Chapter 65

(Ericas Pov)

After Harolds departure, there was an awkward atmosphere within the banquet hall. But, despite his incongruous behavior, there was so much power behind his threatening attitude that nobody seemed willing to blame him.

In the middle of that whole ordeal, Erica had seen the look in Harolds eyes. It was a look of deep, deep despair.

Then there was those words that Harold was about to speak. Guessing from Harolds nature and his speech and behavior so far, finding the continuation of his sentence was but a natural deduction.

I have no need for things like a fiancee.

He had likely started saying that.

Though Erica couldnt think of why he hesitated to actually say those words, she believed it had something to do with the hopelessness that was reflected in his eyes.

I am extremely sorry. Please allow me to apologize for his impoliteness.

Itsuki bowed his head to Mr. and Mrs. Berlioz. On the other hand, the couple told him there was no need to fret over it.

Its fine. Its my husband who went and said something insensible. Rather, Aurelian should be the one Apologizing.

Mhm, certainly, I didnt consider Loads feelings. Perhaps he has already settled on a companion?

Thats...

Itsuki hesitated to talk as he stared at Erica with sidelong glances. And Aurelian seemed to have guessed something from that.

Could that companion be you, Erica? If thats the case, then allow me to apologize to you, as well.

Well, it was natural to have that thought after looking at Itsukis reaction. The Berlioz family knew about the story from five years ago regarding a boy named Harold who demanded to break off his engagement with Erica.

However, they did not think that the young man they had been talking to just before was the very same person as that boy, which is why they came to the conclusion that Lord was Ericas new fiance.

They were correct, but they were also wrong. And Harold would have certainly perfered to reply that they were wrong.

There is no need to apologize. Lord and I are not in that kind of relationship.

Which is why Erica answered that. She decided not to look at the sad expression on Itsukis face.

But still, her heart was aching.

Then, does he have someone else?

(Aurelian)

.....I havent heard about that. Although weve been associating with Lord for a long time, hes not one to talk much about himself.

(Itsuki)

Indeed, Erica didnt know what was really going on in Harolds mind. Of course, Itsuki and Erica had heard the bad rumors about him, but they did not believe them.

He was often misunderstood because of that behavior of his... Or rather, he made people misunderstand him on purpose.

He took on the disgrace of being a murderer so as to save a parent and her child, he acted in a way that would make Erica hate him so that she could cancel her engagement without having to worry, and he put his life on the line, killing the countrys enemies, in order to save many members of the knight order and the Star Reader Stellar tribe. The result was Harolds current situation.

He was treated way too unjustly. Still, there were many things he could have done to prove his innocence, and yet he didnt, so Erica and Itsuki had to respect his choice.

Hes a mysterious person.

(Brigitte)

You can say that. But, hes not a bad person. Hes willing to stand up for other people and to fight for the sake of protecting them.

(Itsuki)

Now thats a real warrior! Next time, Id like to have an actual formal bout with him.

(Aurelian)

Right, but there is no fighting halfheartedly against him. Actually, I have...

(Itsuki)

Aurelian once again got excited. Itsuki, who had had proper bouts with Harold, started talking about their fights.

And like that, the awkwardness in the air vanished.

However, there was a still a little anxiety remaining in Ericas heart.

Harolds pupils reflected such a strong despair. She had never seen him have those kinds of eyes before.

At the time, Erica had the illusion that Harold was grovelling in the face of his own destiny. Of course, that was nothing more than an illusion. She was likely just worrying too much.

However, Erica didnt only know about Harolds strength, she also knew he had ordinary weaknesses. He was constantly fighting against his inner weaknesses, and its for the sake of stepping over those very same weaknesses that he was so strong.

That was Harolds way of life. He fought off his weaknesses, he fought off peoples evil ways, he fought off monsters, and then, he fought off the world.

Erica felt that, perhaps even she was Harolds enemy. Which is why she believed he was seeking power excessively.

Training for ten hours a day starting from his childhood was just not normal. In other words, something was pushing Harold to do so without fail.

As if fate had forced him to fight from birth.

(.... As if the idea of fighting off everything had been planted inside his brain.)

Those words intuitively went through Ericas