Chapter 36 - Chapter 36

Chapter 36

After a long while, Ruwellin finally calmed down.

He raised his head from my embrace and looked at me with somewhat dazed eyes.

"Are you feeling better now?"

"Yes…… thank you."

His voice was hoarse. Seeing him like that made my heart ache again. I carefully reached out and stroked his cheek.

Ruwellin closed his eyes as if enjoying my touch, then slowly opened them again.

"Rosnia."

"Yes?"

"About what you said earlier……."

"What I said?"

"That if someone appears who can make me a complete divine user."

I flinched at his words. I had hoped he would forget, but of course, he hadnundefinedt. Ruwellin was not the type to let things like that slide.

"Did you think I would forget?"

"Well, thatundefineds……."

"I remember every single word you say, Rosnia."

Ruwellin spoke in a low voice, his eyes fixed on me. There was no wavering in his gaze.

"So let me make this clear once more."

He took my hand and placed it over his heart. I could feel his heartbeat, steady and strong.

"This heart beats only for you. It always has, and it always will."

"……."

"No one else can take your place. Not now, not ever."

His words were so absolute that I was speechless. How could he be so certain? How could he know what the future held?

But looking into his eyes, I couldnundefinedt bring myself to voice those doubts. Because his eyes held not a single trace of uncertainty.

"Do you understand, Rosnia?"

"……Yes."

I nodded slightly. Only then did Ruwellinundefineds expression soften. He smiled gently and kissed my forehead.

"Good."

He stood up from the bed and extended his hand to me.

"Shall we go? The maids will be wondering."

I took his hand and stood up. But instead of letting go, he intertwined his fingers with mine.

"Ruwellin?"

"I want to hold your hand."

"……Alright."

I had no reason to refuse. I liked holding his hand too.

We left the room together. The maids, who had been waiting outside, glanced at our intertwined hands and exchanged knowing smiles.

I felt my face heat up but didnundefinedt let go. Ruwellin seemed pleased, as he gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

"Where are we going?"

"To the dining hall. You must be hungry."

Now that he mentioned it, I realized I hadnundefinedt eaten anything in a while. My stomach let out a small growl, and Ruwellin chuckled.

"It seems your stomach agrees with me."

"……Shut up."

I glared at him, but he just laughed again. His laughter was light and pleasant, like wind chimes in a spring breeze.

As we walked through the corridors of the Rashiane Ducal castle, I took in the surroundings. The walls were adorned with beautiful tapestries, and suits of armor stood at regular intervals.

undefinedItundefineds really beautiful.undefined

The castle had an old-world charm that was both elegant and imposing. It suited Ruwellin, I thought.

We soon arrived at the dining hall. It was a large room with a long table that could seat at least twenty people.

But only two places were set, at the head of the table and to its right.

"Sit wherever you like."

I chose the seat to the right of the head. Ruwellin sat at the head, close enough that our shoulders almost touched.

Soon, the maids brought out the food. It was a simple but elegant meal, consisting of soup, bread, and roasted meat.

"Thank you for the meal."

I picked up my spoon and took a sip of the soup. It was delicious, rich and savory.

"How is it?"

"Itundefineds delicious."

"Iundefinedm glad."

Ruwellin watched me eat with a satisfied expression. It was a little embarrassing, but I was too hungry to care.

We ate in comfortable silence. It was strange, but I felt at ease with him. As if we had been doing this for years.

After the meal, the maids cleared the table and brought out tea. The scent of lilac filled the air.

"Lilac tea?"

"Yes. Do you not like it?"

"No, I like it. Itundefineds just……."

I thought of the original story. In the original, lilac was Sierraundefineds favorite flower. Ruwellin had planted lilacs all over the castle for her.

But now, those lilacs seemed to be for me. The roses in the garden, the lilac tea…….

undefinedIs this really happening?undefined

"Rosnia?"

"Ah, sorry. I was just thinking."

"What about?"

"About how different things are from what I expected."

"Expected?"

Ruwellin tilted his head, looking curious. I hesitated for a moment, then spoke.

"I heard that the summer flower of the Rashiane Ducal castle is the lilac."

"Thatundefineds right."

"And that lilacs are your favorite flower."

Ruwellinundefineds eyes widened slightly. Then he smiled.

"Who told you that?"

"Is it not true?"

"Itundefineds not that itundefineds not true……."

He took a sip of his tea before continuing.

"Lilacs are indeed beautiful. But my favorite flower is not the lilac."

"Then what is it?"

Ruwellin looked at me. His emerald eyes seemed to see right through me.

"Roses."

"……Roses?"

"Yes. Especially deep pink ones."

My face flushed. My hair was deep pink. My eyes were deep pink.

Was he saying……?

"Ruwellin……."

"I told you, Rosnia. My heart beats only for you."

He reached across the table and took my hand.

"Everything I do, I do for you."

"……."

"The roses in the garden, the lilac tea…… itundefineds all for you."

I didnundefinedt know what to say. My heart was pounding so hard I thought it might burst.

"Ruwellin……."

"I love you, Rosnia Hyll."

It was the first time he had said those words so directly. I had known, of course. But hearing it out loud was different.

Tears welled up in my eyes. I didnundefinedt know why I was crying. Maybe because I was happy. Maybe because I was overwhelmed.

"Rosnia?"

Ruwellin stood up and came to my side, concern written on his face.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"No……."

I shook my head and wiped my tears.

"Iundefinedm just…… happy."

Ruwellinundefineds expression softened. He knelt beside me and took both my hands in his.

"Then let me make you happy forever."

"……."

"Marry me, Rosnia."

It wasnundefinedt a question. It was a statement. A declaration.

And I…….

"Yes."