Epilogue
AFTER THE WEDDING CEREMONY, a lavish soirée was held in Parnacorta’s royal palace.
Sir Osvalt and I mingled with a host of guests, greeting everyone. The crowd included Mia and Prince Fernand, Luke—who’d made a full recovery—and even Erza, who’d come on the pretense that she was representing the pope. We chatted with the well-wishers and had an altogether enjoyable time.
“Could I speak with you in private for a moment?”
“Sir Osvalt?”
Sir Osvalt escorted me out onto the balcony. From there, we had a panoramic view of the palace garden. Every time the wind blew, colorful petals, illuminated by the moonlight, fluttered through the air, creating a dreamlike scene.
“This is so beautiful.”
“Yes, it really is.”
We gazed at the view in silence.
After a few moments, Sir Osvalt spoke again. “There’s something I want to tell you.”
“Something you want to tell me?”
“Yes.” He drew a slow breath in, then began to weave his words together with apparent determination. “Philia. I’m not sure whether it’s right to say this on the day of our wedding, but I felt obliged to say it now.”
I said nothing.
“I was against you coming to this country as the result of a transaction. I still feel deep remorse about it. However, I didn’t fall in love with you because I felt guilty. As selfish as it might be, I was genuinely enchanted by you.”
He spoke simply, staring me straight in the eye. What was this man trying to do?
“Excuse me, but are you proposing again? We’re already married.”
“You can interpret it that way if you like. What I’m saying is that while I still feel guilty, my guilt has nothing to do with my feelings for you.”
Sir Osvalt’s admission was painfully earnest. I knew no one who lived their life with as much integrity as he did.
“I love you, Sir Osvalt. I don’t think that feeling will ever change. For that reason, I shall shoulder half of your guilt.”
“Huh? But it wasn’t your fault—”
“It doesn’t matter. As your wife, I want to share both your happiness and your sorrow.”
Sir Osvalt seemed momentarily taken aback, but his familiar smile soon returned. He gently rested his hand on my hair.
“I see. Thank you, Philia.”
He gazed lovingly at me before pulling me in and squeezing me tight. I wrapped my arms around his back.
I felt so connected to him, it was as though our two souls had merged into one. The bliss of being with the person I loved almost brought me to tears.
“I’ll continue to cherish you forevermore,” I said.
“And I’ll love you forever. No matter what happens, I’ll always be on your side.”
“Sir Osvalt…”
We exchanged glances. Before we realized what we were doing, we found ourselves kissing.
We were so deeply connected that it felt like our hearts, bodies, and souls were intertwined. Nothing would ever be able to tear us apart.
I was certain that we were both thinking the same thing. There was no evidence to back up this notion, but it felt natural.
I’m so happy that I’m married to Sir Osvalt, I thought.
At that moment, it fully hit me that I was his wife.
“Sir Osvalt,” I said, “I’m overjoyed that I’ll be able to stay by your side forever.”
“Philia? Ha ha ha. What a coincidence. I was reveling in how happy I am to be able to spend my future with you.”
From this day forward, I could experience life by my beloved husband’s side. That was the most precious gift I could ever ask for.
I didn’t know what the future had in store for me, but I was sure things would turn out for the best. Our powerful bond would see us through.
As Sir Osvalt flashed a cheerful smile, I surrendered to his warmth and closed my eyes once more. That way, I could truly savor this blissful, dreamlike moment.