
“It looks like he has finally accepted his reality now. That's why he's getting married.”
"really?"
"I think so."
“I hope this is the last time we go to the valley of chaos! We should also spend time in the palace like imperial knights. ”
"Yes!"
The knights are full of hope. When Blake and Diana get married, they hope the Crown Prince will calm down.
And in the midst of this hopeful atmosphere, I was struck by a sudden realization.
All this time, I was just worried about whether to tell her that I was Ancia or not and how to explain this situation.
What a shallow thought.
Seven years have passed since I left the palace. Meanwhile, Blake and Diana have grown up. They are not just growing physically.
Both have been through a lot and they have moved on with their lives.
A thousand years ago, I was Laontel and Blake was Rakshul. We met again after so many years, living side by side with each other.
That's why I subconsciously assumed that I would be the only one for Blake. I was so busy thinking about how to comfort Blake after I left, that I never imagined the possibility of him changing hearts.
Even though I know what the original story is, I've forgotten it.
I-i understand. She will marry Diana .. as in the original story ...
That means they were both engaged when I disappeared.
“It hasn't been long since Paul and Matthew were fired. Don't talk too much.”
In response to the knight's gossip, Jayden reprimanded in a soft tone. The knights shuddered and went around. After they confirm Blake's kalaun is nowhere near him, they attack Jayden.
"As our junior, where's your manners?"
"Did I say something wrong?"
“You're too stiff.you should try to smile when you talk. ”
"Why should I?"
"Smile!"
The topic of conversation turned to Jayden.
I thought of Blake and Diana standing side by side together, as I listened to them. But I can't imagine it. Is it because I didn't see a grown-up Diana…
“What makes you reflect?” ask Blake suddenly.
I raised my head to look at him. He smiled gently and grabbed my hand.
"Let's go." I clasped his hand unconsciously.
"Rose…?"
Jayden was standing nearby so I reflexively grabbed his shirt.
“Do you ride a horse with me?”
As I nodded, Jayden suddenly moved away. Blake pushed Jayden away lightly and grabbed my hand.
“Train is ready. Let's go."
“……”
“Rose, let's go. You didn't sleep well last night either. ”
Blake looked me in the eye. I couldn't take my eyes off her. His eyes were full of worry, looking the same as seven years ago.
***
My hands are numb. If I was on a horse, I might have fallen.
I couldn't turn down Blake's request, so I took the train.
"How are you feeling?"
'okay.'
"really?"
'Yes.'
I tried hard to stretch my mouth into a smile. Besides, he doesn't have to worry.
“Last night, you were very surprised, weren't you?”
I shook my head.
'I'm doing fine.'
It's been a long time since I last thought about Joanna's words. The only thing I can remember from last night is Blake holding my hand tight.
"You're beautiful."
Blake grabbed my left hand and kissed the back of my hand, just above the messy burn scars.
“You are the prettiest person I've ever seen, Ancia.”
Hearing him say my name so suddenly, I looked at him in wonder.
He watched me with his red eyes. Just as Blake knows me, I know him too.
He's not entirely sure yet. He must have called me by my name to test me.
What am I supposed to do? How should I answer?
Ser said that Blake would dump me if he found out, but I didn't believe him. I could still feel the faint warmth of Blake's lips on the back of my left hand that had its scar.
He won't leave me just because of my appearance.
But years have passed, and my place has been taken by others.
Blake has moved on, preparing for a new life with Diana.
He wandered in the valley of chaos, looking for me, but in his heart, he had already accepted the fact that I was dead. Maybe that was why he was thinking of marrying Diana.
At first, her first love was Diana, so it was no surprise.
What would happen if I showed up in this situation? If I'm healthy, I don't have to worry.
If that was the case, I would boldly declare that I was Ancia, and even though I had been at the door of darkness for many years, I still missed her greatly.
However, I will not live that long. I should leave him again soon.
If I were to reveal that I was Ancia now, Blake would be happy, but only to have her heart broken once more.
If I die fast, then what will happen?
Again, he would blame himself, and wander aimlessly in despair.
Diana's wedding will be postponed or cancelled.
The wounds that had just been stitched up would be torn apart and everything would be destroyed again.
I wanted to be by his side, but I couldn't leave more wounds to him just for the sake of my greed.
I don't want to go irresponsibly after hurting everyone and reopening old wounds.
Ancia died seven years ago. It was for the best that everyone kept thinking so. That's what's best for me, Blake, Diana, and everyone.
I made up my mind, and stared straight at Blake.I acted as if I didn't know what he was talking about.
Blake's expression hardened.
“Ancia.”
He called my name again.
I have to act. I can't be caught by him.
'Ancia? Who's that?'
“...Do you not know who Ancia is?”
'I don't know.'
I shook my head.
“You really don't know?”
This time he nodded.
'Who is that?'
Blake's expression became grim.
“She's my wife.”
"Are you married?"
"Don't you know?"
'No…'
"Good."
After hearing my answer, Blake remained silent for the rest of the journey. He didn't ask who I was anymore.
A stifling silence filled the carriage and I turned towards the window.
I shouldn't have followed Blake. I relied on it unconsciously because my body had changed, and seven years had passed.
The day before yesterday I vomited blood, and yesterday I lost consciousness and fainted. Today, my hands are completely numb. I knew this body wouldn't last long.
I don't think I can even last 100 days.
When I was a kid, I raised a white puppy. Name's Baekdol. One day, when Baekdol was an adult, he left home.
Grandma said that Baekdol was old so it was time for him to die. But he was smart enough to leave so that his master would not see his corpse.
I didn't understand my grandmother's words at the time, but I think I understand now.
Where am I going now? Where can I go?
"It looks like you're going to go."
Blake broke the silence suddenly.
“My wife often has such an expression on her face. Especially when she said she wouldn't leave, yet she ended up leaving me.”
“……”
“Never think of leaving. I will not be fooled again.”
Does he still think I'm Ancia?
'I'm not him ...'
I tried to deny it again, but before I could finish, Blake approached.
"I won't be fooled this time."
***
Tonight we were going camping in the mountains.I was uncomfortable with Blake, so I rushed out as soon as the train stopped.
Whether Blake knew I was deliberately avoiding him or not, he didn't want to bother arguing with me.
Does he believe I'm Ancia?
My appearance has changed and I cannot speak. I don't know the alphabet nor do I have the power of light, so why would he think I'm Ancia?
As I thought about it, my leg slipped on something.
Uh!
Jayden caught me before I could fall.
"Be careful."
'thank you.'
Jayden bowed lightly and left. I said those words but I don't know if he understands my body language.
It's amazing how Blake understands me so well. I was about to sit in the corner, but I heard the voices of the knights.