Chapter 30.2: Theodore’s Story from Roland’s Perspective (Part Two)
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“Roland, do you still have no intention of getting engaged?”
As I reminisced about the past, Her Highness asked me that question. Seeing the two of them, who were obviously in love with each other, like they were when they were young, I felt relieved and answered his question.
“When I see you two getting along so well, I do think it would be nice. But I feel sorry for a person being with someone like me…”
No matter what the reason was, even if Theodore gave his permission, what I did was unforgivable. That’s why I couldn’t imagine a future where I would marry someone. Although there have been many marriage proposals, it’s probably because they don’t know about my actions. Who would want to marry a man who had been unjustly violent towards the next king’s consort in the past?
As I self-deprecatingly thought that, Her Highness shook her head.
“That’s not true. Your past can’t be changed, but. . .your actions can change people’s perception of you. Even I, who knew you back then, undoubtedly think that you are a good protector of Acardi now.”
“. . .Your kind words are too much, and I am honored.”
The princess, who pulled me out of my foolish act and brought me back to the right path, gave me the highest praise that I could only describe as tremblingly joyful. I bowed my head to hide my eyes, which were about to well up with tears.
At times like this, Theodore would usually interrupt, but he didn’t say anything this time. Perhaps sensing the awkward and embarrassing atmosphere between us, Her Highness changed the subject.
“What kind of person do you like? I might be able to introduce someone who would be compatible.”
. . .Well, maybe the topic hasn’t really changed.
“W-Well, what do you mean by ‘like’? Um. . .someone who can scold me when I do something wrong, I guess.”
“Is that someone me, by any chance?”
Theodore, who had been listening silently earlier, immediately interrupted. It’s true that my type of woman became clear at that time, but. . .there’s no way the princess would say something so reckless. I hurriedly denied it.
“No way!. . .I mean, of course, it applies to you too, Your Highness, but I don’t have a hobby of targeting married women. So, someone brave and not afraid of anything, and. . .oh, also someone older who is kind and reliable!”
“Of course, it’s Ester.”
“And she’s older! A reliable older woman with a nurturing personality!”
“Older, huh. . .”
Clearly, when the princess mentioned a condition that didn’t fit her, Theodore nodded earnestly. Even though they had just become a married couple through the wedding ceremony earlier, this man still worries about someone taking her away.
“Your Highness. . .Are you sure this man is suitable to be your husband?”
Theodore behaves like a reliable and dependable man in front of the princess, but when he’s with his peers, he can be childish. It’s not a fatal flaw, but I wonder if the princess ever gets exasperated by that side of him. However, the princess chuckled and replied.
“Hehe, I think this side of him is cute too. . .But even if Theodore has flaws, I can still love him.”
With a gentle voice that conveyed her love, even though her eyes were covered by a face veil, I could tell that she had a face full of affection. Her Highness continued.
“It’s your life, so if you don’t want to be with someone, that’s fine. But if you’ve given up. . .I want to tell you that there is someone who will accept your past and love you for who you are.”
I was happy to hear those words that came from her heart, but at the same time, I wondered if such a person really existed. I didn’t even know if I wanted to be with someone or not. All I knew was. . .
“. . .No matter what happens in the future, I will continue to be the sword that protects you, Your Highness and Acardi.”
“Hehe, I’m counting on you.”
I just want to protect the happiness of these two people from now on, that’s all.
―The End―
