Chapter 366: The First Princess’s Proposal
Lux’s Side
The restaurant Rezamiliana-sama had reserved for us.
When we arrived at the high-end establishment, we were seated across from each other at a terrace table.
Beside us, under the darkened sky, the city still shimmered with light.
“This is a place I come to from time to time… the dishes served here are traditional cuisine, so you can really feel the history, and I’m quite fond of it… however…”
She said, glancing at herself.
“My attire is so different from when I usually come here, it feels a bit strange…”
“Is that so? I think the refined atmosphere of this restaurant suits your beauty very well, Rezamiliana-sama.”
“…! You really do say things like that so easily… but, thank you.”
As we continued exchanging a few words,
The first dish of the course we had ordered was brought to us.
We immediately began eating together.
“…!”
The moment I swallowed the food, I couldn’t help but let out a small sound.
Not only did the flavors spread through my mouth, but even the aftertaste was something completely new compared to anything I’d eaten before…
“It’s delicious…!”
“I’m glad you like it… you may not often have the chance to eat traditional cuisine, but take this opportunity to enjoy it to your heart’s content.”
“Yes…!”
Though surprised by the unfamiliar flavors, we continued eating while sharing our impressions.
Before I knew it, I had already finished the first dish because it was so good.
“I didn’t know food like this existed… I’ve never had anything like it before, but it feels like my world has expanded in a way.”
“Hehe, I understand that feeling well… there are still so many things I don’t know, and every time I learn something new, it feels like my world grows wider.”
As she said that, Rezamiliana-sama turned her gaze toward the city beside us.
“And it’s not just food… surely, this world, a single country, even the city we see right now, is far too vast to fully grasp.”
“…That’s true.”
“But since I was born as the First Princess, I must observe many things for the sake of the people who live in this country, and determine what is best for them… and I… I like this place, where I can look out over those people… this place where I can see those who may grow even a little happier because I fulfill my duties as royalty.”
“Rezamiliana-sama…”
The view she saw was something I couldn’t possibly perceive yet.
But… someday, I too…
“I also… want to become someone who can make the people living in the land I govern happy.”
“…!”
When I voiced that thought without thinking,
Rezamiliana-sama paused briefly, then turned to me with a gentle expression.
“You… will surely become that kind of person… I believe that more strongly than anyone.”
“Rezamiliana-sama…! Thank you very much!”
I was deeply moved to hear those words.
Then the next course arrived, and we continued enjoying our meal while talking.
After finishing, she said there was somewhere she wanted to take me, so we headed there together.
When we arrived, I looked at the building before me and spoke in confusion.
“This is… the royal castle?”
“Yes, come with me for a moment.”
“O-okay!”
Though nervous at returning to the castle after some time, I followed behind her inside.
We passed through the entrance and walked down the corridors.
Then… Rezamiliana-sama stopped in front of a set of double doors that clearly felt different from the others we had passed.
She opened them and gestured for me to enter, so I stepped inside.
“…! Th-this place, could it be…”
“Yes, it’s the throne room.”
Perhaps because it was night, the king was not seated on the throne.
…More importantly.
“R-Rezamiliana-sama! Is it really alright for me to be in a place like this!?”
“That relates to what I’m about to say… Rodwell, do you remember what we spoke about earlier? About my duty as royalty to bring happiness to the people.”
“…! Of course, I remember.”
“However, as I also said, this world is unimaginably vast… no one can walk it alone.”
But then, she continued.
“But what if you walk it together with someone you love?”
“…Huh?”
“Someone who wishes for the happiness of the people, and carries within their heart a light called kindness… if I were with such a person, if I could support them closer than anyone else… a happy country… no, that’s not it… while that is important, it’s not what I truly wish to say right now.”
Rezamiliana-sama fell silent for a moment,
Then placed a hand over her chest and looked straight into my eyes as she spoke.
“Rodwell… I love you… please, from now on, allow me to walk beside you, and together with you, along this long journey called life.”