Damians voice heightened as if reinvigorated.
Although he now has to entrust her protection to the Empress, he wanted to protect Charlize himself one day.
Perhaps picking up on the smallest of details, the Empresss mind seed to be occupied elsewhere.
So please, take care of Charlize while Im away from the imperial palace.
Dont worry about that. His Highness doesnt even need to ask, Ill take good care of Charlize.
The Empress who gave a sharp reply glanced sideways at the clock.
She waved her hand as if telling him to go.
Oh, Ive taken up too much ti. Go ahead, Charlize is waiting.
Well, excuse , your Majesty.
Damian got up.
He gave a final nod and left the room.
The Empress stared at the closed door for a long, long ti before gazing elsewhere.
Beyond the window, in the distance lies ahead the garden of the Empress dowager. Waiting for the conversation between the Empress and Damian to finish, I stood in the garden.
The moonlight shined on everything down below, causing fallen red and yellow autumn leaves to gleam.
The surrounding landscape was serene but my mind was a complete ss.
Damian will leave after today.
That thought made tear up.
I blinked repeatedly to get the tears out.
No, todays the last ti I can see Damian.
So I have to send him off with a smile.
At the sa ti, I heard the sound of grass being stepped upon.
I took a deep breath.
A friendly voice called .
Lize.
.your Highness, the crown prince.
I smiled and looked back at Damian.
Damian looked like he was observing when he suddenly blurted out.
Why do you look like that?
Huh? Look like what?
You look like youre about to cry.
The mont I heard that my breathing beca rapid and shallow.
I bit my lip until it bled.
No.
I made a decision not to cry.
But the sadness kept creeping in.
Did you really have to read like a book, Damian?
Your Highness, its really bAD
My voice abruptly cracked up at the end.
Damian with a bewildered face rushed over to .
I-Im sorry. I didnt an to make fun of you
When you goI want to send you off with a smile.
The sadness in shot up.
do you know how hard Im trying?
I inadvertently raised my voice.
Your Highness, are you really okay?
Am I the only one whos upset?
Damian, are you all right with going?
I cant imagine how rough and dangerous Antess lands will be.
Im also certain the Emperor will emplace all sorts of obstructions to prevent Damian from returning to the palace.
If he leaves, I dont know when hell be back
I was so lost in thought, that I forgot the person I was worried about was right in front of .
I snapped back imdiately, saying what ca to mind.
Theres no guarantee that well ever et each other again!
Why cant we et each other?
Damian responded back with a resolute tone.
Wow, thats a surprise.
I blinked my eyes at his unexpected answer.
I said Ill co back.
But
You believe in , dont you?
.well, not really.
Damians expression beca complicated.
After a while.
Damian opened his mouth with unflinching determination.
Well, you dont have to think that way.
What?
I dont have the strength yet so I cant keep you completely safe
W-Why are you blaming yourself all of a sudden?
I was puzzled.
Damian continued with determination.
But, when I co backthat wont be the case.
What do you an?
Im going to be soone who you can trust and depend on.
I looked up at Damian, enchanted and lost in the mont.
Perhaps being older by three years was a blessing in disguise, Damians a little taller than .
Amazing.
Damian has always been a little boy to .
Right now thoughhes like an older brother.
The mont I thought that my face lit up.
What am I thinking?
This is ridiculous, really!
T-This is a gift.
Trying to dispel those useless thoughts, I handed a gift box to Damian.
Damians eyes widened.
Whats this?
Open it, I said after I shrugged.
I shrugged my shoulders
Damian with a puzzled expression unwrapped the ribbon around the gift box.
And
A handkerchief?
Damian looked at the handkerchief tucked in the box.
The corners of the handkerchief were embroidered with light purple lilacs.
Youll be far away, what if you leave without a gift?
.Lize, muttered Damian who was touched.
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