Chapter 38 - Chapter 38

Chapter 38

The next day arrived faster than I expected.

I woke up early, my heart pounding with anxiety. Adrian Hyll and Father would be here soon.

Ruwellin must have sensed my nervousness because he held my hand tightly at breakfast.

"Donundefinedt worry. Everything will be fine."

"……I hope so."

We finished breakfast and went to the main hall to wait. The maids had prepared everything perfectly. There was nothing out of place.

And then, the announcement came.

"Adrian Hyll and Claud Hyll have arrived."

I took a deep breath. Ruwellin squeezed my hand.

"Ready?"

"……As ready as Iundefinedll ever be."

The doors opened, and Adrian Hyll strode in. Father followed behind him, looking stern.

Adrian Hyllundefineds red eyes swept the room before landing on me. Then they moved to Ruwellin, and his expression darkened.

"Ruwellin Rashiane."

"Adrian Hyll. Thank you for coming."

"Donundefinedt thank me yet."

Adrian Hyllundefineds voice was cold. He walked over to me and pulled me into a hug.

"Are you alright?"

"……Iundefinedm fine, brother."

"He didnundefinedt hurt you?"

"No."

Adrian Hyll pulled back and looked at me intently, as if searching for any sign of harm. Apparently satisfied, he turned back to Ruwellin.

"You invited us here. Speak."

Ruwellin nodded and stepped forward.

"I invited you here to ask for your blessing."

"My blessing?"

"I want to marry Rosnia."

The room fell silent. Adrian Hyllundefineds eyes narrowed dangerously.

"……What did you say?"

"I want to marry your sister."

Ruwellin didnundefinedt flinch under Adrian Hyllundefineds murderous gaze. He stood tall and spoke clearly.

"I love her. I have loved her for years. And I want to spend the rest of my life with her."

Adrian Hyll laughed. It was a cold, humorless laugh.

"And you think Iundefinedll just allow that?"

"Iundefinedm not asking for your permission. Iundefinedm asking for your blessing."

"Itundefineds the same thing!"

"Itundefineds not. I will marry Rosnia whether you agree or not. But I would prefer to have your blessing."

Adrian Hyllundefineds face turned red with anger. He took a step toward Ruwellin, but I stepped between them.

"Stop it, both of you."

"Rosnia, move aside."

"No, brother. I wonundefinedt."

I looked up at Adrian Hyll, my eyes steady.

"I love him. I want to marry him. If you really care about me, youundefinedll accept that."

"……."

"Iundefinedm not a child anymore. I can make my own decisions."

Adrian Hyll stared at me for a long moment. Then he sighed, his shoulders slumping.

"……Youundefinedre really serious about this?"

"Yes."

"Heundefineds a Rashiane. Our familyundefineds enemy."

"Heundefineds the man I love. Thatundefineds all that matters."

Adrian Hyll ran a hand through his hair, looking frustrated. But I could see the resignation in his eyes.

"……Fine."

"What?"

"If this is what you really want, I wonundefinedt stand in your way."

"Brother……."

"But if he ever hurts you, Iundefinedll kill him. I donundefinedt care if it starts a war."

I laughed and hugged him.

"Thank you, brother."

"……Donundefinedt thank me yet. I still donundefinedt like him."

Adrian Hyll glared at Ruwellin over my head. Ruwellin bowed respectfully.

"Thank you, Adrian Hyll. I will cherish her for the rest of my life."

"Youundefinedd better."

Father, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. He looked at Ruwellin, then at me.

"Rosnia."

"Yes, Father?"

"Are you sure about this?"

"Yes. Iundefinedve never been more sure of anything."

Father nodded slowly. Then he turned to Ruwellin.

"Take care of my daughter."

"I will."

"Then I give my blessing as well."

I felt tears well up in my eyes. I hadnundefinedt expected Father to agree so easily.

"Thank you, Father."

"……I just want you to be happy."

He patted my head gently, just like he used to when I was a child.

I would be happy. I was sure of it.

* * *

With the blessing of my family, the engagement was officially announced.

The Rashiane Ducal castle was decorated with flowers, and a grand feast was prepared. Nobles from all over the kingdom came to offer their congratulations.

I stood next to Ruwellin, receiving their well-wishes. It was overwhelming, but also exhilarating.

"Are you tired?" Ruwellin whispered in my ear.

"A little."

"Just a little more. Then we can rest."

I nodded and smiled at the next guest.

The night wore on, and eventually, the guests began to leave. Soon, only the family remained.

Adrian Hyll was still glaring at Ruwellin, but he didnundefinedt say anything. Father was talking to Ruwellin about the wedding arrangements.

I excused myself and went out to the garden. The night air was cool and refreshing.

I looked up at the stars and took a deep breath.

undefinedThis is really happening.undefined

I was engaged. To Ruwellin Rashiane. The male lead of the story.

But this wasnundefinedt the original story anymore. This was my story. Our story.

"Rosnia."

I turned around. Ruwellin was walking toward me, his silhouette outlined by the moonlight.

"What are you doing out here alone?"

"Just getting some air."

He stopped in front of me and took my hands.

"Are you happy?"

"……Yes. Very happy."

"Good. Because I am too."

He leaned down and kissed me. It was a gentle kiss, full of love and promise.

When he pulled back, I was smiling.

"I love you, Ruwellin."

"I love you too, Rosnia. Forever."