Even if you say, 'I've finally realized how important you are to me,' you and I are already strangers. - 5

Heartbreak I

The Ichijō family’s mansion, designed in the architectural style of English nobility living in the countryside, exuded an exotic atmosphere and was surrounded by a beautiful garden.

The vast garden, adorned with seasonal colors, was properly maintained by a gardener who tended it with great care on a daily basis.

Because of this, she made a point of expressing her gratitude whenever she saw the gardener at work, but at that moment, he was nowhere to be seen.

“Thank you for waiting. We’ve arrived.”

“Yes, thank you. I’m sorry for making you carry me such a long distance in your arms. Is your arm okay?”

“Please don’t worry. You are as light as a feather, my lady—it was no trouble at all.”

Reiji gently set her down on the ground with a kind smile, and his joke made her smile without thinking.

When she looked up, the cherry blossom trees planted around the pond were all in full bloom, their pale pink flowers gloriously flourishing.

“They’re really beautiful…”

“Yes. Being able to enjoy such a view at home without even having to go flower viewing—what a wonderful luxury. Still, it brings back memories.”

“Of what?”

“Oh? Have you forgotten? When we had just met, you dropped something into this pond and tried to retrieve it yourself, only to fall in—and the entire estate was thrown into a panic. Though you usually seemed so mature, I remember thinking you were adorably mischievous for your age.”

“Ugh… That story is embarrassing, so please stop…”

Squirming with shame, she covered her face with both hands, and Reiji looked at her with gentle eyes.

“It’s already been seven years since then. Time really does fly.”

“Yes. Even if one day feels long, when you look back, the months and years seem to pass in the blink of an eye. It’s only later that you realize how precious an ordinary day really was.”

The days when Reiji stood by her side as if it were natural were limited. And now, they were drawing to a close. The thought filled her with an overwhelming sense of loneliness.

As she stared at the cherry blossoms to hide the ache in her heart, Reiji turned to her with a composed demeanor.

“I forgot to mention this earlier—congratulations on your engagement. It may be a bit premature, but if you’re considering it positively, it’s practically settled. I’m truly delighted that you’ve found such a wonderful partner.”

“…!”

His gentle smile stirred her heart in turmoil. Of all people, she didn’t want to hear words of congratulations from Reiji.

At a loss for words, she heard him speak again, his tone filled with emotion.

“You were once a lovely young girl with a childlike innocence, and now you’ve grown into a fine lady. Though it saddens me to see you leave this house and my care, even if we never have the chance to meet again, I will always wish you happiness and good health.”

Sensing the farewell in his words, her lips trembled, and a hot lump rose in her throat. If she let her guard down even a little, her tears would surely fall.

“…Thank you, Takano. I’m glad you congratulated me.”

Her voice trembled slightly, but she managed to show him her best smile of joy. Yet for some reason, his expression darkened.

“My lady. You didn’t say anything to your father earlier, but… is there something troubling you?”

“What?”

“Forgive me if I’m overstepping. I may not be of much help, but while we can still talk like this, I hope I can ease your heart even just a little. If it’s not too much trouble, would you tell me what’s on your mind?”

It was rare for Reiji to take the initiative and step into Tsubaki’s inner feelings. She was quite surprised. At the same time, she realized that she must have shown an expression so pitiful that even he had noticed, and let out a dry laugh.

“To be honest… even if the conditions are ideal, I’m still uneasy about marrying a man I hardly know. I’m sure my father chose someone reliable, and I want to behave in a way that won’t bring shame to the Ichijō name. But still—I’m not confident I can handle things well in a new household…”

She had remained silent in front of her father, wanting to appear composed, but with Reiji, she could speak her heart freely. After quietly listening, he responded in a reassuring tone.

“I understand how you feel, my lady. However, I don’t believe there’s any need for you to burden yourself like that.”

“Huh?”

“You simply haven’t realized your own charm. Your intelligence, your purity, your kindness and deep compassion. And your earnest, forward-looking attitude toward everything you do. Once people see those things, they won’t be able to help but be drawn to you. Please have confidence. I know just how wonderful you truly are, and I guarantee it.”

His response went far beyond what she expected, filling her heart with warmth, and she returned a grateful smile.

“Thank you. You’ve always encouraged me, haven’t you? I’ve only ever received courage from you—and in the end, I couldn’t give anything back. I’m sorry.”

“Not at all. That’s not true. You’ve given me a treasure more precious than anything else.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“Heh. That’s a secret.”

“Oh, come on! You’re always so secretive, even at the very end.”

He dodged her question with a flutter, placing a finger to his lips as he smiled. Despite having spent so many years together, she realized she knew almost nothing about him.

He was right beside her—within arm’s reach—but felt like someone far away, and her chest ached with the distance.