(Yukito side)
Hah… soon, all of this will come to an end.
When Rosa-chan's wedding day arrives, my mission will also be over.
Today, I originally intended it to be the day where the two of us could grow closer.
With the goal of making her feel comfortable when she's with me.
But unfortunately, because of me, today turned into a mess—completely chaotic.
Rosa-chan was forced to relive the trauma she had experienced in the past.
Vern-san sacrificed himself so I could escape together with Rosa-chan, and I still haven't heard any news about him until now.
One thing is certain, today did not go the way I had hoped.
I'm sure, deep inside her heart, Rosa-chan must feel sad and disappointed because of what I did today.
But well, what can I do? I can't say that what happened today wasn't my fault.
At the very least, I have to take responsibility and be honest with her.
If there's something Rosa-chan wants to do right now, I'll follow her wishes.
As long as it's something that isn't impossible for me to do.
Her marriage with Luis might be one of the dreams Rosa-chan has always had.
If that day comes, there's nothing I can do anymore.
All I can do is sit and watch their joyful wedding ceremony.
Sometimes, I wonder—what is marriage, really?
Is it one of the kinds of happiness that can only come from mutual feelings of love?
Or maybe, an event where two people take a step forward toward their future?
Or is it just something that must be done so that their relationship is recognized by others?
Of course, I can't really figure out the answer to those questions.
I've never once had the desire to get married, so I don't know what people actually gain from it.
But one thing for sure, in general, I understand what marriage means.
Well, maybe someday… I'll meet a girl,
And when I'm with her, I'll have the desire to keep living alongside her.
Meaning, if she and I get married, we'll stay together until death do us part.
——
(Rosalia side)
Lotte carried me toward the castle slowly.
I'm sure he felt a little burdened by my body.
Why though? My body isn't that heavy!
But since he started carrying me, he hasn't talked to me at all.
The atmosphere between us feels so awkward, like two strangers forced to be together.
No conversation, no touch, just silence without direction.
——
Could it be that he feels guilty?
If that's the case, I can't deny his thoughts.
But, how long will he keep feeling guilty?
Until he can forgive himself?
When will that be?
And… what about me?
——
I know that in a few days, I'll be holding my wedding ceremony with Luis.
From the bottom of my heart, I only see Luis as a childhood friend.
Nothing more than that.
But my romantic feelings… ended up pointing toward Lotte, the man who's carrying me right now.
I didn't realize my feelings for him when we first met.
Because he was wearing women's clothes, I really thought he was a girl.
Turns out, he's actually a man.
Honestly, I was really shocked back then.
Then I thought—
I like Lotte, and with that, I can cancel my wedding.
I don't really know how Lotte sees me.
Am I just a cute little girl in his eyes?
Or am I a beautiful grown woman?
——
Alright, I'll tell him how I feel.
Even though I'm terrified to do it, but if not now, then when?
Maybe I won't have another chance to be alone with him again.
I also… don't want to part ways with Lotte yet.
If I marry Luis, I'll have to live in his house for the rest of my life.
I'm only allowed to bring myself and my belongings.
No maids are allowed to come with me to live there.
I still want to see Lotte's face, and… I want to know his real name.
There's no way a man like him truly has such a feminine name like Lotte.
It gives the impression that he's both a man and a woman at the same time.
I want to hear his real name…
The one that must sound cool and perfectly suits who he is now.
——
(Yukito side)
Whether I succeed or fail, I'll confess it today.
Intentionally, I brought Rosa-chan through a river we had visited together some time ago.
Of course, I plan to finish the mission I've been working on for days.
While I was looking for a place to put her down, she gently tapped my shoulder.
I turned to her, but I couldn't see her face clearly.
"What is it, Rosa-chan?" I asked.
Yeah, she probably already realized what I'm trying to do.
Looks like I'll just have to take the normal route then—
"Put me down here," said Rosa-chan.
Her words surprised me a little; I didn't expect her to say that.
I followed her request and slowly lowered her body until her feet touched the ground.
Then, I patted my back—it felt so sore, maybe I needed to stretch a bit.
As I did a light stretch, a crisp sound came from my back.
Guess it's really stiff… probably needs a massage.
I turned toward Rosa-chan, and saw her running slightly toward the river.
Immediately, I rushed to follow her from behind.
Of course, I felt worried.
Because she only spoke a little earlier, this could lead to something dangerous.
If she ran toward the river, she might slip on the wet soil and fall.
And that could endanger her life.
That's why I had to follow her.
——
When we arrived at the riverbank, Rosa-chan stopped and looked down at the water.
I stopped right behind her, curious about what she wanted to do.
Besides, why did she suddenly look so excited the moment we got near the river?
Then Rosa-chan took off her shoes, and then her socks.
Of course, I felt puzzled and curious.
"Rosa-chan, what are you—" I said.
BRASH
Rosa-chan stood in the river, letting the water flow through her feet.
Looks like she just wanted to soak her feet for a while.
Then, that splashing sound earlier also came from her.
After she stepped into the river, she splashed water toward me.
It got my clothes and cloak a bit wet.
"You're just gonna stay there~?" said Rosa-chan, smiling brightly.
The smile she showed me felt so warm and sincere.
Like someone who had just fulfilled a long-awaited wish.
Rosa-chan kept splashing water at me while smiling.
Well, I guess I'll have to join her.
——
After that, the two of us played in the water for a while.
I don't really know—
but one thing's for sure, this was truly fun.
Maybe, Rosa-chan and I really did enjoy this day.