Answer
Lady Oriana's words were shocking to me.
However, I couldn't give her an answer.
My heart had already been decided since I was adopted into the Ranford family.
"I apologize, Lady Oriana."
I couldn't accept her feelings.
"I see."
"You knew, didn't you?"
"Yes... but I just wanted to try."
While she had a calm smile, there was a hint of loneliness.
She probably didn't expect me to accept her feelings.
"I will be by your side as your comrade and a good understanding friend from now on."
"Yes."
"But I won't give up."
Why does it have to turn out like this?
Didn't she understand?
"You don't know what might happen ten or twenty years from now."
"Uh, well..."
"You don't know how you will feel about me when I become an old lady, right?"
How long does Lady Oriana plan to live?
"I will show you that I can live longer than anyone else."
"That's quite something."
This way of talking makes it sound like I should also aim for a long life.
"I will make an effort."
"Effort alone is not enough."
I find myself naturally smiling at Lady Oriana's smile.
She seems serious, not joking.
She might really do it.
"I don't have the intention to give up, but please tell me."
"Yes."
"Do you love Dania?"
Is she asking this now?
I've long lost any affection for her.
Even a thousand-year-long love can grow cold.
"I have made efforts to approach her, but I couldn't develop any affection. The truth is, I no longer want to be involved with her."
"You don't have any feelings at all?"
"It was but a political marriage, after all. From the beginning, duty took precedence over love."
Before becoming a live-in son-in-law in the Ranford family, there was a woman I liked.
However, being just the third son of a Baron, I had no veto power, and there was no way to object.
But the former head of the family, my Father-in-law, lowered his head even though he knew everything.
The woman I loved was a commoner with a fragile body.
We couldn't share our lives, but she helped me.
She also poured deep affection for me, and like me, she chose duty.
"I don't think that choice was a mistake, but I can't tolerate any more disorder."
"Understood. Then, please proceed as you wish."
"Lady Oriana."
"I won't stay silent about that woman's courageousness either... However, there are already people who are taking action."
Already taking action?
Who is that?
Could it be His Majesty?
What I didn't realize was that Marie was working behind the scenes.
What do you think about this chapter?
