After crossing the sea, I mounted a horse and rushed through Roundheart. A squad of knights stood on guard as I trotted up to Heim’s royal capital. They all seemed so shocked to see me, but I couldn’t blame them. My nation was in the middle of a massive celebration, and that nation’s crown prince had suddenly arrived in formal attire. It would’ve been odd if they weren’t suspicious of my spontaneous appearance. However, I didn’t provide them with any explanation and just rode ahead.
“Wh-Why did you bring me here all of a sudden?” Krone asked. “Is something the matter?”
“It’s all on my end,” I replied.
“What? Goodness... It’s the first day of the parade! You’ll get in trouble if the crown prince goes missing.”
“Ah, don’t worry. I cashed in my reward for defeating the red foxes, and gave us a day to ourselves. We’ll be just fine.”
I was sure that such a grand reward would leave my grandfather no choice but to accept my offer.
“Are you sure about using such an important reward to do this?” she asked.
“Yup,” I answered. “In fact, I can’t think of a better way to use it.”
“R-Really?”
Krone still seemed to be a bit confused, but then again, I was being more forceful than usual. I felt a little bad, but I couldn’t give away my reasoning just yet. With a sigh, she sensed that I must’ve had a plan and didn’t pursue the topic. We continued to make some small talk as we rode to our destination.
“Here we are,” I said.
“Isn’t this...where my house once was?” Krone asked.
The World Tree of Gluttony’s remnants were still standing over and within the August estate. Perhaps the tree would eventually die, but it no longer carried the ominous air that had permeated it just the other day. Its leaves were lush and crisp with bits of sunlight peeking out through the foliage. I even heard birds chirping. I stopped the horse and gazed up at the tree.
“I wanted to come here,” I said.
Krone chuckled. “We were here together, just the other day. How sudden this is.”
“I’ve just...got a lot of things going on.”
I stepped off the horse and slipped my hands under her arms to lift her off.
“I used to be taller than you, but you outgrew me in the blink of an eye,” she said.
“Do you not like to be held like this?” I asked.
“That’s not what I mean. I’m so happy that I feel like hugging you.”
“I’m glad to hear it. But I want you to let me escort you first.”
I offered an arm, and she clung onto me as she stepped close, being careful to not hinder my stride. She had her questions, but I could tell that she entrusted everything to me.
“Let’s go,” I said.
As she held my hand, I couldn’t help but notice her own hands were so warm and adorable. Perhaps Krone felt the same—she flashed a beautiful smile as her arms remained entangled with mine. I could practically hear her every breath and heartbeat as we walked alone... We were so close to each other. I don’t think that we’d ever been like this before. Still, I wasn’t nervous. I was simply happy to spend this moment with her, and cherished it.
“Um...” I started.
“Yes?” she replied.
“Do you remember our date at the port from a few years back?”
“Of course. I’m confident that I remember every single little detail about you.”
I felt the same—there wasn’t a single memory with Krone that I’d forgotten. Ugh, I feel like I can feel my own heart beating, I thought. Suddenly, I was struck with nervousness as beads of sweat began to form on my brow. I took out a handkerchief to wipe it away and quietly steadied my breathing.
“You’re so weird,” she chuckled.
The terrain around us was still rocky and unstable, but Krone still saw this as the home she grew up in. She stepped away from my side and gracefully walked ahead, her arms behind her back. She looked so stunning...like a fairy.
“Um, Krone,” I said again.
“Yes? What’s wrong?” she asked without turning around.
“I didn’t understand what my gift to you really meant back then. Even after I became a Demon Lord and told you of my worries, I still feel like I hadn’t fully grasped it.”
But it was different now. It was a way to convey the feelings welling up in my heart. My heart started pounding faster and faster... Simply seeing her in front of me was enough to make my chest twinge with pain. Suddenly, Krone stood still. She was standing where I woke up—the very place we first met as well. We were now facing each other in a place filled with so many memories for both of us.
“Um, Krone,” I started once more.
She tilted her head to one side. Her scent traveled to me with the wind, and my nerves only grew more tense. But this nervousness welling up within me didn’t feel unpleasant in the slightest.
“Goodness... Whatever is the matter?” she asked. “Your face looks redder than usual, and when I locked arms with you earlier, I felt your heart pounding so loudly.”
“A-Ah ha ha...” I laughed. “I think it’s more difficult not to be nervous on this day.”
“Why are you nervous anyway? Do you feel ill?”
I’ll tell you why soon. You don’t have to look so worried. I’ll calm down soon enough.
“There’s something that I’ve been wanting to say...and say it to you here,” I said.
The sound of my noisy heart faded away as my ears were focused only on Krone’s voice as she stood in front of me. My eyes were only fixated on her.
“What did you want to tell me?” she asked.
I’ve already decided on it. There’s no need to steel my resolve any further, and I don’t have to hesitate. So I... I...
“Krone...” I said.
The moment I called her name, the little birds on the ground flew high up in the skies as though to offer us their blessing. High above they flew over our heads. I thought only about my beloved as I managed to eke out my final words.
“Will you...” I went down on one knee and offered a box to her.
When she saw it, a tear rolled down her cheek. I’d never seen her smile so brightly as she graciously accepted. She took the item inside the jewelry box. Only one of its kind existed in this world—a pink star crystal.