Ch.67Lovers, Yet Not Lovers (5)

After Irene left, I dragged my weary feet back to where the Crown Prince was waiting.

The Crown Prince observed me briefly before carefully speaking.

“Your expression… doesn’t look good. Were you unable to meet the princess?”

“I met her.”

After saying that, I remained silent. Seeming to grasp the situation, the Crown Prince gave a bitter smile.

Was he not going to say anything about my disappearing to meet Irene?

His consideration wasn’t unwelcome, so I shrugged my shoulders and quietly rested my head against the wall.

‘…This is driving me crazy.’

There was a bitter taste in my mouth. What should I have said in that situation?

I could understand Irene’s thoughts, but couldn’t I have… expressed myself better?

Lost in my complicated thoughts, I belatedly realized I was still with the Crown Prince.

Since I couldn’t sigh in front of him, I bowed my head slightly and spoke.

“I apologize. I have a lot on my mind.”

“It’s fine. I fully understand her concerns. To be honest, I feel shameless about this too. After all, I’m asking you to subjugate the dark mage again… when I haven’t even properly honored your previous accomplishments.”

“It’s fine. Didn’t we already discuss the dark mage before?”

I had once promised to actively participate in subjugating the dark mage to gain the Crown Prince’s favor.

Of course, I said that because the Extinction Being was related to Irene’s tragedy.

But I never imagined it would make Irene worry. What should I have done differently?

“Regarding Hatan, may I have more time to think about it? After all, targeting one of the five houses is on a completely different level from previous subjugations.”

“Of course, I can give you all the time you need to consider.”

Having said that, the Crown Prince clapped his hands in the air, seemingly trying to change the atmosphere.

With a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth, he nodded at me and spoke.

“Come now, don’t look so gloomy. Follow me. There’s a banquet prepared for you, and who knows? The princess might attend.”

“A banquet…”

“Come on, don’t make that face. It might not be as bad as you think.”

Patting my shoulder, the Crown Prince smiled exaggeratedly. Seeing his face, I eventually nodded.

I wasn’t sure if I could enjoy it, but if Irene happened to come… I had so much I wanted to tell her.

#

The banquet hall, filled with numerous people, elaborate decorations, and beautiful melodies, was one of the most splendid places in Evangelium.

Evangelium was once the capital of Alar, and the imperial palace was also named Evangelium.

The banquet hall, beautifully sparkling with colorful magic lamps, was filled with nobles showing off their elegance.

It was different from the banquet at the Crystal Palace.

With rumors spreading that the Crown Prince would “personally” appear, this place,

unlike usual, was easily spotted with famous nobles.

Lutein, the heir to House Medive, one of the five great houses,

and other nobles with power comparable to the five houses, like Viscount Carmine, had also made appearances.

Therefore, even among nobles, those with minimal influence had to be cautious.

Even if they wanted to catch the Crown Prince’s eye, moving ahead of these powerful figures might result in a silent death.

Though the banquet hall was noisy, that noise was almost like silence.

Until the Crown Prince appeared, everyone was cautiously watching to see who would catch his eye first. Such quiet clamor filled the surroundings.

Thud-

However, that silence was broken in an instant.

As the Crown Prince entered, or more precisely, because of the man following behind him.

“…Mmm.”

A dreamy moan escaped from a young lady’s lips.

And simultaneously, as if rehearsed, all the women began adjusting their attire.

Some nobles frowned at this surprising scene, but

those who recognized the knight following the Crown Prince simply nodded, familiar with the sight.

At least, that’s how everyone who knew the name Evan Fried behaved.

The young ladies’ eyes widened as they realized Irene Yuris, who was usually by his side, was absent.

Perhaps because of this, Evan’s face, which seemed lost in thought unlike usual, exuded a different atmosphere.

A sharper, colder aura. With deep green eyes filled with bleakness,

the young ladies who met his gaze all clutched their skirts, busy hiding their flushed cheeks.

‘Where could she be?’

Evan’s eyes scanned the surroundings.

But he soon frowned at the unseen presence.

Irene, despite looking around for a long time, he couldn’t find her even as they reached the banquet hall.

Was she still in the palace? If she was outside, he regretted not following her all the way.

The banquet hall suddenly grew quiet,

and while the Crown Prince was speaking to others, Evan could clearly feel the gazes fixed on him.

Nevertheless, Evan’s gaze was directed beyond the palace, into the void.

“You seem lost in thought. Are you aware that all the young ladies here have been staring at you?”

“…I’m not interested. These are people I wouldn’t even meet if not for places like this, aren’t they?”

Having become so accustomed to such gazes, he no longer felt any particular emotion.

One person was… already enough. It was overwhelming just thinking about one person,

so he had no intention of showing interest in others.

What right did he have to meet someone else when he couldn’t even properly care for one person?

As Evan’s face darkened with these thoughts, the Crown Prince cleared his throat and began looking around.

It wasn’t particularly good for him to be close to Evan.

It was already too late since they had entered together,

but there was no need to show them conversing like this for too long.

After nodding briefly, he looked at Evan’s face and spoke.

Seeing his deeply troubled expression, the Crown Prince knew there was only one thing that could improve his mood.

“Go ahead.”

“Pardon…?”

“Don’t you need to find the princess? I brought you here, but surely you don’t want to stay?”

After looking at the Crown Prince’s playful smile, Evan bowed deeply and turned away.

Unlike before, he left without even saying he was excusing himself. The Crown Prince sighed softly at this.

When would he hear news of those two dating?

Though he had endured a lot over the past three years, somehow he felt that day wasn’t far off.

#

I had no idea where Irene was.

I could have tracked her if I wanted to, but I didn’t want to use such methods.

Where could she be? Could she be outside the palace?

After thinking for a while, a place came to mind, and I began walking toward it.

This situation felt familiar. The corridor with melodies echoing, the laughter of many people.

Wasn’t it similar to the Crystal Palace? Of course, our positions were reversed.

Back then, I was the one waiting, and Irene came looking for me.

But now, I’m the one searching for her. I walked slowly.

Somehow, I was certain Irene would be at the place I just thought of.

The wind whispered that if fate existed, it was now, guiding me.

The moonlight brilliantly illuminating the corridor, my shadow stretching to the end.

At the end of the corridor, a cool breeze touched my cheek. My breath escaped and dispersed.

Wondering what emotions she felt back then, I walked toward the end of the corridor.

The balcony, she might be there.

If I saw her… what should I say? The truth was, I still hadn’t decided what to say.

I had rushed out on impulse, so even if I saw her, I might just bow my head without saying anything.

But I had to meet her. That would be much better than just staying still.

After walking down the corridor for a while, I spotted a familiar figure at the balcony.

Wondering what to say, I quietly approached her from behind.

So she wouldn’t notice, I deliberately muffled my footsteps.

As she hugged her arms, seemingly cold, I placed my cloak over her shoulders and quietly spoke.

“It’s cold tonight.”

The words came out naturally.

Though I had pondered what to say many times, somehow the words flowed effortlessly.

Looking at her startled, contracted pupils, I smiled faintly and shrugged.

She seemed flustered, her eyes darting around, which I found quite amusing.

“Evan, why are you here?”

“You know I don’t enjoy events like this.”

The reason I went to the ball was because Irene was there.

I don’t think I ever attended one alone, except when the Crown Prince requested it.

After I said that, Irene glanced at my eyes and moved her lips. Was she feeling better now?

Her complexion seemed a bit improved from earlier, which was somewhat reassuring.

Wondering what she would say, I gazed at her intently. Then, hearing her words, I couldn’t help but laugh.

“…Aren’t you angry?”

Angry? What thoughts led her to believe I would be angry?

I unconsciously reached out to pat her head but quickly withdrew my hand and spoke slowly.

“Why would I be angry? Do I seem that narrow-minded to you?”

At those words, Irene stared at me and replied curtly.

As if something displeased her, with narrowed eyes.

I just stared at her blankly when she mentioned the Crown Prince holding a banquet for me.

Did she really want me to just leave? Really, sincerely?

At my gaze, Irene quietly turned away. I thought not.

I knew exactly that she would be quite disappointed if I left now.

“I thought you’d be here.”

It wasn’t just because of my memories from the Crystal Palace.

I felt a strange pull, a strong feeling that she would be here.

But feeling a bit embarrassed to say that, I scratched my cheek and spoke again.

“If you ask why I came looking for you, it’s simple.”

Our eyes met. Those eyes, filled with various emotions, looked so brilliant.

What if those eyes looked only at me? But I couldn’t say that now.

Suppressing that desire, I whispered a fragment of my true feelings to her.

“I missed you. That’s all.”

Despite numerous young ladies courting me, I never gave them a glance,

and I rarely smiled at others, all because of one person.

There was only one person I held in my heart.

Thinking of that name, Irene, I gently pulled her lowered hand.

It seems my words reached her well.

I smiled faintly at her reddened ear tips. She probably lowered her head to hide her face.

I frowned slightly when she showed no reaction despite me holding her hand,

then, with a sudden thought, I gently released Irene’s hand.

Then, slowly raising my released hand, I gently cupped Irene’s lowered cheek.

Applying slight pressure, her face lifted, and I was momentarily taken aback by her reddened eyes.

Surely she wasn’t crying? But seeing her face that looked unmistakably tearful, I parted my lips slightly,

carefully wiping her damp eyes and spoke.

“Why… are you suddenly crying? I’m sorry.”

“I’m not crying.”

“Do you want me to stop hunting dark mages? If that’s what you want, I can stop.”

Of course, that would be “officially” stopping. I would still secretly deal with Extinction, but it would be done when she wasn’t aware.

When I asked that, Irene pushed against my chest to create distance and shook her head slightly.

As if that wasn’t it, she stroked the cheek I had touched and spoke.

“I gave you permission. I’m just worried. Every time you come back injured, and now you’re saying you’ll fight dark mages again… I’m just worried.”

Saying that while glancing at me, she continued while wiping her still-red eyes.

“And… I’m not crying. Really.”

“Is that so?”

“I’m not crying.”

At those words, I touched my fingers, and the remaining moisture still dampened them.

Was she embarrassed about crying? Feeling no need to point that out,

I nodded and slowly moved to her side.

It had been three years since we were alone on a balcony like this.

Back at the Crystal Palace, I never imagined I would harbor such feelings,

but quite a lot had changed, filling my eyes with melancholy.

Spring, the fading season, was carried by the wind.

Pink petals swayed slowly, and as they danced in the air, one touched my cheek and fell into my hand.

Carefully picking up that petal with my fingers, I quietly watched as I blew it away.

But a sudden gust of wind moved the petal in an unexpected direction.

Whoosh, the wind blew toward us, and the petals fluttered endlessly before gently landing on Irene’s head.

“……”

Did she not know there was a petal on her head?

Seeing worry still seeping into her gaze as she stared into the void,

I smiled and carefully lifted the petal from her head.

When my fingers touched her, Irene startled and stared at me.

As if asking what I just did, she narrowed her eyes, and I showed her the petal in my hand and spoke.

“This flew over.”

“…You startled me.”

“Are you still worried? Didn’t I say I wouldn’t participate in hunting dark mages if that’s what you want?”

“You’ll go anyway. After saying that, do you think I don’t know you’ll secretly leave when I’m not aware?”

I laughed bitterly at those words. They weren’t wrong.

I flinched momentarily at her words, which were eerily identical to what I had just thought,

and she continued quietly as she looked at me.

“…If you come back injured again, I don’t know what to say to you. Should I tell you to stop? Should I tell you to let go of everything and leave it all to the imperial family? Even if I said that, you wouldn’t listen anyway.”

“I’d probably still go even if you said that.”

At my answer, Irene frowned and stared at me.

Her expression clearly showed she didn’t like my response, so I smiled faintly and continued.

“If I don’t go, you might get hurt.”

“…I’m fine. I’m already prepared to take such risks-“

“I’m not fine with that.”

Saying that, I met Irene’s eyes.

“…I have people I care deeply about.”

Rofena, Sir Chris, Lize. I didn’t want to lose any of the connections I made at the duke’s residence.

Perhaps because I had already lost someone precious once, but this time…

I didn’t want to experience such regret again. Desperately,

the reason I headed into danger, perhaps recklessly in others’ eyes, was for this.

I was fine with fading away. I just wanted the people I cared about to be happy.

It might be a somewhat selfish thought… but that’s what I wished for.

But if there was one person I thought of first among those precious people,

it was, quite naturally, only one person.

“Among them, the one I want to protect most is you.”

“……”

“Extinction is dangerous. It takes lives in an instant, and as with the Duke, it can threaten lives with curses from unseen places.”

The reason we can be here like this might be because I’ve slain dark mages.

So I couldn’t give up. At least until all dark mages disappeared,

until all the tragedies from the novel vanished, I couldn’t abandon what I set out to do.

“I don’t want to lose you. I want to protect you. You look better with a smile than a cold expression, so I have this small wish… that only smiles would grace your face forever.”

I smiled faintly as I finished speaking.

To lighten the suddenly heavy atmosphere, I awkwardly smiled and turned my gaze to the void.

I didn’t come out here to say such things, and I wondered if I had burdened her unnecessarily.

Just as I was about to quietly sigh with that thought,

I instinctively turned my head at the sudden warmth felt in my hand.

My hand had been empty, but now a small hand was holding it, and I slowly looked at Irene.

I thought she might be angry, that I might have burdened her.

I worried I might have blamed her for my actions.

Yet, she looked at me with her usual gaze, making my cheeks feel strangely ticklish.

I wished she would say something.

Due to her silence, the waltz music from afar sounded even clearer.

Waltz, that melody suddenly brought a thought to mind.

What I couldn’t do at the Crystal Palace last time, could I do it now?

“…Do you know how to dance?”

“Suddenly?”

“It is a banquet, after all. The music is still playing… honestly, I think the atmosphere got too heavy.”

As I said that, avoiding her eyes, Irene chuckled and spoke.

“Does Evan know how to dance?”

“I do. Lize taught me before, saying it’s an essential skill.”

“…Lize.”

Seeing her eyes grow somewhat bleak, I carefully spoke.

My heart started pounding, and fearing it might be heard in this silence, my voice grew slightly louder.

“Would you dance one song with-“

“That’s not it.”

I paused as she lightly touched my chest.

Staring at me intently, Irene smiled and spoke again.

“Today… not as ‘miss’ but as Irene. Call me by my name.”

I felt as if my breath was suddenly caught. Her lips, asking so pitifully, seemed especially sparkling.

I barely suppressed the impulse enveloping my body and exhaled a heavy breath.

Why did her smile now look so beautiful?

Her eyes, glistening in the moonlight, looked as transparent as a lake. Those gently curved eyes contained me,

making Irene’s appearance more vivid than any moment I had seen before.

Her name,

I had always thought it in my mind but never spoken it aloud. I carefully murmured it.

“…Irene.”

The moonlight, and the starlight, no longer caught my eye.

Because the most brilliantly shining person at this moment was right in front of me.

Looking carefully at our joined hands, I slowly spoke.

My voice, clearly audible even amidst the gentle melody, seemed to have definitely reached her.

Looking at her flushed cheeks and gradually moistening blue eyes,

Quietly.

I ask her.

“Would you grant me the honor of being with you?”

Our hands meet. In this balcony where even withering flowers look beautiful, she smiled and quietly nodded.

“…Alright.”

In the waltz still clearly audible, in the melody flowing through this night,

the only one shining brilliantly was Irene alone.