In Time And Memories

Chapter Seventy

for the first time, this is urus' point of view.

last chapter of book one.

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Azelaine Laurenze. It was quite amusing that a noble woman is capable of anything. I once heard about her from the knights while we are in an escapade. They said; she is an ideal woman and a lot of men has a crush on her despite of her young age.

But I only thought that she must be a stubborn woman. I never have an interest on her. Why would I?

I don't know her.

I didn't know her.

When the first time I saw her, I was so amused when she mistook me as Pierre. If only it wasn't rude and I didn't want to embarrass her, I would have laughed. It is not because it was funny but she is totally different from what I heard about her.

I didn't care if she was my half-brother's girlfriend. Heck. Why would I care about that when I have so many significant things to worry about. Besides, she's scared of me.

I get that she was scared of me, definitely because of my manipulation. But I didn't understand why I felt disappointed to think about I manipulated her memories.

If I didn't manipulated their memories, maybe Azelaine and I would have been good friends.

Every time I accidentally glimpse at her, there was always this thought that I want to be friends with her. Wondering how does it feel to be her friend?

And the time father asks me to choose a bride, her name was there even though father is aware that she is Pierre's girlfriend. It was never my intention to choose her from the list of my future consort. But then, I heard Queen Frizella and Pierre's conversation.

"Keep your relationship strong with Lady Laurenze. She has to be sacrificed in order for my plans to succeed."

Imagine my horror after realizing that Azelaine's relationship with Pierre is nothing but a plan of Queen Frizella.

At first, I pitied her.

Then my banquet came, the selection of my fiancee has started. When I glanced at her face, I saw how terrified she is. That is the sign that I shouldn't choose her. I don't want to force myself on someone who doesn't like me.

Strangely enough, I stopped my tracks in front of her. Queen Frizella's words kept popping on my mind and I couldn't stop thinking about.

This girl's life is in danger.

That's how I mindlessly saved her from being a sacrificial lamb. I don't expect her to be grateful since she is oblivious of everything.

So I just let her hate me.

"Why not try writing a letter, you know?" Xiel suggested. It was a great suggestion but I don't think I'll ever receive a reply from her and my expeculation is right. Never, not even once, Azelaine replied on my letters for every month.

Until it was time for us to go back. When I saw her again, I am so surprised of how much she improved while I was away.

And she just got more gorgeous.

As I spend time with her, I got to know her more and more. When I found out what happened to her, I was so angry that I am ready to make the hello loose. That is why when she asks me to be her weapon, I mindlessly agreed.

But at the same time, I got to protect her.

Until I was unconsciously falling for her. I didn't know how it started but one day, I just did. The way she look at me, smiles at me, or even when she scowls at me, I was like an idiot who keeps falling. It also hurts whenever I think that she still loves Pierre deep inside her heart.

I know she is carrying a lot of burden already so I want to be someone she can rely on. When she rejects my feelings at first, I comforted her that it is okay. She doesn't have to force herself to love me back.

I am more than willing to wait.

I will wait until her burdens are finally gone. But there are some things that just makes it more complicated.

However, overcoming those complications is what makes me fall for her deeper. After being with her for almost four years, I know that she has become my priority.

I love her so much that I will always choose her.

From the moment Queen Frizella made me choose, I already know who to choose. It will always be her even if it will kill or hurt me.

I love her so much that I am ready to sacrifice anything.

"Urus, please..." She begs.

I also don't want to do this. I don't want to manipulate her memories and erase our moments together. But I have to.

I have to because I am afraid that Queen Frizella will kill her.

This is just a mere throne that I can just take back again when I get stronger but her life? It is not something I can take back again. When she dies, I can no longer see her smile, hear her laugh, and touch her skin.

I love her unconditionally.

No matter how many years will pass, I will keep falling for her and loving her. She may not remember our memories together but I will always reminisce my time with her. I will wait. Even if it is impossible or not, I will always wait for her.

And I... will hopelessly wish for her to remember too.

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epilogue is next.