Akari (6)
Otoha, who had been keeping Uika company until Hiiro arrived, ran towards the returned Naruhito with tears in her eyes.
Naruhito, cradled in Hiiro's arms, leaned weakly but smiled warmly at Otoha.
They were as close as ever.
The two of them together were just adorable.
Soon, everyone began walking towards the entrance.
Uika was flustered.
"Your Highness. I would like to discuss matters here and now."
"That's impossible."
"I will wait until you have time."
"There will be no such time today."
Did she not notice Hiiro's worsening mood? Or was she doing it on purpose?
No, she wouldn't want to be disliked by the person she loves.
"I have come to request that you accept my engagement proposal, Your Highness."
"I told you recently that I am already married."
"I investigated, but found no such fact anywhere."
Everyone except Sanjou's guards looked at Uika in astonishment.
"Allow me to introduce you. This is my spouse. Naruhito, greet her."
Hiiro shifted Naruhito in his arms to face Uika.
The head wrapped in a white bandage bowed slightly.
"What?"
No one answered Uika's question.
"Are you mocking me? Are you so desperate to dismiss our conversation that you'd go so far as to call that child your spouse? You call a boy your wife just to avoid speaking with me!"
"I have no such intention. This is my spouse."
"... And you expect me to believe that? That is impossible. Even if you claim to love that child, what is the point of a marriage that cannot produce children?"
Uika's shrill voice echoed, and a heavy silence fell over the area.
"I, too, am thought to be unable to bear children."
Otoha's voice cut through the silence, her expression serene.
In the blink of an eye, Hitachimaru had wrapped his arms around Otoha from behind and was glaring at Uika.
Otoha quietly gazed at Uika.
"You do not understand. Marriage is a vow to live the rest of your life with the person you love the most."
What do you think about this chapter?
