Read Novel Full Chapter 45
Chapter 45
I Love You.
“………..This is, my loss.”
The tip of my sword had already reached and then stopped right before Lizbeth’s slender neck as it trembled with emotion before she finally, and quietly, declared her defeat.
“haaaaa……..”
Hearing that I deeply exhaled, and crumbled to my knees after letting go of my sword.
I felt exhausted because I had put my everything into this one single attack but, also, it was dreadfully painful to even point a training sword at her for me.
Even if it was loaded with emotions for both us like it was today.
“You have really, really become so much stronger. I always was aware of the strength of your mind and heart, ever since that day, but to think you would actually surpass me. I would have never imagined.”
“a,ahaha……….”
Taking the hand from Lizbeth who said all that with a smile, I stood back up.
Contrary to her expression though, her aquamarine eyes were clearly painted with frustration as well.
But……..with this, my preparations are complete.
Now, I just need to say it.
“So, may I now ask what was the reason you asked me for this duel, Prince Rudolf?”
“Aah, yeah………..”
Hearing Lizbeth’s question, I fixed my posture and stood right in front of her.
Now, say it. My feelings. All of it.
“The reason I wanted to fight you, was to show you the proof of my resolve.”
“Proof of your resolve, you say…….?”
“Yes. As you know, I am but a bastard child, and the fourth prince. I have nothing but enemies inside this Imperial Palace………no, even outside of here, with the Fahlcrantz house as the sole exception, everyone is my enemy.”
Lizbeth bit her lips.
I imagine she was feeling sad and regretful on my behalf.
“And as for you Lady Lizbeth who intends to stand by my side, it should be fairly obvious that you too will come under serious danger in the future. If I were to think of your safety first, it would honestly be better for you to leave my side instead.”
“!! Please wait a moment! I am…….wait, but that’s not what you really want to say is it? My prince?”
Her voice became ragged as she instantly tried to refute my words but, she quickly stopped realizing that I wasn’t done yet.
Indeed. That’s not what I want to say at all.
“That’s why, I needed strength. To protect you, who is already strong yourself.”
If I had such strength, I wouldn’t need to be away from Lizbeth.
Because, I don’t want to be separated from her either.
“I know, I still have ways to go still. But even so, Lady Lizbeth………I was able to win against you. That’s why..”
I looked straight into her moistened aquamarine eyes.
And then.
“I……..I love you. I’m head over heels for you. To a point, where I can’t even imagine living without you.”
With all my feelings rolled into it, I spoke to Lizbeth. To the woman I love the most in this entire world.
And when I did.
“……….finally…”
“Lady Liz..beth……”
“Finally,……..I got to hear those words from you………!!”
Large tears began to fall from those pale blue eyes. Her expression barely even changes normally and yet, right now her face was an utter mess.
Aah………I really had kept her waiting for far too long after all.
I’m sure she had been patiently waiting to hear those words from me all this while.
And with every passing day, perhaps I had only made her more and more anxious………
Even if she knew in her heart that I cared for her more than anyone else in the world.
“I’m so happy……..Ahh I’m so, so happy……….is there anything better than this happiness I feel I right now…….?”
“I would, like to hear your answer next………”
“Of course I love you! I love you to death! More than anyone across the whole world, till eternity and forevermore……..!!”
She jumped into my arms, and rested her wet cheeks on to my chest.
As if to confirm this warmth and carve it into my soul, I embraced her deeply and firmly.
……….I never even thought that a day would come where I would be loved like this by anyone.
I was bastard. A ‘dirty pig’. An existence that should have never been born.
But you…….Lizbeth alone, continued to look at me. And proved to me that it really was okay for me to be here, for me to exist.
And now, she even gives me this kind of love as well.
I………was a misfortunate one till the day I met you, but now I am the happiest man alive.
“e,ehehe……….”
“fufu………Prince Rudolf, are you crying………?”
“Of course I am……..you just told me that you love me so much. And, aren’t you crying as well?”
“You’re the one who made me cry. And, you’re the one who’s made me so happy.”
Even though we were both crying, we couldn’t stop smiling either.
“Hey, Lady Lizbeth……..”
“What is it……..?”
“Thank you, for looking at me.”
“Likewise………thank you so much, for always looking at me.”
“Ehehehe.”
“fufufu.”
Me and Lizbeth touched our foreheads, and embraced each other tightly.