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CHAPTER 128 - To Be Able to Love Someone.
As always, the royal ball was dazzlingly splendid.
Alongside her Father and Brother, Ortansia stepped into the glittering grand hall.
‘I feel relieved that I don't have to dance today…’
It wasn't that she was bad at dancing... but when it came to dancing, she worried about who she'd dance with, whether she could dance well, and all sorts of other things.
In that regard, today she could decline all dance invitations, using her recent illness as an excuse.
Feeling more relaxed than usual, Ortansia moved forward.
When the three members of the Verite ducal family appeared, the hall erupted in a buzz of excitement.
“His Grace, the Duke of Verite!”
Her father was immediately surrounded by a crowd.
Ortansia, too, stayed close to her father, putting on polite smiles and exchanging greetings, doing her duties as a “Duke’s daughter”.
“We’re most pleased to see that the duke’s daughter has recovered.”
“As expected, with Lady Ortansia here, the atmosphere becomes so much more splendid!"
“Truly worthy of the title ‘Saint of the Nation’!”
‘Good heavens! What a terrible reputation has spread…’
Ortansia carefully kept her smile from twitching, while inwardly breaking out in a cold sweat.
During the Demon Lord incident, Victor, the Crown Prince of the nation, had been exposed to mortal danger.
Though she felt she hadn't actually done anything useful, and considering the matter of the goddess Auriela's prophecy, she was being hailed as the “Saint who saved the nation” after rescuing him alongside Gerard.
The gathered crowd praised Ortansia effusively with shining eyes
Even knowing it was mere flattery, praise that far exceeded her own measure was mentally taxing
Perhaps noticing Ortansia unconsciously shrinking in on herself, Gérard spoke up.
“Father, Ortansia seems tired. I'll take her aside for a moment.”
“Ah, I'm sorry I didn't notice, Ortansia. Everyone, I deeply apologize. My daughter hasn't been in such a setting for a long time and seems a bit exhausted. Please forgive her.”
Thanks to Father's smooth intervention, Ortansia was led away from the gathering by Gérard.
Gérard guided her, half-supporting her as she swayed slightly, perhaps overwhelmed by the crowd.
Sitting down on a chair in a less crowded corner of the hall, she finally caught her breath.
“Hmm... Thank you, Brother.”
“...Are you all right?”
“Yes, I just got a little worn out...”
As she said this, slightly embarrassed, she sensed the air around Gerard suddenly softened.
It seemed he had genuinely been worried about her.
"Hee hee, ' Saint of the nation, such an extravagant title doesn't suit me at all, does it?"
"...Whether it suits you or not is beside the point. That is your public standing now, at least."
“Oh dear, I'm dreading it…”
Seeing Ortansia's disheartened expression, Gerard's mouth curved slightly.
‘Ah, my brother actually smiled a little.’
That tiny change alone made Ortansia happy.
Lately, he doesn't show his emotions quite so openly, but compared to before, it has become easier to read his emotions
...It definitely wasn't just Ortensia's imagination.
That was precisely why…
“Um, Gerard-sama...!”
Startled by the sudden voice, Ortensia and Gerard both turned their gaze toward the sound.
Somewhere nearby, a beautifully dressed young lady had appeared.
‘Wow, she's beautiful…’
She seemed a few years older than Ortansia.
She carried a refined, mature allure that Ortansia couldn't possess.
Her dress and accessories were top-tier, perfectly complementing her refined elegance.
She was a flawless beauty.
Stepping right up to Gerard, she declared nervously.
“Gerard-sama. I realize this is presumptuous... but would you... perhaps... dance with me...?”
‘Wow! What a bold invitation!’
Ortansia admired her courage.
She knew Gerard was popular with the ladies.
But before, perhaps fearing the icy aura he carried, it was rare for a woman to approach him so boldly.
Lately, however, it seemed as if his ice was slowly beginning to melt, and he was often approached like this.
‘They do suit each other, even with my brother…’
Glancing briefly at Gerard and the Lady, Ortansia thought so honestly.
But the moment she did, unease stirred within her heart.
‘If she's this beautiful and seems so kind... might my brother fall for her?’
Gerard was slowly beginning to change.
...Surely, someday, he'll be able to love someone.
Ortansia should be happy for this change, and should celebrate it.
Yes, she knew that... yet strangely, her heart ached at the thought of the day when someone else would stand beside Gerard, monopolizing his gaze and affection.
The thought that his gentle gaze, his hesitant touch, would no longer be directed at her... made her feel unbearably lonely.
‘This isn’t right… I should be thinking of my brother’s happiness first and foremost…’
That was why she had to see him off with a smile.
Thinking so, Ortansia was just about to open her mouth to urge Gérard on when…
Chapter 129 Because She's an Important Friend
“...I'm afraid I can't. I'm looking after Ortansia today as she's just recovering. I have no intention of dancing with anyone.”
Gerard stated this clearly, declining the Lady's invitation.
The moment he did, the woman began apologizing looking startled.
‘Y-yes, I suppose so... I'm terribly sorry...’
Seeing the Lady looking dejected, Ortansia also spoke up, realizing this was not right.
“Brother! I'm perfectly fine”
“What are you saying? You were staggering a moment ago.”
"Urgh, that was just a slight bit of light-headedness from the crowd..."
"No, Lady Ortansia. Lord Gerard is quite right. We simply cannot have anything happening to you. Please, do as his lordship says."
“Ah, yes…”
With even she saying that, there was no way Ortansia could argue further.
Watching the young lady's retreating figure as she bowed gracefully and departed, Ortansia quietly asked Gérard.
“...Was that alright?”
“What was?’”
"That lady just now was so beautiful and seemed so kind... If you miss this chance, she might find someone else, you know?"
"And what of it? It's none of my concern."
Gerard said this without a hint of urgency, as if it truly didn't matter to him.”
‘Good heavens…’
It was true that the ice covering Gérard's heart was slowly beginning to melt, but he still seemed far from accepting anyone beyond his immediate family.
...And it was true that this fact brought Ortansia a small measure of relief.
As if to cover up that sense of guilt, Ortansia said mischievously.
“But I was rather touched by how gently you refused, Brother. I'd expected you to cut her off more decisively…”
“...Last time I did that, the lady cried right in front of me and it became a real nuisance. I'd rather avoid that sort of trouble.”
It seemed there was a past incident she hadn't known about.
‘Being too popular must be exhausting…’
Even though it was for her family name, Ortansia had grown weary when swarmed by a great number of suitors herself. When she considered that Gerard had been living in that sort of world all this time, she felt an overwhelming urge to comfort him.
‘Hehe, well then, doesn't it make it easier for you to refuse today because it's me?’
Gérard’s expression, eased at Ortansia's question, replied with a smile.
“ Yes, I suppose so."
A tranquil atmosphere settled between them.
But just then, someone approached, their shoes clicking softly against the floor...
“Sia!”
At the familiar voice, Ortansia looked up abruptly.
Approaching with a delighted expression was…
“Prince Victor!?”
“It's been a while, Sia. I'm glad you came.”
Victor's sudden appearance flustered Ortansia.
She became acutely aware of all eyes in the hall turning towards them now that the Crown Prince had appeared.
"...Don't be so stiff. I'd just like to say hello to my important 'friend'."
"O-okay..."
Hearing those words, Ortansia felt a small measure of relief.
The last time she had seen Victor was when he had come on his own to visit her while she was recovering.
Back then, he... had offered to marry her, saying, "I wish to take responsibility for the scars left on your body."
Even though she had refused, meeting him like this inevitably made her conscious of him... yet hearing the word ‘friend’ from Victor's mouth eased her tension just a little.
Glancing sideways at Gérard beside her, he wore a terrifyingly expressionless face.
‘Brother, what on earth does that expression mean!?’
No good. If there were a question that said, “Express Gérard’s current feelings in 30 characters or fewer,” she would fail the Big Brother Exam.
That was how unreadable Gérard’s emotions were to Ortansia right now.
Gérard, for some reason, tended to be unusually harsh toward Prince Victor.
As far as the demon-god incident was concerned, he was completely a victim, and it felt like there was no reason for Gérard to dislike Victor at all.
‘It's been a while, Gérard. I hear the young ladies are buzzing with excitement, wondering if today might be the day you dance with someone.
“You must be joking. I have no intention of dancing with anyone.”
Gérard uttered this in a voice devoid of warmth, utterly flat.
For some reason, it felt terrifying, and Ortansia shuddered involuntarily.
"Hmm, that's a pity. By the way, Sia…"
When Victor’s gaze turned toward her once more, Ortansia hastily straightened her back.
As if to put her at ease, Victor smiled at her gently.
“...I’m glad I could meet you again like this. You’re one of the few precious friends I have, so I’d be happy if we could continue to get along from now on. Of course, together with Tyrol as well.”
“Prince Victor…”
Victor's face, which had grown so mature, overlapped in her mind with that of the young Victor she had met for the first time after she turned back time.
...Even amidst the pressures of being the Crown Prince, and despite being caught up in incidents surrounding the succession to the throne. He has grown straight and true, without distortion.
The innocent young Victor from that day truly lives on within him.
"...Yes!"
Ortansia met Victor's gaze and nodded firmly.
She could not become a queen. Ortansia wants to stay by her brother's and father's sides to support them.
But, she can support him as a friend.
She wanted to build that kind of relationship with him from now on.
"Thank you, Sia. And one more thing..."
Victor brought his face close to Ortansia’s ear and whispered something outrageous.
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Translator Note:
Hello readers, once again thanks for sticking around. I just realized I forgot a lot about this novel and I am currently too busy to go back and start reading from chapter one. Please if there is a mistake with any name or anything please let me know the correct one in the comment section. Thank you.
Hope you enjoyed the read!! If you did, please vote on for this novel on novel updates, leave reviews, and support; pretty please.
—————————
As always, the royal ball was dazzlingly splendid. Alongside her Father and Brother, Ortansia stepped into the glittering grand hall. ‘I feel relieved that I don't have to dance today…’ It wasn't that she was bad at dancing... but when it came to dancing, she worried about who she'd dance with, whether she could dance well, and all sorts of other things. In that regard, today she could decline all dance invitations, using her recent illness as an excuse. Feeling more relaxed than usual, Ortansia moved forward. When the three members of the Verite ducal family appeared, the hall erupted in a buzz of excitement. “His Grace, the Duke of Verite!” Her father was immediately surrounded by a crowd. Ortansia, too, stayed close to her father, putting on polite smiles and exchanging greetings, doing her duties as a “Duke’s daughter”. “We’re most pleased to see that the duke’s daughter has recovered.” “As expected, with Lady Ortansia here, the atmosphere becomes so much more splendid!" “Truly worthy of the title ‘Saint of the Nation’!” ‘Good heavens! What a terrible reputation has spread…’ Ortansia carefully kept her smile from twitching, while inwardly breaking out in a cold sweat. During the Demon Lord incident, Victor, the Crown Prince of the nation, had been exposed to mortal danger. Though she felt she hadn't actually done anything useful, and considering the matter of the goddess Auriela's prophecy, she was being hailed as the “Saint who saved the nation” after rescuing him alongside Gerard. The gathered crowd praised Ortansia effusively with shining eyes Even knowing it was mere flattery, praise that far exceeded her own measure was mentally taxing Perhaps noticing Ortansia unconsciously shrinking in on herself, Gérard spoke up. “Father, Ortansia seems tired. I'll take her aside for a moment.” “Ah, I'm sorry I didn't notice, Ortansia. Everyone, I deeply apologize. My daughter hasn't been in such a setting for a long time and seems a bit exhausted. Please forgive her.” Thanks to Father's smooth intervention, Ortansia was led away from the gathering by Gérard. Gérard guided her, half-supporting her as she swayed slightly, perhaps overwhelmed by the crowd. Sitting down on a chair in a less crowded corner of the hall, she finally caught her breath. “Hmm... Thank you, Brother.” “...Are you all right?” “Yes, I just got a little worn out...” As she said this, slightly embarrassed, she sensed the air around Gerard suddenly softened. It seemed he had genuinely been worried about her. "Hee hee, ' Saint of the nation, such an extravagant title doesn't suit me at all, does it?" "...Whether it suits you or not is beside the point. That is your public standing now, at least." “Oh dear, I'm dreading it…” Seeing Ortansia's disheartened expression, Gerard's mouth curved slightly. ‘Ah, my brother actually smiled a little.’ That tiny change alone made Ortansia happy. Lately, he doesn't show his emotions quite so openly, but compared to before, it has become easier to read his emotions ...It definitely wasn't just Ortensia's imagination. That was precisely why… “Um, Gerard-sama...!” Startled by the sudden voice, Ortensia and Gerard both turned their gaze toward the sound. Somewhere nearby, a beautifully dressed young lady had appeared. ‘Wow, she's beautiful…’ She seemed a few years older than Ortansia. She carried a refined, mature allure that Ortansia couldn't possess. Her dress and accessories were top-tier, perfectly complementing her refined elegance. She was a flawless beauty. Stepping right up to Gerard, she declared nervously. “Gerard-sama. I realize this is presumptuous... but would you... perhaps... dance with me...?” ‘Wow! What a bold invitation!’ Ortansia admired her courage. She knew Gerard was popular with the ladies. But before, perhaps fearing the icy aura he carried, it was rare for a woman to approach him so boldly. Lately, however, it seemed as if his ice was slowly beginning to melt, and he was often approached like this. ‘They do suit each other, even with my brother…’ Glancing briefly at Gerard and the Lady, Ortansia thought so honestly. But the moment she did, unease stirred within her heart. ‘If she's this beautiful and seems so kind... might my brother fall for her?’ Gerard was slowly beginning to change. ...Surely, someday, he'll be able to love someone. Ortansia should be happy for this change, and should celebrate it. Yes, she knew that... yet strangely, her heart ached at the thought of the day when someone else would stand beside Gerard, monopolizing his gaze and affection. The thought that his gentle gaze, his hesitant touch, would no longer be directed at her... made her feel unbearably lonely. ‘This isn’t right… I should be thinking of my brother’s happiness first and foremost…’ That was why she had to see him off with a smile. Thinking so, Ortansia was just about to open her mouth to urge Gérard on when…
Chapter 129 Because She's an Important Friend “...I'm afraid I can't. I'm looking after Ortansia today as she's just recovering. I have no intention of dancing with anyone.”
Gerard stated this clearly, declining the Lady's invitation. The moment he did, the woman began apologizing looking startled.
‘Y-yes, I suppose so... I'm terribly sorry...’
Seeing the Lady looking dejected, Ortansia also spoke up, realizing this was not right.
“Brother! I'm perfectly fine”
“What are you saying? You were staggering a moment ago.”
"Urgh, that was just a slight bit of light-headedness from the crowd..."
"No, Lady Ortansia. Lord Gerard is quite right. We simply cannot have anything happening to you. Please, do as his lordship says."
“Ah, yes…”
With even she saying that, there was no way Ortansia could argue further.
Watching the young lady's retreating figure as she bowed gracefully and departed, Ortansia quietly asked Gérard.
“...Was that alright?”
“What was?’”
"That lady just now was so beautiful and seemed so kind... If you miss this chance, she might find someone else, you know?"
"And what of it? It's none of my concern." Gerard said this without a hint of urgency, as if it truly didn't matter to him.” ‘Good heavens…’ It was true that the ice covering Gérard's heart was slowly beginning to melt, but he still seemed far from accepting anyone beyond his immediate family.
...And it was true that this fact brought Ortansia a small measure of relief.
As if to cover up that sense of guilt, Ortansia said mischievously.
“But I was rather touched by how gently you refused, Brother. I'd expected you to cut her off more decisively…”
“...Last time I did that, the lady cried right in front of me and it became a real nuisance. I'd rather avoid that sort of trouble.”
It seemed there was a past incident she hadn't known about.
‘Being too popular must be exhausting…’
Even though it was for her family name, Ortansia had grown weary when swarmed by a great number of suitors herself. When she considered that Gerard had been living in that sort of world all this time, she felt an overwhelming urge to comfort him.
‘Hehe, well then, doesn't it make it easier for you to refuse today because it's me?’ Gérard’s expression, eased at Ortansia's question, replied with a smile. “ Yes, I suppose so."
A tranquil atmosphere settled between them.
But just then, someone approached, their shoes clicking softly against the floor...
“Sia!”
At the familiar voice, Ortansia looked up abruptly.
Approaching with a delighted expression was…
“Prince Victor!?”
“It's been a while, Sia. I'm glad you came.”
Victor's sudden appearance flustered Ortansia.
She became acutely aware of all eyes in the hall turning towards them now that the Crown Prince had appeared.
"...Don't be so stiff. I'd just like to say hello to my important 'friend'." "O-okay..."
Hearing those words, Ortansia felt a small measure of relief. The last time she had seen Victor was when he had come on his own to visit her while she was recovering.
Back then, he... had offered to marry her, saying, "I wish to take responsibility for the scars left on your body."
Even though she had refused, meeting him like this inevitably made her conscious of him... yet hearing the word ‘friend’ from Victor's mouth eased her tension just a little.
Glancing sideways at Gérard beside her, he wore a terrifyingly expressionless face.
‘Brother, what on earth does that expression mean!?’
No good. If there were a question that said, “Express Gérard’s current feelings in 30 characters or fewer,” she would fail the Big Brother Exam.
That was how unreadable Gérard’s emotions were to Ortansia right now.
Gérard, for some reason, tended to be unusually harsh toward Prince Victor.
As far as the demon-god incident was concerned, he was completely a victim, and it felt like there was no reason for Gérard to dislike Victor at all.
‘It's been a while, Gérard. I hear the young ladies are buzzing with excitement, wondering if today might be the day you dance with someone. “You must be joking. I have no intention of dancing with anyone.”
Gérard uttered this in a voice devoid of warmth, utterly flat.
For some reason, it felt terrifying, and Ortansia shuddered involuntarily.
"Hmm, that's a pity. By the way, Sia…"
When Victor’s gaze turned toward her once more, Ortansia hastily straightened her back. As if to put her at ease, Victor smiled at her gently.
“...I’m glad I could meet you again like this. You’re one of the few precious friends I have, so I’d be happy if we could continue to get along from now on. Of course, together with Tyrol as well.”
“Prince Victor…”
Victor's face, which had grown so mature, overlapped in her mind with that of the young Victor she had met for the first time after she turned back time.
...Even amidst the pressures of being the Crown Prince, and despite being caught up in incidents surrounding the succession to the throne. He has grown straight and true, without distortion.
The innocent young Victor from that day truly lives on within him.
"...Yes!"
Ortansia met Victor's gaze and nodded firmly.
She could not become a queen. Ortansia wants to stay by her brother's and father's sides to support them.
But, she can support him as a friend.
She wanted to build that kind of relationship with him from now on.
"Thank you, Sia. And one more thing..."
Victor brought his face close to Ortansia’s ear and whispered something outrageous.
—————————
Translator Note:
Hello readers, once again thanks for sticking around. I just realized I forgot a lot about this novel and I am currently too busy to go back and start reading from chapter one. Please if there is a mistake with any name or anything please let me know the correct one in the comment section. Thank you.
Hope you enjoyed the read!! If you did, please vote on for this novel on novel updates, leave reviews, and support; pretty please.
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