Chapter 37 - Chapter 37

Chapter 37

Ruwellinundefineds eyes widened at my answer.

"……Really?"

"Yes."

"Youundefinedre not just saying that because you feel pressured?"

"Iundefinedm saying it because I want to."

I looked straight into his eyes. There was no hesitation in my heart.

"I want to marry you, Ruwellin Rashiane."

For a moment, he just stared at me. Then a smile spread across his face, brighter than I had ever seen.

He pulled me into his arms, holding me so tightly I could barely breathe.

"Thank you……."

His voice was choked with emotion. I could feel his heart pounding against my chest.

"Thank you, Rosnia."

I wrapped my arms around him and held him back. There was nothing more to say.

We stayed like that for a long time, holding each other in the quiet dining hall. The lilac tea grew cold, but neither of us cared.

Eventually, Ruwellin pulled back slightly. His eyes were red-rimmed, but he was smiling.

"I should send word to your brother and father."

"……Now?"

"The sooner, the better. I want to make this official as quickly as possible."

I laughed at his eagerness. But I understood. I felt the same way.

"Alright. But please be careful with Adrian Hyll. Heundefineds……."

"Crazy about you. I know."

Ruwellin sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"Iundefinedll handle it. Donundefinedt worry."

"……Okay."

I trusted him. He had never given me a reason not to.

Ruwellin called for his aide and gave instructions to send formal invitations to the Hyll estate. The aide looked surprised but nodded and hurried away.

"Now then."

Ruwellin turned back to me, his expression softening.

"Is there anything you want to do?"

"……Like what?"

"Anything. We have time before your family arrives."

I thought for a moment. There was something I had been curious about.

"Can I see the garden?"

"The garden?"

"I heard you planted roses. I want to see them."

Ruwellinundefineds smile widened.

"Of course. Iundefinedll show you myself."

He offered me his arm, and I took it. Together, we walked out of the dining hall and toward the garden.

The Rashiane Ducal castleundefineds garden was even more beautiful than I had imagined.

It was vast, with winding paths lined with flowers of every color. But what caught my eye were the roses.

They were everywhere. Deep pink roses, just like my hair.

"Theyundefinedre beautiful……."

"I had them planted three years ago."

"Three years ago?"

Ruwellin nodded, his gaze fixed on the roses.

"After I first saw you. I couldnundefinedt forget your hair. Your eyes. Your smile."

"……."

"So I planted these roses. So I could see you every day, even when you werenundefinedt there."

My heart ached at his words. He had been carrying this feeling for so long, all alone.

"Ruwellin……."

"I know itundefineds foolish. But I couldnundefinedt help it."

He turned to look at me, his emerald eyes soft.

"Youundefinedre the only one for me, Rosnia. You always have been."

I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him. It was a soft, gentle kiss, full of promise.

When I pulled back, Ruwellin was staring at me with wide eyes.

"What was that for?"

"For being patient. For waiting for me."

"I would wait forever for you."

"I know. Thatundefineds why I kissed you."

Ruwellin laughed and pulled me into his arms again.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

We stood in the garden, surrounded by roses, holding each other. It felt like a dream. But it was real.

This was really happening.

* * *

The invitations were sent, and the preparations began.

The Rashiane Ducal castle was abuzz with activity. The maids were cleaning every corner, and the kitchen was preparing for a grand feast.

I was in my room, staring out the window, when there was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

The door opened, and Ruwellin entered. He was holding a small box.

"Whatundefineds that?"

"A gift."

He walked over to me and opened the box. Inside was a ring. It was a simple band of white gold, with a small deep pink gemstone set in it.

"Itundefineds beautiful……."

"It was my motherundefineds."

I looked up at him, surprised.

"Your motherundefineds?"

"Yes. She gave it to me before she died. She told me to give it to the woman I love."

Ruwellin took the ring out of the box and held it out to me.

"Rosnia Hyll, will you wear this?"

I nodded, unable to speak. He slipped the ring onto my finger. It fit perfectly.

"It suits you."

"……Thank you."

I looked at the ring on my finger. It felt heavy, but in a good way. It was a weight I was happy to carry.

Ruwellin kissed my forehead.

"Your family will arrive tomorrow."

"……Already?"

"Adrian Hyll responded immediately. He said he wouldnundefinedt miss this for the world."

I laughed nervously. I could imagine the look on Adrian Hyllundefineds face.

"Heundefineds probably furious."

"Probably. But Iundefinedll handle it."

Ruwellinundefineds expression was determined. I knew he would keep his word.

"Thank you, Ruwellin."

"For what?"

"For everything."

He smiled and pulled me into his arms.

"Anything for you, Rosnia. Anything for you."