Chapter 11

"Ada and I are childhood friends from the same village, but actually, it's more than that."

Choosing her words carefully, she proceeded cautiously with her story.

"Five years ago, well, I had a promise of marriage with him."

"What?"

Aleks, who had been looking at Rane with concern, instantly had a stern expression.

"..."

Even though she knew it wasn't directed at her, the fear of his anger made her blood run cold.

"...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."

Aleks said this and moved a little away from Rane. His expression, which seemed to be seeking understanding, made it clear that he was truly a very kind person, and Rane smiled.

"It's okay. I'm sorry for making you listen to my story."

She reflected on how she had needlessly frightened him and continued with a smile.

"It's not a big deal. We were very close among our childhood friends. In a small village, there weren't many other options, so it ended up like that. But after Ada left the village, the letters gradually stopped coming. Eventually, Ada became a great person, chosen to defeat the Demon King. So, even I knew that it was impossible for me to marry Ada."

"Did Ada propose to dissolve the engagement?"

"..."

Rane shook her head while looking down.

"No. I haven't heard anything. Yesterday, Ada's parents suddenly told me that the marriage to the Holy Maiden was decided."

There was a loud thud, and she looked up to see Aleks standing up.

"The wedding tomorrow should not take place. It should be canceled immediately."

"Wait, please."

Rane clung to Aleks's arm, who was about to rush out, and desperately tried to stop him.

"The wedding is already tomorrow. It's too late to cancel it now."

Moreover, it was the wedding of the Holy Maiden and the Sword Saint, which would take place in the royal castle.

"Ada's actions are a complete betrayal of you. Not only did he not formally dissolve the engagement, but he didn't even apologize. This is unacceptable."

He looked straight into Rane's eyes and said this with a strong gaze.

His eyes were full of righteousness, never allowing the weak to be oppressed.

He would surely cancel the wedding tomorrow if he could.

Rane thought this, not knowing who Aleks really was.

That's why she tried to stop him desperately.

"The Holy Maiden probably knows nothing about this. She must be looking forward to the wedding tomorrow. I don't want to do something so cruel as to cancel it the day before."

"But if Aki is a Holy Maiden, she cannot allow anyone to be sacrificed. As a Holy Maiden, she should prioritize your happiness."

His firm declaration was noble, showing that Aleks was a person who deserved to stand in people's homes. He had said he was just a commoner, but it was hard to believe.

His nobility gently comforted Rane's wounded heart.

Ada and I now live in different worlds. Moreover, his partner is the Holy Maiden who saved the world.

So, everyone around her, including Rane herself, thought it was natural for her to give up.

But Aleks said it wasn't like that, that Rane didn't need to step aside.

How happy this made her, she was sure he couldn't understand.

Rane clasped her hands together and closed her eyes.

(Just this is enough.)

His words alone had saved Rane's heart.

"I don't wish to get Ada back."

That's why she could say it firmly.

"Indeed, I liked Ada. But that love was completely erased by his betrayal. I no longer desire a future with Ada."

Even though they had been engaged for five years, she only heard about the wedding from Ada's parents.

Not only they but also the villagers treated their engagement as if it never existed.

Not only did he not apologize, but Ada had erased Rane from his life.

How could she trust such a person? How could she hope for a future with him?

"..."

It seemed he understood Rane's feelings.

Aleks slowly sat down and looked at Rane.

"You've given up on Ada, haven't you?"

Rane smiled quietly.

"Yes. I no longer need Ada in my life."