A month has passed in the blink of an eye.
The empire is now fully restored to its former glory.
Broken buildings were repaired, damaged sculptures were replaced, and flesh grew on the faces of the starving.
The Crown Prince's policy of stabilizing the people's livelihood for the next century, Catalonia, has had a great effect.
I sat by the fountain with my hood pulled down low and looked around the square.
“The herrings are cheap, cheap! Two for ten copper coins!”
“Go and look at the fruit! The oranges are very fresh!”
“Please give me a loaf of wheat bread and a stick of butter.”
“Dad, that one, that one! Buy me those cookies!”
“Ugh! My wind chime!”
“It’s okay, Mom will buy it again. Don’t cry, Marie. Yes?”
The square was bustling with activity. The noise was so loud it was deafening, and I couldn't help but smile.
I couldn't be more thankful that there were no shadows on people's faces, that children had plenty to eat and could run around to their heart's content.
It was a time when I couldn't take my eyes off the daily life I had barely managed to regain.
“What’s so funny?”
A voice suddenly burst out from behind me. It was a familiar low tone, so pleasant that it tickled my eardrums.
As expected, when I turned my head, the Crown Prince was looking at me with gentle eyes. He was holding two glasses of tropical fruit juice, which was recently popular in this square, in both hands.
“Welcome, Your Highness.”
I was handed one of those glasses and took a refreshing sip before asking.
“But why are you coming alone? What about Delton?”
“He tried a pie from a new meat pie shop in the alley over there, and it seemed to suit his taste, so he sat down. He asked for some money, so I gave five gold coins, but I’m worried that it might not be enough.”
I burst out laughing at the Crown Prince's words.
Delton, who was unable to receive the price of the contract due to the goddess's sudden slumber, beat his chest in resentment every day, but recently received a piece of Bayen's power and became the divine beast he had longed for.
However, since he already had a long lifespan and strong abilities as a spirit, when he actually became a god, he kept grumbling that he was nothing special and that he had just lived for a thousand years eating moss.
He was desperate to find the value of becoming a god, thinking that he couldn't afford to waste his thousand years like this, and ironically, what he ended up finding was a restaurant tour.
Unlike before when he could only transform into animals, now that he have become gods, he can also transform into human form, so he are free to move and eat all the delicious food he want without our help, which is very appealing.
He traveled around the capital every day, enjoying food and drink, and thanks to him, the restaurants in the capital were making a fortune.
Unfortunately, both my wallet and the Crown Prince's wallet were being emptied.
'Anyway, this glutton.'
I was giggling as I thought about Delton, who must still be devouring hundreds of meat pies, when the Crown Prince sat down next to me and asked.
“So what were you watching so interestingly? Let’s watch it together.”
“It’s nothing. I was just people watching. It’s been a while since I’ve seen such scenery, and I never get tired of seeing it every day. Just seeing people moving around energetically makes me smile. Does Your Highness feel the same?”
The Crown Prince, who had been laughing slightly at my words, nodded.
“That’s right. I’m grateful for every moment, you, because I’ve come to realize that the scenery I once thought was familiar is now something very precious to me.”
“Huh? For me?”
When I tilted my head, he smiled and straightened my bangs that had fallen out from under my robe.
“Because you were the one who uncovered the cause of the disaster that no one had been able to find for 13 years, and solved the problem. If you hadn’t run tirelessly with the determination to save the people of the empire, those people wouldn’t have been able to maintain the peace they have now. That’s why I’m always grateful to you. And I’m sorry too.”
“I appreciate it, but what do you mean by saying you’re sorry?”
The Crown Prince's expression darkened slightly at my question.
“Do you remember what I said to you when I found out that you were impersonating a Saintess with no powers?”
"Ah..."
How could I forget?
Those sharp words.
“The fact that they willingly opened their own pockets when they had nothing to eat or drink was because they hoped that the Saintess would protect them, and it was an expression of gratitude to the goddess who sent them such a Saintess.”
“Don’t you feel sorry for those imperial people? Don’t you feel ashamed? How could you lie to those who struggled to survive while rolling around in the fires of hell for 13 years...!”
“The Princess and I are part of the ruling class. While the commoners struggle to get by on just one meal, we live in nice houses, wear nice clothes, eat nice food, and receive a good education. With the money earned by the people of the fiefdom, the people of the empire work themselves to death all day long. With taxes.”
“...”
“It’s an unspoken contract. They take responsibility for our safety, and we take responsibility for theirs.”
“...”
“That’s why people like us have to step forward and block their path when a crisis like this one comes. We have to protect them. That’s the duty of the ruling class.”
A belief that I had desperately believed in and followed in the past, but which I had tried to ignore out of a sense of betrayal towards the people of the empire I cherished. A duty as a noble.
Although I didn't show it to him at the time, I felt so ashamed that my whole body felt hot.
As I nodded slightly, the Crown Prince opened his mouth with an even darker expression.
“At that time... I made a slip of the tongue. At that time, you had no other choice, so why did I pierce your heart with those words?”
“...”
“Looking back now, I think I just took my anger out on you. I couldn’t stand my incompetent self, who couldn’t do anything for the people of the empire.”
"... Your Highness."
“I’m sorry. I said things I shouldn’t have said to you, who just wanted to live. I blamed you for my incompetence.”
I looked at him for a while, as if he didn't even deserve to look me in the eye, lowering his gaze and apologizing, then I shook my head firmly.
“No, Your Highness’s accusations were justified. I was born a noble and was raised with many privileges. Even if I became a Saintess to save my life, I should have found a way to help people responsibly. But I turned away from those I should have cared for. I used the excuse that they abandoned me first. Your Highness, what you said was true, so you don’t need to feel so sorry.”
“No, this is definitely my...”
“Well, even if it wasn’t your fault, Your Highness. And when was that? If you keep bringing up old things like this, I’ll get angry. It’s a nice day for once.”
When I deliberately squinted my eyes and threatened him, the Crown Prince smiled faintly as if he had no choice.
“But I am definitely an immature person. I have many shortcomings when it comes to ruling a country. That is why I need someone to guide me. For example, someone warm and wise like you.”
It was a very meaningful statement for a simple self-reflection.
“Your Highness, what did you just say...?”
When I asked in a trembling voice, sensing something, he smiled brightly and pulled my left hand.
On the fourth finger, where the cool air passed, was a white, transparent, and dazzlingly brilliant diamond ring.
As I was looking down at it with astonished eyes, the Crown Prince spoke in his characteristically soft voice.
“I like you, Shayne.”
"Your Highness."
“I have held you in my heart ever since the day I first visited the Duke’s residence to attend your mother’s funeral as a child.”
“...”
“I felt sorry for you, who lost your mother at the young age of six, and I felt sorry for you, who could not freely express your sorrow because you were a noble. I was angry at the indifference of the Duke of Veloce, who did not care for the only legitimate heir, and I was grateful for you, who grew into a wonderful woman who cared for the people of the empire with warm hands. When you were offered up as a sacrifice, I was angry at my incompetence for not being able to stop it, and when you came back to life, I felt as if I had gained the world.”
“...”
“I thought all these feelings were born of pity and respect for you, but they were not. There have been countless women who have been in harsher circumstances than you and who have had hearts as warm as yours, but I have never felt such feelings for any other woman.”
The Crown Prince carefully caressed the ring on my hand.
“You were the only woman who made me feel this way. I just realized it too late because I was lacking. But now I can say it for sure. I can’t live without Shayne Veloce.”
I stared into his eyes without saying a word.
His clear, dark blue eyes, like the beautifully set night sky, contained only me.
As if there were no other woman in the world, no, no other person, besides me.
It was thrilling.
How it feels to be the only woman for the man I love. How it feels to be the only one to enter the heart of this man, a place no one else has been able to enter for twenty-two years.
It was a moment when I could fully enjoy the countless emotions that were welling up in my chest.
“Shayne, will you be my companion?”
He looked me straight in the eye and said,
“I will cherish and love you for the rest of my life. I will give you everything I have to make you happy. I will never let a smile leave your face for even a moment as I live. I will love only you forever. Please accept my heart.”
A confession not to the Crown Princess, not to the future Empress, but to the companion who will stay by your side and love you for the rest of your life.
I responded to that proposal, which was filled with his heart and love for me, with the brightest smile I could muster.
“Of course, Declan.”
As soon as I finished answering, his lips covered mine. The soft touch and hot sensation made my heart race.
I put my arms around his neck and gave myself completely to him.
I was confident that no matter what adversity or hardship lay ahead of us, I could overcome it all with this man by my side.
Because he was the only man who reached out and was by my side during my most miserable moments.
We kissed for a long time in the middle of a square with many people passing by.
The empire is now fully restored to its former glory.
Broken buildings were repaired, damaged sculptures were replaced, and flesh grew on the faces of the starving.
The Crown Prince's policy of stabilizing the people's livelihood for the next century, Catalonia, has had a great effect.
I sat by the fountain with my hood pulled down low and looked around the square.
“The herrings are cheap, cheap! Two for ten copper coins!”
“Go and look at the fruit! The oranges are very fresh!”
“Please give me a loaf of wheat bread and a stick of butter.”
“Dad, that one, that one! Buy me those cookies!”
“Ugh! My wind chime!”
“It’s okay, Mom will buy it again. Don’t cry, Marie. Yes?”
The square was bustling with activity. The noise was so loud it was deafening, and I couldn't help but smile.
I couldn't be more thankful that there were no shadows on people's faces, that children had plenty to eat and could run around to their heart's content.
It was a time when I couldn't take my eyes off the daily life I had barely managed to regain.
“What’s so funny?”
A voice suddenly burst out from behind me. It was a familiar low tone, so pleasant that it tickled my eardrums.
As expected, when I turned my head, the Crown Prince was looking at me with gentle eyes. He was holding two glasses of tropical fruit juice, which was recently popular in this square, in both hands.
“Welcome, Your Highness.”
I was handed one of those glasses and took a refreshing sip before asking.
“But why are you coming alone? What about Delton?”
“He tried a pie from a new meat pie shop in the alley over there, and it seemed to suit his taste, so he sat down. He asked for some money, so I gave five gold coins, but I’m worried that it might not be enough.”
I burst out laughing at the Crown Prince's words.
Delton, who was unable to receive the price of the contract due to the goddess's sudden slumber, beat his chest in resentment every day, but recently received a piece of Bayen's power and became the divine beast he had longed for.
However, since he already had a long lifespan and strong abilities as a spirit, when he actually became a god, he kept grumbling that he was nothing special and that he had just lived for a thousand years eating moss.
He was desperate to find the value of becoming a god, thinking that he couldn't afford to waste his thousand years like this, and ironically, what he ended up finding was a restaurant tour.
Unlike before when he could only transform into animals, now that he have become gods, he can also transform into human form, so he are free to move and eat all the delicious food he want without our help, which is very appealing.
He traveled around the capital every day, enjoying food and drink, and thanks to him, the restaurants in the capital were making a fortune.
Unfortunately, both my wallet and the Crown Prince's wallet were being emptied.
'Anyway, this glutton.'
I was giggling as I thought about Delton, who must still be devouring hundreds of meat pies, when the Crown Prince sat down next to me and asked.
“So what were you watching so interestingly? Let’s watch it together.”
“It’s nothing. I was just people watching. It’s been a while since I’ve seen such scenery, and I never get tired of seeing it every day. Just seeing people moving around energetically makes me smile. Does Your Highness feel the same?”
The Crown Prince, who had been laughing slightly at my words, nodded.
“That’s right. I’m grateful for every moment, you, because I’ve come to realize that the scenery I once thought was familiar is now something very precious to me.”
“Huh? For me?”
When I tilted my head, he smiled and straightened my bangs that had fallen out from under my robe.
“Because you were the one who uncovered the cause of the disaster that no one had been able to find for 13 years, and solved the problem. If you hadn’t run tirelessly with the determination to save the people of the empire, those people wouldn’t have been able to maintain the peace they have now. That’s why I’m always grateful to you. And I’m sorry too.”
“I appreciate it, but what do you mean by saying you’re sorry?”
The Crown Prince's expression darkened slightly at my question.
“Do you remember what I said to you when I found out that you were impersonating a Saintess with no powers?”
"Ah..."
How could I forget?
Those sharp words.
“The fact that they willingly opened their own pockets when they had nothing to eat or drink was because they hoped that the Saintess would protect them, and it was an expression of gratitude to the goddess who sent them such a Saintess.”
“Don’t you feel sorry for those imperial people? Don’t you feel ashamed? How could you lie to those who struggled to survive while rolling around in the fires of hell for 13 years...!”
“The Princess and I are part of the ruling class. While the commoners struggle to get by on just one meal, we live in nice houses, wear nice clothes, eat nice food, and receive a good education. With the money earned by the people of the fiefdom, the people of the empire work themselves to death all day long. With taxes.”
“...”
“It’s an unspoken contract. They take responsibility for our safety, and we take responsibility for theirs.”
“...”
“That’s why people like us have to step forward and block their path when a crisis like this one comes. We have to protect them. That’s the duty of the ruling class.”
A belief that I had desperately believed in and followed in the past, but which I had tried to ignore out of a sense of betrayal towards the people of the empire I cherished. A duty as a noble.
Although I didn't show it to him at the time, I felt so ashamed that my whole body felt hot.
As I nodded slightly, the Crown Prince opened his mouth with an even darker expression.
“At that time... I made a slip of the tongue. At that time, you had no other choice, so why did I pierce your heart with those words?”
“...”
“Looking back now, I think I just took my anger out on you. I couldn’t stand my incompetent self, who couldn’t do anything for the people of the empire.”
"... Your Highness."
“I’m sorry. I said things I shouldn’t have said to you, who just wanted to live. I blamed you for my incompetence.”
I looked at him for a while, as if he didn't even deserve to look me in the eye, lowering his gaze and apologizing, then I shook my head firmly.
“No, Your Highness’s accusations were justified. I was born a noble and was raised with many privileges. Even if I became a Saintess to save my life, I should have found a way to help people responsibly. But I turned away from those I should have cared for. I used the excuse that they abandoned me first. Your Highness, what you said was true, so you don’t need to feel so sorry.”
“No, this is definitely my...”
“Well, even if it wasn’t your fault, Your Highness. And when was that? If you keep bringing up old things like this, I’ll get angry. It’s a nice day for once.”
When I deliberately squinted my eyes and threatened him, the Crown Prince smiled faintly as if he had no choice.
“But I am definitely an immature person. I have many shortcomings when it comes to ruling a country. That is why I need someone to guide me. For example, someone warm and wise like you.”
It was a very meaningful statement for a simple self-reflection.
“Your Highness, what did you just say...?”
When I asked in a trembling voice, sensing something, he smiled brightly and pulled my left hand.
On the fourth finger, where the cool air passed, was a white, transparent, and dazzlingly brilliant diamond ring.
As I was looking down at it with astonished eyes, the Crown Prince spoke in his characteristically soft voice.
“I like you, Shayne.”
"Your Highness."
“I have held you in my heart ever since the day I first visited the Duke’s residence to attend your mother’s funeral as a child.”
“...”
“I felt sorry for you, who lost your mother at the young age of six, and I felt sorry for you, who could not freely express your sorrow because you were a noble. I was angry at the indifference of the Duke of Veloce, who did not care for the only legitimate heir, and I was grateful for you, who grew into a wonderful woman who cared for the people of the empire with warm hands. When you were offered up as a sacrifice, I was angry at my incompetence for not being able to stop it, and when you came back to life, I felt as if I had gained the world.”
“...”
“I thought all these feelings were born of pity and respect for you, but they were not. There have been countless women who have been in harsher circumstances than you and who have had hearts as warm as yours, but I have never felt such feelings for any other woman.”
The Crown Prince carefully caressed the ring on my hand.
“You were the only woman who made me feel this way. I just realized it too late because I was lacking. But now I can say it for sure. I can’t live without Shayne Veloce.”
I stared into his eyes without saying a word.
His clear, dark blue eyes, like the beautifully set night sky, contained only me.
As if there were no other woman in the world, no, no other person, besides me.
It was thrilling.
How it feels to be the only woman for the man I love. How it feels to be the only one to enter the heart of this man, a place no one else has been able to enter for twenty-two years.
It was a moment when I could fully enjoy the countless emotions that were welling up in my chest.
“Shayne, will you be my companion?”
He looked me straight in the eye and said,
“I will cherish and love you for the rest of my life. I will give you everything I have to make you happy. I will never let a smile leave your face for even a moment as I live. I will love only you forever. Please accept my heart.”
A confession not to the Crown Princess, not to the future Empress, but to the companion who will stay by your side and love you for the rest of your life.
I responded to that proposal, which was filled with his heart and love for me, with the brightest smile I could muster.
“Of course, Declan.”
As soon as I finished answering, his lips covered mine. The soft touch and hot sensation made my heart race.
I put my arms around his neck and gave myself completely to him.
I was confident that no matter what adversity or hardship lay ahead of us, I could overcome it all with this man by my side.
Because he was the only man who reached out and was by my side during my most miserable moments.
We kissed for a long time in the middle of a square with many people passing by.
I'm Not A Saint Am I? < END >
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