After tracing the memory of her on the other side of my mind, I formed words at the tip of my tongue.
“As children, we had many encounters with each other. And in the end…”
I turned my head and glanced at Bianca. Since the story I was about to tell was related to our personal memories, I was concerned that I might offend her.
“…She and I promised a future together. Someday, we would definitely be together.”
Certainly, what I had just said was not a lie. Every time I parted with her, I would say goodbye and promise to meet again.
“…Ah.”
As soon as I said those words, Bianca’s expression changed strangely.
It was a mix of happiness, surprise, and anger.
‘…Ugh.’
Seeing Bianca’s expression, I involuntarily shrank back. Could it be that I had touched upon memories of the man who had promised Bianca a future when we were young?
“…Umm.”
The old man, who had been observing the two of us, threw another question at me, his tone reflecting his lack of understanding.
“…Young Heir, perhaps due to my limited experience, I don’t quite grasp what you’re saying. Even if it’s true that you made such a promise when you were young, I assume your encounters were only brief and insignificant. But in that short period, what strength did Bianca see in you to promise her future?”
The old man’s question was rational, but I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. His words were both right and wrong. Since ancient times, human emotions couldn’t be measured like a ruler.
“Old man, I believe you’re asking the wrong question.”
“…Asking the wrong question? What do you mean, Young Heir?”
“Instead of asking about my strengths, perhaps it’s more accurate to ask about my flaws. I am not a great person.”
“…Are you saying Bianca fell in love with your flaws?”
The old man’s eyes, full of interest, reflected his keen interest in our conversation.
“Young Heir, although I must ask, could you explain the meaning behind your words?”
The old man’s inquiry reminded me of the first time I met Bianca as a child. At that time, she was just a child, hurt countless times and driven to the edge of despair, with no hope for her own life. The first thing I felt when I saw her was that she was truly in pain.
And though I didn’t know the reason, I understood that I shouldn’t be hasty in addressing her pain. There was no way someone like me could fully grasp the pain Bianca had endured, and it was even less likely that I could sympathize with her. That pain was hers alone.
“…I…”
However, I couldn’t stand seeing Bianca in that state. Her eyes were dead. I couldn’t just watch a girl struggle in pain and suffering.
“…I was, and still am, nothing more than a flawed person. Being immature, all I could do for Bianca was show her my flaws.”
Yes, then and now, Cain von Estel was nothing more than an ordinary fool. But there were things that even someone like me could do. That’s right.
[Get out of my way.]
[You’re really stupid. Haven’t you heard of the monstrous girl from the Marquis of Castana? Don’t get hurt by lingering around me for no reason; just leave.]
To a young girl who was hurt and, after being hurt, lashed out at others…
[So what?]
[What? You…]
[I’m not afraid of you. Even an insignificant old man in our estate knows how to use magic. From my perspective, you’re just an ordinary girl.]
Swallowing my fear, I pretended to be strong, bluffing as much as I could. I acted that way because I wanted to give her a chance to look away from her sadness, even if just for a moment. So, I argued with Bianca, quarreled with her, and even promised our next meeting.
In the end, that was all I could do for her.
“…At the time, we were just immature, ignorant children. Ignorant children who didn’t understand love. But perhaps because of that, we were able to share each other’s pain and promise a future together.”
I knew very well that Bianca was bad-tempered, always bragging, always arrogant, and never clear about her thoughts. That’s why I didn’t like her much.
However, I couldn’t openly hate her because I knew that beneath her seemingly perfect exterior was an imperfect woman. Behind her confident demeanor was a wounded girl.
In the end, Bianca and I were only flawed human beings, just pathetic individuals who couldn’t be honest with themselves. Yet, it was Bianca’s flaws that made me reach out to her. After all, it was a story from long ago, one that was truly insignificant.
“I am much younger compared to those gathered here, and I know I’m not skilled at discussing matters. However, there is one thing I dare to promise in front of you all.”
“…What is it?”
“I will never leave Bianca alone. As long as I am her fiancé, I will always be by her side.”
This was hardly a lie. As long as the contract with Bianca lasted, I would focus on pretending to be her fiancé. Of course, once I had taken everything I needed from her, I would never see her again.
I turned my face to the side and looked at Bianca’s face. Her face was flushed to the point where it was hard to tell where it began. It was as if she was completely immersed in pretending to be a fiancé in love with me.
Flinch.
The hand that held Bianca’s trembled. The usually confident Bianca had vanished. The only person present was a woman with her head bowed toward the floor, as if feeling a deep sense of shame at my words.
Unknowingly, I tightened my grip on her hand.
“That is all I can promise you here.”
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