Shadowless Night

Diech’s smile hardened slightly. His eyes still looked kind, but there was a stiffness in his expression that made it seem somewhat awkward.

“It seems Rosaline really likes my brother.”

“Because he’s pretty.”

The awkward smile on Diech’s face disappeared in an instant. He closed his mouth and rolled his eyes upwards as if deeply contemplating something. He wore the same expression as when he read through an academic journal: deliberation, contemplation, and consideration. Was it a matter of concern whether Ricardis was beautiful?

“Ah!”

Diech nodded as he came to a realization, accompanied by a sigh. He soon opened his mouth with seriousness written on his face.

“Who’s prettier? Me or my brother?”

Recently, Rosaline developed a keen sense of self-awareness. In situations like this, if you compliment someone else, the person in front of you would feel hurt!

[There are white lies, but Sister…]

It was something Calyx had said once. There must be a reason why white lies exist!

“Your Highness Diech is prettier.”

Diech’s face brightened.

“So, do you like me better?”

Since you like pretty things, wouldn’t you prefer the more beautiful person? Diech presented an argument based on perfect logic. Rosaline was depressed. Indeed, one cannot tell lies.

[…Small lies tend to lead to larger lies!]

Her younger brother’s words were always right. White lies were still lies…

Rosaline hesitated. Her silence became the answer.

Diech let out a sigh. His expression and gaze seemed to say, ‘I knew it,” making Rosaline feel he’d given her a scolding.

“It seems you lack the talent for lying, Rosaline. Unlike me.”

Diech finished his words and tightly closed his mouth. His expression showed he had much to say, but he soon turned around and walked away. Rosaline hesitated for a moment before following him from behind.

The man who always matched her stride when walking together distanced himself to express his mood. With brisk steps, he marched away. It wasn’t as if he was deliberately mocking her stride, but his long legs had already taken him quite a distance.

Rosaline diligently followed Diech, stepping on protruding tree roots here and there. As her soft footsteps followed, Diech’s pace slowed down. Rosaline matched his speed accordingly and walked calmly.

Diech pursed his lips. Even without turning around, he could envision Rosaline following him with a meek expression, one step behind. The stiffness in his expression melted away. The two continued silently walking, maintaining that quiet mood for several minutes.

Then, Rosaline’s footsteps ceased. Diech turned to look at her. Rosaline was rummaging through the dry bushes.

This place, with broken branches, parched land, and dried-up tree trunks scattered about, resembled a barren tomb. Amidst the bleak and hair-raising scenery, a single white flower bloomed. Diech frowned. How could it bloom even in this dead land? It displayed remarkable vitality. It was sickeningly impressive.

Rosaline gently plucked the white flower. It was a gesture of caring for something precious and fragile. Stray black hair cascaded down over her cloak, and her lowered eyelashes flickered. Rosaline smiled faintly. Diech gazed at her in dismay.

Seeing Rosaline delicately handling each petal, he realized it was a gift for someone who matched that color.

Feeling breathless, Diech placed a hand on his chest. He thought his heart had stopped momentarily, but it beat harder than ever— irregular and erratic. It thumped, thumped… thumped. His eyelashes trembled. His golden eyes tinged with the hues of the sunset. Rays of red sunlight scattered across his eyes and hair. He gazed at her intently before finally speaking.

“You really… like my brother, don’t you?”

His words this time didn’t seem directed at Rosaline. It was more of an acknowledgment. His statement carried an air of resignation and acceptance. However, Rosaline felt compelled to respond.

“Yes.”

For a long time, Diech maintained a silent stillness.

“Rosaline.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“I have a request.”

A request? Was he referring to the gesture of gratitude for saving Chocolate the Warhorse earlier? Diech’s expression transformed from the previous coldness and rigidity to a softness indistinguishable from his usual self. He didn’t seem any different from how she usually saw him. But why…

Rosaline felt an odd chill in the gentle voice and the warm smile that made her surroundings cozy. She recalled Ricardis’ voice.

[Don’t trust anyone.]

Her instincts warned her of the danger. Rosaline halted her movement of stepping back. Diech was in danger? Or was he dangerous? Toward herself? She felt slightly confused by the warning from her instincts, which had quickly tightly coiled around her.

Diech had always come to her rescue in many difficult situations. They had spent a lot of time alone together. If he had ill intentions, there would have been better opportunities, like in the back alleys where bad people gathered during the Shadowless Night festival.

The more she thought about it, the more she didn’t believe it was Diech. Her growing restlessness, the small size of those suspicious sparks, and the substantial trust she placed in him overshadowed that slight possibility, thus contributing more significantly to Rosaline’s perception of Diech.

Rosaline nodded slowly, “What is your request?”

Diech opened his arms wide. “Can you hug me? Just once?”

Rosaline’s eyes widened. The unexpected request left her bewildered. “All of a sudden?”

Diech burst into laughter. “Honestly, it would seem strange no matter when or in what situation I say such words.”

Certainly. Yes. Despite being close for several years, it would be unusual for the 5th Prince and a knight of the Empire guarding the 2nd Prince to find themselves in a situation worthy of an embrace.

“So, um… I want to have some closure, you see. I would appreciate your help.”

“…Does Your Highness hugging me contribute to any kind of closure?”

“Well, yes. That’s why I’m making this request.”

It was not her place to say, but…

“Your Highness, hugging me won’t bring you closure.”

As if she had something caught in her throat, Rosaline swallowed hard, feeling awkward.

[Rosaline, there is danger. Be careful. Don’t trust anyone.]

She couldn’t forget Ricardis’ words, but…

“Well… I guess it must be awkward. I’m sorry for saying something strange all of a sudden,” Diech scratched his head, his rough movements betraying his confusion. “I just wanted to hug you once. It’s just… I’ve wanted to for a long time,” He looked straight into Rosaline’s eyes and smiled gently. “I’ve liked you, Rosaline.”

The softly spoken words echoed like a spell, not spreading beyond the confines of their intimate space. It was a connection with a depth unknown even to Ricardis. It drew Rosaline toward him, guiding her footsteps within the vast expanse of the forest.

In the dark night, as they held hands and escaped from the dirty alleyways, it felt as though they shared every sensation without needing to speak. It was a bond that went beyond their time together, something akin to instinct, engraved beyond in distant memories.

Rosaline hesitated before approaching Diech. As she took a step closer, Diech beamed with a bright smile. All she could read from his smile were gentle and beautiful emotions, like round and soft colors.

With each step Rosaline took, the distance between them closed. Diech, as usual, softly smiled as if trying to melt her heart away. His glass-like eyes shimmered as if submerged in water.

They were within touching distance. Rosaline looked up at him. Diech slowly blinked as if assuring her that everything was okay. The strange barrier that had stood rigidly between them softened. Don’t trust anyone. The critical words spoken by the person who meant the most to her seemed to dissolve into a tender, melting sensation.

Rosaline buried her face in his open embrace and wrapped her arms around his waist. A pleasant fragrance filled the air. It was the scent of a person, not perfumes, mixed with the smell of dry cloth.

With a gentle movement, Diech, who had stood frozen ever since her forehead touched his, slowly moved his arms. Rosaline immediately pulled herself closer to him, not feeling any discomfort.

Diech buried his face in Rosaline’s shoulder and held her even tighter. He was trembling. He looked cold, and he seemed to be in pain. It was different from his usual smiling demeanor.

Suddenly, the image of him from the final day of the martial arts competition entered Rosaline’s mind.

In the middle of the venue, the Emperor had bestowed a sword on her, and the audience cheered as the eagle soared with its mighty wings overhead. She remembered Diech’s face that day, shining under the brilliant sunlight.

Although she couldn’t see his face while holding him so tightly now, somehow Rosaline felt as if Diech had that expression, that same look on his face. And come to think of it, why was he crying? She had forgotten to ask. It felt strange to ask in a situation like this. Deep in thought, Rosaline recalled that moment.

She vividly remembered the scorching sunlight of that day, as well as the cheers that filled the vast open space.

[Glory of Illavenia! With the blessings of Idelavhim, may it last forever!]

She witnessed the anger simmering in his mesmerizing golden eyes concealed behind a flawless facade. She recalled the sound of Diech’s laughter, much like the present moment, filled with genuine warmth.

A sudden shiver ran down her spine. Rosaline, still being held, twisted her body.

“Ugh!”

Rosaline let out a piercing cry. Deep crimson blood streamed into Diech’s embrace. Her hand clenched his cloak with intensity, her muscles bulging. She felt a tingling sensation in her fingertips and a throbbing pain in her head.