Chapter 58: A Trip Together to the Callisto District
WITH Claudio’s enthronement, the Kingdom of San Luenne became the Augustus Monarchy. And it wasn’t a vassal state of the Empire, but its own sovereign nation.
Cecilio and Bertine had done their parts and overseen the fall of the former royal family and the birth of the new one. So they decided to return to the Federation, leaving the aftermath for Ehrenfried and Maxim to handle.
Standing on the ship’s deck under the moonlight, Cecilio proposed to Bertine on the journey back.
“I want you to live with me in our country as my wife.”
His words elicited both feelings of elation and confusion in Bertine.
“Um, might I ask the reason you chose me? Also, why now? I was so certain you weren’t interested in marriage, Your Excellency.”
“That day in your shop, when you demanded how much money would allow you to stay in the country. Ever since then, I’ve always thought how beautiful your eyes are.”
“But there’s more, isn’t there?”
“Generous as your heart is, you forgave me and my servants for our mistakes. You always lived your life looking toward the future. Despite being a marquess’s daughter from the wealthy San Luenne, you embraced the poor people of my country. In my eyes, you shone with a brilliance uniquely your own, a brilliance that illuminated and attracted those around you. You fascinated me from the beginning. But I decided to be patient until everything was settled with San Luenne once and for all.”
“I see. I must say, I’m conflicted about how your proposal is connected to the matter of San Luenne. A part of me understands your reasoning, while another does not. Your Excellency, I’ll be twenty-eight years old soon, you know.”
“And I’m already thirty-eight.”
“Ha. This isn’t a competition, sir.” Bertine chuckled before continuing. “Right then. I accept your proposal with my deepest regards. Which means you’ll be my Ceci, won’t you?”
Cecilio sighed in relief at her reply. “I was afraid you’d refuse because I took too long to ask. Frankly, hearing you call me Ceci makes me feel…bashful, to say the least.”
“As if I could have ever refused you. I will admit you surprised me. I’d long since given up on the thought of marriage because I honestly thought it would never happen to me, all things considered. I’ve always respected you, Your Excellency. Your powerful resolve to never forget your childhood ambition and the way you dedicate yourself wholly to your country and your people. What’s more, ‘Ceci’ has such a warm, gentle sound to it, so let me tell you that I’ve been dying to say it ever since I heard it on my first visit to the Callisto district.”
“Thank you. Just to be clear, I have no intention whatsoever to take any concubines or mistresses like a certain someone we know,” he vowed.
“Of course not. And if you ever do, I will pack my bags and wish you all the happiness in the world on the same day you take up with another woman.”
“I thought as much.”
Cecilio grinned at her in response and Bertine couldn’t help smiling back at him.
More than three years had passed since they first met. Perhaps he could have asked her to wait for him until the matter regarding San Luenne was resolved, but he hadn’t wanted to do that for a good reason. It had been difficult to predict how his country’s relationship with the Empire would develop. Would it be strong enough to carry them to the successful transfer of power in San Luenne?
Until he could be absolutely certain that there would be no more wars with the Empire, he hadn’t wished to tie Bertine down with an engagement. Because he might have died in another war. After all, the Federation’s army still relied on his leadership and judgment in battle.
If he had died after their betrothal, his death would have only added to the heavy burdens Bertine already carried in her heart. He hadn’t wanted to be the reason she was forced to give up on marriage a third time.