Chapter 72

Everyone seemed to be considerate of me, who had just woken up, and didn't mention Gerald. Not my parents, nor Rufus, not even the three of them.

Still, I had been worried about it all along, and I was concerned about him even after what happened.

"…Gerald is in the special cell," Neil finally spoke, looking uncomfortable as he lowered his long lashes. The special cell is reserved for high-ranking nobles. It's where they are detained if their crimes are not as severe as murder.

Given that he had conspired with Mabel, a major criminal, I had expected a harsher punishment, so I felt a little relieved inside.

But thinking about him spending two years alone in a cell, my heart ached.

"The decision on Gerald's treatment was supposed to be made when Sadie wakes up. We planned to talk about it after you were feeling better…"

In the end, the only crime Gerald committed was kidnapping and imprisoning me. Normally, this would be judged in a noble court, but in this case, since Gerald was also a victim, a special arrangement was made to give me the authority to decide his punishment.

"What's Gerald like now?"

"We've visited him a few times, but he doesn't speak at all. His eyes are vacant, and he seems like a shell of his former self."

"…I see."

For Gerald, he had lost the happy future of marrying me and living together. On top of that, I had ended up in such a state.

It's not surprising that he would feel despair and end up like this. He doesn't even know that I have woken up from my sleep.

"What do you want to do, Sadie? You don't have to decide now."

"I want to go see Gerald."

When I said this, the three of them looked puzzled.

It would be a lie to say I wasn't afraid, but I wanted to see Gerald one more time.

"Can I decide on Gerald's treatment?"

"Yes, we want you to do what you want, Sadie."

"Thank you."

"Sadie, you've already decided, haven't you?"

"…Yes."

– In truth, I wanted to spend the rest of my life laughing and enjoying time with the five of us.

But I also knew that this wish would never come true. Gerald, who was a dear and beloved friend, was gone, and we could never return to those days.

After that, I shared my feelings with everyone.

They were surprised, but they agreed to support and help me if I wanted to.

"Sadie, you're so kind. But I can't hate Gerald either, even after what happened."

"Me too."

"…He was like family to us."

The time we spent supporting each other in that place was special, and even if I wanted to forget, I couldn't. Knowing that everyone felt the same way, my heart tightened.

I strongly wished that Gerald would understand how much everyone cared for him, and that he would reflect on his betrayal and realize the gravity of his actions.

◇◇◇

Two days later, Rufus came to visit.

He brought a huge bouquet of flowers and a lot of get-well gifts, which made me laugh at the sheer amount.

"…I heard you're going to see Findlay. Are you sure you're okay with that?"

He had already heard from Neil about my reasons for wanting to see Gerald and about his treatment.

Rufus seemed hesitant at first, but he eventually nodded.

"I respect Sadie's feelings. If there's anything I can do, I'll help."

"Thank you, Rufus."

"But are you sure? He betrayed you and put you through so much."

"…Yes, for me, this is the best course of action."

Gerald's past is something only I know. If I told it, everyone would probably sympathize with him, but Gerald wouldn't want that.

Rufus said, "I see," and smiled.

"I always rely on you, Rufus. I want to repay you from now on. I'll do anything I can."

"You shouldn't say you'll do anything."

"Why not?"

"Because I have ulterior motives."

"…What?"

I didn't expect such words from the serious and shy Rufus, and my heart skipped a beat.

"Rufus, you… feel that way too?"

"Yes, I always want to touch Sadie."

"……"

His large hand gently touched my cheek, and I couldn't look away from his obsidian-like eyes.

"Don't worry, I won't do anything more."

Seeing my flustered state, Rufus smiled. Over the past two years, he had matured and become even more handsome.

I've heard from Tim that he is the most popular among women, and that he receives constant advances.

As the next Duke and the leader of the knight order, he is handsome and kind, so it's no wonder.

"Lord Rufus is so popular. Even the second princess was infatuated with him."

"Neil, don't say unnecessary things."

"It's fine, because no matter who proposed to him, Lord Rufus always refused and waited for Sadie."

Considering Rufus's position, I can imagine how difficult it must have been for him.

But knowing that he had always thought of and waited for me, my heart swelled.

Even though two and a half years is such a long time.

"Once everything is over, I want to talk to you about something."

"…Yes. Me too."

Smiling, I placed my hand over his, and Rufus's eyes widened.

Then he turned his face away from me and buried it in his arm, as if covering his mouth.

"Rufus?"

"…I'm sorry, I almost broke my promise not to do anything."

After a moment, I finally understood what he meant, and I felt my face heat up. For a while, I couldn't look at Rufus.