123 2-5

"I knew you wouldn't find it....."

In this place alone, no one can hear a small murmur. All you can hear in this room is the scrolling sound of the page of the book at hand.

He breathed out as he stacked the book he was reading high next to his desk.

--Concon

"Yes"

When I answered the knock, it was Louis who pulled his face out of the open door.

"Rachel, are you okay now?

"Louis-sama! Yeah, of course. But why are you here?

"Ah, I saw the Marquis earlier. When I heard that Rachel was at the Royal Library today, I was wondering if I could meet him."

"Well, to your father. It was hard to find because I was in a private room."

"That's not true. When using this library, will Rachel use the second private room from the back? That's why I thought it was here from the beginning."

Louis sat on the chair next to me and smiled at me. Then he glanced at the piled book and opened his mouth.

"So, did you find the answer to your research?

After turning his gaze to the book, Louis shook his head silently as he turned his face down. Louis-sama gave me such a gentle "yes" gavel.

Whether the words of His Highness Isaac are true or not. I've been looking for the truth ever since.

Is it true that the Virgin of Darkness existed? Where is the truth behind the fact that 500 years ago Dutois and Alta were to be split in two?

However, no new discoveries or hints were found beyond what I already knew.

"Do you think what Lord Isaac said is true?

In response to my question, Louis took some of the books that had been piled up and glanced at them, then turned his face towards me again.

"That's right. I don't think I'm lying. I think he told me a lot of things that I had to keep secret."

"... why is that?"

In my words, Louis exhaled a deep sigh while covering his eyes with a large hand. Afterwards, when I took off the hand that covered my face, my eyes turned to me, caring for me.

You must be running away.

--Does rushing mean that His Highness Isaac was worth the risk of revealing his secret?

So, what exactly is the purpose?

Maybe...

"Am I...?"

In that words, Louis lowered his eyebrows and smiled as if in trouble.

"Ah, I'm sure it is. I didn't know that Alta and Darkness are as important as the light of this country."

Louis took an envelope out of his chest pocket, saying, "It might be a chance to find out what Rachel wants to know, but it's troublesome."

It was placed on the desk and I can tell from a glance that it is high-quality.

"What is this?"

"The King of Alta will be in the tenth year of his reign next month. It's an invitation to invite and celebrate neighbors. It's for me and you."

"Me too?

"Oh, you, my fiancée, are officially invited."

- Me too?

Confused me, Louis grasped my hands gently. Looking forward slightly, Louis gazed at me.

"What do you want with Rachel?

--What do you want to do...? I...

The answer is given. If you can get a hint, I'd like to go.

But is it that easy to answer? Louis must be on guard of His Highness Isaac, who revealed important secrets lightly.

Besides, it's too well timed and ready to go to neighboring countries.

Isn't it a trap? It would be natural to doubt that. However, there are limitations to investigating in this country, and above all, there is no magic to learn about dark magic.

Never raised his face as he pondered, Louis waited for my answer with a gentle expression in addition to his thoughts.

As if I already knew what to say, he smiled kindly and said, "You can be honest."

"Honestly... I want to go. I'd like to talk to you again. About the saints of darkness in the past, about the magic of darkness."

The sight I saw in front of me. The sight of Isaac when the wound he had inflicted disappeared in an instant.

I couldn't help but notice it burning in my eyes. Even if I consciously used dark magic, I still can't do more than cheer up the dead flowers.

"Rachel may have noticed, but to be honest with me... I don't want you to get involved any deeper. I still don't know what Isaac's thoughts are, but I can't say there's no danger as long as I know that Rachel's the goal."

"Yeah. That's right..."

"But I know how Rachel feels."

Looking up at Louis' words, Louis smiled as he lowered his eyebrows in trouble.

"The duration of your stay is one week. In the meantime, His Serene Highness Isaac will guide you himself."

Bye!

"Oh, you want to come with me?"

I can't suppress my gratitude to Louis-sama, who narrowed her eyes to reassure me. "Thank you," Louis nodded slowly.

"In the future, we will have more opportunities to represent the country with Rachel. Whatever you try to avoid, you have to get involved no matter what your neighbor is. Besides, it's not unlikely to be irritating or even dangerous."

"Yes"

"And judging by His Highness Isaac's words and deeds, I also felt that he attached special importance to the Virgin of Darkness. That's why I think it's unlikely to hurt you."

Louis must have thought of various possibilities and gathered information to eliminate even the slightest danger. If you think so, you get a warm fever around your chest.

I wonder how powerful Louis is by being on his side. I think I'll work hard because Louis always respects me and believes me.

"Besides, I can't forgive you for hurting Rachel. I swore to protect you no matter what."

Louis stared straight into my eyes with a serious expression. The determination to stay behind your eyes is conveyed from your gaze, making your eyes hot.

Instead of expressing his strong feelings, Louis nodded as he chewed his lips, and gently smiled as if relieved. And when I took my left hand, I dropped my mouth on the ring of my ring finger.