Chapter 30

By the time Ralph finished his story, tears were continuously streaming down my eyes.

His past was far too painful. And everything made sense. The reason why Ralph cared for me so much, the reason why he wanted to protect me, everything.

"Sorry..."

Because of my actions that day, I had burdened him with such a long-lasting sense of guilt. In my third life, I even involved him, showing him death twice.

Most of all, because of my wish to see him, he might have had to live for a long time.

I knew that neither of us was at fault, yet I couldn't help but apologize.

──I had always thought that I was the only one suffering. Why did only I have to go through such things?

But surely, Ralph must have suffered even more than I did. Five hundred years must have been an unimaginably long and painful time.

Yet, he still thinks of me and tries to protect me, even to the point of sacrificing himself.

I wiped away my tears and took Ralph's hand in both of mine. He opened his beautiful eyes in surprise.

"…Aren't you disgusted?"

When he asked that, I immediately shook my head. There was no way I could think of him as disgusting.

"You've been so fixated on me for such a long time. I know it's abnormal."

"Such a thing, "

"…But I always thought I was chasing after Erika's shadow."

Ralph narrowed his amethyst eyes and smiled, almost on the verge of tears.

"In this life, I like Rizette."

Hearing those words, my vision blurred again.

"I think no matter how many times it repeats, no matter how many times we meet, I will always fall in love with you."

"……"

Before I knew it, I was hugging Ralph.

He trembled slightly, as if startled, but soon wrapped his arms around me, clinging to me.

"…I'm really sorry. Because of me, you died in such a way, and you've suffered for so long."

"You have no reason to apologize."

"Thank you. For trying to help me, for caring about me. You've been working hard all alone."

…Now, I realize that the occasional sense of discomfort and the differences in values I felt towards Ralph might be because his heart was breaking from living such a long and painful life.

I couldn't see his expression because I was hugging him, but I knew he was crying.

"I love you,"

"Uh-huh"

"I really, really love you…"

I, too, was probably starting to fall in love with Ralph.

I thought it might be because my heart was swayed by being pampered and offered a hand in the face of absolute death.

But now that I know everything, I clearly felt that I loved him.

"…Thank you, Ralph."

I whispered and gently stroked his soft silver hair.

◇◇◇

Four days have passed since then. We have been spending our time in this cell, just as we did before.

The only thing that has changed is the distance between us. Perhaps it's because of the change in my own feelings, but I feel that the distance between us has shortened.

…My birthday is just around the corner. During these four days, I have been thinking about what I should do. Knowing all of Ralph's feelings, I don't want him to be in danger or to die.

So, we should have a serious talk and get out of here, and seek the cooperation of the holy maidens.

Just as I was about to suggest we talk, he spoke first.

"I have a request, Rizette."

"A request?"

"Yes."

His unusually serious expression made me worry that something had happened. He continued, looking at me.

"Can I kiss you, just once?"

"…What?"

His sudden words, which I hadn't expected, made my face heat up instantly. Confused by the suddenness, he lowered his eyebrows in concern.

"Of course, if you feel even a little uncomfortable, please say no."

"I, I'm not uncomfortable, though."

I felt embarrassed by my immediate response. Of course, I wasn't uncomfortable. Ralph looked surprised by my reaction, then smiled happily.

"I'm really happy. Thank you."

"…Yeah."

"Can you close your eyes?"

"O-Okay."

I closed my eyes as he asked, and after a moment, his hand gently touched my cheek.

His overly gentle touch made me want to cry for some reason.

"…I love you, Rizette."

Our lips met, and I felt a wave of happiness. It was at that moment that I realized I loved him.

Something warm flowed into my mouth, and my eyelids suddenly felt very heavy.

When our lips parted, Ralph gently stroked my cheek.

"…Wh-What… is this…"

"By the time you wake up, there will be nothing for you to fear, Rizette."

I realized it was a stronger sleeping drug than the one used last time, but it was too late. My vision darkened.

He was willing to sacrifice himself to save me. I didn't want that.

"Goodnight, Rizette."

"…!"

I couldn't even speak. I wanted to scream that I didn't want this, but my body wouldn't move. I still hadn't told him anything.

"I love you."

With those words, my consciousness faded away.