As Tia muttered to herself, Rizel departed, returning from whence he’d come. Considering his enormous workload, he didn’t have a moment to spare on pity. He opened the door, letting in the faint light, and closed it with a heavy thud.
✦ ✦ ✦
❅❅❅
“WHAT? My sister was actually here?”
After I reported the incident with Rosemary to Reynaldo, those were the first words out of his mouth.
He’d been working in his hospital room. He probably should have moved back to his office, but he’d decided not to since he didn’t want to waste time going back and forth between two places. Also, he hadn’t fully recovered, despite his claims to the contrary.
I’d gone to thank Reynaldo since he’d taken time out of his busy schedule to help me and Albert. After I explained what had just occurred, his expression darkened.
“Are you ready to die by my hand, Albert?” he asked. His features radiated deathly cold. Likewise, he was so incensed that his bloodlust prickled my skin.
“B-But I have so much to live for,” Albert stammered.
Despite being older than Reynaldo and the high commander, his voice quavered. I racked my brain for ways to quell Reynaldo’s wrath.
“You were the one who came up with the idea of tricking Albert in the first place,” I said to Reynaldo. “And Albert, I should apologize to you for agreeing to that plan.”
“No, I bear some responsibility for driving you to such actions,” Albert replied. “All’s forgiven.”
Reynaldo looked somewhat chastened at that. “Well then, let’s call ourselves even.”
✦ ✦ ✦
❅❅❅
SOMETIME after this conversation, Tia’s execution took place. I watched as she stood on the gallows, finally witnessing the moment she died. All the while, I remembered when Rosemary stood on a similar platform. My legs nearly gave out under me. I couldn’t remain composed in the face of past anguish and terrible déjà vu. I was only able to make it through the hanging thanks to Albert’s support.
Still, I thought it was wrong to look away. Not only had I been a victim of her crimes, but I’d also been involved in her punishment. I needed to accept the outcome.
Tia had already lost her sanity. As the executioner recited her crimes, she muttered to herself nonstop. Claiming not to be at fault, she cursed Rosemary’s name from time to time. Though this enraged Albert and Reynaldo, they still showed more concern for my well-being, which afforded me some measure of happiness.
Under King Rizel’s new decree, the corpses of the condemned wouldn’t remain exposed to the public. Tia’s remains were returned to the castle, where House Danzes would receive them. Though Tia had once been queen, her family would never be allowed to be in the presence of royalty again.
A few days after the execution, I made up my mind to speak to Albert and Reynaldo. “I’m planning on returning to Edigma,” I said. “Not because I’m worried about the region. I just have so much to report to my parents.”
“Do you mind if I accompany you?” Albert asked while squeezing my hand.
Incidentally, Reynaldo and Stanley were present as well. Albert had already explained everything to Stanley, who neither opposed our relationship nor congratulated me. “I should’ve guessed you’d end up with a knight,” he’d said simply. When would he learn manners?
“I’d like to announce our engagement to your father directly,” Albert said, “as well as before your mother’s grave.”
“O-Our engagement?” I stammered.
“What are you so surprised about?” Stanley asked.
“Don’t you remember him proposing to you?” Reynaldo chimed in.
Oh, that’s right, I remembered in response to their stone-faced quips. Albert did propose to me.
“Sure, I remember,” I said. “But hearing it put into words again is so embarrassing.”
I covered my face with my hands; I couldn’t suppress the blush creeping up my cheeks. Albert and I had just confirmed our feelings for each other a few days ago, and now we were getting married?
“Would you rather not get married?” Albert asked. My reaction made him uneasy.
I shook my head fervently. “No, of course, I want to get married. Speaking of which, shouldn’t I meet your parents first?”
“I don’t mind postponing that for now. I’m not House McClain’s oldest son, and my parents are workhorses. They probably wouldn’t take the day off even to hear about their own son’s engagement.”
According to Rosemary’s memories, the McClains were a prominent family of knights. Workhorses was an apt description for them. Considering their achievements, their previous lack of title and lands seemed strange. However, they turned down all such offers in the past due to their pride as knights. To the McClains, serving their lords and ladies was the highest virtue. Had this not been the case, they wouldn’t have ordered a young Albert to serve an even younger Rosemary as her knight.
I nodded, fully grasping the situation. “At the very least, we should send them a letter.”
“Good idea,” Albert agreed. “In that case, we can visit Edigma in person, but write to my parents for now.”
“Considering your age difference, you need to start having kids now,” Stanley interrupted with unasked-for advice. “You should have the ceremony as soon as possible.”
“Do you mind if I plan the ceremony?” Reynaldo asked, taking charge for some reason. “We can have it in Rose, McClain, or even the capital. I’ll special order a wedding dress from a first-rate designer that will look lovely on Mary.”
As I suppressed the urge to yell, Albert squeezed my shoulder softly. “Please don’t hesitate to say whatever’s on your mind, Mary. I don’t want to force you into doing anything unpleasant.”
“Thank you…”
“If you wish, I don’t mind moving to Edigma with you. There aren’t any knights in your hometown, correct? I could help start a city watch. Since my territory has an administrator, I don’t plan on tying you down into the life of a viscount’s wife.”
“Sir Albert…?”
I wanted him to take charge. Also, how could he consider leaving the chivalric order so easily? These discussions were out of the ordinary for a soon-to-be-married couple. Rather than sighing in joy, I sighed at the mental anguish awaiting me in the future.
Thus, Albert and I decided to visit Edigma and report on everything to my parents. We could take care of everything else in the future.