Chapter - 21 : Purpose

(Continuation…)

(The Next Day Afternoon)

(Third Person View)

"So when are you leaving?"

Rai's voice was tinged with a mixture of concern and resignation.

"Before the Sunset."

Rosalind replied, her tone determined.

"Should you really need to go, though?"

Rai's furrowed.

"I must, Rai."

Rosalind affirmed, her eyes reflecting her resolve.

"Tsk…"

Rai let out an exasperated sigh, his dissatisfaction evident.

Rai's grumpy expression in response to Rosalind's decision was almost comical, even though he had no rightful claim over her choices.

"...was it related to what happened to me?"

Rai's question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications.

"Would you believe it if I said it wasn't?"

Rosalind's response was accompanied by a hint of wistfulness.

"No."

Rai's retort was swift and certain.

"Then why bother asking?"

Rosalind's voice carried a touch of playful reproach.

"Because what happened to me has nothing to do with you."

Rai stated firmly, his stance unyielding.

"Rai, it is our responsibility to protect our guests.

-Rosalind countered, her words laced with a sense of duty.

"But not once, we failed twice to involve you in our internal conflict in our Kingdom."

Rosalind's admission hung in the air, an unspoken weight between them.

"..."(Rai)

Rai fell silent, grappling with Rosalind's words.

The safety of Rai and his Sister, Elizabeth, lay squarely within the realm of responsibility of the Alchemoria Kingdom and the Lotuscrest Royal Family, who had extended the invitation to them.

Rai found himself perplexed by the timing of the Lotuscrest Families invitation, if not for his prior knowledge from Novel that shed light on their unwavering pride and his personal experiences with them.

He might have questioned their true intentions.

"It was my choice to be left alone, Viviana."(Rai)

However, Rai didn't back down.

"Tha–"(Rosalind)

Rosalind began, only to be cut off by Rai's determined interruption.

"Again, it was my choice. I am the one who released even my personal Shadow and the Knights offered by King Oberon, your Father.

"Don't even talk about the attack on the train.

"So it wasn't your fault."

Rai's words were a resolute defense of his agency.

"...I am not changing my decision, Rai."

Rosalind's voice softened, but her stance remained unwavering.

[...you still not gonna deny you are going because of what happened to me.](Rai)

Rai's unspoken thoughts lingered in the air.

"Do whatever you want."

Rai's voice held a touch of resignation.

Rosalind took it upon herself to help her Brother-Adrian-who is in the midst of the internal conflict that had indirectly led to the two assaults on Rai due to the turmoil within their Kingdom.

The emergence of an unnamed organization, which was previously insignificant, gradually grew into a small-scale civil war that now demanded the intervention of the Royal Family.

However, despite her lineage as a member of Lotuscrest, Rosalind found herself lacking representation within the Kingdom's political and Military echelons.

Her youthful age further hindered her influence.

Yet her presence alone, bearing the Lotuscrest blood, held the potential to turn the tides of war swiftly.

She is also skilled at devising remarkable battle strategies, although the world hasn't had a chance to witness her talents in action on a battlefield.

She should have been at the forefront of the conflict long ago, if not for Rai's presence in the Palace.

While her feelings towards him didn't border on infatuation, she appreciated his company and presence as a friend within a short time.

Rosalind also sensed that the sentiment was mutual.

The recent attacks that had even breached the palace walls, nearly claiming Rai's life, had ignited an unquenchable fire within Rosalind.

Her determination to get rid of this conflict as soon as possible was adamant.

However, Rai's grumpiness over her decision was also not rooted in the prospect of missing her presence or anything.

Rai, in fact, found himself in a more complex position than Rosalind.

As time passed, Rai came to realize that the-Viviana Rosalind-standing before him was not a mirror image of the Rosalind described in the [WarZone] novel.

Indeed, she displayed the qualities attributed to her in the story–

Intelligence, Determination, Ruthlessness, Cunning, a fierce protectiveness towards loved ones, a borderline obsession with Swordsmanship, respect towards strong and talented, and a liking for the arts.

They were all present deep inside her.

However, Rai conformed a critical absence, a lack of

-Purpose-

Rosalind's ambitions didn't align with the throne or the pursuit of Imperial power, a notable deviation from the narrative.

Her hunger for Authority was conspicuously absent.

She wandered without a clear goal, doing as she pleased.

Rai's perceptive gaze saw beyond the surface.

He was confident that a small nudge could set everything into motion.

A single catalytic incident could illuminate the value of wielding power, channeling her determination towards a singular objective.

Once she finds a purpose with the immense determination she possesses, she will definitely embrace the type portrayed in the novel.

Rai was almost convinced that the incident in question had a direct connection to the ongoing conflict that gripped their kingdom.

Now comes the hard part, a tough choice – whether to get involved or not.

-NO-

Actually, the main reason he was conflicted wasn't because he didn't want to interfere.

It was because he didn't have the authority or power to do so.

He was certain Rosalind wouldn't change her mind either.

As much as the idea of tagging along sounded good, this possibility was immediately dismissed by his present condition.

Even if he were in optimal health, the idea of a foreign Prince involving himself in another Kingdom's strife was an exceedingly delicate matter.

More importantly, he cannot forget his reason for being here in the first place, which was to help his sister heal.

So that left him with pretty much no option until he wished to take EXTREME measures, which he wasn't planning.

To be honest, even though it might(:is) sound strange, Rai found himself drawn to the portrayal of Rosalind in the Novel.

It's not that he doesn't like her now, but he thought she was more interesting when she had a clear Purpose.

Even though the story hinted at her villainous character later on, he believed he could guide her back if she went too far.

If the same situation arose before, he might not think this way, but getting to know Rosalind as a person, he was defeated.

Yeah, he doesn't mind doing that.

…but he has not yet thought of the relationship they may share.

Surprisingly, he was kind of looking forward to that.

After a contemplative silence, Rai brought himself back to the present moment.

"Just remember, don't publish your books until I read and approve them."(Rosalind)

Rosalind's words sliced through the air, steering Rai away from his inner ponderings, as she avoided dramatic farewells like 'take care' or 'return safe', instead speaking with a weight of honesty.

"Why would I do that?

"When I am not even interested in writing them, to begin with."(Rai)

Rai's response carried an air of disinterest and annoyance.

"I bet you aren't.

"*chuckle~"(Rosalind)

Rosalind replied with a playful chuckle.

.

(After some time…)

"Viviana, do you think you can make it back in the next ten days?"

Rai's question hung in the air, his remaining time in the Alchemoria Kingdom limited to a mere ten days.

The treatment for Elizabeth had already been completed, and she was in her recovery phase.

"...

"...*shake."(Rosalind)

Rosalind took a moment to consider before responding with a subtle shake of her head.

"Um-hum…

"Guess we will have to directly meet at the Military Academy.

"It should be scheduled to start in about three months."(Rai)

"...three months and four days."(Rosalind)

"Um?"

Rai curled an eyebrow, intrigued by her precision.

"It's exactly three months and four days from now."(Rosalind)

Rosalind's response carried a touch of light-hearted precision.

In this exchange, the countdown to their reunion blended seamlessly with their shared feelings of…

(Chapter END)

(To be continued…)

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[Author's Note: Time Skip Alert!]

[Though not many chapters were published, I'm eager to hear your thoughts on the novel.

[Whether you find it enjoyable or not.

[Your feedback really motivates me and is invaluable.]

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Total words : 29.24K