Chapter 11 - II -

 

***Well, Kuro did all that he could. ***

 

“…”

 

After waking up in the infirmary after he supposedly ‘died’, Kuro was told that the Tri-Skill Tourney had already ended, and the Imperial Prince was declared the winner by default.

 

“…”

 

Yes, the technicality of what happened to him was out of the question.  Well, maybe because Kuro’s a commoner, and they will never consider a commoner to be a winner in tournaments…

 

“Mister Kuro?”

 

“Hm?”

 

“Thank you for everything you’ve done, Mister Kuro.  And I’m sorry that it happened to you…”  It was the younger Rubinforth daughter, Sophia.  She had downtrodden eyes; a clear sign that she’s sad about the turn of events.  Of course, it’s pretty normal, since she and her brother tried their best to protect their big sister; but in the end, they all failed.

 

“Don’t worry about me, Your Excellency…” Kuro could only give Sophia a head pat to comfort her.

 

 

In contrast, the entire Rubinforth household was busy with the preparations for the engagement of Her Holiness and the Imperial Prince.  Invitations had been sent around for all the nobles who could join in the festivities, and several aristocrats had expressed their desire to come.

 

“Ah, I never thought that this day would come, Maddie!” the Duke of Rubinforth said while he fixed his bowtie in front of a mirror, “Don’t worry, the Imperial Prince, Jean Anton V is a man of character.  It’s not a surprise that many ladies dream of him as their husband.”

 

“…”  The Saint kept her silence all the while her trusted maid, Lilyhaven, fixed her royal dress.

 

“Hm…don’t be sad, my daughter.  This is your big day, and the last thing that I’d want to see is my precious child to be crying out of sadness.”

 

“I’m sorry, Papa…” Her Holiness bowed in gratitude before her father, “And I’d like to thank you for worrying about me ever since I was young…”

 

“Nah…don’t mention it.  And you know, I’d also tried to look into that assassin that was sent after Mister Kuro, and so far, no progress had been made.”

 

“I see…”,

 

“Don’t worry, Maddie, I’ll make sure that the great commoner would be protected and could live his life in relative peace.” the Duke had a sad expression, “It’s a pity that he had to go like that; I honestly rooted for him in that second round, though…”

 

The Saint knew her father was telling the truth since she could see through the hearts of anyone.  He had a rude awakening after Kuro rebuked him for his ways towards his daughter.

 

“…”

 

However, as much as the Duke had wanted to reverse his ways, the wheels of fate had turned uncontrollably.  The Tri-Skill tournament happened and ended unexpectedly, and the Imperial Prince would get the hand of his beloved daughter, Maddie.

 

“Maddie…”

 

“Yes, Papa?”

 

“I’m sorry for everything.  I didn’t know I was making you suffer.  I only wanted the best for you, you know…”

 

Her Holiness was visibly moved by her father apologizing.  Sure enough, he may have made serious mistakes in the past; but in the end, he’s still a loving father to her and her siblings.  And no one could deny that…

 

“Papa…” the Saint drew closer to him.  

 

And the Duke opened his arms wide enough to accept her.

 

“Won’t your allergy act up once again?”

 

“I’ll be fine as always…”

 

“Alright…”

 

Then they held each other tight.  Tears were falling from everyone present in that room.  At last, the child and her father had reunited once again…

 

 

“Before everything else, I just want to thank everyone who came here for our engagement party!” the Imperial Prince raised his glass of wine to all esteemed guests present in the grand hallway of the Rubinforth manor.

 

Of course, everyone followed suit.  The emperor, kings, queens, princes, princesses, dukes, and several other nobles joined in on the festivities at this glorious time in Chersea’s history.

 

The Saint, as Madelaine Ann Rubinforth, seated beside the Imperial Prince.  And both of the couple’s fathers flanked them on each side.  The Imperial couple looked like a match made in heaven, and many young noble girls stared in envy while the boys felt sorry for themselves.

 

As for Kuro, he knew he had no more part in this event.  So earlier on, he went to pack his clothes and had asked Lily for help in fetching a ride for him to somewhere.

 

After all, it’s painful to see that all his efforts went for naught.

 

“Hey, Master, are you sure you’re fine with what’s happening?”  It was the Beastman Saint, Ruro of the Wolf, “I thought you’ll be fighting for Maddie?  Why are you going away now?”

 

“Well, I thought so too, Your Fluffy Holiness.  But she has decided, and I respect her for that.”

 

“Hmm…really, huh?” Her Fluffy Holiness continued, “Still, I’m puzzled by her.  You know, she went to the realm of the gods to ask personally for help in resurrecting you.  But she made it so that you’d revive when it was too late for you to intervene for her.  I mean, what’s her deal?”

 

“Her Holiness felt guilty about what happened to me, as simple as that.” Kuro replied, “She wanted to carry her mistakes by herself, and deemed that I have no part in her suffering.”

 

“Wow…you understand her.”

 

“Of course, I’m her friend.”

 

“…”

 

“I’m her fucking friend, you know.” Kuro’s fists tightened; his heart was burning with anger, “That fat idiot; she couldn’t even make herself get up and exercise without my help.  And she has the guts to keep me out of her life suddenly!  What an ingrate, selfish, ignoble holy saint!”

 

“Want me to exact revenge, Master?”

 

“No.  That won’t be necessary!” Kuro smiled mischievously, “Even if this is the last time, I’ll make sure I’ll pound some common sense in that head of hers!  I’m a teacher, after all.”