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 - 72 - The Past and the Future 2
Everyone avoided talking about Gerald, maybe because I had just woken up. That included my parents, Rufus, and the three others.
Even so, I had been thinking about him all this time. Even after what he did, I was still worried about him.
“…Gerald is in a special prison.”
It was Neil who finally spoke. He lowered his long eyelashes, looking uncomfortable. The “special prison” is a place for high-ranking nobles. It’s used for crimes that aren’t as serious as murder.
Since he had worked with Mabel—who was a major criminal—I had expected a harsher punishment. Hearing this gave me a small sense of relief.
Still, thinking that he’s been alone in a cell for two years made my chest ache.
“Sadie, they said we would decide Gerald’s punishment after you woke up. We were planning to talk to you once you were feeling better…”
In the end, Gerald’s only crimes were kidnapping and keeping me locked up. Normally, he’d be judged in a noble’s court. But because he was also a victim this time, the court gave me the right to decide his punishment. It was a special exception.
“What is Gerald like now?”
“We’ve visited him a few times, but he hasn’t said a single word. His eyes are empty… like he’s just a shell.”
“…I see.”
To Gerald, his future was supposed to be a happy one—married to me, living quietly together. But he lost that dream, and I ended up in that state.
It’s no surprise that he fell into despair. I heard he still doesn’t even know that I’ve woken up.
“Sadie, what do you want to do? You don’t have to decide right away.”
“I want to go see Gerald.”
When I said that, the three of them looked surprised.
If I said I wasn’t scared, it would be a lie. But still, I wanted to see Gerald one more time.
“I’m allowed to decide his punishment, right?”
“Yes. We want you to do what you feel is right.”
“Thank you.”
“So, you’ve already made up your mind, haven’t you?”
“…Yeah.”
—The truth is, I had wanted all five of us to keep laughing together and living happily.
But I also knew that wish would never come true again. Gerald, who used to be a dear and precious friend, was no longer the same. We could never go back to how things were.
After that, I shared my feelings with everyone.
They were surprised, but they accepted my decision. They even offered to help.
“Sadie, you’re really kind. But even after what happened, I still can’t bring myself to hate Gerald.”
“Same here.”
“…To us, he was like family.”
The time we spent together back then was special. Even if we wanted to forget, we couldn’t. Knowing that they all felt the same made my chest tighten.
I wanted Gerald to know that we still care about him. I also wanted him to understand the weight of his betrayal and look back on it, even just a little.
Two days later, Rufus came to visit me.
He brought a huge bouquet and many gifts. There were so many that I couldn’t help but laugh.
“…I heard you’re planning to visit Findlay. Are you sure about this?”
He must’ve already heard everything from Neil. I explained why I wanted to see Gerald and about deciding his punishment.
Rufus hesitated a little, but then gave me a small nod.
“I want to respect your feelings too. If there’s anything I can do, I’ll help.”
“Thank you, Rufus.”
“But… are you really okay with this? He betrayed all of you, and put you through so much.”
“…Yeah. This is what feels right to me.”
I’m probably the only one who knows about Gerald’s past. If I told others, they would likely feel sorry for him. But I know Gerald wouldn’t want that.
Rufus said, “I see,” and gave a small smile.
“I feel like you’ve been helping me all the time, Rufus. So from now on, please let me repay you. I’ll do anything I can.”
“You shouldn’t say something like ‘I’ll do anything’ to me.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’d take that the wrong way.”
“Eh…”
I didn’t expect those words to come from serious, shy Rufus. My heart jumped.
“R-Rufus, you think about that kind of stuff too?”
“Of course. I always want to touch you, Sadie.”
“…!”
He gently touched my cheek with his big hand, and I couldn’t look away from his obsidian-like eyes.
“It’s okay. I won’t do anything more than this.”
Seeing me so shaken, Rufus gave a soft smile. He had grown into an even more handsome man over the past two years.
Tim told me that Rufus is extremely popular with women, and people keep trying to get close to him.
He’s the next marquis, the leader of the knights, handsome, and kind—it’s only natural.
“Rufus is really popular. Even the second princess was crazy about him.”
“Neil, don’t say too much.”
“But it’s true! And it doesn’t change the fact that Rufus turned down every offer and just kept waiting for Sadie.”
Knowing Rufus’s status, I can imagine how hard that must’ve been.
And still, he chose to think only of me and wait for me. That thought filled my heart with warmth.
Two and a half years is such a long time.
“When everything is over, there’s something I want to tell you.”
“…Me too.”
When I put my hand over his, which was still resting on my cheek, Rufus’s eyes widened.
Then he quickly turned his face away and pressed it into his own arm, covering his mouth.
“Rufus?”
“…Sorry. I promised not to do anything, and now I almost broke that.”
After a few seconds, I finally understood what he meant. I felt my face grow hot—and I couldn’t look at Rufus for a while after that.