Bab 29: Love
Rachel, the Crown Princess, was the sun—a bright, radiant force that naturally drew everyone's attention and admiration. Aurora, despite her own qualities and potential, was like the moon—her light, though significant, paled in comparison to the brilliance of the sun. This explained Edwin's earlier comment about Aurora seeming pitiful, overshadowed by her sister's overwhelming presence and talent.
I nodded slowly, the realization settling in. "I see now," I said quietly. "She casts a long shadow."
Edwin smiled, giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Exactly. It must be difficult for Aurora, always being compared to her sister."
I couldn't help but think, 'Why are these kids so damn smart?'
Rachel existed in a league of her own, but even Edwin and Aurora exhibited intelligence far beyond their years. Despite having lived a previous life, I often found it challenging to keep up with their sharp, intricate trains of thought. It was humbling, to say the least.
'I may be stronger than them, but it would be hard for me to win a battle of wits, especially against someone like Rachel,' I mused, my thoughts swirling with both admiration and frustration. Rachel's presence loomed large in my mind, her intellect casting a long shadow over everyone in the room.
The realisation settled in, leaving no room for doubt—Rachel was truly the Jewel of this Empire. Her mind transcended the boundaries of what would be considered genius. She read situations with uncanny precision, her wits razor-sharp and unerring.
'To think that a twelve-year-old girl would make me feel challenged!' I thought, my frustration mingling with a sense of awe. I clenched my fist, feeling the smooth surface of the wooden pendant Lyra had given me pressing into my palm. It was a reminder of simpler times, of a world less complicated and fraught with intrigue.
I turned to Edwin, curiosity brimming as I posed the question casually. "So which one are you getting engaged to?"
He flinched slightly at my directness, his expression momentarily guarded before a wry smile tugged at his lips. "As I thought, you are quite interesting, Lancelot."
"Not hard to figure out why you and your father came here," I replied with a shrug, meeting his gaze squarely. "And asking outright is just a matter of trust."
Edwin licked his lips, his demeanor shifting subtly as he moved closer. "My father desires an alliance through marriage with the Crown Princess," he explained, his voice low and confidential. "But the Imperial Family has their own designs, pushing for me to be engaged to the Second Princess."
Surprise flickered across my face. "Wouldn't that leave your dukedom without an heir if you marry the Crown Princess?"
"Yes," Edwin admitted, his tone measured as he considered his response. "But as Emperor of the Killion Empire, even if Rachel ascends the throne, I would still wield considerable influence."
"Is that your father's sentiment, or your own?" I inquired gently, my expression softening with curiosity.
He hesitated, lips pursed in thought. "Does it really matter?"
His response struck a chord within me, stirring a silent sigh. In my world, notions of duty and strategic alliances often clashed with matters of the heart. I couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy for Edwin, navigating the complexities of his future amidst the demands of noble lineage.
'To think a twelve-year-old is evaluating his future wife based on strategic alliances rather than love,' I mused inwardly, feeling the weight of my own beliefs from another life press against the conventions of this world.
"Would you prefer to marry the Crown Princess or the girl who gifted you that pendant?" Edwin asked abruptly, his gaze searching mine.
I frowned, caught off guard by his question. "How do you know it was a girl?" I queried, curiosity and suspicion mingling in my voice. "And why does it matter?"
Edwin's eyes narrowed slightly, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. "Observation is a useful skill," he remarked cryptically. "But forgive me if I've overstepped."
His words hung in the air, leaving me to ponder the implications of his insight.
"Speaking of your achievement that earned you enchanted weapons created by the Imperial smiths," Edwin began, his voice carrying a thoughtful edge. "I had heard the tale before. You, your brother Lucas, and Baron Cedric, a retired Imperial Knight, bravely intervened to save Count Arlen from an Imperial Knight enhanced by elixirs, right?"
I nodded, intrigued by where Edwin was leading the conversation.
"The situation was perilous," Edwin continued, his gaze steady. "Yet, instead of retreating to safety, you chose to confront the danger head-on to rescue Count Arlen. Baron Cedric's decision is understandable, but what motivated you?"
I took a moment to gather my thoughts, recalling the tense moments of that fateful day. "At the heart of it," I began, "was Lyra. She's more than just a friend; she's someone I deeply care about."
Edwin's blue eyes narrowed slightly, probing deeper. "But was it solely because she's Lyra, or because she's Lyra Arlen?" he asked pointedly.
I hesitated, contemplating his question. "It's because she's Lyra," I admitted finally. "Knowing Lyra's safety was at stake compelled me to act. It wasn't just about personal loyalty; it was about protecting someone integral to my life."
Edwin considered my words carefully. "So, your motivation was rooted in personal connection," he mused, his gaze searching mine for understanding. "You risked everything for someone important to you."
I nodded, a sense of clarity settling over me. "Exactly. Loyalty and personal bonds often outweigh logic in moments of crisis."
"So will this weigh in if you had to decide between marrying Princess Rachel de Lugar and Lyra Arlen?" he said.
"I don't think one can entertain such hypothetical fantasies, especially when it concerns the princess," I replied, my brow furrowing with unease.
"As the son of Duke Hilrose, we're not bound by such constraints," Edwin countered, his smirk revealing a hint of challenge. "So tell me, would you sacrifice all the potential power and status to marry Lyra? The same girl you were ready to risk everything for, even if it meant forfeiting the chance to become Emperor by marrying Princess Rachel."
His words struck a nerve, dredging up emotions I struggled to contain. A shadow crossed my thoughts, a reminder of the singular girl who had captured my heart.
'There was only ever one girl I wanted to marry,' I thought bitterly, the memory tightening my chest and causing Edwin to recoil slightly.
"Sorry," I murmured, shaking off the haunting thoughts that threatened to overwhelm me.
Edwin regarded me with a mix of curiosity and understanding, sensing the depth of my emotions. "It's clear where your heart lies," he observed quietly, his tone more sympathetic now.
I clenched my hand over my left chest, feeling the rapid beat of my heart echoing my turmoil without bothering to correct Edwin.
'How weak, Lancelot Orbel,' I chided myself inwardly, struggling to regain composure amidst the tumult of conflicting desires.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone