Volume 10 Chapter 19 Greetings To King Zeere
After dancing until we were tired and enjoying some food, we were led by Sir Stefan to see King Zeere.
In King Zeere's room, there were Sir Marx and my parents, and it was so quiet, like a different world compared to the lively great hall.
When we showed our faces, King Zeere was nestled into the cushions piled against the headboard of the bed, slowly opening his eyes that had been tightly shut.
In the great hall, King Zeere had seemed so big, but now he looked fragile, small, and weak.
Even though he was the same age as Sir Marx and my father, King Zeere looked much older.
Maybe it was the wrinkles on his face, his thin body, or the dark circles under his eyes.
Still, his expression was calm, and when he saw us, a gentle smile appeared on his lips.
"Don't worry about my stuff, it's a day of celebration, so go have fun, Stefan."
"Father. Lydia and everyone said they wanted to see you just once."
"I see. That is an honor."
King Zeere turned his gaze to each of our faces.
He opened his mouth to speak to us, who were bowing respectfully.
"Lydia... You've grown up. And you've become wonderful. I'm sorry for making you suffer for so long. I know it's selfish to ask you to protect this country and its people that have hurt you... but..."
"King Zeere! It's okay. I remember when you tried to protect me. Back then, I didn't really understand kindness or feelings. So, I couldn't properly thank you."
I smiled brightly.
I felt like it was wrong to show him my tears or my worried face.
I just wanted King Zeere to feel at ease and comfortable.
"At that time, I think I am who I am now because King Zeere tried to protect me, and Sir Stefan taught me a lot about emotions. I cried, got angry, held grudges, and even said bad things. So, I don't think I'm a great Saint, but I want to do what I can."
"Becoming a Saint doesn't mean you have to get rid of your emotions. It's okay to just be as you are."
"Thank you..."
King Zeere's voice is so gentle that tears start to well up in my eyes.
Even on the brink of death, King Zeere speaks kindly; he is a strong and gentle person.
"Ciel, Lucian. I have committed sins that I can never atone for. I'm sorry."
"King Zeere... that's not true. I was running away from things I should have faced with my own strength. I avoided reality, chose to be alone out of selfish arrogance, caused trouble for everyone, and was helped. That's my own responsibility. You have no sin, King Zeere."
"I feel the same way. I was about to commit unforgivable sins, consumed by anger and hatred, without trying to know the truth. That's my own issue, and you bear no blame."
"Thank you, both of you. Please take care of the Saint and this country. Even without me asking, I know your feelings are already set."
Sir Ciel and Mr. Lucian bow deeply once more.
King Zeere's gaze turns to Sir Roxas and Sir Rail.
"Roxas, Rail. Thank you for being friends with Stefan."
Those words felt different, like a father's words.
He is a remarkable person, but I realize again that King Zeere is Sir Stefan's father.
Sir Roxas shyly looks away, while Sir Rail smiles brightly.
"Stefan is reliable, but sometimes I worry he might be too serious and collapse. Don't worry, King Zeere. I'll take him out to have some fun sometimes."
"...I think we should support the new king as the Duke Girard family."
"Roxas, I don't think King Zeere wants formal words. It's better to express it in your own way."
"Brother... you're right. King Zeere. Stefan was always kind to us twins. I see him as another brother. So, I want to do everything I can."
"...Roxas."
Sir Roxas was looked at with sparkling eyes by Sir Stefan, and he said with a hint of annoyance, "Stop that face, forget what just happened." King Zeere let out a small laugh, and Sir Marx wiped his eyes.
Maybe he was about to cry.
Sir Marx may be scary, but he's not a bad person.
"And then──holy beast. I heard about the sins of the royal family and the priest family from Feldur. ...I'm sorry."
"No. The one who should apologize is my mother, Alexandria. Because of one woman's mistake, this country is in chaos. But surely, Lydia and her merry friends will lead this country back to the right path."
From the form of a large white beast, dad transformed into a puppy-sized version, speaking in a solemn voice from my arms.
Eir-Eir, Nel-Nel, and Ms. Famine, who were clinging to me, also moved their bodies with a little flutter.
"Thank you. ...I'm glad I could talk to everyone one last time."
King Zeere smiled, let out a soft breath, and sighed deeply.
Then he closed his eyes and said nothing more.
My worried mother said, "He's just sleeping, so it's okay. But he has been pushing himself quite a bit, so let's let him rest," and urged us to leave the room.
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