Ch. 145 I Won’t Have To Give Up (2)

Simon turned towards Louise, his hand automatically lifting up to rest against her pale check. This gentle girl was the only thing he hadn’t given up on. Simon had to choose between keeping this feeling or letting go of it. The former queen’s proposal was the only way to expand his horizons, even if there is hell beyond which Simon does not wish.

Simon murmured and took away his hand that touched her cheek, clenching his fist to trap the sensation on his palm. He knew for the first time that he had to step over the line. He could not back off now.

Simon stood up from his seat and turned quickly. In his voice was a new pride that had never been there before. The former queen, who had walked a few steps away, looked back and smiled.

The look of determination on Simon’s face was enough to tell her his answer. Of course she knew. Simon was her beloved grandson that she had known for years.

The former queen stood in front of Simon. When she reached out her arms, he knelt before her.

Her deeply wrinkled hands grasped Simon’s shoulders.

Simon raised his head and his eyes trembled finely.

In short, he had to be the top student. The position that Ian had always taken.

Simon didn’t answer. He thought of the various things that would tie him down, no matter how sincere his desire was.

However, once he crossed the line, his mind seemed to have lost all control, and he answered without hesitation.

Even as he said it, the words sounded new and strange to him.

There was only one person that was supposed to say those words. The former queen peered at him closely.

She turned towards Ian.

They would try to steal something else. Regardless of what it was, as long as it was something Simon desired.

And Ian knew what Simon Hillard desired desperately.

Ian lifted his hand to his heart.

The lifelong promise still stood firmly between the two.

She frowned. That was true.

Ian gazed into the former queen’s face.

Simon nodded seriously at the former queen’s advice, and Ian seized Simon by the collar.

But soon after, both of them just smiled. The two seem to be equally unwilling to let go.

*

*

*

The former queen did not dawdle any longer and finished preparing to return.

The trio offered to see her off, but Louise was the only one who received permission to do so.

The former queen took some lollipops out of the carriage and placed them in Louise’s hands.

Louise held the candy tightly in her hands with the intention of sharing it with the other two.

The former queen put her hand on her chin, her expression troubled.

She wondered if there was something wrong.

When Louise pressed the former queen for details, she simply chuckled and inhaled deeply.

The former queen was saying more curious things, but it was so sweet to hear that Louise smiled.

After sincerely offering her wisdom, the former queen turned around again and headed for the carriage.

At her sudden interruption, the servants’ glared daggers at Louise’s back again. She was used to it now, so it was okay.

The former queen smiled down at Louise from the carriage.

No sooner had her words finished than the carriage door closed. The carriage swiftly departed from the Academy, and Louise remained bowing until the sound of the horses’ hooves disappeared.

*

*

*

After the former queen’s departure, the trio hung around at the chilly rooftop of the dormitory building. Someone had reported Ian had smuggled alcohol, and now all three of their rooms were being inspected by the Academy staff. Louise divided the lollipops between the three of them, and they placed the candy in their mouths.

Simon mumbled through his lollipop, and a cold autumn breeze blew.