Redian had been listening to everything Siani said to him. But he didn’t respond, not wanting to show his feelings of turmoil.
Why does she insist on going by herself?
It was because his voice would surely sink, and his tone would have hardened if he did that.
Instead, Redian closely watched Siani’s fingers. The ring, the symbol of their bond, was conspicuously absent from its rightful place.
“It’s pointless anyway.”
As she said, the imperial family was under divine protection, rendering external powers ineffective. Naturally, the disconnected ring was nothing more than an ordinary accessory.
“We can reconnect it.”
However, Redian wanted to leave his mark on her, even if it was just a ring for now. Someday, he hoped to engrave a mark on her that could never be erased.
“If it breaks, we can fix it. If it’s lost, we can find it again…”
Holding Siani’s delicate hand, Redian murmured softly. He couldn’t help but desire to interlock their fingers more deeply, ensuring her warmth could not escape his grasp.
“What are you thinking about, Master?” Redian asked, looking at Siani, who was silently observing him. His voice was tender and composed, not betraying his thoughts.
“Let’s talk about it later.”
“When later?”
But his persistent questioning was more tenacious today.
“When I have finished everything and return.”
“Ah…” Redian couldn’t help but smile at her answer. He wished for a definite answer, wanted to keep her by his side even if it meant shackling her ankle instead of just a ring.
“Please, travel with my knights to Benega.”
Struggling with rising emotions, Redian stood up. Holding her close any longer seemed like it would shatter his self-control.
“The journey will be rough.”
He couldn’t ruin things now.
“No. It would be uncomfortable. I don’t like it.”
“…”
Redian’s expression instinctively hardened. Fortunately, he turned to pick up his coat, so Siani didn’t notice.
“If you were still my direct knight, I would take you, but you’re not anymore. Being escorted by knights other than you would make me uncomfortable.”
Siani’s response was straightforward compared to his baseless fears.
“It’s just a business trip. Making a fuss won’t be good for security.”
Even if she’s pristine and he’s murky, there was nothing he could do. He loved her enough to endure the unbearable.
“I’ll be back. Got it?”
“It’s not like Master would listen to me anyway.”
Redian sighed more deeply and nodded. Yes, Siani had never lied to him. She had kept every promise she made to him: to rescue them from the underground castle, to save him from darkness, to return—all of them.
“You can go anywhere.”
If what she wanted from him was trust, he was more than willing to give it.
“As long as you return.”
Because she would come back.
“You’ll be back before the day of my coronation, right?”
“Of course.”
Siani’s smile has always been the same, from the day she first appeared before him as a savior to now.
“Then, have a safe trip.”
And it had to remain that way forever.
“…Yes. You probably need to move on to your next schedule soon, right?”
Siani naturally looked outside the door. The presence of waiting aides was felt outside the office.
“The wind is cold.” Redian, before turning to leave, brushed Siani’s hair.
Even if her soul shattered and scattered, her light, her salvation, her love, would still be beautiful. And…
“Stay here, Master. Don’t leave.”
His Nia, who would never betray him.
* * *
It was the afternoon of D-3.
“And Aeron, I’ve informed Irik about this, but if there’s any confusion, related documents can be found in the east wing library.”
“Isn’t Princess only going for two weeks?” Aeron, receiving the last of the documents, tilted his head in confusion. The amount of work handed over in the last few days seemed excessive to him.
“Whether it’ll be just two weeks or a month, we’ll only know once I’m there.”
“What?”
“If it gets extended, I’ll contact you. So, just wait quietly.”
I planned to communicate with Aeron and the duke through Inein once I settled down. The duke was a financial source for me, so I couldn’t completely cut ties. Plus, if the duke caused a fuss about my disappearance, it would only lead to unnecessary commotion.
“Princess, Inein has arrived,” announced the butler, entering with a knock.
“Oh my, how splendid he looks. The maids are all smiles. Haha.”
“What brings Inein here? Did he come on His Royal Highness’s orders?”
They were pleased to see Inein, who hadn’t visited the duchy in a long time.
“Ah, I said there was some luggage I’d kept aside for him to pick up.” I got up, responding as if it was nothing out of the ordinary, though I had a ‘real’ reason for calling Inein.
“Are you saying you’re leaving the empire…”
“Shh.”
Inein stopped talking as I frowned slightly.
“I need your magic for the journey to Pronaea, your teleportation ability.”
“…”
To an outsider, his expression might just seem a bit stiff, but I could see it.
“I’ll give you some time to think.”
Sitting opposite Inein in the parlor, I knew he was in a state of confusion. I decided to wait until Inein had thoroughly processed everything and fully understood. I would have reacted similarly if I had met someone like me.
“If Princess is determined, I must follow, but…” After apparently organizing his thoughts, Inein finally spoke. “May I ask why? Moreover, Pronaea is a land erased from the map.”
Why, indeed…
I watched Inein for a while, my arms crossed. His sharp eyes were filled with concern.
“You know, all the choices I’ve made up to now weren’t for the Felicite family or the empire but solely for myself.”
The wind seeping through the curtains felt cold, signaling the approach of winter.
“I brought you all out of that underground castle and gave you true identities, all for my sake.”
I was never interested in the goddess’s will or protecting the empire. Initially, it was to survive this wretched cycle, but eventually…
“Every choice I make from now on is also for myself.”
I hoped they would live their own lives, not driven by revenge or anger. Even if I had become emotionless through countless lives, I was aware they especially followed me. My manipulations allowed us to reach this point despite the original story being twisted beyond recognition.
“This choice is entirely for me too. Now that I’ve achieved everything I could by using you all, well.”
It meant I had unwittingly grown fond of them.
“I’m much more selfish than you think, and I don’t want to take responsibility anymore.” Although I said this, my choice wasn’t solely for me but for everyone. As the one who disrupted the original story, I now had to distance myself from their lives, from this story. They shouldn’t have to move according to my manipulations anymore.
“Does that explain it?”
“…No. I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
Sigh. Despite my serious explanation, Inein was resolute.
“But I will follow your words, Princess. If that is your command.” He then gave a reply that was typical of his character.
“Alright, then, two days from now, in the evening. Let’s meet in the underground castle.”
“Yes. Understood.”
Hmm, choosing Inein as my key was the right decision. Pleased with our straightforward conversation, I nodded.
“But, Princess.”
“Yes?”
“Please be careful.”
Inein suddenly looked at me with a meaningful gaze.
“I may not understand, but I cannot go against your wishes. However, the crown prince… you know his personality better than I do.”
Even without detailed explanations, I knew what he meant.
“He will not accept any reason.”
I lightly patted Inein’s cheek. “I’ll handle it.”
With that, finally…
“You just need to help me from where you are right now.”
All preparations were complete.
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Oh Siani, Redian trusts you now. If you go through with this plan, he’ll never trust you again and his paranoia over you will worsen and he really will end up confining you.