Chapter 59: Making a Nighttime Promise
Moonlight faintly streamed into the Everett Dukedom’s mansion.
In that silence, I slipped past the window frame as if blending into the Darkness, and snuck into Claris’s room.
To get past the Everett Dukedom’s strict security, I had Kanon and Emma help me with various maneuvers. I promised the two of them some extra income and had them deal with the soldiers.
The silk curtains swayed gently, and the scent of a quiet bedroom drifted through the air.
When I strained my eyes, I saw Claris standing by the window.
Perhaps sensing my presence, she turned around. Her eyes, rather than surprise, held a calm, clear brilliance.
“…Serios, is that you?”
Her voice, though hushed, clearly called my name.
“At this hour… I never thought you’d come as an intruder.”
“I couldn’t think of any other way to see you. Even if I formally requested a meeting with your father, I wouldn’t have been able to discuss what truly matters. It wasn’t the kind of atmosphere where I could ask him to let me see Claris.”
Saying so, I approached Claris. Her eyes intently watched my movements.
“We used to talk so freely at the academy; I never imagined it would come to this. Could you spare me a little time? There’s something I want to tell you.”
“Fufu, that selfish side of yours hasn’t changed since long ago, has it? And you’re truly audacious. I’m sure the Dukedom had strict security in place. It’s too dangerous to talk here.”
“I came knowing the risks. But I still have to talk to you.”
She let out a small sigh and sat down on a chair by the window. She appeared calm, but the slight tremble in her fingertips betrayed her agitation.
“Very well. I’ll hear what you have to say.”
I quietly knelt before her and looked up.
“Claris, I owe you a debt of gratitude. But it’s not just that… I want to help you. No matter what form it takes, I will absolutely save you.”
Her eyes flickered slightly. But she quickly met my gaze with a sharp look.
“Is that why you went to the trouble of breaking in and coming here?”
“Yes. And, one more thing…”
I swallowed hard. I could feel my heart pounding like an alarm bell.
“Will you become my legal wife?”
Claris’s eyes widened considerably. It was difficult to read the emotion in them.
“Do you understand the meaning of what you’re saying? I have been sentenced to Disinheritance. My father was trying to protect my noble status by sending me to another country. But remaining in the kingdom means I will become a commoner.”
“I understand. Even so, I want to welcome you.”
“Serios, did you come here just to tell a joke? You’re a noble, and besides, Liese and Faina have feelings for you, don’t they?”
What I’m doing might be futile. That’s precisely why I came, knowing the danger, because I wanted to make things clear.
“Yes, I’ve gotten their approval to save Claris. More than anything, Faina even questioned my resolve to welcome Claris.”
“Faina did? Fufu, is this her way of getting back at me for giving her that push? She got me there.”
“Claris, I respect you as a person. And I’ve also realized I’m drawn to you.”
After a moment of silence, she gave a small, soft smile. That smile also seemed somewhat sorrowful.
“Serios… thank you. I’m very happy that you’d say that to me.”
“Then!”
“Could you give me some time to think? Right now, I shouldn’t be getting married off anywhere.”
“Is that so?”
She probably understands her own situation calmly.
“Yes, unfortunately, the kingdom’s current situation is not stable. I believe other countries are also watching for a chance to intervene.”
“…Alright. I was able to convey my feelings. I’ll withdraw for today. But I’m prepared to save Claris, no matter the danger.”
“I never thought the day would come when you’d say such things to me.”
I kissed the back of Claris’s hand and placed the ring I had prepared on her finger.
“This is a vow. Even if you don’t desire me, I want you to keep it as a charm.”
“Such a possessive man, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I get who I want. I’m selfish.”
“Fufu, indeed.”
Before leaving, I brought up another matter.
“I’m dealing with a somewhat troublesome matter. I’ll go take care of that before you make up your mind.”
Claris’s eyebrows twitched slightly. She said nothing, just stared at me.
“Are you going to be alright?”
“It’s a bit troublesome, but my help will likely be needed.”
“Well then, if you can show me you can save that child, I might just give myself to you as well.”
Claris always gives me a push forward.
“Yeah, I’ll definitely save them both.”
Seeing my serious expression, Claris let out a quiet breath. Then, she stood up from her chair and slowly approached me.
There was no hesitation or anger in her eyes. Only a strong will resided there.
“Serios, I respect your strength.”
She gently placed her hand on my shoulder. The Warmth of her hand felt as if it enveloped my heart.
“Blessings upon your victory.”
Claris kisses me on the cheek.
“Claris…”
“If you wish to welcome me as your partner, be adored by many women, and show me that you can surpass my father.”
Those words were powerful, and beautiful. Before her resolve, all I could do was bow my head.
“Thank you, Claris. I will definitely come for you. By then, I’ll have become a more dependable man.”
She smiled and gave a small nod.
“I’ll be waiting, Serios.”
As I stood up and placed my foot on the windowsill, Claris watched me intently.
“Be careful. No matter what enemies you face, you must come back alive.”
“Even if you don’t tell me, I’m tenacious. Even after being disinherited by the Royal Family, I’m still alive and kicking like this.”
When I bantered and turned back, Claris was smiling quietly. Her expression seemed to hold all of her resolve and Kindness.
“Serios… I believe in your path.”
“Yeah, I’ll definitely come for you, Claris.”
Engraving those words into my heart, I disappeared into the night’s Darkness.
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Afterword
Hello, this is the author, Iko!!!
That’s all for today!!