Chapter 286: The Qualities of a King
Siana’s Side
“…!?”
Siana had endured watching Lux and Elizalina talk this whole time.
From where she stood, she couldn’t hear what they were saying, but the sight of Lux smiling at Elizalina filled her with jealousy.
More than that, she felt anger at the very situation itself. Elizalina and Lux were alone together, talking in a place with such a beautiful view.
A little while ago, Elizalina had said something that made Lux look visibly shocked, and Siana desperately wanted to know what she’d said, right here and now.
Even so, she somehow managed to stay put, held back only by the sliver of reason telling her she couldn’t rush out yet.
But… just now.
The moment Siana saw Elizalina clasp Lux’s left hand with both of her own, her patience snapped.
Her eyes went vacant as she kicked off the ground, about to dash out… but.
“Ojou-sama, it’s not time to step out yet.”
Violet’s calm voice and steady hand stopped Siana’s movement.
“I’ve endured this far, but I’m at my limit now… touching Lux-kun like that is absolutely unforgivable.”
“I understand how you feel, Ojou-sama. However, if Elizalina-sama attempts to do anything beyond that, I will take responsibility and restrain her.”
“But…”
“Are you truly intending to do what you were about to do, right now, in front of Rodwell-sama?”
“…”
Siana was on the verge of losing her composure… but.
Having Lux’s name spoken again by Violet somehow helped her regain her calm.
She stopped herself from rushing out and blinked once.
In the next instant, her eyes were no longer vacant. Fixing Elizalina with a strong gaze, she spoke with restrained volume but unmistakable resolve.
“Elizalina-anesama… once we return to the royal castle, I’ll have you tell me everything you talked about with Lux-kun today.”
Lux’s Side
“M-me, the next king!?”
“That’s right. Of course, from my perspective, it’s basically just a bonus that comes with how much I love you and want to be engaged to you. But when I think about this country’s future, I truly believe that’s the best choice. You’d absolutely become a wonderful king, Lux.”
Elizalina-sama said that in a bright voice.
But… my heart couldn’t become bright at all.
…When Felisiana-sama had offered me an engagement before, she’d said something similar.
“Lux-kun works harder than anyone, puts in more effort than anyone, and is a kind boy who worries about others more than anyone else. With that kind of Lux-kun, you’d become a fine lord. No, if you were engaged to me, a fine king. I’m convinced you can become a good king, Lux-kun.”
“A-a king!? I’m already doing everything I can just to become the head of a count’s family, so becoming a king is…”
“You can do it, Lux-kun.”
That’s what she told me.
…Back then, I didn’t want to deny the words of someone who believed in me so sincerely, just because of my own weakness.
So even if I couldn’t do it right away, I decided I’d keep improving little by little. Ever since that time on the luxury cruise ship, I’ve done my best to never neglect my efforts.
…But still.
“I think there are plenty of people who are smarter than me, better with a sword, and capable of many other amazing things, so… I feel like becoming king would be far beyond my station.”
I’m not saying that out of weakness.
It’s the conclusion I reached after spending time with the possibility that I might become king, keeping that perspective in the back of my mind.
Just as I was about to think that this belief would never change…
Elizalina-sama released my left hand and moved both of her hands behind her back as she spoke.
“That might be important too, but… the true qualities needed to become a good king aren’t things like that.”
“…Huh?”
As I stood there, confused by her words, Elizalina-sama spoke with a gentle smile.
“The qualities needed to become a good king are the ability to genuinely treasure people other than yourself, and the kindness to keep thinking about what you can do for their sake. Everything else can be supported by those around you, and you possess those qualities more than anyone else. So, Lux…”
Elizalina-sama held out her right hand, the bright sunlight at her back, and smiled.
“I’ll support you at your side, so let’s create a country where everyone can be happy together.”