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Without further ado, here goes heart breaking chapter 6!
Oh btw, Vincent is beautifully beautiful. The illustration is in Volume 1 of the LN!
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Ch 6 : The end of the First LoveThe day of audience.
Stepping into the palace, Fioria felt a sense of isolation.
The atmosphere of the palace 20 years ago was more dazzling, compared to now, it felt as if it's stagnating, like a tree waiting to wither.
The audience with King Vincent is held in an unusual place. It was not in the throne's room, but outdoors. A garden located in the west of the grounds.
Vincent was known to be wise even during his childhood, hence due to it, he is scorned by both his parents. The king and queen had only adored the 'babyish' Oswald and the 'wild' Mars, but never did they exchange words with Vincent.
Vincent who felt out of place had only warmed up to the empress Anabella, and is acquainted to Fioria through her.
This garden is a memorable place to both Vincent and Fioria. And here is also where Anabella had lectured them about histories and politics during their free time.
"It's been a while, Fioria."
"I too am glad to see you in good health, Your Majesty."
Though Fioria is self-centered, she does not disregard manners. Although they were playmates during his childhood, her current status is of a duke's daughter while the other is a king. It is unbefitting to act intimately.
"Fioria di Florence, the daughter of the duke of Florence, had arrived upon your call. Without delay, may I report upon the details and explanation regarding the incident with the Izolte Baron?"
"No, before that."
Spoke Vincent, with a manly low voice.
Is was not unexpected as 20 years had passed, but he really had turned into an adult. Though looks quite slender, but is within the average bodybuild of a man. His beautiful sculpture-like face had a tinge of what's left from his younger days. His sharp azure eyes has a charm that would sweep you off your feet, and not few noble daughters had fallen for him.
"Please, firstly allow me to apologize. Due to the foolishness of my brother, Oswald, you had 20 years of your time robbed away. I apologize from the bottom of my heart."
As Vincent slowly and deeply bowed, and lowered his head towards Fioria.
"A public apology will be held after, but first, as a man, I would like to apologize first. And not only that. To have pushed the incident regarding the Izolte Baron to you, my apologies and thanks. Due to the complex circumstances with the Izolte Baron, even I was unable to make a move."
"I shall accept your apologies. In return, could you answer a question of mine, Your Majesty?"
"If it's within my ability to answer, anything."
"What is the current situation within the royalties? The palace and capital looks as if they would crumble down anytime soon."
"… You too had realized."
Vincent had a scornful smile.
"Though I am not much willing to expose the embarrassment of my family, but I should let you know. After the incident 20 years ago, the reigning king, Isaac had lost his mind. Knowing that foolish father of mine, perhaps he was charmed by Annerose."
Without a doubt that is so, there also was such mention within the letter, as well as a feeling of disdain in it.
"Not only so, as Isaac had adored his son, Oswald, his punishment was far too light."
"I heard of so, isolation within the clock tower."
"He had poisoned the daughter of the prime minister and duke. The law would have disinherit and exiled him, however it was bent by that foolish king. …On top of that, the Izolte Baron started his rebellion and it was not dealt with properly. Thus this became the result. The influence of the royalty is losing its grip and the people had lost faith. I was somehow enthroned but am unsure on how to fix this. Possibly, I may become the last king of this kingdom."
As Vincent showed grief and picked up a flower by his feet. It was a fuzzy dandelion, as he blew his breathe towards the plant, it scattered and flew to the skies.
"Fioria, do you.. still remember what I had said before? …That if I become king, I will take you as my wife."
"At the very least, you are now the reigning king. Do you perhaps want to propose?"
Replied Fioria in a slightly informal speech. It was a private topic and she replied not as the daughter of the duke, but as a woman.
"No, I doubt it's possible. I am the brother of Oswald, a relative of the man who poisoned you to death. I am not qualified to propose to you. Further, the Florence duke would have opposed of it. And the people will not approve. The perception that all of royalty is 'an enemy of Fioria' is not few in numbers as well."
20 years ago, Fioria's achievements was far too great. Bringing a revolution at 16 of age, further she had obliterated a drug organization, aided the people living in the slums and providing employment. Many is grateful to her, and their views of the royalty was definitely not good.
"Fioria, even you would not like it, if you become royalty, then you will become related to that Oswald."
"…Oswald is of no concern."
In reality, she did not particularly mind. Oswald after all was just a puppet dancing to someone's orders and have no value.
"But I definitely will not marry to someone who has eyes of a loser like you."
What crude words towards the king. Though she realize that it was rude, but some things have to be said.
"You have given up on everything, Vincent. Though you said you are going to rebuild the kingdom, but seeing your resolve now, it looks impossible?"
Vincent avoided his eyes. Though silent, that itself was a clear explanation.
Fioria was unable to hold and let out a deep sigh.
"The royals really have fallen due to Isaac and Oswald, it's unevitable. I have no wrong, instead I am a victim here and have become unable to marry with you. Symphatise with me here… is all the excuses I can hear from you."
The sharp words had stabbed Vincent. There was no benelovence and mercy in her words.
"Where have the previous you went to I wonder. That passionately burning and charming lad."
"… Not everyone is able to stand strong like you, Fioria. People change, and that kid from those days is no more."
"I do not think of it so."
Fioria held out her hand. She herself is somewhat tall in built, but Vincent was one head whole taller than she is. She then tiptoed, and patted the his black hair.
"People don't change. They are just filled with things eventually, and the young you is somewhere buried within them. …If you have a dream that you threw away, then once more, pick it up and start to walk ahead. Be proud, Vincent, you will definitely be able to overcome obstacles."
Because, you are a man I have expectations of.
Vincent closed his eyes for quite some time. Eventually, a drop of tear flowed down. As if his restraints lifted, he started crying. He wailed as if a child clinging on one's mother, with no regard of shame or appearance.
Neglected by his parents, detested by his siblings. The nobles would only show apathetic respect.
When the last time kind words were spoken to him?
When was the last time he was comforted?
Flood of tears that's unstoppable and within them, slowly, the feelings of his first love starts to crumble down to pieces.
A while after crying, Vincent then stated.
"Fioria, I for sure will not be able to take you as my wife. For I am the king, and as king, I cannot allow the kingdom to waver."
"No regrets?"
"None." As Vincent replied with a determined expression.
"Thank you for being such a wonder first love of mine, Fioria di Florence. … Well then, let me hear of your report regarding the Izolte Baron."
"As you wish, Your Majesty."
The two then went back to the relationship between a king and his vassal. That relationship will not change in one's lifetime.
The childhood days Vincent had spent with Fioria will forever become his treasure.
____
Still waiting for Mofumofu’s apperance and his tribe(?) horde(?) of a family.
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Regards,
shirori
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