CH 59.1

…Hey, god.

Until the last minute before the dance party began, I was researching about the “witch” that Nameless wanted to protect.

At that time, witches were feared. It went without saying that their eyes and hair were both black. Apparently, they were the characteristics of those who destroyed the world before Genesis. Thus, they were sentenced to a punishment called the witch hunt, for the crime of being born.

…How outrageous, right?

In the present day, it was the kind of story that’d make people laugh.

—Common sense changed with the time.

If I had lived during that period, I may have already given up on my life.

…But what if there was someone who was reckless enough to reach out to me?

If there had been, then that person would’ve been god-like to me.

There was no way I wouldn’t fall in love with such a gentleman.

I would’ve wanted to protect him no matter what.

…But of course, I have no intention of asking him about that history.

Because I wasn’t a witch—but Lelouche Elcage. I was the eldest daughter of a duke family, and had been appointed as the next crown princess. Nothing more, nothing less. As a matter of course, I couldn’t cast any spells, or perform miracles—

—Which was why, I wanted to show His Highness Sazanjill, His Highness Zafield, and the other people who were heading towards their own future…

…I was mediocre, without any particular talents, or a good personality to boast—

—but I do know that I lived here and now.

Even so…

When I finally arrived at the lobby, most of the people were gone.

However, His Highness the Crown Prince, Sazanjill Lukino Lapisenta, and the baron’s daughter, Baroness Lumiere Alban were there.

His Highness Sazanjill was instructing the guards.

“We’re fine! Go to the emergency patient immediately!”

“Understood!”

By that order, even his own escorts vanished. A commotion erupted from inside the hall.

“Your Highness! I’m truly sorry! I’ll open the door immediately!”

…What kind of situation is this?

Suddenly, the door won’t open? And to have everyone leave to aid an emergency patient…

…Even if it’s a miracle, it’s overkill. I’ll have to complain to god later.

I gave myself a pep-talk.

This is the final stage!

I mustn’t show them a clumsy appearance!

At that time, I stood firmly.

“Ah—! Lady Lelouche—!”

Lumiere, who noticed me, became relieved.

What, are you still trying to escape the responsibility having been escorted by His Highness?

…Even though the navy blue and gold dress looked stunning on her, she still had a long way to go.

When I curtsied without saying anything, His Highness Sazanjill let out a small sigh.

“You seem to be alright, Lelouche. What is a relief. A lot of problems just came out of nowhere. They’re only some minor issues, but it doesn’t look like the party will be able to start for a while.”

“Is it on the left? Then, Your Highness—”

“Lady Lelouche, pardon my rudeness… But is something wrong with you?”

“…I’m the same as usual.”

Despite my smile, Lumiere only narrowed her eyes.

“Liar. Lady Lelouche can’t even bend her legs to give a proper to curtsy like usual. The reason you didn’t show up until now is probably because you were resting somewhere…”

Lumiere rushed to me and put her hand on my back. I couldn’t help but yelp, causing her to worry even more.

“Lady Lelouche…?”

She observed me, before reaching out to my stomach.

“Excuse me…”

As a result, her hand became sticky red with blood.

“Lady Lelouche—!?”

“Lumiere, what’s wrong?”

Hearing that scream, even His Highness rushed towards us. At that moment, he saw everything. I left a red trail behind me.

Ah, I was hoping that they wouldn’t notice…

“…I didn’t expect you to realize it, Lumiere.”

“I, immediately call a doctor—…”

When I saw that Lumiere was about to flee, I caught a hold of her arm.

At that moment, I noticed the bracelet with a string of white shells on her delicate wrist.

I was so happy I held out my hand. I was also wearing the same bracelet.

“I’m so happy… You wore it…”

“Lady Lelouche, now isn’t the time…”

“Please stop… I know best that I’ll die soon. I’m glad I was finally able to see both of—”

In the middle of my speech, I finally lost the strength to even stand. As I was about to collapse, His Highness Sazanjill caught me.

He looked about to cry.

For the future king to cry in front of his people, wouldn’t that be outrageous?

After staring at each other for a while, His Highness gritted his teeth. Perhaps, my thoughts were conveyed. Then, he slowly spoke to me in a trembling voice.

“Is there anyone you’d like me to call, such as your parents?”

“No… the two of you are enough.”

Yesterday, my father and mother spoiled me a lot.

…Thank you, Your Highness Sazanjill.

In my blurred vision, I looked up at Lumiere.

“Lumiere… you’ve endured my strict guidance for the past 100 days.”

“Lady Lelouche…”

Fufu…

Why are you crying so much? Aren’t you afraid that your eyes will melt?

Apparently, I couldn’t cure that crybaby side to her in 100 days.

“I can’t dictate which path you’ll take… But, if possible, I’d be happy if you could support His Highness Sazanjill instead of me.”

As you know, His Highness is a bit lacking.

When I said that, she shook her head over and over.

“I can’t do it… If it isn’t Lady Lelouche, it’s impossible!”

—Still, I’m sorry, I have no one to ask but you.

…And, even if I know it’s unreasonable, I still prefer you.

After all, she was the only one who knew everything I had learned, what I’d been thinking about, even though she resented me for the princess education.

“If you choose that path, you’ll have to walk an even tougher path—one that the title of baron can’t handle. So… just lend me your ear.”