HowDeadTL: SS4 His Highness the Crown Prince Discovers the Meaning of Happiness

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The Duke's Daughter Goes Her Own Way

[His Highness the Crown Prince Discovers the Meaning of Happiness]

Translated by: ME

I wonder if you've noticed?

[There are less than six months left until my wedding ceremony with Ellie. The ceremony is in May. It's currently January. So, four more months...]

No, it's fine. It's not like I *can't* wait.

We've maintained a proper, chaste relationship all this time. I can endure another four months or so.

Ellie was busy today with the final checks for the dresses she's scheduled to wear for the ceremony and the subsequent events.

With the date fast approaching, there are many details to confirm, and it's been taxing for both of us.

I spent my day checking the security arrangements for the wedding day. The current time is 5:00 PM. My work for the day is done.

A thin layer of snow blankets the garden.

As expected, having tea in the garden is out of the question this season.

So, I had tea prepared in my private quarters and waited for Ellie to arrive.

...Chief Attendant, why are you staring at me from behind the door? I explained that I chose my private sitting room because it's cold, and I didn't want Ellie to catch a chill, didn't I? You can't possibly distrust me, can you?

Just as I was considering giving him a piece of my mind, Ellie arrived.

She looks a little tired. Was trying on and taking off so many dresses, over and over, stressful for her?

[You must be tired, Ellie.]

When I called out to her, she looked at me and smiled.

[My apologies for keeping you waiting.]

Her face, as she spoke with a slight bow, showed no trace of the weariness from moments before.

Do you realize it, Ellie?

Whenever you find me, you always smile like you're happy, like you're relieved.

I wonder if you're even aware of it yourself.

I escorted Ellie to the sofa and had her sit next to me. ...This should be fine. We're just sitting side-by-side. Nothing more than that.

[How did the dresses turn out?]

[They were all far too fine for someone like me. They said no alterations were needed, so they'll be stored in the castle until the big day.]

[I see. I'm looking forward to it.]

None of them are "too fine" for you. I gave quite a few instructions regarding the dress designs myself. ...Since Ellie just said, [I leave it to you,] and didn't get involved, it should be fine for me to make requests, right?

It's a once-in-a-lifetime event.

They absolutely must be dresses that make Ellie look her most beautiful, her most lovely, her most wonderful!

My attire is the formal wear of the royal family, so no special preparations are needed. It will just be a bit more extravagant than what I wear for usual ceremonies. The castle seamstresses and attendants can easily handle something like that.

Ah, but still, I'm so looking forward to it.

Ellie in her wedding attire will surely be adorable.

Why do royal weddings have to be such large, public affairs? I'd be perfectly happy if I were the only one to see how lovely Ellie looks.

Ah, but I suppose the citizens are looking forward to it too. They must all be delighted that such a charming woman is becoming the Crown Princess.

I was lost in such thoughts when I glanced at Ellie and saw she was smiling.

Her eyes were slightly narrowed, as if gazing at something far away.

[Ellie? Is something the matter?]

Curious, I leaned in to look at her face. Even at close range, she was just as cute.

She used to lean back as if to avoid me when I did this, but lately, she doesn't seem fazed at all, having gotten used to it. So cute.

[I was remembering the first time we met,] Ellie said in a quiet voice, her smile nostalgic.

[...I see.]

Now you've got me remembering it, too.

That small girl, sitting primly at the table set in the Grand Garden.

Eleven years have passed since then.

I remember how curious I was about what kind of young lady she was.

[You were nothing but a constant surprise to me.]

You're making a wry smile, but I don't mean it in a bad way.

[You splendidly shattered my foolish, preconceived notions of what a 'proper young lady' should be.]

That's right.

Girls like flowers. They like fashionable dresses. They like shiny things like jewels. And they love frivolous chatter.

That's what I thought. And you completely demolished that idea.

[I feel somewhat apologetic...]

[There's no need to apologize. It's precisely because you are the way you are, Ellie, that I came to cherish you.]

Yes, there's absolutely no need for you to apologize.

If you had been the kind of girl who fit my stereotypes, I probably wouldn't have paid you much mind.

I would have valued you out of obligation, as the most suitable marriage partner.

But you weren't like that.

[You're always saying things I could never imagine. Doing things I'd never considered... And I always feel like I'm being jolted awake.]

To put it plainly, without embellishment, the impact is so strong it feels like 'being whacked over the head.'

But I'll keep that part to myself.

For me, when my vision is clouded or narrow, you always attack from the most unexpected directions.

And I always realize something because of it.

And even after I've finally been jolted awake, you still smile at me.

[Lord Leon, thank you.]

Surprised by her sudden words, I looked at her.

Ellie was smiling a very quiet, gentle smile.

She's fundamentally a mature girl. She's been like that since she was little. Though, here and there in her words and actions, you could see the childishness appropriate for her age.

But this expression...

It was a calm, serene smile, like that of a much older woman, filled with deep affection.

And with that smile...

[For bringing me this far.]

...How can you say something like that?

I don't know exactly what 'here' she's referring to.

But for these eleven years, we have always, always walked forward together.

I suppose the 'here' you speak of is the place where we both stand now, right?

[A long time ago, we made a promise, didn't we? To carve our path together, and to walk it together...]

[Yeah.]

Yes. We promised.

Then, the 'here' you mean is the place where, in a hundred and thirty days, you will become the Crown Princess, and further in the future, the Queen.

You quietly accepted my childish, heartfelt words back then, and you took my hand.

From that day on.

I really feel like we've come a very long way.

[Do you... still feel that way now?]

When you ask me something like that, it makes me want to laugh.

And with those slightly anxious eyes, no less.

It's the complete opposite of that day. I'm sure my eyes were the anxious ones back when I told you that.

[Of course. I've never forgotten. And also...]

I gently took Ellie's small hand.

It's somewhat larger than the hand she placed over mine that day. My own hand, which was only a little bigger than hers back then, is now large enough to envelop hers completely.

But for now, just like that day.

I took her hand, cradling it gently in both of mine.

[This is the hand you offered me that day. I will absolutely never let it go.]

...My voice tightened on the word 'absolutely.'

Well, it can't be helped. It's how I truly feel, so it can't be helped.

[I said something too, didn't I? 'As long as Your Highness wishes it.']

That's right. You promised me that if I wished it, you would stay here with me.

[Then I'm relieved. Stay by my side forever.]

[Yes. As long as Lord Leon wishes it.]

[Yeah... And what is it that *you* wish for?]

My wish is to walk the path ahead by your side.

But what about you?

I've never asked until now.

I was a little too scared to ask.

I, the royal family, wished for it, and made you 'the Crown Prince's fiancée.'

You accepted it with a smile.

But what is your true feeling?

Your own wish?

If it's something I can grant, I'll grant you anything.

I watched Ellie quietly as she seemed to ponder, and then she looked up as if she'd had an idea.

[Please live a long, long life.]

A long life...?

That's your wish?

[Yes. A long life.] She nodded, smiling.

Well, if that's what Ellie wishes, I'll do my best...

But still, a 'long life'?

As I wondered about it, her next words made my eyes widen in surprise.

[I will be by your side to support you... So, please live a long life, so that we can be together for even one day longer.]

Together. For even one day longer.

Ah, geez, really, Ellie...

[It's a story from far, far in the future but... after Your Highness has ascended the throne and then abdicated... shall we go on a trip, just the two of us?]

Her voice was slightly buoyant, full of excitement.

And her smile was like she was dreaming.

[...That sounds nice. It seems like it would be fun.]

My voice threatened to tremble.

Trying to hide it, I let my head rest against the shoulder of Ellie, who was sitting right beside me.

[Not for official duties, but just going where we want to go, eating what we want to eat, seeing what we want to see...]

[Mh-hm...]

[So, until that day, please stay healthy and live a long life.]

[Mh-hm...]

Ah, that would surely be wonderful.

Because if I'm with you, anything is fun. Just having you by my side makes me happy.

[For that to happen... I must become a good king.]

It's a story of the distant future.

It's still a long time until I even ascend the throne. And this is about the time after I've abdicated.

To spend my remaining years in leisure after abdication, I must ensure my reign is a good one.

[If it's you, Lord Leon, I'm sure you will be fine. I will be there. Lady Rinalia will be there. All your aides will be there. We will all support you, Lord Leon.]

You always say that to me, 'I'm sure you will be fine.'

It's for the sake of living up to your absolute trust that I always try my hardest, you know?

Really, now...

To think I was even slightly worried that you might not have wanted this marriage.

The me who thought that, even for a moment, seems like an idiot.

While I was worrying about that, you were looking ahead to a future so far beyond my own imagination.

Once again, I feel like I've been whacked over the head.

To speak of a future decades from now with such a happy, buoyant voice and a gentle, dreamy smile.

It's okay to think that you desire that future, right?

That even when that time comes, you'll still be here with me...?

[Ellie...]

[Yes?]

Ah, how pathetic.

My voice cracked.

Please, don't notice.

Let me have at least a little dignity.

You're always the cool, composed one. It's not fair.

[Thank you.]

This is the only phrase I can think of to say to you.

To hide the fact that I felt like crying, I held Ellie tightly.

If I hold my small Ellie like this, she can't see my face.

[Lord Leon? What's wrong?] she asked, sounding puzzled, while patting my back in a soothing rhythm.

The rhythm of her patting felt incredibly comforting.

[Thank you for choosing me.]

The hand that had been patting my back stopped.

Thank you for choosing me.

Thank you for taking my hand that day.

Thank you for coming this far with me, and for promising to walk with me from now on, too.

[Thank you for being born.]

I'm so happy that you are in this world, by my side.

I'm overjoyed that the partner I happened to choose was you.

The fact that you envision a future with me makes me happy enough to cry.

[I'm sure...] Ellie's small voice trembled. [I think... I was born to meet you, Lord Leon.]

What...?

[I think... that's why I'm here...]

[...For me?]

Ah, if that's true.

Then that is a truly happy thing.

The you who made a human out of me, who was like an emotionless doll.

If you are here for my sake.

[Yes. I'm sure of it... I've decided to believe that.]

I gently tapped my forehead against Ellie's, which was damp with tears.

[That makes me happy.] I smiled, and Ellie gave a small smile back.

***

A hundred and thirty days later, the day dawned with brilliantly clear skies.

[How many days left?] Ellie asked as soon as she saw me during the preparations.

It was probably because I'd always been the one saying, [It's X days until the ceremony, huh?]

[Zero,] I said. [Go get ready, my bride.]

I kissed her cheek as I spoke, and Ellie laughed happily.

[Yes. I'll be going now.]

***

The ceremony concluded, the parade from the church to the royal castle finished, and afterwards was the reception at the castle with guests of state.

...Along the parade route, servants of the Macnagan ducal house were dotted here and there. They all seemed to be making some kind of hand signals towards Ellie, but I missed what they were.

Ellie was also returning hand signals while pretending to wave to the citizens...

That family really does march to the beat of their own drum.

***

The reception also ended, I returned to my private quarters, and finished bathing.

That lolicon king from the neighboring country, why does he have to hit on someone else's bride? Even if he is someone we have to invite for diplomatic reasons, can't something be done about that king?

Dealing with people like that was truly exhausting.

I felt like I might fall asleep in the bath, so I decided to get out early.

I put on the prepared nightclothes, threw a robe over them, and left the bathroom.

There was something on the table in my room. When I approached, I saw it was a single key.

Under the key was a message card.

[This is the key for the Crown Princess's side of the door to the shared living room. We congratulate you most heartily on your marriage.] It was written in the Chief Attendant's handwriting.

I won! I thought for a second.

Well, not that he probably saw it as a competition.

But still, I felt an indescribable sense of accomplishment.

So that means all those countless fasteners have been removed too.

I won...!!

Well, not that it matters.

For now, let's head to the shared living room.

***

It's a room I used alone until yesterday. It should be a familiar sight to me, yet I felt restless.

Maybe I should just sit on the sofa or something.

I sat on the sofa and found myself staring intently at the door on Ellie's side.

Will it really open? That door which wouldn't budge an inch, no matter what I did.

This is bad. I can't calm down.

What should I do? Should I get something to drink? No, maybe it's just that I have nothing to do. Maybe I should bring a book or something...

As I was thinking that, the door opened softly and cautiously.

It really opened! ...Thanks to the Chief Attendant, I feel a strange sense of gratitude. What is this?

From the crack in the cautiously opened door, Ellie peeked out, only her face visible.

[Ellie? What's wrong?]

[...Is it really okay for me to come in...?]

[It's fine. That's why the key was provided.] I got the message from the Chief Attendant himself, after all.

Since she showed no sign of coming in, I went over to her, took her hand, and guided her to the sofa.

It was Ellie's first time in this room, so she looked around curiously, muttering things like, [Whoa...]

I don't have much of an eye for decorating, so this room and my bedroom are a bit spartan.

It probably isn't very interesting to look at.

[From today, this is your room too. You can decorate it however you like.]

Not that I'd appreciate overly gaudy decorations, but it's not like Ellie would hang things like that anyway.

[Even if you say 'decorate'...] Hmm. Your room is just as spartan as mine, isn't it? You might be at a loss.

Ellie thought for a moment, then looked up as if she'd had an idea and smiled at me.

[Then, how about swords and shields!?]

Swords and shields!? How did you arrive at that!?

[Right there on the mantlepiece, *Bam!*]

Not "*Bam!*"! That would make it look like the knights' barracks!

[...I'd prefer something a bit more peaceful to decorate with.]

Saying that, I'm definitely not in the wrong here.

[Then the standard would be a world map...]

Since when is that the standard!?

Is this the military's war room!?

[...No, please make do with the usual sort of 'artwork'...]

...I'm not in the wrong here, right?

[In that case, a portrait of Lord Leon...]

[Please, anything but that!]

Why should I have to live staring at a portrait of myself!?

And you'd probably just worship it when I'm not around, right!?

She looked disappointed, but that was one thing I couldn't concede.

I made sure to warn Ellie that I wasn't absolutely insisting she had to decorate with something.

If I didn't, who knows what would end up filling that empty space on the mantlepiece.

The thought of coming back from work and seeing my own portrait hanging there... I feel like something inside me would break...

***

We exchanged words about the long day, and I accompanied Ellie to the bedroom.

...Please stop staring at the blank wall. We don't need swords, shields, world maps, or my portrait!

We both climbed onto the large bed I had used alone until yesterday.

Sitting facing each other, Ellie smiled, looking a little shy.

[...From now on, this will be our everyday, won't it?]

[Yeah.]

'This.'

Spending the beginning and end of each day together.

[Lord Leon.]

Ellie looked at me and bowed her head deeply.

[I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you.]

[As do I.]

I gently kissed Ellie as she lifted her head with a smile.

***

The next morning.

When I woke up drowsily, Ellie's sleeping face was right there in front of me.

Her fluffy hair was falling over her cheeks. I wondered if it didn't tickle.

I gently reached out and brushed the hair away from her cheek, smoothing it back.

At that slight touch, Ellie's eyelids twitched.

Ah... Did I wake her?

I wanted to look a little longer.

Ellie slowly opened her eyes, saw me, and smiled. It was a drowsy, soft, mushy smile.

[Leoon... sama...?]

[Yeah... You should sleep a bit more.]

After all, we have no work today.

The servants won't come in until we call for them.

And also... I feel like I might have pushed her a little too hard last night...

Well, it can't be helped! How many years do you think I've waited? And it's all because Ellie is just too cute.

[Won' you sleep too...?]

She's still half-asleep. So cute.

[Yeah. I think I will.]

[Hehe... Good night...]

[Yeah. Rest well.]

I kissed her forehead, and she gave another [Hehe] laugh before immediately starting to breathe evenly in sleep.

I watched her happy sleeping face for a while, then closed my own eyes.

My heart feels so full, I doubt I'll be able to sleep.

But I suppose this must be what happiness is.

Having you here beside me, smiling.

***

I wonder if you've noticed, Ellie.

That because you always tell me, [I'm sure Lord Leon will be fine], I want to be someone who lives up to that.

That whenever you find me, you smile like you're happy and relieved.

And that I always want you to keep smiling at me like that, forever.

Someday.

Perhaps when we go on that trip, in the far, far future like you mentioned once before.

I'll ask you then.

[Did you notice?] I'll say.

***

Author's note:

The end of the long-standing battle between His Highness and the Chief Attendant.

His Highness did his best! Please give him some praise.

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