Part Three, Section Four: “Vows of Love in a Foreign Land”
Chapter One Hundred and Six
"It seems like things went well since you’ve returned. Well done and thank you for your hard work.”
"Your Highness Reinhardt, please accept my apologies for the late report.”
"And thank you for sending Miss Mia to Dalbhat.”
As usual busy with work like making materials for the restoration construction, Prince Reinhardt stood up as we entered the room and gave us words of praise.
Thanks to Elsa and Mammon, we were able to instantly return from Dalbhat to Parnacota.
By the way, they also transported Mia back to Girtonia.
Upon our return, Oswald and I visited Prince Reinhardt to report to him.
Prince Reinhardt had granted permission for Henry to take Elizabeth’s body to Dalbhat. The reason was probably because he felt responsible for Elizabeth’s death. He had continued battling deep sorrow and made efforts to prosper the country in her place.
"As long as you two handled it well, then there’s nothing better than that. Personally, I also wanted to avoid this country losing you two if possible. It’s only natural for me to cooperate.”
"Your Highness Reinhardt, about Ms. Elizabeth―”
“About her body?”
"…!? Y-Yes. Why do you…”
Prince Reinhardt knew I was aware of the circumstances about Elizabeth’s body.
I had Himari investigate in secret, so why?
"I apologize. I leaked that information to Himari. I should have told you directly, but I hesitated to speak openly about it.”
"No, I’m the one who acted rudely. I’m sorry. It was necessary to delve into Mr. Henry’s motives, so I had no choice but to…”
"Don’t worry. Mr. Henry bitterly hated me. And his hatred spread to the entirety of Parnacota, which Elizabeth staked her life to protect. If that hatred extended to you too, Ms. Philia, the responsibility lies with me.”
It seemed Prince Reinhardt had an inkling that Henry’s vengeful feelings reached me too. Of course, he had no certainty. However, if one assumed that Henry falsified the will, Prince Reinhardt would arrive at the motive fastest without a doubt.
"At first I thought it would be good if you two could happily live in Dalbhat. However, when I learned that you were investigating Mr. Henry and my connection, I inevitably became concerned. When Ms. Mia appeared, I decided to entrust everything to her.”
Having us sit on the sofa, Prince Reinhardt told us about his thoughts when he sent Mia to Dalbhat. Prince Reinhardt was surely always seeking the best path for us to live happily.
Touching Prince Reinhardt’s sincere heart, I couldn’t help but feel grateful to him.
Afterward, we reported to the prince that Henry’s goal was revenge on Parnacota, and he tried to accomplish it by awakening Hades.
And we told how we worked together to prevent that…
"Brother, Miss Elizabeth said to tell you she’s sorry. She said the time you spent loving the country and working hard together for its sake was the happiest time of her life.”
"That was from the Spiritism Magic?”
"Yes. Miss Elizabeth probably wants you to keep looking forward, Brother.”
"Is that so… I am looking forward. If I don’t look forward, I can’t face Elizabeth. She lives on within me. That’s why I’m able to keep loving this country.”
Prince Reinhardt’s extraordinary love for the country that I sensed upon first meeting him—I felt it was stronger than of anyone I had met until now. But that might be natural. Prince Reinhardt harbored the affection from two people within him—Elizabeth and himself.
It was likely that she was the source of Prince Reinhardt’s unwavering strength of heart.
He didn’t drag around the past, yet didn’t forget it. What he did was extremely difficult.
Because of Prince Reinhardt’s character, I was convinced that he would surely lead the kingdom of Parnacota in the right direction.
"Now then, because various things took time, preparations for your wedding have been delayed. I’ve compiled a list here, so please think about things like the music, venue interior, dishes to serve, vows, and so on yourselves. I’ll take care of all the arrangements. Show me you’re prepared to entertain the guests.”
““…””
A hefty stack of documents was placed in front of us, and Oswald and I exchanged glances. Did Prince Reinhardt compile such a long list for us? For our sake?
Prince Reinhardt’s smile as he looked at us, bewildered, seemed even more serene and affectionate than usual, filled with kindness.
◆
"Well, it seems my brother believed that we would come back.”
"Why do you think so?”
"It’s simple. He went ahead with all these wedding preparations. If he didn’t think we would come back, why would he prepare so much in advance?”
As we left Prince Reinhardt’s office, Oswald spoke to me about that. He seemed pleased as he smiled while holding a stack of documents that felt heavy just lifting it.
He may be feeling his brother Prince Reinhardt’s thoughtfulness from the weight of the documents.
"But just reading through this will take quite some time. And Miss Philia, I mean, Philia, you have your saintly duties too.”
“Don’t worry. I’m adept at things like that.”
“Oh, that may be true. Well then, I’ll count on you.”
Walking beside him, I was full of anticipation.
I could devise plans for my future with Oswald. The fact was so unbearably delightful.
I came to this country having given up on my entire future. Yet, I obtained everything here I had truly wanted despite giving up.
"Hmm, I have just one request, okay?”
"Oh, yes? Did you need something?”
As we read through the list compiled by Prince Reinhardt until dusk, we decided to postpone our discussion until tomorrow. It was then that Oswald spoke up.
"Unreasonable things might happen again in the future. You tend to bear everything yourself, right, Philia? So I want you to tell me and only me any selfish requests, no matter what it is! Please!”
“…”
Since he said "request," I was waiting to hear what he wanted, but his words were so absurd I lost my voice with my mouth still open. For him to want me to make selfish demands…
"Oh, huh? Did I say something strange?”
Seeing me fall silent for several seconds, Oswald looked anxious.
He always gave me fresh surprises like this.
And each time, I became more attracted to him.
"No, I already made many selfish requests, so I didn’t expect you would say such a thing.”
"Is that so? Haha, if that’s the case then it’s fine.”
"Please make selfish requests of me without reservation too, Prince Oswald. I want to repay you. That is my utmost selfish request now.”
"…So asking for selfish requests is your selfish request, huh? Haha, that’s so like you. It’s the first time someone has asked for such a kind selfish request.”
Oswald laughed heartily with his familiar low voice. To be honest, I still didn’t understand what becoming husband and wife really meant, but there was one thing I could state absolutely. I liked being with Oswald. Having pleasant conversations like this, sometimes doing reckless things, and continuing to walk together brought me immense joy. I will surely meet him again tomorrow. People say that being able to continue like this for a long time, filled with hope and expectation for the future, was happiness.
"Mr. Oswald, right now… I’m happy.”
“We’re on the same page. I was just about to say the same.”
Holding hands, gazing at each other, we indulged in thoughts about our mutual future.
I know that we could savor the same happiness tomorrow too…
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