It was an unusually long and deep dawn. The moisture that had drenched Ash’s hair and body had dried into sticky traces. Thus, even after Redian left, Ash remained sitting in the same spot, motionless.
“…”
Many thoughts tangled in his mind throughout the night. But in the end, there was only one conclusion.
“Redian Hyu Rixon.”
All of this was because of that lowly sl*ve.
The noblest woman, the dazzling crown of the prince, this vast continent, the people’s praise… All the glory that was once his before that b*stard appeared.
“I will never die alone.” Ash stood up and grabbed a shard of glass rolling on the floor. “If I can’t have it, neither can you.” Then he cut off his long hair that covered his face.
“…The founding festival.”
His previously hidden eyes were revealed instantly. The bright smile that bloomed on his face was enough to form wrinkles around his eyes.
“And the crown prince’s coronation.”
Wearing a mask was incredibly easy for him.
“Well, anyway…”
The end was finally approaching.
“It might be fine if we all go down together.”
The day when everyone around Siani would strangle each other and fall.
* * *
I knew this would happen…
The ceiling that greeted me as soon as I opened my eyes was no longer surprising. As expected, I was lying in the same bed as Redian. At this rate, my bed in the duchy might start to feel unfamiliar.
What a rascal.
Even recalling the memories of my past life, there was no crown prince as unruly as this.
“Rere, officially, I’m single. So, do you think I should really be staying out like this all the time?” I opened my mouth, thinking Redian would be somewhere beside me. “I have my dignity too. Instead of kidnapping me every time, you should send me home.”
“The rumors are already widespread.”
A hand naturally wrapped around my waist from behind.
See, I knew this would happen.
“They say Master and I are lovers.”
Today, his characteristic cool scent was even more distinct.
“…Well, that’s true.”
I already knew there were many rumors about Redian and me within the empire. They say we have a deep and intense relationship. But still, to speak about it with such a leisurely tone was unsettling.
“A week from now is the founding festival. Your crown prince’s coronation will be held on that day too.”
When I mentioned the ‘founding festival,’ it felt like my sleepiness instantly vanished. I was determined to see Redian ascend as crown prince with my own eyes. Therefore, the founding festival had to conclude safely first.
“They’re even talking about putting you on the pyre of the temple altar. You need to be careful with your actions from now on…”
As I turned to look at Redian,
What the?
My gaze wandered aimlessly for a moment. I had forgotten that Redian slept in just a robe instead of pajamas. Moreover, I usually fell asleep before him and woke up later, so I rarely had a chance to see him closely.
It’s worse even today.
Especially today, the robe was exceptionally thin, showing his broad and firm shoulders. His fair white skin was marked with faint scars.
Come to think of it, despite his face looking like a gentle breeze, his body was quite…
“What’s wrong?”
“Huh?”
Redian’s voice came from above my head.
I must be losing my mind. Unknowingly, I had been staring at his shoulders, which were visible through the robe.
“Ah, I was just thinking about upcoming events,” I answered nonchalantly, diverting my gaze.
Redian had an innocent side, so if I made an excuse like this, he usually wouldn’t notice. But at that moment,
“I must be better than Ash Benio.”
Hearing the low chuckle, it seemed my prediction was off this time.
“The more you know… the more you’ll find me better.”
Redian’s eyes were strange as he spoke cryptically.
“Above all, I’m younger.”
“…What?”
“Men are better when they’re younger.”
“Stop.”
Not knowing what he would say next, I quickly covered Redian’s mouth.
How can he be so confident? It’s even scarier because I can guess why.
Then Redian, who naturally kissed my palm, pulled me into his arms. He held me for a long while and then said, “I love you.”
“…Suddenly?” I tilted my head at the unexpected confession.
“I just really wanted to say it today.”
“…”
“Even if you stay by my side out of pity, it’s fine.”
His hand softly patting my shoulder was as gentle as always.
“Just, as long as I love Master more, that’s enough… Please stay by my side.”
But today, I could sense a strange anxiety in his touch. Hmm. Did something happen at the grand duchy while I wasn’t looking?
“What do you mean?” So I quickly looked up at Redian. “Who would pity you enough to hold you all night?”
“…What?”
“I don’t find you pitiful at all, Rere.”
“…”
Redian was silent, seemingly taken aback by my sudden words. He was so perceptive earlier, but now he seemed clueless.
“I love you.”
“…”
I stared at Redian as I spoke. No matter how dull I might be with emotions, I could distinguish between love and pity.
“I said I love you.”
“…”
“I love you, okay?”
There was no need to beat around the bush. I was sincere, and we had already done everything, so there was nothing to hide. But as Redian remained silent, the atmosphere grew a bit awkward.
“Honestly, I liked your face from the moment we met.” Trying to ease the tension, I confessed again with a joke.
“Enough.”
With a low sigh, Redian closed his eyes and hugged me tightly. Our gaze, which had been deeply entwined, was now broken.
Telling me to stop? What a cheeky brat. I wriggled in his arms, thinking deliberately.
“…Ha, damn it.” Then Redian swallowed some incomprehensible words. “This will be a problem. Really.” He murmured as if suppressing something.
“I can’t take it anymore. Let’s sleep separately tonight.” Redian suddenly got up from the bed and turned his back.
Hmm, I think I get it.
“Was me saying ‘I love you’ that shocking?” I asked, pretending to be clueless.
Redian turned to me, gripping the doorknob tightly. “No matter how patient I am, this is my limit.”
…Limit?
“Especially since I’m young, it’s harder to endure.” With that, Redian quickly turned and left the room.
Is it because he’s young? I recalled the veins on his hand when he gripped the doorknob. Honestly, he doesn’t have to endure anymore.
Seeing his face when he reached his limit, I thought I’d let him endure a bit longer. This time, it wasn’t because he was so cute that I wanted to tease him… He looks sexy. A triumphant smile spread on my face.
The more I knew him, the better he seemed. I wanted to keep discovering new sides of Redian that I hadn’t seen before. To do that… I need to prepare.
With this resolution, I stared at the door for a long time.
* * *
“Alright, here we go…”
Though it was just before dawn, the sky was still dark.
“Is anyone there?”
Wearing a coat, I lowered my voice and asked as I stepped into the corridor. Redian would notice my disappearance in an instant. So, it was difficult to move quietly when he was nearby. Now that Redian had suggested separate rooms, it was the perfect chance to handle things.
“Where are you going?”
Then, a mist in the darkness took on a human form. Just as I expected.
“Your name is…” I scrutinized today’s guard assigned to me.
“Halphas.”
Ah, right. Halphas, who wields soul fragments with the face of a noble. The earring swaying with each tilt of his head suited him well.
“What’s your ability?”
Though his appearance was memorable, I couldn’t recall other details.
“Hmm…” Then Halphas smiled broadly. “I’m good at everything.”
“Great.” Nodding at his confident response, I started walking. “Follow me.”
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