Shadowless Night

Isserion was lost in a gentle reverie as he gazed at Ricardis’ broad back. He was such a young and small child…

“When was that? Your Highness, when you came to the Wintergranate Mansion…”

Wait. Now… Are we doing this now? Right now? Suddenly? Ricardis was flustered. Isserion reminisced about how young and endearing Ricardis had been, weaving memories that suited each adjective. Memories were often idealized, and Isserion was a person who polished and beautifully packaged those idealized memories.

He happily recalled how endearing Ricardis, who used to call him “Big Brother,” had been, emphasizing that he wouldn’t trade those beautiful days, even for a hundred luggage carts filled with gifts. Behind the tearful Isserion, who continued speaking, Ricardis’ face flushed deeply.

Ricardis glanced downward to look at Rosaline. She had lit up with excitement, attentively listening to Isserion’s tales.

His Highness has such a past! He called Secretary Isserion “Big Brother”! He said he didn’t want the candy to melt and disappear, so he left it behind after eating one part of it! He got caught sneaking into the stable to sleep secretly because he loved the pony he received as a gift! Ricardis was in agony as she listened to those beautiful memories.

While some were desperately hiding someone and their emotions, others were enjoying themselves to the fullest. It was exasperating. Ricardis pinched her cheek. Rosaline giggled and covered her mouth with her hand, as if she enjoyed being pinched. Seeing the soot disappear where he had pinched, Ricardis roughly made her wash her face. Ugh, dirty.

As the sound of splashing water echoed, Isserion’s words were interrupted. Ricardis hastily explained, “It was a touching story. Tears almost welled up in my eyes.”

“Yes, indeed. To think you were so young and fragile. I’m deeply moved by it.”

As Isserion recounted memories in a grandiose speech, the mention of being fragile made Ricardis chuckle. “True. I was indeed very weak.” Both physically and mentally.

Isserion looked at his back for a moment, then smiled with a hint of bitterness. He knew the reason Ricardis was obsessively dedicated to his work lately. Understanding this desperate dedication, Isserion always felt a pang in his heart. Being engrossed meant pouring all one’s nerves and soul into it. It was inevitably exhausting. Isserion hoped Ricardis could find some relief.

“Your Highness. You have always done your best, and you have achieved results accordingly.”

“I have lost a lot too.”

“You should focus on what you have gained.”

“It seems meager compared to what I’ve lost.”

“If you don’t look ahead, you can’t move forward.”

“I didn’t think I had to move forward.”

“Your Highness…” Isserion’s weak voice echoed through the bathroom. Ricardis looked at Rosaline, who was quietly nestled against him. Her white shirt was soaked, revealing her skin. Scars painfully etched on her back were visible. Ricardis gently traced her scars with his hand, causing her to shiver.

“Do I look anxious, Isserion?”

“How could you think that?”

“You’ve been the one who has watched over me the longest. The young child who cried and sniffled back then, still shedding tears and sniffling to this day. It must be quite frustrating.”

“How could you think that!?”

“What can I do? I’m still just as fragile as I was back then.”

“Your Highness…”

“Don’t placate me. I just pointed out an objective fact. I still don’t know what I have and, being stuffed with layers, I might end up like Elpidio. Well, he seems to be enjoying his happiness, so it’s not a concern.” Ricardis heard Isserion let out a deflating laugh. The warmth in Ricardis’ embrace gave him a sense of relief, and he closed his eyes. “Harsh battles await, Isserion. I won’t be the only one who cannot afford a moment of respite; even Elpidio is trying to woo Sir Calyx over. Don’t worry. Knowing my weakness is knowing the direction to move forward. Even if struggling may look painful, I have resolved to move forward.”

“I will always be by your side on this thorny path, Your Highness.”

“I appreciate that.”

Of course, Isserion couldn’t hold back his tears at these words. He cried as if he was about to faint before Lewon took him out.

In the bathroom, the sound of dripping water echoed persistently. Ricardis placed his hand on Rosaline’s back and infused holy energy. Rosaline, clutching her knees, was tearing rose petals apart. “…I’ll also always be with you on this thorny path,” she said.

A smile graced Ricardis’ lips. “But I won’t take someone who doesn’t listen.”

“Excuse me?”

“While I’m on the battlefield, the disobedient child will receive foot massages from the maids, savor lavish cakes and extravagant meals, and rest on a soft feather pillow for a peaceful slumber in the evening.”

Rosaline jolted in surprise, twisting her body. Finding no support, she reached out for Ricardis’ knees, which were visible among the rose petals. It happened so quickly that Ricardis couldn’t do anything to stop her.

Their faces were so close that their noses almost touched. Startled by this sudden attack, Ricardis held his breath and looked at her. Rosaline gazed at him with furrowed brows, her eyes filled with a kind of poignant expression.

Ricardis’ face turned crimson. He gently flicked her hand away and hid his knees under the water.

“Don’t touch my body… not a single finger. I’m serious. You seem dangerous… And the proximity is too close. Back off. Farther. More. That doesn’t suit my taste. More. Perfect.”

As Rosaline crawled away, reaching the opposite end of the bathtub, Ricardis smiled with a relieved expression. Rosaline, however, couldn’t resist adding her opinion from a distance. “I’ll listen well. I won’t do things you tell me not to. Really.”

The countless days of saying “Don’t do it” and “You’re not allowed to” replayed in Ricardis’ mind. There was no credibility in Rosaline’s words; he didn’t trust her at all.

After uttering those words that lacked credibility, Rosaline continued to list the advantages of why she should accompany him on his journey. Strong, skilled in assassination, good at hunting, adept at finding paths, and good at this and that…

Her passionate description amused him. He wondered why she wanted to accompany him on a path filled with blood, poison, screams, and curses. What made her not walk on a path that was filled with all the delicious things she liked and a peaceful routine?

Feeling conflicted, Ricardis offered a subtle smile. Was it because he had just received numerous curses from Katelyn? Or was it because Rosaline and Diech were similar entities that should’ve possessed a similar kind of resentment with her?

This blind loyalty, this devotion, these friendly emotions, and these firm and sharp things that couldn’t be doubted. The realization that these were filling Rosaline up struck him anew.

“The reason I got angry with you…”

“I won’t do it again, never.”

“It’s not because you were wrong.”

“I was wrong. I…”

“You were not wrong.” Ricardis met her gaze squarely. “The reason I got angry was because I felt helpless when you were hurt. I was angry because I was weak and couldn’t protect you. I was frustrated. I directed the anger that should have been towards myself at you. The mistake was on my part. I’m truly sorry, Rosaline. I was too petty. Unable to blame myself, I redirected that arrow of anger towards you.”

Rosaline blinked and sealed her lips. Her green eyes moved about, and after contemplating intensely, she smiled confidently. “I forgive you completely! So now, you are not angry anymore?”

She appeared to pay no attention to the irrational anger that had been directed at her. Ricardis burst into laughter. In the midst of the lurking blade, the eye of the storm, and the impending flames on the oil-soaked firewood, he wondered what was so amusing that made him laugh so foolishly. Ricardis laughed and nodded. “I guess the one who should be angry is you.”

“Oh, I’m not petty, so I don’t care!” She claimed forgiveness while attacking people, even after saying she forgave.

“…Yes, I’ll strive to be as bold… Regardless, merely saying sorry won’t suffice. If you have any wishes, tell me. I’ll grant anything.”

I’ll grant anything. Those words, as they ended, frighteningly transformed her gaze into that of a predator. Ricardis wanted to retract his words the moment he spat them out. He felt like the prey caught in a trap.

Rosaline frowned and muttered. No, that’s… that’s scolding… What on earth was she trying to say!? Goosebumps ran down Ricardis’ arms.

Rosaline seemed to have made up her mind and nodded. “Your Highness.”

“…Things that are physically impossible or against societal norms… Well, one can’t have it both ways with just words. What do you need, sir?” His lips trembled slightly, but Ricardis remained steadfast. Amidst the sound of dripping water at regular intervals in the spacious bathtub, he could hear her whispering.

“Can you please call me by my name again?”