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LXlll-65

⭑. ݁ ˖₊˚✩.𖥔 ݁ ˖๋ ࣭ ⭑.𖥔 ݁ ˖₊˚✩.𖥔 ݁ ˖๋ ࣭

"...What?"

Elysia's eyes widened in surprise before she even had a chance to blink. The third prince of Ragnos spoke urgently, his face reddening like someone burnt by the sun.

"I know this is sudden. But please, don't think I haven't thought seriously about this matter. I am sincere. I'm not speaking thoughtlessly, and I intend to take responsibility for my words."

Elysia hesitated, unable to respond to Marcel's serious demeanor.

It was a situation that had caught her off guard. In fact, Elysia hadn't even realized that Marcel harbored such thoughts during their meetings over the past few days. There hadn't been a single hint.

Of course, Elysia also disliked the idea of sending Celian to Ragnos alone. If she had the freedom, she would have accompanied Celian. But with everything already chaotic due to Hadeon, Marcel's proposal felt overwhelming. Elysia, already tied up with the Duke of Lark, felt pressured by Marcel's offer.

When Elysia didn't immediately answer and her face hardened, Marcel quickly approached and took her hand.

"W-What are you doing...?"

Startled by the sudden contact, Elysia glared at him. Marcel held her hands tightly, pressing them to his chest.

"You don't have to decide right now."

Elysia, forgetting to withdraw her hand, was captivated by Marcel's earnest gaze. She could feel the powerful, pure heartbeat resonating from his chest. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"Whenever you change your mind, please consider going to Ragnos. Until then, I will wait as long as it takes."

As Marcel emphasized each syllable, Elysia's lips parted slightly. He lightly kissed the back of her hand before releasing it, his demeanor leaving an indelible impression on her.

"Thank you... just for saying that, Marcel."

"Yes. I will keep in touch. Definitely."

Even until the end, Marcel gazed at Elysia with intense eyes. Despite feeling uneasy, Elysia couldn't look away.

Marcel continued to urge her until the very end.

"When I contact you, please reply. I will wait indefinitely."

Elysia sensed something hidden behind Marcel's fervor. His profession was a professor of Beastmen ecology. Naturally, he had approached her, intrigued by her unique physical characteristics, and continued to be persistent even after building a rapport.

Knowing this, Elysia couldn't simply ignore Marcel's earnestness.

"Elysia. Please promise me. That you'll stay in touch."

Marcel made his request with apparent anxiety. For Celian's sake, Elysia nodded in agreement.

"Alright. I'll contact you. Take care of your health."

Marcel's face brightened suddenly at her positive response, a reaction that stirred indescribable emotions within her. The still chilly spring wind lifted the hem of her skirt.

***

In contrast to the somewhat dry farewell with Marcel, Elysia's parting with her brother Celian was much more emotional and lengthy.

Seeing Celian dressed in the casual clothes she had tailored for him, Elysia struggled to hold back her tears.

"Don't read under the lamp late into the night, set specific times for studying. Don't push yourself too hard, staying up all night just because things are going well. Don't skip meals just because you're not hungry or it's exam period. Ragnos is an island climate, unlike Panthea, so it will be windy. Always dress warmly. Since it rains a lot, don't delay doing laundry. Handle it right away. If your clothes tear or need mending, ask the dormitory supervisor for help... And if anything happens, contact me immediately...."