WNAIY 12

Chapter – 12

Vows

How cute. Her eyes are sparkling.

But even if she’s a child, I don’t want to lie to her.

“Thank you, Rafa. I’m truly happy that you want me. But I can’t marry you. I’m sorry.”

“Why? Why not? Does Wafa not wike Luu-chan?”

“Of course not! I love you, Rafa.”

She clings to me tightly. Maybe she’s still confusing me with her mother.

As I’m pondering how to explain, unexpectedly, Lord Ricardo throws me a lifeline.

“Unfortunately, Rafael, Lucia already has someone she wants to marry.”

“Ehh~!”

“Marriage vows must never be broken. So you should give up.”

“Vows?”

“That’s right. They’re even more serious than promises. You don’t want to make Lucia a liar, do you?”

Even with a child, he speaks to her properly. I think this side of Lord Ricardo is amazing.

“Lucia is a wonderful woman. What a pity I met her too late. If you truly love her, don’t make things difficult for her—wish for her happiness instead.”

“…What are vows?”

Ah, so that’s where we start.

“Vows are promises you make to yourself.”

“I don’t get it.”

“Let’s see. For example, there’s a lot of chocolate on the table. But Lucia already told Rafael that you can’t have any more sweets today. There’s no one in the room. No one is watching. There’s plenty of chocolate, so no one would notice if one piece goes missing. So, what do you do?

But do you really think no one is watching?”

Rafa tilts her head, thinking.

“But thewe’s only Wafa in the woom, wight?”

“Yes, but Rafael is there.”

“?”

“Whenever you do something, even if no one else is watching, Rafael herself is watching. Whether it’s good or bad, whatever you do, you see it yourself. Do you understand?”

“Yeah.”

“So you make a vow to yourself. That you will definitely keep that promise. Even if no one sees you, you yourself are watching.

That’s why Lucia won’t lie to you just because you’re a child, right? It doesn’t matter that the person she loves isn’t here. Lucia herself is watching, because she made that promise. So she will never betray the one she loves. That’s wonderful.”

“…Yeah.”

“So Rafael should make a vow too. If you truly love someone, think about what would make that person happy.

It’s good to express your feelings. It takes courage, and that’s impressive. Lucia said she was happy too, didn’t she? So, what’s next?”

“…I’m sorry for being selfish.”

“Good. Well done.”

Saying that, he gently hugs Rafa.

What a wonderful pair. That’s good, Rafa. Your parents are gone, but you have Lord Ricardo, who cares about you this much.

“How noble! I truly admire you!!

I, Iris Espalsa, am deeply honored to serve you both as my lords! I will protect you with my life!!”

“Eh, Iris? Why are you crying?”

Lady Iris, who had been silent all along, seems to be trembling with joy. She looks cool, but she’s passionate at heart.

It’s true—being able to serve those two is enviable. It’s a little lonely that it’s only for one year.

—

◇◇◇

Finally, we arrive at the royal castle. Lord Ricardo has gone to his audience. I’ll only be called if needed. Rafa is taking a nap right now.

I part ways with everyone and am first taken to see Kahar.

“It’s been a while. I’m glad to see you’re doing well, but why are you here?”

“Good day to you too. Do I really need to explain something you already know? It’s tiresome, so could you spare me the formalities?”

I glare at that detestable Kahar.

“You really are unlike any noble I’ve met.”

“Well, what would you have me do? Let a patient’s condition worsen while I hide my true feelings and speak in vague pleasantries?

I make sure to convey things correctly so that no mistakes happen.”

I don’t know anything about noble rhetoric. I’m just a lowly baron’s daughter. So what? I don’t recall ever causing you any trouble.

“Lord Cruz is on duty.”

“Working 24 hours a day? That’s impossible. What about breaks? Meals? Sleep? What’s your reason for not relaying my request? The wedding is over, isn’t it?”

“…Very well. Please wait here.”

After a while, they say they’ll escort me. But I must absolutely not make a sound.

It’s frightening. I don’t want to go further. But I can’t remain in ignorance. After all, I have the right to know.

The place I’m led to is clearly neither Cecilio’s room nor a reception room.

The door is quietly opened.

There’s no sound at all. But there are two life signs. At times like this, I despise this ability of mine.

I see two figures—a man and a woman—sleeping in each other’s arms on the bed.

It’s Cecilio, holding Lady Claudia in his arms as he sleeps.

…Just like a precious treasure.

Since when? Since when have I been betrayed?

As promised, I quietly leave the room. I retrace my steps in silence. And then—

“Kahar. Tell me everything you know. If I find out you’re lying or hiding anything, I swear I will cast that hair-follicle-killing spell on you for real!”