Chapter 69

After that, upon arriving at the headquarters of the knight order, I met Kevin, who seemed to have just finished his night shift.

"Good work. There are no problems here."

"Ah, thank you."

"Also, I received a report that Gerald Findlay is still in the same condition."

──Findlay is being held in a special cell reserved for nobles.

The crime of conspiring with Mabel, a major criminal, is serious, but considering he is also a victim, his future treatment has not yet been decided.

The Findlay Marquess and his wife have never visited him and are spreading the rumor that he is an impostor claiming to be their missing son.

At first, I thought it was just a pretext to disown their son who had committed a crime, but it seems that he is not their real son, and there are complicated circumstances.

I have visited Gerald Findlay several times in the past.

『…………』

Since Saedy fell into that state, he has not spoken a single word and has been in a soulless condition.

He just sits in the cell, staring at something far away. For two years, he has been like this, not only to me but to everyone, and he does not respond to any questioning.

What this man did is absolutely unforgivable, and he should pay for his crimes. Personally, I even thought about killing him multiple times for hurting Saedy.

However, at the same time, I cannot help but feel pity for his past, which was ruined by a magical artifact.

◇◇◇

Then, after two and a half years of Saedy remaining unconscious, I was called to my father's study one day, where he began with, "I have something important to discuss." I immediately knew what it was about.

"…The proposal for your marriage to the Second Princess has come up."

As expected, I clenched my lips.

The King has proposed the marriage to the Second Princess to me several times in a light tone.

The Princess also seems to have a good impression of me, and I have been approached by her on numerous occasions.

However, after Saedy's incident became public, and as her ex-fiancé, I was in a more sympathetic position, so the King did not push the matter too hard.

But it has been two and a half years since then.

I am now twenty-four years old and have long reached the marriageable age in our country. As the next Marquess of Langridge, I also understand the need to settle down.

Most importantly, my family, who were once part of the Temple faction, has been weakened by the crimes of the Pope. In such a situation, a marriage proposal from the royal family is a stroke of luck.

That is why, even knowing my feelings, my father brought up this matter. It was only natural.

Still, my answer is already decided.

"I cannot even consider marrying any woman other than Saedy."

"There is no guarantee that she will wake up, and even if she does, there is no guarantee that she will accept your proposal."

"Even so, I will live alone."

I apologize for being an unworthy son, and if it comes to that, I will not hesitate to adopt a son from a branch family to continue the lineage. My father only murmured, "I see," and covered his eyes with one hand.

I am aware that I am being disobedient, but this is something I cannot compromise on.

I am certain that the most important thing to me, now and in the future, is Saedy.

"I will inform the King of my refusal."

"…I am sorry."

My father stood up from his chair, patted my shoulder, and left the room.

Still, when I heard from Kevin that rumors about my upcoming engagement to the Princess were spreading in society, my head ached.

Such rumors spread quickly, and given the status of the other party, I cannot easily deny them. It seems that the news has also reached the ears of the Earl and Countess of Arkwright.

"Please, look to your own happiness. You have done more than enough."

"…………"

"We think of Lord Rufus as our son, and we want you to be happy for Saedy's sake too."

When I visited Saedy as usual, the two of them told me this with serious expressions.

I understand that my feelings and actions are a burden to them, and I know they are saying this for my sake.

But my resolve to wait for Saedy, no matter how many years or decades pass, remains unchanged.

When I told them this, they looked relieved but sad, thanked me, and smiled.

After being led to Saedy's room, I sat in the chair next to her as usual.

Today, Saedy is lying with her eyes closed, looking as if she is sleeping peacefully. The vase contains flowers that Eliza and the others bring when they visit.

"…Am I wrong?"

I just love Saedy, cherish her, and want her to be happy. That's all I've ever wanted since childhood.

"But I will not waver again."

For her, I can do anything and give up anything, even my life.

Of course, I know that Saedy would not want such a thing. Still, I cannot help but wish to hear her voice and see her dazzling smile.

"Please, wake up."

I gently took her hand and placed my forehead against it as if in prayer.

"…I love you."

As a tear rolled down my cheek, I felt her fingers, which I was holding, move slightly.