♔ Epilogue ♔

One day, while Idyllia was conducting research in the library, Silvio’s subordinates came rushing in with urgent expressions.

“There’s an emergency!”

Robert, his long hair flowing wildly, spoke up.

“The Duke has fallen from his horse and his wound has reopened…!”

“Fallen from his horse!?”

Idyllia stood up from her chair.

“Where? At the stables?”

“This way, please hurry!”

Surrounded by the stern-faced knights who briskly led her, she hurried to the castle gardens. The large fountain, adorned with a statue of the goddess of spring, was surrounded by vividly blooming flowerbeds. However, now it was crowded with about fifty soldiers. They wore plain clothes and carried no weapons, yet their gathering created a tense atmosphere. Something had indeed happened. With anxiety gripping her chest, Idyllia pushed her way through the crowd of soldiers, all of whom parted respectfully upon seeing her worried face.

(What on earth is…?)

Praying that he was safe, she made her way through the throng, only to see Silvio standing in front of the fountain, seemingly unharmed.

“Huh?”

Idyllia stood there, dumbfounded, while laughter rippled through the crowd.

“My, how adorable. The desperation on your face as you rushed here…”

“Yes, you looked like you were about to cry. It even pained our consciences.”

Robert, with his hand on his chest, bowed politely, revealing the truth. Silvio sharply reprimanded them.

“Apologise to her with every bit of that tiny conscience you have left!”

His furious shout proved his good health. It appeared his subordinates had played a prank on her. Relief washed over Idyllia, and she exhaled deeply.

“Thank goodness…”

Robert, trying to stifle his laughter, offered an apology.

“I apologise. The Duke ordered us to bring you immediately, so we thought of the fastest way to meet his expectations, which led to this…”

“I didn’t say immediately. Also, apologise properly,” Silvio said, looking irritated. Then he turned to Idyllia.

“…Sorry. My prank-loving subordinates pulled another one of their stunts—”

“No, I’m just relieved that nothing happened.”

“You have a heart as vast as the ocean. These guys constantly irritate me.”

“As long as you’re healthy, nothing else matters…”

Feeling a bit shy under the soldiers’ watchful eyes, she added. Indeed, there were still about fifty soldiers from the neighbouring country around them.

“What’s all this about?”

She asked curiously, and Silvio explained with a bitter expression.

“Remember when my subordinates misunderstood and thought they were hiding you for a different reason?”

“Uh…yes.”

She recalled the night she was thrown out, and Silvio’s subordinates had taken her in, treating her with utmost respect. Silvio had misinterpreted their actions and was furious.

“At that time, although I knew I was the one to blame, I still hit Robert and a few others…and I told them they could hit me back anytime.”

“Yes.”

“Earlier, Robert reminded me of that promise—”

“There’s no way we would forget such a fun opportunity,” Robert interjected, causing another round of laughter. Silvio looked even more uncomfortable.

“…Instead of hitting me, they proposed a condition.”

“A condition?”

“They demanded I take a leap of faith in front of everyone.”

With that, Silvio knelt down on one knee, taking Idyllia’s hand with a fearsomely serious expression.

And then—

“I love you.”

His words made her heart pound loudly.

“Ah…”

As she tried to respond, he squeezed her hand, signalling her to wait.

“…Since the first time we met, I’ve always dreamed of marrying you and building a happy home together. Will you grant my wish?”

“Silvio…”

“Will you marry me, Idyllia?”

────…!

Hearing those words, her face flushed with heat, tears of joy welling up.

“…Yes, yes…!”

She nodded repeatedly; afraid he might not hear her. The surrounding soldiers erupted in cheers and applause. Silvio stood and embraced the crying, laughing Idyllia.

“I’m so glad…!”

He whispered, holding her tightly. Overwhelmed with joy, Idyllia was unable to speak as tears welled up again. Silvio placed a hand on her cheek and kissed her. The cheering and whistling grew louder. Amidst their kisses, he murmured.

“…This is a good result, but I’ll get my revenge on these guys someday…I’ll make sure they know their place…!”

It seemed like an attempt to cover his embarrassment. Idyllia giggled and replied.

“There’s a saying in a foreign land: ‘The best revenge is living a better life than your enemy.’”

“Alright, then I’ll take my revenge to my heart’s content.”

Grinning, Silvio deepened the kiss. The overwhelming emotions washed away the remnants of their troubled past. Amidst the lively celebration, Idyllia felt liberated from all that had bound her, and she blissfully savoured the sweet happiness Silvio brought her.

(END)