Chapter 77 - A Vow Beneath the Sunset
I stared at His Highness in disbelief, never imagining the cloaked figure was him. He narrowed his eyes happily and gently stroked my hair. "Miss Carroll came today, didn't she? Did she do anything to you?"
"Oh, no. Anna-san and I simply talked about various things..."
His Highness let out a sigh of relief and smiled. "When I visited the Great Church the other day, her behavior was strange. I couldn't sit still, thinking she might try to harm you."
"I am truly sorry for causing you such worry..."
He had been that concerned for me. I felt a pang of guilt for only reporting that I was meeting her. I started to apologize, but his finger silenced me. He placed his forefinger gently against my lips, as if telling me I didn't need to say another word. With his face so close and his finger on my lips, my heart began to race. The proximity was already making me flush with embarrassment.
His Highness likely noticed my reaction, but he said nothing, merely shaking his head slightly with a faint frown. "You don't need to apologize for my own personal worries. However... had anything happened, I wouldn't have shown any mercy, even if she is the Saint."
He smiled as he spoke, but seeing his eyes turn cold and icy up close sent a shiver down my spine. The heat in my cheeks vanished instantly. I swallowed a gasp and forced my stiff expression back into a smile. I have to change the subject. Anything, quickly.
"B-by the way, is this alright? Won't it be trouble if His Majesty hears you came here?"
"It’s fine. The ones who came here today are Ernest and his friend. Officially, I am in the Office at the castle."
"And your work?"
"Ah. I finished today’s portion at triple speed, so it’s fine. It took a bit longer than expected, which is why I didn't arrive until evening."
He furrowed his brows apologetically. Then, he turned his gaze toward Ernest. Ernest, who had been awkwardly looking around, snapped to attention the moment His Highness looked at him. "Ernest, I’m sorry for making unreasonable demands of you as well."
"No. Um, I..."
"Yes. I won't take much more of your time. Please wait outside."
"Yes, sir."
Ernest looked visibly relieved as he gave me a quick glance and headed for the door. As he left, His Highness placed a hand on my waist and guided me to the tea table where they had been sitting. Sarah immediately cleared Ernest’s cup and served fresh tea for the two of us.
The steam and aroma from the cup helped me relax, and as I took a sip, the tension that had gripped me all day finally began to melt away. His Highness watched me with a happy, gentle smile. He waited until I set my cup down before speaking. "So, what did Miss Carroll have to say?"
"Well... the details are, well..."
"Ah. Of course, you only need to tell me what you can. It must be difficult to speak of things she hasn't told me herself. Just tell me what I need to know. The rest is up to whether she chooses to speak of it or not."
He understood immediately that I was struggling with how much to disclose. I blinked in surprise, and he gave me a reassuring smile. "I see. Well, Anna-san said she desired the engagement with Your Highness for a specific purpose. However, since that purpose cannot be fulfilled, she intends to tell His Majesty that she will not go through with the engagement."
"...I see. Did she tell you what that purpose was? No, you don't have to tell me the content. Just whether you heard it or not."
"I did. She said she wanted to tell someone."
His Highness went silent for a moment, looking thoughtful. He took a sip of his tea and let out a small breath. "His Majesty won't give up on an engagement with the Saint so easily."
"I thought as much..."
"But the same goes for me. I have no intention of giving up on making you my princess." He turned a determined, powerful gaze toward me. "I’ll have to have a talk with His Majesty. Please leave that to me."
"Yes."
"...In truth, there are ways to leave the royal family, such as yielding the position of Crown Prince to my brother," he murmured weakly, his brow furrowing with sadness.
I knew he was saying this out of love for me. He likely still felt a sense of guilt about wanting me to join the royal family and become the Queen. Having been born into the royal family as the first prince, he had lived his life feeling the weight of those constraints. He continued to worry about forcing that same burden onto me. But this is my choice. It isn't just his problem.
"No, there is no such way. I want to stand by your side, Your Highness. I have no desire to rob you of the future you aim for."
His Highness gasped and his eyes widened at my firm declaration. He covered his eyes with his right hand and let out a faint, breathless laugh. "That’s right... You truly have become strong."
When he lowered his hand, the weakness was gone. He looked at me with eyes full of light. "I’ll ask one last time—are you truly sure? What I do may even result in a confrontation with His Majesty."
"I don't mind. Just as you believe in me, I believe in you, Your Highness."
I answered without hesitation, meeting his gaze directly. "...This is troublesome. You were already so lovely, Rachel, but you’re becoming even more dazzlingly beautiful."
"Wh—Your Highness!"
His blue eyes pierced through me, as if capturing my entire being. His eyes crinkled with a mischievous, enchanting glint. The aura he exuded, almost carrying the scent of roses, made me feel lightheaded. "I don't want to show you to any other man. Perhaps I should just lock you away?"
"...You’re teasing me, Your Highness."
I glared at him in a desperate attempt to resist, but given my watering eyes and flushed cheeks, it likely had no effect. He laughed heartily at my reaction. "Haha, I’m joking. That’s just a wish; I won't actually do it. Seeing you smile is my greatest desire, after all."
His voice was softer and sweeter than any cake. I knew the path I was choosing would be a difficult one. The mystery of my mana depletion remained, and I might never find a way to regain my lost power. Even so, His Highness would always give me strength. He would push me forward, telling me it was alright. That was why I could take another step. The time spent with him was sweet, gentle, and filled with happiness. I hope this moment lasts forever... I prayed, watching his gentle smile.