Lifetime
“…Lastly, since the third Royal Exchange that was postponed due to the swordsmanship tournament is scheduled to be held soon, please keep that in mind. That concludes the announcements.”
When the teacher said that, it was already after school, so my classmates began getting up from their seats.
Florence-san and I did the same, and after standing up, we left the classroom and started walking together down the hallway.
At that moment, I murmured softly.
“The Royal Exchange… This will already be the third time, but still, having members of the royal family present makes me nervous.”
“That may be true.”
She agreed with me, but from her tone and the gentle smile on Florence-san’s face, there was not the slightest hint of nervousness.
Then Florence-san continued speaking.
“After the third princess, the second princess also attended the Royal Exchange. So, if we follow that order, the next to attend would be the first princess. However, the first princess almost never takes part in such events, so it is uncertain what will happen.”
“That’s true…”
In reality, just the training alone required to attain such swordsmanship must be extremely difficult, and on top of that she has the duties and responsibilities of the first princess. Just imagining it makes it seem truly overwhelming.
“In fact, I first saw Rezamiliana-sama during the swordsmanship tournament, and seeing her actions and the atmosphere around her made me understand why she is called dignified… Florence-san, you faced her directly in the exhibition match and saw her more closely than I did. What kind of impression did you get?”
“Impression, you ask… Needless to say, she is strong. She also has a beautiful, mature, and dignified appearance, and I would say she is someone who genuinely loves the sword.”
“She genuinely loves the sword…”
That is true. Without loving the sword to that extent, there is no way one could master such incredible techniques. To pursue something you love so deeply, as expected of the older sister of Felisiana-sama and Elizalina-sama, Rezamiliana-sama truly is an extraordinary person.
“As for her face, since I was at a distance, I could not see it clearly. But as expected, she really does have a beautiful appearance to match her presence… Since both Felisiana-sama and Elizalina-sama are beautiful, combining that with her aura, I feel like I can somewhat imagine it.”
“…”
When I said that, Florence-san fell silent.
I had not said anything that required a reply, so it might have simply been a natural pause in the conversation. But since quite some time has passed since I first started interacting with Florence-san, I could tell this pause was not a natural one.
“…Florence-san? Is something the matter?”
“No, not particularly… but.”
“But…?”
“…I only felt a little conflicted hearing Lux-sama call another woman beautiful.”
Seeing Florence-san avert her face from me as she said that, I was filled with a sense of panic.
Wh-what should I do!
It is true, for me to praise another woman’s beauty right in front of Florence-san, who even speaks of engagement with me, was not a very good thing!
But if I tried to take it back and say that Felisiana-sama and Elizalina-sama are not beautiful, that would be lying to my true feelings. Th-That’s it!
“I also truly think Florence-san is beautiful!”
“…Do you really?”
“O-Of course! Florence-san is truly beautiful, and she is kind, intelligent, and skilled with the sword… I honestly think she is so attractive that it feels like more than I deserve that she would even speak of engagement with someone like me!”
“…!”
When I said that, Florence-san let out a small gasp.
Then, turning her face back toward me, she spoke, her cheeks now tinged red.
“Thank you very much, Lux-sama… but please correct one thing.”
Smiling gently, Florence-san continued.
“The only man I want to be engaged to is you, Lux-sama, so it is not true that I am too good for you. The only man I will love for my entire life is Lux Rodwell-sama, and no one else. Please be sure to remember that.”
“…!? Y-yes!!”
I was startled by the weight of such words suddenly spoken by Florence-san, but since she is already speaking with me about engagement, I must face her with the same resolve, so I answered that way.
After that, still wrapped in a somewhat warm atmosphere, we arrived in front of our carriages, and then we each got in and went home.
The engagement talks with Florence-san, and also with Felisiana-sama… I really must give an answer about both of them soon…
While riding in the carriage, I kept thinking about that.