Chapter 162: 162 The king of the lake and the young lion

--It's early in the month of Kumozuki, deep into autumn. It's been a few days since the palace officially replied, "If we decide to send a delegation from the Kingdom of Ergeland, the head of the entourage, the Red Rose, will be the head.

The king, who had been reluctant to send a delegation to the Stanza Empire until the very end, relented after the palace's answer, and preparations were proceeding at a rapid pace.

"Your Majesty. Please sign the departure permits for the members of the delegation.

Please check these IDs as well.

"At a meeting of the ministers, they asked if we could make some cuts to the budget.

We have received a list from the palace of the daily necessities for the delegation. ...... Considering the conflict with the Stanza Empire, it would be difficult to bring all of these items.

Juke's office was visited daily by a steady stream of officials from the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Finance, all demanding Juke's signature and judgment. Each time, Juke restrained himself from the temptation to get angry, but on the surface, he handled the situation quite calmly.

(What kind of torture is this, that I have to make preparations to send my precious people ...... and my personal benefactor, the Red Rose, to a dangerous place with my own hands?

If it was inevitable to send Deanna to the Stanza Empire, I wanted to at least make all possible preparations to protect her, in terms of manpower, available money, and goods. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing and how you're going to do it. Keith and Alford both offered to follow Diana if she went to the Stanza Empire.

--And yet...

I've got six signatures for .......

Thank you. --When I was first told that all the maids and maidservants of the Red Rose Room would accompany me, I wondered what would happen, but I had no idea that there were so few with the Red Rose Room. In this situation, I should be thankful that the Red Rose is not a popular person. Well, it's a little small to be called a delegation, though.

A middle-ranking official from the Ministry of the Interior, who had received his departure permit with a smile on his face, was in such a good mood that he inadvertently spoke the truth. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

"Viscount Gallew. I'm sure you're aware of this, but are you insulting the Red Rose, who has decided to go to an unknown country to protect her entourage as the first in line to the palace?

What?　...... Ah, no.

"...... Yes. I'm sure you'll find a lot of people who would like to know more about this. In the event that the Red Rose is not well-liked by the people, and the country's envoys are not well-liked by the people, then why not give the honor of chief to your daughter, who is much more well-liked than the Red Rose?

"No, no way!　I thought I was thanking you for organizing the Red Rose Room in a way that was fortunate enough to meet the demands of the Stanza side, since it is a small elite group, but I misspoke!

The frozen gaze of Alford and Juke finally made the man in front of him remember that it was the king himself who had opposed the dispatch of the delegation to the very end. He mumbled an excuse that was no excuse at all, and left the office as if he were running away.

The officials who had been waiting for Juke's signature and judgment, who had been watching the scene, quickly said, "I'll leave the documents here for you to check," and hurriedly left. Perhaps because of Juke's apparent calmness, they didn't expect him to be so angry.

--In his office, alone with Alford, Juke sighs deeply.

It is very difficult to pretend to be a puppet.

I'm not sure what to make of this, but I'm sure it's a good idea." "...... Well, it's been externally stated that King Juke is madly in love with the Red Rose. It's not unnatural to say that he's frustrated with the situation of having to send the woman he loves to a foreign country.

I can't believe that the theory of the Red Rose being a bad woman is still prevalent under these circumstances. The Red Rose, who is the first in line to her side, could have sent any number of other people to the stanza, but she dared to go herself. Unless you look at it very differently, you would know that she chose to go because she wanted to protect the ladies in her court.

"I'm curious myself. It's the magic of the Cresta family's face that makes the "wrong view" so mysterious and convincing. In this case, she's trying to entice His Highness the Prince of Stanza to take her with him and spread her power throughout the Stanza Empire. How greedy is that woman?

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's a bit of a jerk.　I'm sure it's impossible to spread your authority by cajoling a prince like that.

I'm sure that's why Mistress Diana is more than despised as a bad girl, she's mocked. I'm sure you're not the only one.

...... Those who say that are the ones who are loudly revealing that they didn't take her seriously at the House of Lords.

Right?　You can see how many of them are empty-headed and blind when you look at them again after knowing the truth about the Cresta family.

I nodded grudgingly to Alford's words. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. It's a great family of "forest wise men" who, after the unification of the peninsula, have used their mysterious faces to become a "test case" for the nobility. ......

--But...

It's a good idea to take a look at the actual information on the web, as well as to make sure you're getting the most out of it. If that's true, it's always better to have a country that doesn't put anyone in this role. ......

That's ...... true, though.

...... Maybe your father was thinking the same thing. The Red Rose's temperament is more like Count Crestor's than Mrs. Crestor's, I've noticed since I became involved with her. I heard that your father and Count Crestor were each other's best friends. I'm sure that the kind father would not have been distressed by his own position of using such a dear friend as a test case.

...... You may be right, I suppose.

In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. Everyone who knew them said that there was a bond between King Auster and Dualis that no one else could share. Even when they were apart, they were always together, and maybe they knew each other better than they knew themselves, and they wanted each other's happiness and protection the most.

It's the kind of bond that the straight and twisted Edward admired so purely that he couldn't help but twist.

Juke is the son of Auster, but he doesn't know much about his father. But if his father had been as kind and compassionate as he said he was, he would not have wanted to keep giving the role of confronting the dark side of humanity to someone who wanted him to be happy more than anyone else. --I don't think Juke would have wanted to continue to give the role of confronting the dark side of humanity to someone who wanted him to be happy more than anyone else, just as he is now tormented by the fact that he has no choice but to send Diana to the stanzas.

If I can get away, then... I would sell my soul to the devil if I could free her right now from this unreasonable world that can only hurt her. (If only I were not a ...... king, if I had nothing to bear!

I'd sell my soul to the devil if I could free her right now. ...... But my daughter won't allow me to say that. She doesn't want Juke to give up his role as king, nor does she want him to sacrifice himself to keep everything in line.

She doesn't want Juke to give up his role as king or to sacrifice himself to make everything right. The happiness of ...... Juke personally.

She smiled as if it was obvious, and Diana always wished me well.

"...... Why, I wonder?

"...... Juke?

"Why does the Red Rose do so much for someone else? I can understand why she would want to do so much for Shayla and the other ladies in her court. The Red Rose and the girls are very much in love with each other. ......, but I don't think so. I'm the kind of guy who can't complain about the Red Rose hating me and wishing me misfortune for generations to come.

Oh, ......, you've strayed a lot in the last year.

It's not a lost cause. I've hurt her physically and mentally so much that I could apologize every day until the day I die and it still wouldn't be enough. I just can't put it into words because I'm painfully aware that apologies mean nothing when you've come this far. I think the only way I can redeem myself is to work hard and study hard with regret and remorse in my heart so that I don't waste her suffering, at least that's what I'm trying to do every day.

Juke: ......

I'm still trying to figure out what to do. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it. ...... I'm still inexperienced as a person and as a king, and I'm a pathetic man who can't protect anything important without the power of the Red Rose.

Juke mocked himself as he tapped his fingers on the pathetic wad of paper on the desk where he had left it.

If I were as capable as the Red Rose and strong enough to protect what I want to protect, I would have given up on a pathetic 'king' like me a long time ago. You have every right to hate a man who has hurt and tormented you so much. You can find a lot more information on this topic at ......, but she sincerely believes in the king I'm aiming for, wishes for my own happiness, and doesn't hesitate to face the harsh reality (now) for a brighter future. Where does that deep trust, that kindness, that strength come from?

"Yes, it does. ......

Once, slowly, he cut off his words. Alford looks out the window, quietly.

"That's Miss Deanna, I'll tell you that. It seems that her extraordinary good-naturedness has been hardwired into her since she was in the single digits. ...... Rita told me once.

"Rita said ......?

It was very unusual for Alford to talk about his memories of Rita. This is probably the first time that Juke has said anything about Rita in as long as he can remember.

"I didn't know it was about Miss Diana at the time, though. ...... "My master is a foolishly kind and good-natured man who always thinks more of others than of himself, and never lets anyone who is suffering in front of him pass him by. It's a good thing that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.

I'm sure Rita grew up with the Red Rose as her maid of honor from an early age, right?

Yeah. Rita was picked up as a child. It's hard-core, right?

Alford smiled quietly and bitterly.

"...... I didn't know that when I was Rita's lover. The good fortune and happiness of having a master that you would give your all to protect and want you to be happy. How rare and miraculous it is to be able to meet the person you want to put before your own happiness. --It's a miracle how rare it is to meet someone you want to prioritize over your own happiness, and how important it is to have an absolute, non-negotiable axis in your life, rather than something as uncertain as love.

"Alford: ......

Sorry, don't listen. It's a stupid regret.

Before Juke could ask anything back, Alford smiled broadly.

Maybe your question needs to be answered by Miss Diana herself or someone who knows her better than she does.

"Oh, ......, yeah. Yeah, I guess.

I was curious about Alford's condition, but he didn't seem to have any intention of telling me more.

Juke didn't ask any more in-depth questions, but chewed on Alford's words in his mind.

(Who knows the Red Rose better than the Red Rose ......?

The only ones I can think of are Edward and her family, ......, and...

Him.

A young man with dead-leaf-colored hair and mysterious dark blue eyes that change color in different ways depending on how the light hits them, Kai. I had only known his voice for a long time, but I was surprised when I met him for the first time in Crester territory. It's hard to believe that a younger man with a somewhat feminine, gentle, beautiful face and a body that doesn't look too muscular (although that can be said of Edward as well), who at first glance seems to be a gentleman, would be someone who speaks so sharply and sometimes has an inhuman killer streak. ...... At the picnic the next day, I realized firsthand that he, like Diana, was a bundle of surprises.

The only thing he cares about and cherishes is Deanna. --He always thinks of Deanna first, and always puts her wishes first. He always puts Diana's needs first, and even his own feelings on the back burner.

The same goes for the Red Rose's feelings for him. (Where does his love for the Red Rose come from?)

I can't tell if it's simple love or free love. The only thing I can say for sure is that it is a deep feeling that is unfathomable to ordinary people.

(If you don't know what ...... is, you'll have to ask.)

--Just think about it for a minute. Juke looks back at Alford.

"Him and... --I wonder if I could talk to Kai, the Red Rose's secret agent. Preferably in private. Keep the Red Rose in the dark.

"With Kai?

Alford had a complicated expression on his face that was easy to understand and understand, but not easy to nod.

I'm sure he'll be able to answer some of your questions. --As a king's shield, I wouldn't want to leave you alone with an unknown man like that.

"I appreciate your concern. I appreciate your concern, but I'm sure Kai wouldn't do anything the Red Rose wouldn't want him to.

"...... with the proviso that it's for now. --All right. I'll leave it with Rita.

Thanks. Thanks, Alford.

No need to thank me. It's a matter of course. --.

Alford's eyes darted viciously to the door of the office. Juke chuckled.

"Oh dear. So much for rest, it seems.

"...... says the outer court wants the king to die of exhaustion. Why don't you just let him collapse, Juke?

I'm pretty sure Shayla and the Red Rose would be very angry with me for doing that.

In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, there are a few things you can do.

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And so, night.

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I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.

"Kai?

Why are you surprised?　You're the one who called me through Rita during the day, aren't you?

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.

I did ask to speak with you, but I'm not sure you'll come. To be honest, I thought it was 50/50 that you would come.

Well, that's terrible. If Mr. Alford went to the trouble of asking Rita to come, and without telling Deanna, even I could tell that he had something serious to say, right?

"......, so you're here that day?

Well, yeah. Well, I've been pretty busy getting ready for the stanza, so I thought the sooner we talked, the better.

Kai's own proposal to accompany him to the Stanza Empire was accepted with surprise and acceptance by all concerned. There was some cooperation on Juke's part, but the crucial part was completely left up to the palace and Kai himself. As far as Shayla could tell, things were going well, "No problems at all, or maybe it's funny that there are no problems, but at any rate, things are going well to the point of being annoying," so I guess things are going well.

Juke nodded at Kai's words and looked at Alford.

Leave me alone with Kai. No one is to enter this room until I call for you.

"......?

Alford gave him a worried look, but he seemed to sense the determination in Juke's expression. He gave his approval and walked out the front door.

After seeing Alford off with thanks and making sure the door was closed, Juke looked up again.

I got rid of the guy. Why don't you come down?

We can talk like this if you want.

...... I'd like to talk to you face to face, if that's possible.

Hmm?　Well, okay.

With the words, a black-clad Kai descended. Juke hadn't seen him in a while.

"Good evening again, Your Majesty.

"Oh, oh. Sorry for the abruptness.

Don't worry about the suddenness, it's mutual. --There's something you wanted to talk to me about, wasn't there?

Yeah, I guess.

Kai's expression was neither smiling nor grumpy, but expressionless in the proper sense of the word. Shayla once said, "When I talk to you without Dee, I'm always confused by how different you are.

Thinking for a moment, Juke opens his mouth.

"How's the ...... Red Rose doing?

"You mean the preparations for the stanza?　It's going well, isn't it?

Yes, well. It's hard to say that they've been given enough money and supplies, but ......

I'm not sure what kind of preparations the king thinks are necessary, but Deanna's first priority is to make sure that everyone who goes to the stanzas arrives home safe and sound. The preparations in that direction are proceeding without problems.

"I see.

As usual, Diana is very wise. As usual, Deanna is very wise. She doesn't care about the harassment from the outer court, and is only focused on what she has to do.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

"What's wrong?

No, ...... I'm just realizing once again my powerlessness and stupidity. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to get the best out of it.

"Ah, ......, you mean that.

Kai smiled sarcastically, as if he had sensed something.

It's not Diana herself who's angry, but the people around her.　I'm not sure if you've ever heard of it, but I'm sure you've heard of it. I'm just a small businessman, so I don't know what a nobleman's reputation is, and I might have to run away by myself in case of emergency, so I simply thought that the less baggage I have, the better. But it's not that simple, is it?

You're right. In the event that you are a member of a group of people, you should be aware that there are a lot of things that you can do. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and how to get there.

I'm sure Yolanda was upset about that, too. "Even if it's clear that they're practically hostages, as long as we're sending them to a foreign country as a 'national mission', we should at least make up the front! I think. I'm not sure if it's the same for me or Deanna herself, but the money and equipment used for this "national mission" is quite poor according to the common sense of the nobility?

I'm sure this is not a good idea. I'm sure the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is doing their best to make sure that this is not a problem for the country.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I've been so impressed with your work. It's not that I don't care how poor they are in the eyes of the aristocracy, but I'm sure they'll think they're splendid for nothing. Regardless, don't the conservative aristocrats in the Ministry of the Interior realize their huge contradiction?

With a sarcastic expression on his face, Kai spun his words without hesitation.

The conservatives in this country claim that the Kingdom of Ergeland is the most wonderful in the world, right?　That's what they're saying, right?　In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with your loved ones, please do not hesitate to contact us.

...... I think so too. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

"Well, the people who welcome a poor-looking 'delegation' would probably think of it as a gift, not a hostage. It's not worth pawning a person if you can see through them that they are not being treated with respect by their own country.

There was an unmistakable sneer on Kai's lips as he muttered lowly.

You never learn, do you? In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. --It doesn't matter how few samurai you have, how much you wear, or how many items you use, none of that will have any effect on Deanna's value.

That's .......

You are reading story The Inner Palace Tale of a Villainess Noble Girl at novel35.com

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out a way to use this to your advantage and establish your position within the stanza. I'm sure you're not the only one.

Right, right.

That's all you have to say?　Then I'll go now.

It's really different when you're next to Deanna at the Crester house. The night sky of navy blue, which was always soft and gentle when Deanna was around, is now devoid of any light. The expression and voice are quiet and cold, just like the snowfield frozen in the moonlight.

(......, no)

( No, not at all.) Seeing Kai up close and personal again, I suddenly realized.

It's true that he's very cold right now. But that doesn't mean he's not as warm as ice.

Rather...

"Is it painful for you to talk to me at ......?

"What?　What, suddenly?

You seemed to want to end the conversation as soon as possible.

Well, like I said, I'm a pretty busy guy myself. The less time you waste, the better.

"...... wasting time talking to me, huh?

"I don't know about you, Mr. King, but honestly, for me it is.

"I don't know about you, but to be honest, I do..." The tone is very normal, but the words are incredibly sharp. If he just doesn't know how to use the word, he's just rude, but this guy definitely knows what he's talking about. Juke's reply shows no sign of faltering.

...... You must hate me a lot.

"I don't hate you at all.

How can you say that with that attitude?

It's true. If you were still in the same state you were in last year, you would have been eliminated before you could even be liked. I admire and appreciate how you've risen to this level from that state. I don't mind people with such an indomitable spirit.

"...... I see.

Depending on how you look at it, it sounds like a compliment, but the word "targeted for extermination" at the beginning says it all. I'm sure he's still keeping an eye on her, and if Juke becomes a complete "hazard" to Diana, he'll be ready to eliminate her at any time. ...... I'm not going to say no to that, because for those of us who care about Deanna the most, Juke is probably the object of their anger and hatred in the first place.

(...... Oh, I see. So it's "different".

At first glance, Kai's attitude seems to be just cold.

But this is different. He's just suppressing his emotions with an immensely strong will power. It is impossible for him to be so loving to Deanna and not be angry at the man who hurt her so badly and is still tormenting her. --How could he not be uncomfortable being summoned by such a man?

(How, please ......)

Why can't you just be like Rita, like Edward, and let your burning anger out? He was not the kind of man who would hold back what he wanted to say just because he was the king.

"No, no.

"...... What now?

You... The reason you're not saying anything to me right now, the reason you're not even angry with me, is not because I'm ...... a king.

At that moment, all the expression falls from Kai's face. Beyond the perfect blank expression, Juke then saw clearly.

You're only doing this for her. For the sake of the ...... Red Rose, you hide all of your heart and face me, don't you?

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I'm sure you're not the only one," Juke said to Kai, who had lost all expression and words.

I've never been sure. You're too good at hiding your emotions. ...... But now, finally, I understand.

"...... You know, my king.

It's no secret that you love the Red Rose more than anything else in the world. And yet, you've never once expressed anger towards me. You don't even show your anger.

I'm giving you some serious advice.

I've been trying to figure out why, and now I know. You're so far gone that you can't even show me a glimpse of anger.

Don't be curious about what other people hide from you out of kindness.

For a moment, a blink of an eye, a fraction of a second.

The air, the world, changes.

By the time Juke realized what was happening, the jet-black man had already revealed his true nature, and was confronting Juke with a ferocious, beast-like killing intent and a sharp, angry temper reminiscent of a steel blade, with unmistakable seriousness.

The door in front of him slammed.

"Hey--

Don't come in, Alford!　Don't let anyone in!

A hint of a hint of death, a hint that I had been foolish enough to say before.

At this moment, Juke realizes that all of that was just child's play to this man.

In the midst of his instinctive fear, a fear that overwhelmed his thoughts, Juke knew like a revelation that he couldn't run away from this, that he couldn't let anyone protect him.

When Juke refused Alford, Kai gave him an amused smile.

"...... Huh?　You're not going to let him protect you?

I've always wanted to have this conversation with you. You can't be so selfish as to ask me to protect you when it's not convenient for you.

You know that if I wanted to, I could kill you without lifting a finger, don't you?

"...... I know. But I don't have the right to ask for help here.

I'm not sure what Juke's answer meant to him, but Kai's murderous intent faded slightly. Juke took a deep breath before he could think, freeing himself from the bondage where he couldn't move a finger or even breathe.

He took in some fresh air, and with a slightly chilled head, he gathered up the words he needed to say.

I'm sorry I ignored your kindness, your concern. But I've always wanted to know. Your true heart.

"No apology necessary. I hid everything from you, not for your sake, but for Dee's. --So, if you've made it this far, I'm sure you know what I'm really thinking.

"...... Oh. Yeah, I get it.

I'm just wondering, what do you want from me now that you know my true intentions?　I'll tell you this, for Dee's honor, my feelings are mine alone, and Dee knows nothing about them. A situation where some horse's bones are just feeling the heat on their own doesn't amount to a side dishonor, does it?

Juke's eyes rolled back in his head at the unexpected words. Juke's eyes rolled up at the unexpected words, and he shook his head with a straight face.

"No way. You can't be accused of wrongdoing, even if you and the Red Rose were in love with each other.

"Well, there's no way to prove anything mental, is there?

Even if it wasn't just mental.

Kai's expression didn't move, but I could see that the anger swirling in the room had thickened slightly.

Taking another deep breath to calm his mind, Juke looked at Kai again.

You may not like me as a person, but you don't like me as a man, do you?

"...... You're a pretty smart guy, so don't dare ask questions that might offend them.

At last, Kai's anger rose not only in his signs, but also in his expression and voice. It was a wild, raging anger worthy of one who bears the name "Lion.

"You as a man?　It's not that I don't like you. I find you so annoying and disgusting that I want to chop off your head, tear off your limbs, and feed you to the beasts in the wilderness right now, and I wish you would just disappear. --I don't like them and I wish they would just disappear.　If the husband loves her and wants to make her happy, he has no intention of doing so, but he refuses to let go of his position as a husband. I hate him so much that killing him a hundred times would not be enough.

"......

I don't like Prince Stanza simply because I'm jealous of him, but I honestly understand how he feels. I still think he's rational and even conscientious enough not to try to start a war right now and destroy the Elgrand royal family.

"Kai ......

"You just said simply, 'You can't be wronged. It's not that I'm upset with you, but you shouldn't say that again. If you don't care who or what your wife does with, all you can do is close the palace and release all your wife's family right now. --Don't insult the people who kill their hearts and devote themselves to their "side rooms" just to escape the guilt that binds them.

It was a fierce anger that came from a deep and abiding love for Diana. It was not out of selfishness, but out of a desire for Deanna's happiness and hatred for those who prevented her from achieving it.

(Yes, I know. For those who love the Red Rose, I deserve to be hated. Kai loves the Red Rose so deeply, not only as a person, but also as a woman. ...... I'm sure I'm the most hated of all, not only by Kai, but by any other man who might be in love with a side room.

Even so, Kai only emits a killing and angry tone, but does not actually draw his weapon. He doesn't even try to harm Juke with his spirier.

I'm sure it's for... For Deanna, of all people.

"I'm sorry.

Slowly, Juke spoke to Kai.

"But, Kai. I didn't say that to avoid guilt. I'm also determined to close the palace and set all of my consorts free, no matter how long it takes.

"...... Well, I'll be d*mned if I don't.

I'm sure you'll agree with me. I can't love anyone but Shayla, and I can't promise her happiness as a woman. I'm not good enough to love more than one woman at a time.

"...... Yeah, so?

But even if I can't give it to you, I hope I can. But even though I can't give it to you myself, I do hope that all of my consorts will have the best future and be happy. Both for me personally and as king. I will spare no effort to achieve that.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand.

"Of all of them, the Red Rose, Diana, is special to me. As a king, I can't give her special treatment, but as a person, I can't help but think of her as special. I owe her a debt of gratitude, both to me and to Shayla. It is because of her, because she never gave up on me, because she kept waiting for me, that I was able to hold out at the last moment. ...... I was able to connect my father's wishes and prayers.

"......Yes.

I want Deanna to be supremely happy. ...... No, no, no. I want Deanna to be supremely happy. No, no. She absolutely has to be happier than anyone else. I can't have a future where she's not happy.

Juke took a step toward Kai, who looked somewhat surprised.

I'm sure you're right. You're always doing things for someone else, making other people happy as if it were your own, and you're always satisfied with that. Even for a helpless person like me, who no one would complain about abandoning, she gives me the same feelings as her dear friends. I'm sure that a world where such a girl can't be happy would be wrong!

"......, we agree on something unexpected. I agree with you wholeheartedly. I agree with you wholeheartedly. A world where Dee is not happy is not only worthless, it has no reason to exist.

But," Kai laughed quietly.

You're wrong about one thing. Dee would never abandon you.

"After all the pain and suffering I've caused her with ......?

Unfortunately, Dee's soul isn't soft enough for someone like you to hurt.

A little distantly, Kai muttered.

I'm sorry, but Dee's soul is not soft enough to be hurt by you. The moment all of that paid off, her soul sublimated even those scars into precious memories, into a medal that connected the future.

"Shou, or ......

"Dee is no stranger to the cruelty of the world and humanity. Dee is not ignorant of the cruelty of the world and human beings, she knows that the world is filthy and people are stupid and irredeemable. But still, even after accepting all of that, she chose the path of loving people and the world from the bottom of her heart.

"Love...

"Because you are an honorable soul who has learned to love in the truest sense of the word, Dee will never abandon you, no matter how stupid you are.

With an obvious look on his face, Kai offers Juke the truth. Kai offers Juke the truth, that Deanna truly cares about Juke's stupidity, even his past. She blesses him to walk with it all, to trust it.

Juke took two or three gasping breaths.

...... So that's Deanna.

"Yes. That's Dee. --My beloved, the only thing in this world that makes me happy just by existing.

...... Just by existing, huh? You're selfless, aren't you?

It's not that I'm selfless. It's not that I'm not selfless. I'm a man too, so it's normal for me to want something. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on. ...... I'd rather put my feelings ahead of Dee's than have her suffer or be in trouble, so I'll just let her be and not show it now.

One day, Edward told me. Kai said that the "lion cub", as he was known in the underworld, had a steel will that never wavered. It's a shame, but he couldn't find a better man to allow Deanna by his side.

...... This, man. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

"Kai. I have a favor to ask you.

That depends.

It's probably easy for you. --Please, take the Red Rose, take Diana. If it comes to it, take her and run. Take her away from Stanza and from ...... Elgrand.

Kai's eyes got a little bigger.

"You can't ask me to do that.　You're the king, aren't you?

"Not really. It's not a good idea. As a king, I should be asking you to protect the Red Rose and bring it back to the Kingdom of Ergeland safely at all costs.

"Of course. And then he tells her to run away?

The Red Rose will probably never choose to run away, no matter how extreme the situation. ......, but I've lived a little longer than her, ironically. I know that there are situations where you have to throw everything away to escape, and I also know that the world doesn't end when you escape, surprisingly.

That's true. Maybe it's because Dee has never run away before in her life, and she feels so guilty about it.

"Without Deanna being the Red Rose, we'd be in a very difficult situation, that's for sure. So as a king, I can't lose Diana as the Red Rose. --But I, as her friend, would like to tell her that she doesn't have to take on that responsibility, and that she can live happily wherever she wants, with whomever she wants. ...... I can't say this to anyone but you, though.

Well, I can't help it. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. ...... Juke-san's friends, including Edward, are all related to the King's work.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

I don't want to understand ......, but I do.

"Kai ......?

The reason why the Cresta family has been bonded with the Elgrand family for over two thousand years is because they are the same. It's a compliment, and it's also a compliment to you.

That's a ...... compliment, isn't it?

It's neither a compliment nor a put-down, just an opinion.

I don't think it's a compliment.

I'll protect Dee with everything I've got, even if you don't say so. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who can't give up.

"Kai ......

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one. I'm sure you'll be glad you did. ...... But that's the last time that happens. Dee will never abandon the people she cares about and run away, and she won't even think about herself until she gets the whole kingdom to approve Shayla's reign as queen, makes it happen, and then sees it through. As long as Dee wants it, I'll do everything in my power to make it happen.

...... You, you guys, you really don't waver, do you?

Not for me, but for Dee. The same goes for the stanza. In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, there are a number of things you can do.　In the meantime, you should steadily proceed with what you have to do.

The young man who had inherited the lion had a strong determination and resolve in his glittering azure eyes.

This man, who loves Diana so much that he accepts and embraces all of her, will surely protect her from all hardships in the future.

I'm sure of it, and Juke also nodded strongly with determination in his heart.

"Yes, of course. When the Red Rose returns with its results, we will do what we have to do to make the most of it.

I'm a little relieved to hear you say that. --I'll trust you for now, okay?

--After the night is over, a new battle will begin.

In order not to let Deanna's and Kai's feelings go unfulfilled, Juke vowed to keep challenging with his fighting spirit.

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