[IYFILWATIP] Chapter 16

It was a flower that resembled Francis. 

That alone made it beautiful enough. 

So even if the grand meaning behind the flower never came true, Kirona would be fine with it. 

Kirona made up her mind. Holding Francis close, she finally spoke the words she had been unable to say for so long. 

"I love you, Francis." 

Kirona felt Francis's shoulders stiffen. Was he surprised? He shouldn’t be surprised yet. Kirona kissed the nape of his neck and whispered again. 

"Let’s have a baby." 

Francis was momentarily stunned, not understanding her words, but soon he smiled like a flower blooming. 

"...Right now?" 

Kirona looked around the quiet, empty rose garden and nodded. She didn’t want to delay it any longer. 

"Yes, right now." 

Kirona loosened the sword from her waist and placed it on the ground. She parted her clothing and pulled at the knot of her undergarments. Several daggers, which she always kept close to her chest, slid off with the fabric that had been covering her body. 

Francis embraced Kirona's waist. Their lips met, and their fingers intertwined. The dry branches beneath them snapped. Kirona felt the leaves pressing against her shoulders and breathed heavily. She was afraid, but her excitement was greater. 

A child with red hair and green eyes, just like Francis, flickered before her eyes. 

A child who would live and breathe in a world without her. 

When the child is born, she would tell Francis the truth. He would surely be angry and sad... but if there was a child, it would be okay. Francis wouldn’t be left alone, so he would forgive her. 

Francis's long hair spread over Kirona’s bare skin. Her heart pounded as if it would burst. Kirona closed her eyes and repeated to herself. 

I need something meaningful too. 

I need something to leave behind as a trace. 

I’m still alive. 

Kirona felt heat where her body met Francis’s. For Kirona, who was used to fevers, warmth was never unfamiliar. It was the kind of heat that scorches the vocal cords, making it impossible to speak, and scrambles the mind, cutting off consciousness. 

Is love also like a fever? If so, this time, Kirona felt she could welcome it like a guest. With a choked voice, she barely managed to ask, 

"Francis, you love me too, don’t you?" 

But the answer that came was not words, but a blade. 

Francis had already picked up one of the daggers that had been carelessly thrown into the bushes. The cold blade grazed her cheek, and soon pain pierced through to her bones. Her vision blurred. Kirona struggled to breathe, feeling around the ground. Above her, Francis's voice remained as gentle as ever. 

"Did you really believe that, Your Highness?" 

Once more, the blade glinted in the air. 

--- 

"Make an excuse if you can." 

"..." 

"You said you loved me." 

Kirona spat out the faded promise. 

"My goodness, Your Highness. You truly believed in that foolish emotion. How naive." 

Francis, who had been dragged before Kirona, bound hand and foot, was defiant. He did not lower his head, nor did he avoid Kirona’s gaze. He looked more like a martyr than a criminal. 

He was from a noble family that had been destroyed by the emperor. Having lost his entire family and fallen to the lowest depths of life, he had dedicated himself to revenge and had finally succeeded in breaking down Kirona’s defences and securing a position as her lover. 

But he made two mistakes. Francis underestimated Kirona’s martial skills, and the rose garden was not as private as he had thought. His missed attack gave Kirona an opportunity. 

Kirona had picked up another dagger that had fallen to the ground and counterattacked, and the royal guards arrived in time to arrest Francis. 

The palace healers were skilled at treating non-fatal wounds, the kind the guards brought to them almost daily. As a result, Kirona was able to confront the traitor with an intact face just a few hours later. 

"...Yes, I believed it." 

Kirona had trusted him. She had never even considered the need to doubt him. Kirona had been too exhausted to think rationally. 

"Love means nothing. It’s so easy to fake. Didn’t Your Highness fall for it too?" 

"..." 

"What gives life meaning and drives people are not such weak emotions, but much stronger things. Things that are messy, miserable, disgusting, and terrible. Revenge, hatred, obsession, greed..." 

Kirona couldn’t bear it any longer. She slapped Francis across the face. Just a day ago, it was a cheek she had shyly kissed. 

"You bastard." 

"Yes, exactly. Like the look you’re giving me now, Your Highness. That’s the kind of thing that has meaning." 

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