The Knight Who Broke Off Our Engagement and Told Me to Never Show My Face Again Still Clings to Me Today, Even Though I Was Possessed and Turned Into a Villainess for Ten Years - 69 - Once More, From Here 2

Later, when I arrived at the knight headquarters, I ran into Kevin, who had just finished his night shift.

“Good work. Everything is fine on our side,” he said.

“Thanks.”

“And I also received a report that there’s no change with Gerald Findlay.”

—Findlay is currently being held in a special prison made for nobles.

The crime of working with the criminal Mabel is serious, but since he’s also considered one of the victims, they haven’t decided his punishment yet.

I heard that the Marquis and Marchioness of Findlay never once visited him, and they’ve been telling people that he’s not really their son, but an imposter who only claimed to be.

At first, I thought they were saying that just to cut off their criminal son, but it seems it’s actually true. There’s a complicated story behind it.

I have visited Gerald Findlay several times.

Since the day Sadie became like this, he hasn’t said a single word. He sits there like he’s lost his soul.

He just stays in the cell, staring off into the distance. Not only with me, but with anyone, he’s stayed this way for two whole years. He never answers any questions.

What he did can never be forgiven. He must pay for his crimes. To be honest, part of me wanted to kill him over and over again for hurting Sadie.

But at the same time, I also felt sorry for him. His life was ruined by the magic tool too.

◇◇◇

Then, one day, two and a half years after Sadie still hadn’t woken up…

My father called me to his office and said, “There’s something important to talk about.” I already knew what it was.

“…There’s talk of a marriage between you and the Second Princess.”

Just as I expected. I bit my lip.

The King had suggested marrying the Second Princess before, several times, always in a light-hearted way.

The Princess seems to like me too, and she often tries to get closer.

But after Sadie’s case became public, and I became someone the public sympathized with as her former fiancé, they stopped pushing the marriage too hard.

Still, it’s been two and a half years since then.

I’m now twenty-four, already the normal age to get married in our country. As the next Marquis of Langridge, I also understand I need to settle down soon.

And our family, which was originally part of the temple faction, has lost a lot of support because of the Pope’s crimes. A marriage with the royal family would be a great help.

That’s why, even knowing how I feel, my father still brought this up. It makes sense.

But my answer hasn’t changed.

“I can’t imagine marrying anyone but Sadie.”

“There’s no guarantee she’ll ever wake up. Even if she does, there’s no promise she’ll accept your proposal.”

“I don’t mind. I’ll live alone.”

I told him clearly. I apologized for being a disappointing son and said if needed, he could adopt someone from a branch family to be the heir.

Father simply said, “I see,” and covered his eyes with one hand.

I know I’m being selfish. But this is one thing I won’t give up.

Sadie has always been, and always will be, the most important person to me.

“I’ll inform His Majesty that you’ve refused.”

“…Thank you.”

Father stood from his chair, patted my shoulder, and left the room.

Still, Kevin later told me that a rumor was going around high society that I’d be getting engaged to the Princess soon. I had a headache just hearing it.

Rumors spread fast, and this time, I couldn’t deny it easily because of who the Princess is. It even reached the Arclight Count and Countess.

“Please, think about your own happiness. You’ve already done enough for us.”

“…!”

“We think of you like our own son. That’s why we want you to be happy—even for Sadie’s sake.”

When I visited Sadie, the Count and Countess told me this with serious expressions.

I understood that my feelings and actions were probably a burden to them. I also knew they were saying this for my sake.

But even if years or decades pass, I will still wait for Sadie. That will never change.

When I told them that, they looked relieved—but also a little sad—and thanked me with gentle smiles.

After that, I went to Sadie’s room and sat in the usual chair beside her bed.

Sadie was lying peacefully with her eyes closed, as if sleeping.

Maybe Eliza had visited earlier, because the vase was filled with the same flowers she always brings.

“…Am I wrong for feeling this way?”

I just love Sadie. I care about her and want to make her happy. That’s how I’ve always felt, ever since we were kids.

“But I won’t hesitate anymore.”

For her, I’ll do anything. I’ll give up anything. Even this life.

Of course, I know Sadie would never want that. But I can’t help but want to hear her voice again. I want to see her smile again.

“Please… wake up.”

I gently took her hand and touched it to my forehead like a prayer.

“…I love you. I truly love you.”

The moment a tear fell from my eye, I felt her fingers move—just a little.