled a pocket watch from his chest, checked the time, and sighed regretfully. "Ah, what a shame. Time is up."
"I see..."
I wanted to stay with him just a little longer. That was my honest feeling. But he had gone to such lengths to see me. I had to be grateful for this brief, precious time.
"Rachel, if I stay any longer, you'll end up coming back to my office with me. Though, I wouldn't mind that at all."
I didn't understand what he meant until I followed his gaze. I realized my hand was tightly gripping the hem of his coat. "I-I'm so sorry!"
I looked down in embarrassment, and Louis laughed. Then, his expression softened into a lonely smile. "I truly do want to take you with me, Rachel."
The quiet words felt like his true heart baring itself. I realized our secret meeting was over. I'll miss you too. The thought must have reached him, as he reached out and stroked my hair with his large hand. He gave me one last bright smile.
"But if I did that, the Marquis really would stop our marriage. Well then, until next time."
With those parting words, Louis vanished into a flurry of light that looked like stars in the night sky. I stood there in the sudden silence, unable to move, searching for any trace of him in the empty air.