Chapter 98: A Shared Experience

The next day’s museum date wrapped up on an even better note than anyone had anticipated.

They had prepared lines for each exhibit and rehearsed certain actions in advance. Sure, the detailed approach for every possible scenario was impressive, but Clarice, who memorized and delivered it all in a single day, was just as remarkable.

“Once I remembered what to say for each piece, it wasn’t all that difficult. It’s not like it threw in anything totally random. Because I spoke in a way that matched each artwork’s unique style, it was kind of like having a clue. As long as there’s a clue, it’s not hard. I’m amazing, after all!”

Even as Clarice shrugged while saying this, she looked quite pleased with herself. Though it was a little odd to see her treat the whole date like some sort of exam…

‘Still, it’s necessary.’

Isaac decided to let it be for now. At the moment, luring in Prince Raphael took precedence over Clarice’s feelings.

“Then, what should we practice today?”

Clarice folded her arms and struck a pose as if twisting her waist. She’d been practicing acting cute in various ways, but lately, it felt like she was just enjoying it herself.

“Tomorrow is a hunt, isn’t it?”

Tomorrow’s schedule was horseback riding and hunting. When people think of hunting, they usually imagine going to a forest or a field and taking down beasts with a bow, like hunters do. But royal hunts are a bit different.

They bring along countless guards and safely hunt intentionally released wild animals.

It’s a tremendously extravagant pastime, costing not only money but also a great deal of time.

“That’s right. But do we need to prepare anything special for this hunt?”

“For the hunt, they’ll have everything ready over there. All you really need to do is respond with enthusiasm and clap your hands.”

Think of it like an outdoor performance. They’ll pull all sorts of maneuvers to hype up Prince Raphael, so they just need to cheer and clap on cue.

They want to applaud, and they want to be applauded. One could say their interests line up nicely.

“Is that really all there is to it?”

“Yes. Even though for them, it might be one of the highlights of this entire week—”

From our side’s perspective, they can just relax, enjoy it, and clap now and then. However, Clarice added a remark that sounded somewhat regretful:

“St-still, shouldn’t we practice something? We don’t know what unexpected things might happen.”

“I trust that Your Highness will handle any sudden situation just fine. You’ve been doing great so far, so if anything comes up, I’m sure you’ll handle it.”

“…….”

He was certainly praising her, but somehow, Clarice looked a bit disappointed.

“Please rest for today. You’ve been practicing every night until late, haven’t you?”

“So, does Isaac rest too? There was actually something I wanted to—”

“Isaac!”

With no hesitation, a young lady sporting pigtails flung the princess’ door open. Smiling brightly, Sharen ran over and grabbed Isaac’s hand.

“Let’s go! They said they’d bake bread just for us at this time of day, so if we go now, we can eat it while it’s still warm!”

“It’s already that time?”

“Uh-huh! It’s that time! Come on, let’s go!”

Isaac and Sharen had planned to visit the bakery again. Dell had likely spent the whole day thinking it over, and since they’d promised to stop by again, they couldn’t skip out. Besides, Sharen had even arranged to have fresh bread baked especially for her.

“Then, Princess, get some good rest today. I’m going with Sharen to see Dell.”

“…Isaac, make sure you rest as well. We’ve both been pushing ourselves, haven’t we?”

She was worried that Isaac might be overdoing it. After all, he too had stayed up late each night to practice for their dates.

“This is no trouble for me.”

Not only had his return in time given him a healthier body, but during his Silent Sword days, he was used to pulling all-nighters writing.

Watching Isaac head out, Clarice stared blankly at the door he had just exited through.

“Hmph!”

She flung herself onto the bed, grumbling under her breath.

****

“Wow.”

Sharen happily exclaimed as she bit into the freshly baked bread. Lately, Isaac had noticed how much more emotionally expressive Sharen had become since leaving Helmut.

Perhaps it was because she hadn’t been able to run free during her childhood.

‘Well, she’s still plenty young right now.’

Isaac watched Sharen enjoy the bread Dell had just baked, smiling warmly to himself. If you’re the one who made the bread, seeing someone relish it that much must feel great.

As Sharen munched away, Dell glanced over at Isaac. Her face took on a complex expression, and while Isaac felt a small pang of guilt, he still couldn’t back down.

“Have you thought it over?”

“Yes… I’ve thought about it a lot.”

From the tear stains visible around Dell’s eyes, it was clear she’d spent the night crying.

“Um, Baron, could I ask you for a bit of your time?”

At Dell’s request, Isaac gave a brief nod. Leaving Sharen behind in the shop, they both stepped outside.

It was around three in the afternoon. The sun was still up, and the streets bustled with people going about their day.

“You said, Baron… that you’ve had the same experience?”

“I can’t say it was exactly the same, but close enough.”

“Did you wrestle with the same worries?”

“It’d be a lie to say I didn’t.”

“…….”

“I was the target of a lot of gossip. People claimed I was scheming to marry some noble Lady to fix my station.”

“That sounds right. I’ve heard the same sort of rumors.”

Dell nodded in agreement. Because they shared that experience, their conversation flowed easily.

“Shall I guess your biggest fear?”

“Yes?”

“That Prince Raphael will doubt you. That’s what scares you most, isn’t it?”

“……!”

Dell’s eyes went wide. Then she slowly nodded.

“You’re right. I’m terrified Prince Raphael might misunderstand my intentions.”

“I felt the same. I used to worry about whether Rhia might doubt me. I didn’t marry her for Helmut—I married her because of who she was.”

The lilacs planted in the flowerbed were his way of expressing that sentiment. At this little anecdote, Dell covered her mouth with her hand and smiled softly.

“You’re more of a romantic than you look.”

“Well, that’s how I was back then.”

A small silence fell between them, filled briefly by the sounds of children playing with a ball in the distance.

Though the street was bright and bustling with life, Dell herself carried a lonely shade of gray.

Being loved by someone so noble forced her to bear worries she never wished for.

“When he came to me, asking me to run away with him… honestly, I was a bit scared.”

“…….”

“He wanted me to suddenly throw away everything—my parents, the bakery, my hometown with all my childhood memories…”

Why had Prince Raphael been captured so quickly? Because the partner who was supposed to run away with him was not prepared for it at all.

“Ever since then, I’ve been feeling so confused. I keep wondering if I don’t love the Prince as much as he loves me.”

“…That’s not your fault.”

Why, though?

Why is it that you come to my mind?

“Abandoning the hometown where you’ve lived all your life…”

He, too, had once dreamed of it, in a half-fantasy sort of way.

“Abandoning the family you’ve lived with…”

There was a day when he hoped Rihanna would take his hand and say those words.

“Abandoning your own memories…”

Leaving it all behind, running away together.

“It’s never, ever something simple.”

His mouth spoke the correct answer in total contradiction to his heart. He knew it could never be that easy for Rihanna, and yet he had still wanted it.

At Isaac’s words, Dell gently placed both hands over her heart, as though nurturing a newly healed wound.

“Thank you.”

She offered her gratitude through tears.

The two of them halted their steps for a moment. Though the emotions they carried were different, both had arrived at a kind of realization.

“Actually…”

Dell forced a small smile before speaking again.

“I’ve decided I might tell Prince Raphael that it’s fine if I’m just his concubine.”

“….”

“And if even that’s not possible, then… I’ll settle for just being his lover, something he can use and discard when he wants.”

At Dell’s words, Isaac let out a faint laugh and shook his head.

How…

“How are you so much like me?”

“Pardon?”

“I’ve said those exact words to Rihanna before.”

“R-really?”

They say all people think alike. Indeed, Isaac had once said something similar to Rihanna.

-You don’t have to marry me…

.

.

.

Back then, Rihanna had simply stared at Isaac, dumbfounded by his sudden proposal.

-You can just keep me as a lover if you like. There’s no need to move into the Helmut household.

-I can go on steering my boat, and I’ll just wait for the days when you come by… It wouldn’t be so bad.

Andthen?And then?

After a brief hesitation, Rihanna had calmly asked:

-What if I stop coming to see you.

-Then I’ll make up reasons.

…..

-Ah, she must be busy today with family matters.

-Tomorrow, there’s probably a banquet in Helmut.

-Her husband must have kept her at home, or maybe she caught a cold in this chilly weather, or perhaps she’s worn out from training with the sword…

-Or maybe it’s simply too gloomy a day to go out…

……

-I’d just keep adding my own reasons…

And wait.

Forever.

“Sir—!”

Dell called Isaac back from his recollections.

“How did she respond? This Rihanna you speak of… what did she say?”

Perhaps because Dell’s own heart mirrored that sentiment, she looked eager to hear the answer. Isaac merely smiled playfully.

“Go ask for your prince’s answer. Once you’ve heard his reply, come share it with me.”

“You’re so mean.”

“It’s only my experience. Miss Dell needs to hear her own answer.”

Even as he responded, Isaac suddenly felt someone’s gaze on them and slowly turned his head to the side.

Standing there, to their surprise…

Raphael and Clarice were facing each other, both looking startled.

“…Were they tailing us?”

It seemed that both of them had tried following secretly—only to end up catching each other in the act.

****

“I’d just keep waiting—forever.”

Somewhere near the riverside, on the bridge that spanned it…

Rihanna went a long time without saying anything in response to his suggestion that she could marry another man if she wished.

‘If only the current of the river I sail was as gentle as this one…’

But if it were, they probably would have built a bridge here, too.

He had been lost in such trivial thoughts when—

“I don’t want that.”

Her voice was firm, carrying an emotion that felt tightly contained, as if she were holding back a surge of feeling.

“I absolutely don’t want that.”

Her hand, which had been resting over his, slowly laced their fingers together. Isaac couldn’t resist Rihanna’s strength, so he let her do it. Despite her usual calm demeanor, her grip was surprisingly firm.

“But Rihanna, I—”

Squeeze!

“Ow!?”

Rihanna’s fingers tightened painfully around his. He let out a short yelp.

“….”

But she said nothing in return. Though her face was as expressionless as ever, there was a subtle flush, and she seemed the tiniest bit cross.

“…Are you upset?” he asked carefully.

Without answering, Rihanna looked straight ahead and started walking, still holding his hand as though she had no intention of letting go.

‘I’m happy.’

So happy, in fact, that it was hard to keep his laughter from slipping out.

It was a little secret only he would ever know.

– – The End of The Chapter – –

 

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