𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭
Since I mentioned knowing Roa-sama’s true identity, no one has spoken a word.
Especially Roa-sama, who has turned so pale with worry that it’s concerning to watch.
After waiting for a while, Roa-sama remained silent in fear, so I decided to break the silence.
ㅤ
“. . .The other day, when I was with Roa-sama, I realized you resembled the prince I had spoken with just once. . . Since then, I suspected it might be you. I thought it was better to wait for Roa-sama to reveal your true identity, so I didn’t say anything. . . but I’m sorry for realizing it.”
ㅤ
It all comes down to this single statement.
Roa-sama’s hidden identity was discovered by me. Though I was probably slower than more perceptive people to notice, it was what Roa-sama had wanted.
Perhaps, you would have preferred me to remain an oblivious fool forever.
ㅤ
“That’s not true! It’s okay to notice! I’m sorry for being weak and hurting you. . .”
“We will go over there and listen to the whole story. We won’t be back for an hour.”
ㅤ
Saying this, Shiro, looking like he might collapse from remorse any moment, took Emilia, who seemed equally stricken, to the attendants’ room.
Even if left alone with this atmosphere, I couldn’t comfort Roa-sama as well as Shiro or Arthur could.
ㅤ
“Why don’t you sit down for now?”
ㅤ
I couldn’t let Roa-sama stand the whole time.
I took a seat next to Roa-sama, who slowly sat down on the sofa. Usually, I would choose to sit opposite, but today, I consciously sat closer.
Roa-sama noticed the slight difference in distance right away.
ㅤ
“Won’t you share your feelings with me, Roa-sama?”
“. . .Alice seemed to be afraid of men. Especially slender, good-looking young lords and high-ranking nobles. So, I thought if you knew I was royalty. . . you might drift away. . .”
“. . .Did you not trust me that much?”
ㅤ
Involuntarily, I felt deeply dejected.
ㅤ
“It’s not that! It’s not about Alice, it’s my weakness that’s the problem!”
“But you thought I would leave, didn’t you?”
“I hoped it might be alright! That you would stay by my side! But every time I hoped. . . it never turned out as I wished. The more I hoped, the more I felt you would drift away. . .”
“Were you planning to keep it hidden?”
“. . .When I was ready in my heart, I intended to tell you. Even though there were many chances to do so until now.”
ㅤ
I gripped Roa-sama’s hand tightly, who laughed self-deprecatingly.
ㅤ
Roa-sama, not loved by his father. Roa-sama, who received no unconditional love from his mother. Roa-sama, who got engaged to save Emilia-sama from death.
Although loved by his brother, it was rare for his position to prioritize Roa-sama.
Surely, there are many who would serve and place Roa-sama first out of friendship and reverence, but there must have been a hole that couldn’t be filled.
ㅤ
“Even if Roa-sama is the prince, I won’t leave.”
“. . .Really?”
ㅤ
The tone was more childish than usual, the expression frail.
I smiled as normally as I could and nodded emphatically.
ㅤ
“I’m still here with you, aren’t I?”
“Will you stay by my side?”
“Yes. Of course, if Roa-sama gets engaged, I can’t stay with you anymore.”
ㅤ
After all, the next step is to marry that fiancé.
As a prince, I suppose there’s no avoiding marriage.
ㅤ
The next fiancé may already be decided.
Pretending not to notice the throbbing pain in my chest, I look up to find Roa-sama’s expression had fallen.
ㅤ
“Roa-sama. . .?”
“Is that so. . . .So that’s what happens.”
“Roa-sama, are you conscious? How many fingers do you see here?”
“Thanks to Alice, I’ve decided to think about my own happiness. But I’ve never had my wishes come true. So. . . even as I speak, I’ve given up somewhere. Even now, I was still making an escape route.”
ㅤ
Eyes filled with sharp intent pierce through me.
The hand that was raised with three fingers to check for Roa-sama’s consciousness was grasped. Both hands enveloped feel warm.
ㅤ
“I could wish for Shiro’s happiness, but not for Edgardo and Rolf’s.”
“That is. . .”
ㅤ
It’s a line that could easily be misunderstood.
ㅤ
“Alice. I will. . . make an effort. I will try, so one day. . . please let me hear your feelings.”
“As expected, you are the prince of effort.”
“Right?”
“Should I address you as Prince Linus?”
“It’s fine as it is, Roa. The way we talk too.”
“But, it’s a shame not to use the name that was given.”
“The name Roa is special. It’s a name only Alice calls me, a special name just for Alice.”
ㅤ
Fingers trace lightly over the back of my hand.
Probably, my face is turning red. My heart thumps loudly, as if it’s right next to my ear.
ㅤ
“Roa means night. The nights spent alone with Alice, even now, I cherish that time. That’s why I like this name.”
ㅤ
Unable to move, transfixed by the slightly flushed face staring at me.
ㅤ
“Hmm, this is. . .”
It’s about time I acknowledge the feelings that are sprouting in my heart, isn’t it?
ㅤ
A romance between royalty and a Viscount’s daughter is an impossible dream.
If I could give up, then ironically, it wouldn’t be love.
Translator’s Blog
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