Rick nodded, and I grasped the doorknob. But for some reason, the door didn't open right away.
"Huh?"
Why isn't the doorknob turning? The lock is open.
After struggling with it for a while, Rick seemed puzzled.
"Dory?"
"Just a moment… Ah."
The doorknob, which had been stiff as though blocked, slowly turned. The door opened, and beyond it stood Tristan.
"Your Highness? Were you holding the door?"
"No. It seemed like the janitor made a mistake. A broom was leaning next to the doorknob. I just cleaned it up."
"Thank you, Your Highness. Did you bring the painkillers?"
"Yes, I did. Rick, you look fine. Do you still need them?"
"Ah, yes! I'd appreciate it if you could give them to me!"
Rick once again clutched his arm, groaning.
Now that I think about it, was Rick pretending to be in pain earlier to hide the real reason he threw himself in harm's way?
With no choice, Rick finally swallowed the horrid-looking medicine.
"Ha… Thank you."
"It's nothing compared to what you did. Now, do we have anything left to discuss?"
"I have nothing more to say. You both already know my true identity… My goal is simple. After witnessing Count Braum's head fall, I just want to be with my family after being apart for so long."
"I understand. I'll do my best to make sure the trial ends quickly."
"Thank you. Do you have anything else to say?"
Tristan answered firmly first. "No. …Ah. Once you're discharged, next time you'll need to pay for your own stay. If you're in pain, don't let your pride get in the way—just speak up. It'll be difficult to get this level of treatment on your current income."
"I truly appreciate your kind advice…" Rick said, looking at me nonchalantly.
The man who said he liked me, the one who risked death for me…
…And the man used to unrequited love.
After hearing his confession, he must know that we can't go back to how we used to be.
The only thing I could say was this.
"If you value others, Rick, you'll soon live a peaceful life with a good person. I wish you a speedy recovery."
I hope that you, first and foremost, can love and be loved by your family.
Rick didn't respond vocally. He simply gave a playful smile and shrugged his shoulders.
Tristan spoke.
"We'll be leaving now."
"Yes, take care."
"Rest well, Rick."
Tristan left the room, and I followed him, standing in the hallway. After closing the door, I heard the sound of someone collapsing onto the bed.
Rick. Will peace ever come to you?
Tristan didn't mention it and kept walking ahead. I matched his slow pace and whispered,
"Are you okay, Your Highness?"
"What's wrong?"
"I thought you seemed uncomfortable from the wound where you were stabbed earlier… Did you take the painkillers?"
"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm always healthy—"
"Your Highness."
I suddenly stopped in the hallway. Tristan, who had been walking nonchalantly, slowly halted. The honest confession came much later.
"…I took two of the painkillers I got earlier. The dosage is lower than before, and the wound is almost healed."
"I'm so glad. I've been so worried!"
"…"
"Thank you for telling me honestly. It's so unsettling when you can't even consult a doctor freely… If anything happens, let me know. I'll even trick the doctor into giving me information!"
"…You're quite reliable."
"I'll believe you mean it. I really… want to be Your Highness's ally."
"…"
I carefully chose the most elegant words, but honestly, what I wanted to shout was:
You're such an annoying guy!
But I don't want to see you get used to isolation either!
Now that I realize it, Tristan isn't good at revealing his weaknesses or his true feelings.
It must be the result of his high pride, the reality of never having been expected to share, and his personality.
If he were to reveal his weaknesses, his parents would likely respond with a "Well, of course," and those who dislike him would say, "Serves him right."
"I can't be 100% sure I'll help with all of Your Highness's troubles. But… if you trust me and let me be by your side just a little, I can start practicing ways to help you."
"…Actually, I had a slight fever until yesterday."
"Ah…!"
"It seemed to be from overexerting myself. I practiced in the training hall for 30 minutes, and in the evening, my fever got worse."
"…Ugh. Really! You can't interpret everything the way you want! Are you feeling a little better now?"
Fever is scary!
I gently lifted my heel and reached out to touch Tristan's forehead.
Thankfully, there was no heat.
As I smiled in relief, Tristan spoke.
"Dory. Is all you want to do when you look at me just nagging?"
"…Huh?"
His playful voice tickled my wrist.
"Do I look like just a little child you give advice to?"
"Of course not…?"
His voice was light.
But while I was distracted by my hand, the heavy gaze of his silvery-blue eyes slowly emerged, sinking my heart.
A child? That can't be.
…It can't be.
Slowly, he grasped my wrist and let it go, then asked,
"Dory. How do you see me?"
I didn't have an immediate answer.
A tingling heat rose from my feet. It felt like suddenly being placed on a hot grill.
Since hearing Tristan's confession, so many events had spiraled out of control, I never had a chance to sort out my feelings from that day.
…Well, to be honest, I threw them aside while thinking about them.
I didn't want to be sure.
I could list everything I've felt about Tristan.
Tristan is annoying. He's diligent. He's strong. He always throws himself into battle and comes back wounded. He's smart. He's a fool.
Contradictory words can't form a complete sentence.
But these bumping words, one by one, form a puzzle-like connection…
What rises above them isn't a clear sentence but some image.
"I… I think you're…"
Tristan swallowed. His throat visibly trembled, and my heart skipped a beat, but I barely managed to come up with the right answer.
"I really think I've found a great fiancé!"
"…"
"You're diligent, strong, wise… and you're so handsome. I feel so lucky."
I picked only the praise, like selecting chestnuts from a dish of mixed grains, but Tristan didn't look that happy.
Was this not the kind of thing he wanted to hear from someone who confessed they liked him?
"But you said you were going to cancel that confession! You even said you'd forget it and try again!"
I couldn't just confess again in the hospital hallway!
I kept staring at him, signaling that I had answered, and now it was his turn. Tristan finally accepted reality.
"…Thanks for the kind words. Shall we go back?"
"Yes, Your Highness. We'll meet soon at the Redfield family banquet at Count's residence."
"So soon. I'll try not to look like an insignificant man in front of your relatives."
"Who would dare think of you that way, Your Highness? If that happens, let me know. I'll! …Add salt to their drink!"
It was a childish comment, but I meant it sincerely.
Tristan looked startled at first, but then covered his mouth and let out a small laugh.
"…I look forward to it."
Later, we parted in front of the Count's residence. After escorting me, Tristan immediately turned away.
But as we walked through the garden of the Count's estate, he suddenly whipped his head around, and I caught him looking at me, only to quickly look away when he realized I had noticed.
'Why can't he just be honest?'
…But damn it.
Now, he looks cute.
'No… is it wrong to think he's cute first instead of handsome or pitiful? Am I messed up?'
Anyway, it seems like Tristan and I are heading toward the 'normal marriage' we originally intended.
A lot of unexpected things happened, including Rick's feelings… but as long as the end is good, that's what matters.
And another event is also nearing its end.
"Miss. Have you arrived? Madam asked me to give you this."
"You succeeded, it seems."
"Yes. She said she would assist with the next step if you desire."
I unfolded the letter from Madam Abigail.
On the way back after sending Dory to the Count's residence, Tristan, now without worrying, touched his forehead where her hand had been earlier.
Of course, her warmth had already disappeared.
There was no excitement this time, unlike when he felt the strange tension and softness from her hand stretching out in an effort to touch him. Instead, the uncomfortable feeling of large, calloused hands replaced it.
Tristan dropped his hand with a sigh.
"Ha…"
Dory Redfield is kind.
And, as Tristan hadn't realized, she's wise enough to give him exactly the words he needs.
'She wants to be an ally.'
On a path he thought he was walking alone, it felt like someone was approaching with a lantern, warm and reassuring words.
But the biggest issue today is that he learned the fact that would render all those 'good things' meaningless.
It was when he returned to the special room after receiving the painkillers at the royal hospital.
He heard Dory's voice ringing out.
'Where did you hear that I ardently love you, Your Highness?'
Before his mind understood the meaning of those words,
His heart had already gone cold.