They claimed they couldn’t drink anything other than water since this morning due to indigestion, so I came all the way here. Foolish kids… they should show off their competitive spirit and sense of justice properly.

I don’t understand why these young candidates for son-in-law, like April and these guys, are trying to act so mature.

April, these kids, and even themselves seem to lack awareness of the age they should be protected.

‘You young potential sons-in-law!’

Shouting inwardly, I opened the door abruptly. The two guys were sitting in reflection chairs, looking at me with widened eyes.

I narrowed my eyes and scanned the two guys carefully. Well, they seem to be perfectly fine without any injuries!

“Lady, about Lady Gloria…”

“Lady, about April…”
The two guys opened their mouths almost simultaneously. Even on the day of the attack incident, they were worrying about April first. How consistent they are.

I nodded awkwardly and opened my mouth.

“I’ve comforted and put April to sleep as her mother, so don’t worry. Just eat something for now.”

After saying that, I gestured to Anna, who was standing behind me, and she came forward to start unpacking the lunch basket.

As the food was arranged one by one on the blanket laid on the floor, Rodri and Jade stared at it with rabbit-like eyes.

“Alright, I’ll give you some time to market, so eat quickly. There’s juice too, so have some.”

“But, Lady, we’re currently being punished and need to fast…”

Rodri said in a dilemma, and Jade also showed a troubled expression. I sighed, rolling my eyes.

“Fasting at this age of growth? I’ll talk to the order commander, so eat up. Don’t you need to grow tall? April likes tall people.”

“……!”

Jade, who showed a startled reaction, seemed to be the first to eat with a determined expression. Rodri, who was looking at Jade munching on a sandwich, hesitated for a moment and then sat down on the blanket. After that, he started eating starting with a boiled egg.

Except for the reflective atmosphere, it looked like a picnic. The blanket also had yellow check patterns.

‘Eat well and grow up, boys.’

…Isn’t it the privilege of adults to be able to do their best for children? Looking at the two boys eating well, I smiled contentedly.

After taking care of Rodri and Jade, when I returned to April’s room, unexpectedly, Greian was waiting.

Sitting by April’s side like a guardian, he smiled at me and stood up.

It was an exceedingly kind smile, but there was a somewhat tired complexion.

“Are you on your way back from the Knight Order headquarters?”

“Yes, I went there to encourage the knights a bit, and I heard that Rodri and Jade were starving, so I brought them some food.”

“Lady…”

After a brief pause, Greian approached a little closer. As if flowing water, he reached out his hand and gently placed it on my cheek.

Unconsciously, I wrapped his hand with mine. Maybe it’s because he’s been outside, but his warmth felt warmer than usual.

Perhaps due to that melting temperature, my heart seemed to beat strangely…

“…You’re really kind.”

“Huh? Me?”

I added confidently, “You’re kinder than me,” and Greian smiled strangely. It was a smile that seemed to carry a weight, although I didn’t fully understand why.
“Now I might have to do something entirely unkind.”

“…? W-What is it?”

“…If I only considered my own interests, the interests of my country, and my family, I should have done it sooner. However, because I knew that by doing so, there would inevitably be innocent people who would suffer, I postponed it.”

Greian’s voice as he spoke already seemed prepared, yet it also carried the unresolved anguish.

“Leading numerous people from a high position and making important decisions involve taking on numerous considerations. Because I know that someone’s life may depend on my decision. Knowing that, I believed I had been making relatively wise judgments so far…”

Watching him with a sidelong glance as he trailed off, I cautiously spoke.

“…You now have to make a decision that might harm someone else?”

“…Yes, that’s right.”

“You may think that your decision is right, but you probably feel a sense of guilt.”

“That’s right.”

“Well then… here’s what I think.”

After sighing for a moment, I continued.

“‘No one can be a benevolent being to everyone.'”

Grian’s eyes widened slightly at my words.

I pondered on how to convey my thoughts sincerely without making it too heavy.

“We are not gods. Maybe… even a god cannot make everyone happy.”

“…”

“Life is a constant series of choices, and we can only make the best choices. You, me, all of us.”

I took Greian’s hands into mine and held them tightly against my chest.

He gazed at me silently for a while, then finally released a smile that seemed like a sigh.

“Yes, Lady’s words are correct.”

With a somewhat peaceful expression.

However, with eyes still filled with sadness, I once again realized how kind of a person he was.

…Being so tender-hearted yet strong, I felt a mixture of admiration and pity for him. How much weight of decisions had he been carrying alone?

I reached out and hugged his waist tightly. Then, speaking sincerely, I said,

“All the weight of the decisions you make…”

“…”

“From now on, I will share that burden with you.”

…But after saying it, it felt awkward, and I rambled on about being a united couple and sharing destiny.

Above my head, a faint laughter was heard. At least, it sounded much lighter than before.

“Thank you, Lady.”

He faced me. Embraced in the warm arms that seemed like they could withstand any storm in the world, I quietly thought.

No matter what happens in the future, I want to protect this person. I want to lift the curse that binds him.

“Don’t worry, Gloria. We’ll illuminate your path together.”