Chapter 53
“It’s alright, Ria.”
“…What is?”
“Even if you mix us up, we wouldn’t be disappointed in you.”
If Noctis was quick-witted, Lucian was meticulous. She was always grateful to him for easing her discomfort first, as if he had seen through her heart. At the same time, she worried.
That he might notice her weak heart as well.
Separate from the fact that she loved them, her anxiety did not disappear. Could she truly handle two men? And carrying a secret she could not tell anyone made her feel somewhat overwhelmed.
And since that night when the two of them had come to her together, the three of them had never faced each other at the same time. If such a day came again, would she truly be able to handle it?
Lost in all kinds of thoughts, she came back to her senses at the touch that wrapped around her shoulder. Lucian was looking down at her with a worried expression as he spoke.
“About the dress design. I chose something I wanted to see you wear. I hope you like it.”
“…Everything you’ve sent me has been beautiful. But I haven’t had many chances to go out, so I haven’t worn most of them. I feel a little apologetic.”
“Hmm… After the banquet, shall we go to a festival?”
She felt pleased at his suggestion, but Noctis suddenly came to mind. Remembering that he had never gone outside even once since coming here, she hesitated, then spoke carefully.
“Um, Lucian.”
“Yes.”
“I’m going to the banquet with you, right?”
“…That’s right. For official events, you’ll continue to attend with me.”
Although the two had received the same training, Noctis was strictly Lucian’s double. All external activities belonged to Lucian.
Because he was the true heir of the ducal house.
Lucian stared intently once more at her drooping eyes. Her round eyes, already slightly downturned, looked even more pitiful. It was the expression she always wore when she felt sorry for Noctis.
“Listen…”
“No.”
Lucian cut her off before she could finish. Her lowered eyes widened instantly in surprise.
“…Do you even know what I was going to say?”
He brought his lips close to her ear and whispered very softly, making sure Amanda could not hear.
“You are our wife, that’s true, but at official occasions you will always stand beside me. That is something that can never change.”
He felt remorseful towards Noctis as well, enough to feel a faint sense of guilt. But he had no intention of giving up his place.
At his firm words, Elaria parted her lips for a moment, then replied quietly.
“Then… what about the festival?”
“…The festival?”
“Noctis said he hasn’t gone out even once since coming here. Whenever we talk about the city or popular shops, he looks like he doesn’t know anything, and I feel bad for him…”
“…I see.”
Lucian was at a loss for words. Hearing about that expression from Noctis was one thing, but seeing it himself felt strange. Why had her attitude toward him not changed at all?
“…So what were you trying to say?”
“I was thinking of going to the festival with Noctis… Would that be alright?”
“……”
Lucian could not answer immediately at the unexpected question. Going out had always been his role. That was a rule of the family that did not change, even without Elaria at his side.
External duties for the official heir, internal duties for the double, Noctis.
Even if it was not related to work, their positions would be switching, so he could not answer lightly. But now that they were married, things had to be different.
Because there was a final goal he intended to achieve.
“…Not just like that.”
“Then?”
“You must bring a knight escort.”
“Then… does that mean you’re allowing it?”
In truth, even as she asked, Elaria felt so nervous that her heart seemed ready to leap out of her mouth. Who was she to break a promise they had kept for so long?
But she had always wanted to show Noctis the sights of the capital at least once. Sometimes, when the warmth disappeared from his eyes, she wanted to do something for him.
Of course, she knew Lucian must have had hardships equal to Noctis’s. Yet somehow, she could not help feeling more sorry for Noctis.
At that moment, Lucian leaned close to her ear again and whispered.
“If I grant your request… what will you give me in return?”
“…What?”
“You made the proposal, and I accepted it. That makes this a deal, and there should be a corresponding price.”
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