CHAPTER 47
It was around that time, after several days had passed since I secured a pharmaceutical researcher, that something unexpected happened.
While I was preparing the documents necessary for permission to distribute Nocturne to the medical wing, a surprise visitor appeared.
“…Richard?”
“Yes, Your Highness. I’ve come to request a moment of your time.”
Wearing his formal sword and dressed neatly in his navy military uniform, Richard bowed solemnly. I blinked in surprise and stepped aside.
“Come in.”
“Thank you.”
He entered with the graceful elegance of a well-trained knight. Still startled, I studied him for a moment as I asked:
“Did something happen? You don’t usually visit without notice.”
“There’s something I wanted to say directly, so I couldn’t help myself.”
“…Go ahead.”
Instead of speaking right away, Richard slowly approached me, then held out something wrapped in a velvet cloth.
I hesitated, then took it from his hand and opened it.
Inside was a single earring—a silver ornament shaped like a small lily, subtly gleaming with tiny diamonds.
“This…”
“I happened to see it at a jeweler’s and thought it might suit you. But if you’re uncomfortable accepting it…”
“I’m not. But… is there a reason for this gift?”
Instead of answering, Richard simply stared at me, then said quietly:
“Because I wanted to give it to you.”
“….”
“I wasn’t sure when would be the right time, so I’ve been holding onto it for a while. But the more I waited, the more I realized that there might never be a ‘perfect’ moment.”
His voice was calm, but his eyes flickered with nervous energy.
I gently closed the box, placed it on the table, and sat down on the sofa.
“…I’m sorry, Richard.”
“For what?”
“You’re trying so hard to express your feelings sincerely, but I…”
I looked down at my hands, twined tightly together.
“I’m not in a place where I can respond to them.”
Richard remained silent, not moving. I expected disappointment or frustration—but instead, he sat across from me and smiled gently.
“I know.”
“…You do?”
“I know how hard you’re trying, and I know how much you’ve endured. I didn’t expect anything in return. Just being able to stay by your side and watch you grow stronger is enough for me.”
“…That’s so unfair of you.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re too kind.”
Richard chuckled softly. Then, as if he’d made up his mind, he leaned forward slightly.
“Even if your heart isn’t ready yet, I still want to be the one you can lean on when things get too heavy.”
“….”
“If someday, your burden becomes too much to bear… I’ll be the one to carry it with you.”
He reached out and gently brushed a lock of hair from my face. His touch was warm, hesitant, and fleeting.
“I’ll wait, Lirien.”
He stood up and bowed again.
“I’ll take my leave now. I just… wanted you to know.”
And with that, he turned and walked toward the door.
Just before he left, I called out.
“…Richard.”
He looked back.
“Thank you. For everything.”
He smiled—a small, grateful smile that somehow made my chest tighten.
Once he was gone, I sat in silence for a long time, staring at the velvet box on the table.
“I’ll wait, Lirien.”
How can someone say something like that so easily?
The silver lily sparkled softly, like a quiet promise waiting to bloom.
