The Moment of Choice
Lux’s Side
“…Rodwell, how’s this commerce practicum? Has it been useful for you?”
While we stood near the wall talking, Remina-san asked me that.
“Yes! I’m learning a lot!”
I’d been looking forward to today, thinking I’d surely learn a lot from this practicum, but once I experienced it, there really was so much.
Things like communication that feels different when money is involved, and how to deal with sudden trouble.
More than anything, there were the smiles of the customers who bought our products.
There are other factors as well, but especially thanks to those smiles, I feel like I can work even harder.
I’m sure it’ll connect not just to this experience but strongly to my future, so I have to engrave it deeply in my heart.
“If you feel that way, then that’s all that matters.”
Remina-san said that to me, but she still seemed different than usual.
Compared to her normal self, her presence felt diminished. I didn’t sense the overwhelming strength and dignity I usually felt from her.
Still, saying something like that wouldn’t help, so I kept talking naturally.
“Even so, I didn’t expect you to come here, Remina-san, so I was surprised. Why did you come into the town today?”
“Naturally, to see you.”
“Eh…!?”
T-to see me!?
“Why’re you so surprised?”
“I figured it was incidental, or that you happened to pass by…”
“It seems you underestimate the place you hold in me. You’re more than enough to be my main reason for coming here.”
Remina-san paused for a moment, then continued.
“You’re important to me.”
A silence followed that didn’t feel like a natural pause. I spoke the feelings her words stirred in me.
“Hearing you say that makes me happy! Thank you so much for coming today! When lunch break ends, I’ll sell flowers to you first!”
“Ah, thank you… There’s one thing I’m unsure about though. Are you truly happy that I came here today?”
“Of course!”
“…!”
When I nodded firmly, without hesitation, Remina-san quickly lowered her face.
In a voice so quiet I couldn’t hear it, she muttered something.
“I decided to give up, so why am I… why’re you…”
“Remina-san, what’s wr—”
Seeing her lower her face, something she’d never normally do, made me call out to her. At that moment…
“Why’re you just standing around there? I’m a customer. Attend to me at once.”
Suddenly, a man called out from in front of the stall.
“S-sorry! Remina-san, I’ll be right back, so please wait here for a moment!”
After excusing myself to Remina-san, I stepped away from the wall and went to speak with the man.
Rezamiliana’s Side
“I…”
Alone now, Rezamiliana looked at her own emotions.
She knew she had to give up on Lux for the sake of the country, but his bright smile wouldn’t leave her mind. A part of her wished he’d stay by her side forever.
“Have I always been someone this selfish…”
Until now, she’d always prioritized the country and lived for the nation.
Yet now doubt had arisen within her.
“Even though I know such thoughts shouldn’t be allowed…”
Even so, she couldn’t give up on Lux.
“Between the country and Rodwell… which should I choose…”
As she thought that, she heard Lux’s voice and another man’s voice from the stall.
“I’m very sorry, but we’re currently on lunch break, so until the break ends, I can’t sell any products…”
“Lunch break? Even though I, a duke, have come here in person, you’d rest instead of attending to me?”
“Instead of attending… that’s just how the rule is…”
“So what of it? When faced with me, a duke, isn’t it right to break such rules out of loyalty?”
“That’s a different matter…”
“Are you even talking back to me now… Interesting, then…”
Lux’s troubled voice continued as he dealt with the man’s harsh words.
Rezamiliana knew who that man was.
He was a duke and part of the Lage faction.
“…Am I just going to watch Rodwell struggle like this?”
Her feelings told her she didn’t want that.
But he wasn’t committing any crime right now.
At worst, he was just a troublesome customer.
So there was nothing Rezamiliana could do at the moment.
“…”
Even so, Lux was still being harmed.
Thinking back to the previous assault incident, she was sure that man would try to harm Lux directly later.
“…I see.”
Rodwell couldn’t be protected by the country or the law.
“But that isn’t necessary.”
The law exists to protect the country and the citizens who live there.
However.
“The one who’ll protect Rodwell isn’t the law. It’s me. And my father said forming ties with royalty or dukes benefits the country, but…”
That wasn’t true.
“Being joined with Rodwell rather than with some royal or duke will benefit this country far more.”
Rezamiliana could say this because she’d dealt with many royals and nobles from other countries through diplomacy.
It isn’t a choice between the country and Rodwell. I’ll love and protect both.
Looking at Lux’s back, she spoke softly.
“But Rodwell, you really are special to me.”
If it’s for you, I could do anything. I can say that for certain now.
So.
I’ll cut down those who mean to harm you.
Holding that vow firmly in her heart, Rezamiliana began walking toward Lux.
Her steps now held even more dignity, nobility, and majesty than before.
In her heart was the noble spirit of the First Princess and her powerful love for Lux.