Chapter 43

Even if this country changes, as long as there is a tomorrow, I have no intention of resting from my duties as the Holy Maiden.

Even if I am not around, I believe the two great ones can fully fulfill their duties as Holy Maidens... but I have no intention of stopping.

Therefore, today, I will set up a barrier in the forest on the outskirts of the capital. We cannot allow monsters to disrupt the peace.

"Hey, Reia. Good work today."

"Lord Eric, the barrier in that area—"

"Doesn't seem to be up yet. It's fine."

Eric, who had left the palace late due to organizing documents, cut down three werewolves that had slipped through the broken barrier and emerged from the forest, as usual.

Continuously targeted by many assassins, Eric had raised his martial skills to the level of a master.

He sat down in the grass near me with a cool expression.

"About your sister, Jill Westeria—"

After a while, Eric, who had been silently looking at me, started talking about Jill's treatment.

I had heard that the death penalty for Belclain was almost certain, but I didn't know about Jill.

When asked for my opinion, I clearly stated that I did not wish for the death penalty...

"At first, the opinion was strong that she should be sentenced to death. ...But in the end, your argument prevailed."

"Is that so? Jill has been spared the death penalty... I am grateful for your leniency, Lord Eric."

"I didn't do much. I argued that she began to cooperate with the investigation and that her actions ultimately helped in restraining Arglyne... But the most significant factor was that you expressed your hope not to lose your sister."

I was relieved. Truly relieved.

She was a problematic child, but I had wished to avoid her being sentenced to death, as she was my blood sister.

"She is going to a convent on the frontier. She says she wants to reflect on herself in the presence of God."

"That means she has been given a chance. To face her sins and reflect. It is a gracious offer."

A convent... Originally, the incident was caused by a love affair, so it is a suitable place for quiet self-reflection.

I don't know if she will truly change, but I will believe in her.

"...I also had a sense of guilt. To restrain Belclain, I silently watched your sister commit a crime."

"I feel the same. But I do not think I did anything wrong."

At that time, if we had restrained Jill first, we could have prevented the poisoning, but that was all.

To protect Eric from the attack, I willingly became a decoy and did not hesitate to wait for Jill to use her poison magic.

"Still as strong as ever. Sometimes I get anxious. Is what I am doing really right...? This time, I involved my father, many soldiers, and even Johan..."

"Please don't worry. If I feel you are wrong, I will stop you. Even if it means being disliked..."

Eric said he sometimes felt anxious about whether his path was right, so I told him I would be his deterrent.

Of course, I don't think I can always make the right choices.

But I thought that knowing someone is watching over you might bring some peace of mind.

"Heh, that's reassuring. If Reia is watching, I feel stronger."

"That's a kind thing to say."

"..."

After that, Eric didn't say a word until I finished setting up the barrier.

He seemed to be deeply thinking about something, which made me very curious.

Did I say something impertinent?

No, I think I was more confrontational when we first met.

While I was thinking about this, Eric suddenly stood up... and then, with a startled look, knelt down—

"...Will you marry me?"

"Huh? Ah, yes. If you want me..."

What? He proposed so suddenly that I accepted without doing anything—this is a big deal, right?

"Hmm. You're Reia, alright. I thought you'd be surprised by a sudden proposal. To get an immediate answer is unexpected."

It was so sudden that I didn't even have time to be surprised.

The shock came later.

Of course, I was happy, and I had been waiting for this in some part of my heart, which is why I accepted immediately...

—With this person, I believe I can live my life truly as myself.

"...Right. I should have asked for a reason. ...Is it because I am the Holy Maiden?"

The proposal was so simple that I asked Eric for a reason.

I imagined something like recognizing my abilities as a guardian or because I am the Holy Maiden...

"R-reason? I haven't really thought about it. Just because I like you..."

"J-just that?"

A simple proposal with a simple reason.

But Eric was serious, and his feelings were clearly conveyed.

"Is that strange? No, I've been so busy with assassins and other things that I never even considered arranged marriages. I can't think of clever things to say at times like this."

Eric looked awkward.

This is my fault. I should have reacted more like Jill, with a cute face.

"No, Lord Eric, your feelings are more than enough. I am very happy. ...To walk the future with you always."

"That's good... I'm glad."

I think both Eric and I were awkwardly smiling.

It wasn't very smooth, but I felt truly happy.

With the sensation of his lips—

Here ends Chapter 2.

Finally, Reia has taken the first step towards happiness.

Regarding the first volume of the book:

I have added about 75,000 words to the first chapter, rewritten all the narrative text, and added three side stories, making it a greedy set.

To be honest, it's almost a new work (laughs).

※One last request!

If you found it even a little bit [interesting] or [want to know what happens next],

I would be very happy if you could tap or click on the [☆☆☆☆☆] → [★★★★★] below the ad to rate it at this point!