Chapter 49: Morgana's Confession part 2
Lucius…?
Fay recalled a passage from a historical text detailing a dragon who had fought a human emperor before the battle against the Supreme God. That dragon’s name was…
Lucius.
And now, standing before her, was Lucius…
Giving a name as a hint – that was…!
Lucius’s dark eyes reflected her stunned expression. His gaze, unwavering, captured every flicker of her shock. She felt as though, no matter how long she stood still, he would remain there, waiting.
“Lucius…?”
At last, as if realizing something crucial, she whispered his name.
He replied, “If you want to hear my story, just say so. Anytime, anywhere. I don’t mind, Morgan le Fay.”
“Lucius…?”
“No matter what decision you make after hearing my story, it’s your choice. And until that day, I will be by your side whenever you need me.”
“…”
“Whether you take my hand or let go, I will remain your eternal ally until you make your decision. Take your time.”
Fay had always sensed Lucius’s extraordinary presence. But today was different. His existence seemed vast enough to encompass the Prayer Forest, the Magic Tower, and the entire sky and earth.
Yet she did not fear him.
She took a step forward and reached for his hand.
“Alright. Not now, but soon – I will ask.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
Lucius’s hand clasped tightly with Fay’s, their fingers interwoven. Amidst the warmth seeping through, she could feel his faint trembling.
Why? Lucius, why are you trembling?
Weren’t you the great mage who had nothing to fear?
Even as days passed, one, two, three, the words he had spoken so solemnly, his quiet voice, and the distant yet sorrowful look in his eyes remained vivid in her mind. Even on the day of the Spring Ball, she couldn’t forget the fragments he had left behind.
If she tried to push away the memory of his face, his low voice would echo in her ears the moment she lay down to sleep. And then, without realizing it, sadness would creep in.
Lucius… what secret are you hiding?
I’m certain that you are at least connected to Lord Baroah. But beyond that, what is it? Is there something else I haven’t even begun to guess? What could it possibly be…?
“The carriage from the Imperial Palace has arrived!”
“Go on.”
Before she knew it, Lucius was standing near the door, having come to see her off. He tilted his head slightly in her direction, completely ignoring Momo, who stood behind him.
“I’ll be back.”
“Mm.”
If I told you I had just been thinking about you, Lucius, what would you say?
Not about the story of yours that we’ve kept postponing, no. I want to know what you think of me.
You, who so kindly taught me how to tame the fierce Drakans.
You, whose hands fidgeted endlessly inside your vest before handing me the elixir.
You, who suddenly surprised me with a dazzling bouquet, filling me with joy…
I fear that our memories might disappear like a fleeting dream.
‘Honestly, what am I thinking?’
I need to set this aside for now. Today is the day of the decisive battle.
Resolving herself, Fay stepped into the carriage that had come to escort her.
* * *
Inside Duke Klein’s estate.
“Oh, my! You look absolutely stunning!”
The Duchess gasped in delight as she admired her daughter, who was elegantly adorned. The young lady, looking bashful, lowered her gaze. A white gemstone pin gleamed beside her smooth, light brown hair, which looked as if it had been delicately sculpted from marble.
The Head Maid had suggested a pink rose pin, but the young lady had instantly rejected it. Though she had politely declined with a soft ‘No, thank you,’ the sharp glare she had given still haunted the maid.
Was it the rose that was the problem, or did she simply dislike the color pink?
She hadn’t even dared to propose ordering a pink spinel jewelry set, despite it being all the rage among noble ladies lately. Winning the young lady’s favor was essential, and the Head Maid’s nerves were on edge.
“No matter what anyone says, you’ll be the most beautiful lady in the hall tonight.”
“I’m embarrassed… My face is turning red, so please stop with the compliments.”
Now fully dressed, the young lady looked as delicate as a single flower.
The Head Maid even began to doubt her own memory. Had she imagined that piercing glare from before? It was hard to believe that the young lady before her was the same person.
But even if she voiced her thoughts, she’d only be scolded for speaking ill of the young lady. After all, wasn’t the prevailing opinion within the estate that the young lady was the epitome of nobility?
So the Head Maid held her tongue.
“Embarrassed? Don’t be ridiculous! Tiana, remember this well. You are the one and only princess of the empire. Do you understand? Among all the noble ladies of marriageable age, none is more distinguished than you. The days of sorrow are behind you now. Hold your head high and carry yourself with dignity.”
The Duchess beamed with genuine joy, showering her daughter with praise.
“…Yes, Mother.”
“Madam! Hahh… The carriage from the Imperial Palace has arrived. But…”
“What is this commotion?”
Seeing the servant panting so ungracefully, the Duchess immediately frowned in displeasure.
“His Highness the Crown Prince has come in person!”
“What? Oh…! Well, of course! That’s exactly as it should be!”
A broad smile spread across the Duchess’s face as she ordered the doors to be thrown open.
……
T/N: I’m also curious about this Crown Prince, I’ve read some spoilers hehe
