Volume 2 Chapter 5 The Prince From the Neighboring Country Proposed Marriage
"Hey, Rolus, are you happy?"
"Yes, very much."
Rolus, who hardly smiled in the absence of Elena, was beaming with joy.
Even though Elena was surrounded by her female friends and wasn't here.
It must mean he is that happy.
Seeing that, I felt not envy or jealousy, but simply pure admiration.
I thought to myself, if only I could be like that someday.
The wedding party of Elena and Rolus had ended.
Although there was some tension due to the presence of the royal entourage, we remained cheerful throughout.
Seeing the happy Elena and even happier Rolus made me feel happy too, no, it was amusing to the point of being beyond happiness.
But those 2, they seemed like they had been together forever... since when did they have mutual feelings?
"Oh, Parsley."
Parsley, who seemed to be waiting for someone, was standing alone.
I called her name instinctively upon spotting her, but I should have approached her more calmly.
I hadn't properly thought about how to express my feelings yet.
But now that I had called out, there was no turning back.
"Parsley?"
Even though I had secretly made up my mind, Parsley did not respond to my voice and didn't turn around.
Reluctantly, I approached from behind and peeked at her face, only to have her turn away sharply.
"What's wrong?"
"...It's nothing."
"Are you crying?"
"...Honestly, you really can't be sensitive to others' feelings, can you?"
I often hear that.
Mainly from you.
"But, should I have not asked anything?"
"That's right."
"But if you're crying, something must have happened, right? I can't just leave you alone."
When I said that, Parsley remained silent, looking down for a while.
Just when I was wondering what to do, she finally looked up and glanced at me.
"...It's not like something happened. So, I'm fine..."
Although her face clearly said she wasn't fine, someone who could be sensitive to others' feelings wouldn't dig deeper here.
"I see... Elena and Rolus looked happy, didn't they?"
If I can't ask why she's crying, I decided to change the subject.
I thought talking about Elena and Rolus would surely cheer her up.
"That's right, very much so."
I missed.
She doesn't look very cheerful.
That's strange.
"Aren't you happy?"
"Not at all! I'm happy and moved... that's why I was crying."
"I don't think you looked like you were moved."
"That's why!"
I was scolded.
"No, I'm sorry."
Understanding a woman's heart is difficult.
"It was tears of joy. That's not a lie. It's just that seeing you two so happy made me happy and moved... but a little lonely."
"Lonely?"
When I tilted my head, Parsley also tilted her head for some reason.
"I don't really understand my feelings, but I felt lonely. Lady Elena... well, she sometimes does silly things, but she's reliable and always like an older sister to everyone, my admiration."
Sometimes...?
I thought, but if I said that now, I would surely be scolded again.
I'll just listen in silence.
"I was envious of Mr. Rolus. He had all of Lady Elena's trust."
"That's true."
"Someday, I want to be someone who can be trusted by Lady Elena, even if I don't say I want to be like Mr. Rolus."
I'm not Elena, so I can't say for sure, but I think Elena trusted Parsley enough.
"...but, Lady Elena got married. I'm sure it won't be easy to meet anymore. I thought maybe I wouldn't be needed anymore, and that made me lonely."
Tears fell from Parsley's eyes, dropping like pearls.
"Elena wouldn't say such a thing."
"I know. I understand. I understand, but... I'm still lonely."
It was the first time I thought tears could be so beautiful.
"Can't I be a substitute for Elena? I'll be by your side to fill your loneliness."
As I said that, I placed my hand on her cheek and wiped away the tears flowing from the corners of her eyes with my thumb.
"It's impossible..."
"Is it really impossible?"
That's too bad.
"You're lying..."
"Is it a lie?"
I wish it were a lie.
"I'm really happy that Mr. Rudger is by my side. But he can't replace Lady Elena. It would be disrespectful to think of you as a substitute for Lady Elena."
"If it makes you smile, I'll be anything you want."
"...Really, really, will you stay by my side forever?"
Parsley looked up at me with big teary eyes, and she was so cute that I just held her without saying anything.
"When you're ready, I'll come to get you."
Saying that, I parted ways with her.
Even though I had no idea when she would be ready.
I didn't know if I had to return to my country or if I would cut ties with my homeland and live in this country.
I also didn't know which path would make her happy.
However, if I were to take her back to my country, it would mean completely separating her from Elena.
That would be cruel.
"Welcome back, Rudger."
When I returned home, my mother figure, Lily, greeted me with a cheerful smile.
"Suddenly, I have good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first?"
Good news and bad news... which should I hear first?
Hearing the bad news later might leave a bad taste, so I guess I'll start with the bad news.
"Then let's start with the bad news."
"Alright! It turns out, Sir Lucian has lost his claim to the throne!"
"Huh?"
That wasn't just bad news; it was outrageous news.
I was technically the first prince, wasn't I?
What on earth happened over there while I was here?
"It seems the second prince will become the next king."
"I-I see."
My father shouldn't know that I'm here, so he might think I'm missing over there.
If that's the case, I could be treated as if I don't exist and continue to stay here.
If that happens, I could live in this country with Parsley.
"Also, this is neither good nor bad news, but the King is aware that Sir Lucian is in this country."
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