Don't die

The sword stabbed into Mariette's stomach didn't hit any vital organs, but it went deep. The healer said that caused Mariette to be unconscious for quite a long time. However, overall, things are fine.

"The current Palace is not doing well. Currently, His Majesty the King is taking a break due to illness. I personally don't know what happened. But when I secretly asked Count Lavaud, he said everything was under control," Linda reported when Mariette asked.

"Emmanuele didn't say anything to you?" Mariette asked further.

She shook her head. "Mr. Emmanuele always pretends to be busy whenever I ask. Looks like he really doesn't want you to think about how the Palace is now."

"In fact, I'm even more concerned if I'm not told," complained Mariette. "Apart from Sir Anatole and the healer, no one else would know I'm awake, right?"

"Yes. I have deliberately not sent word to Mr. Emmanuele at the Palace and asked the healer and Sir Anatole to be quiet," said Linda. "Should I tell Mr. Emmanuele right now?"

"No, your actions were correct. I don't want to cause another stir just yet," said Mariette. "How are Prince Louie and Princess Louisa?"

"I have also asked Count Lavaud and Mr. Emmanuele about that, but again they only said that everything is safe. I also had trouble meeting Sir Elroy and Sir Ferdinand."

If they refuse to talk like that, then everything isn't all right, Mariette thought. "Okay, thank you, Linda. Later you can excuse Emmanuele for not contacting him immediately."

"Understand, My Lady. I'll excuse you then. Have a good rest."

As if Mariette could rest in peace.

Her mind was preoccupied with guessing what was going to happen next. Emmanuele was definitely going to drag Mariette out of Capital Masoullac after this. So, Emmanuele and Count Lavaud must be looking for a replacement. Well, after that, Mariette would be unemployed.

Not that Mariette would have no income at all. It's just that she thinks about how the public and ministers will react. It's sure to cause a stir. It should be at this time that Mariette opened a public audience with the King of Vallotton and the ministers. But considering how things were now and what had just happened…

"That's impossible," Mariette muttered.

The safest option was to go to her family's cottage because it was the only asset that was not a gift from the Palace. Mariette was able to sell her valuables and take her entire savings there. Then he would live peacefully by the sea as a craftsman…

A knock snapped Mariette out of her reverie. She turned to the source of the voice and found Elroy standing on the balcony of his bedroom carrying a bouquet of petunias.

"What is he doing there?" sighed Mariette breathlessly.

***

"This time, I didn't pick it from someone's yard. I bought it on the way here, hoping you for a speedy recovery."

Mariette glanced at the petunias that were now placed in a vase filled with water.

Elroy's arrival was very inappropriate. When he tried to break into Mariette's window, Linda suddenly appeared to check on the situation. Linda almost screamed, thinking Elroy was a thief or an assassin. But thanks to this, Elroy was able to enter without having to break into Mariette's window.

"I should prefer you to come in by the front door, Sir Elroy," said Mariette.

"If I go through the front door, will you let me in?" Elroy smiled sadly. "It's been days since that incident, but I haven't heard anything from you."

"Then how did you know I was awake?"

"Sir Anatole told me."

Mariette had not expected that Anatole would do this. She hoped Anatole had not told anyone other than Elroy.

But why did he do it? Mariette thought.

"Would you worry if I found out about your situation?" asked Elroy sadly.

"Yes. Actually, I don't want anyone to know how I'm doing now," said Mariette.

"Because after this, you're leaving?"

Turns out Elroy was smart enough to guess it. "You already know, but still dare to meet me?" asked Mariette in disbelief.

"You know I love you."

"Sir Elroy." Mariette massaged her temples. "Look at how things are now. I don't want to blame you for uncovering the way to remove this curse. It's just… I don't want things to fall apart just because of this curse. So I thought it would be better if I left forever."

"How can you decide everything by yourself like that? You said yourself first if you would consider my feelings."

"Sir Elroy, it's crazy that I act selfishly for my feelings and sacrifice the kingdom."

"I didn't say I would kill Prince Louie and Princess Louisa."

"Then what? You're willing to die just to love me? I'll die too if you love me, right?"

Checkmate. Elroy was silent, unable to reply to Mariette's words.

"This farewell is good for both of us, Sir Elroy. After all, you are young and now hold quite a high position. You will surely meet other women," said Mariette. "Think about how your family feels too."

Elroy fell silent as if he was waiting for something. Then he said, "Is it done? Can I now tell you why I'm still fighting for you?"

This time, Mariette was the one who fell silent. She was amazed by Elroy's stubbornness. But more than that, she wanted to know Elroy's reasoning because no one had ever fought for her this hard before. No one has openly said they would be willing to die for him.

"Mariette," Elroy said her name without a title. "I would be sad to see you die–especially if it was because of me. But please give me a chance to find a way out. Believe me, it's hard for me too. Seeing the person I love hurt like this… if I could, I'd like to take your place.

"I won't ask you to stay here either. But could you let me find you and meet you? Even if only occasionally, I want to see and hear you when I'm gone. If my feelings for you disappear one day, I won't see you again."

Mariette let out a long breath. "You sound like you know where I'm going."

"I have a reliable source of information," Elroy told her. "While you are gone, I will settle matters here—the matters with the Palace and my family. That way, you don't have to get hurt again. I also promise to take good care of myself. How is it?"

Whose heart would not melt at hearing such a sincere plea? Mariette also had time to think if maybe her heart had melted. Perhaps this is the destiny he has been waiting for.

"Sir Elroy, don't die. At least don't die before me or in my absence. If you can, don't die because of me," said Mariette. "Don't kill or sacrifice other stupid things just for this feeling called love. I will never forgive you if you do."

Finally Elroy smiled. A smile as warm and bright as the morning sun that Mariette had not seen in a long time crossed Elroy's face. A smile that signifies hope.

"Of course. You don't need to worry. I will certainly soon finish the books Sir Anatole has brought. Apart from that, there are still many other things that I still need to research further…"

Elroy chattered again as usual.