TMHLBQ_INTERMISSION 17: AND THE WOUNDED HEART REACHES OUT

 

And the Wounded Heart Reaches Out

  

 

Marianne Edwards.

A name seldom called these days... my name.

There was a time when someone would call me by that name.

The one who called me “Maria,” my beloved.

I am sixteen this year. After my birthday, I will soon marry into a count's family in a neighboring country.

I have never met the person I’m to marry. All I know is that he is at least twenty years older than me, and he has already lost a wife. My father never spoke of the reason, but the rumors I often overheard from within the household were unsettling.

Exhaustion, violence, mistreatment of his first wife... Just hearing these made my skin crawl, but eventually, I became numb to it.

After all, I was a life that never needed to exist.

Two older sisters, both brilliant, were already promised to renowned families.

Father and mother were content with this, and from a young age, I was always hearing praises for my sisters.

My health had been weak until I was nine. After that, I studied and acquired the same education as my sisters. But I never reached the standard my father wanted. I had started everything too late compared to my sisters. For me, everything came too late. I was still seen as frail, and under the pretext of needing treatment, I was confined to a room in a corner of the house. At first, I cried all the time, but I quickly gave up. I convinced myself that I must have been born as a tool for marriage.

“…Gil.”

 

I whispered the name of my beloved while gazing out the window.

He was the one who showed me the most beautiful scene in the world.

He was the one who gave me “the next step,” when I had only known the monotony of everyday life.

He was the one who gave me my first experience of love... true love.

Four years ago, he confessed his special ability to me, promising that he would come for me, but since then, he never showed up.

Even after my father increased the security around my room to prevent me from running away from my arranged marriage, I continued to watch the window, hoping he would return.

The narrow path behind our mansion. I still remember clearly the day I met him for the first time.

...It’s fine if he’s forgotten about me. But, at least, I wish for him to be happy for my sake... that’s all.

“No, no, it’s an honor. I never expected the famous Prime Minister would come to visit.”

I heard my father’s voice from above. He sounded in a good mood. The fact that he was in that room meant that his guest must be of high status.

I had heard rumors about the “Prime Minister” from the servants and my sisters’ conversations. The former Prime Minister had retired due to age, and the position was taken over by someone who had only been working at the castle for a year—a special ability user. He was rumored to possess an intellect that far surpassed all other candidates, a genius who had already earned the trust of the current queen and her consort.

“Yes, of course. We would be delighted to be associated with the Prime Minister. If not just associating, how about an engagement? Perhaps our eldest daughter, Annie... or, considering your age, perhaps our second daughter, Mary...”

Both my sisters, Annie and Mary, already had suitable suitors. But marrying the Prime Minister, who held significant power in the kingdom and had royal connections, was likely seen as an opportunity not to be missed.

“...Third daughter...? Could it be Marianne?”

I heard my name suddenly and instinctively looked up at the ceiling. Why would the Prime Minister be interested in me? My name was never spoken in the house unless it was hidden from view, and it had certainly never been made public.

As I contemplated this, my father’s voice suddenly boomed, “Now!? Please, wait just a moment!” The sound of hurried footsteps filled the air. The door flung open, and my father entered, accompanied by several servants. They quickly brought in luxurious dresses, and my father ordered, “Change immediately!” While they hurriedly began to set up cosmetics and various items in front of me, I tried to ask what was going on, but before I could, another set of footsteps was heard from behind my father.

“It’s fine, Lord Edwards.”

The moment I heard that familiar voice, I thought I was imagining it.

That voice, which I hadn’t forgotten in four years. I realized who had entered, and the servants stopped trying to dress me. My father turned around, his face full of surprise.

“And besides, she is beautiful even in simple clothes.”

I couldn’t believe my eyes. I doubted my vision, as tears blurred my sight, making it hard to see him clearly. Yet, I could clearly recognize his light, pale blue hair and his face... It was unmistakably...

“I’ll definitely come for you…! Before you turn sixteen, I swear I will.”

I vividly recalled his words from four years ago.

He had said it. He would come for me, and now, here he was.

“With this special ability, I will climb to the top of the castle... And then, Marianne. I will come for you.”

I had thought it was impossible... I had thought it was hopeless. Even if he could work at the castle, to rise to the top in just four years seemed impossible. But hearing his words, it made me so happy that I nearly cried back then.

He wore a gentle smile, stood proudly beside my father, who was the Count, and gracefully bowed to me.

“Pleased to meet you, Lady Marianne Edwards. I am Gilbert Butler, the Prime Minister of this country... Please, call me Gil.”

His familiar, almond-shaped eyes gently met mine.

He really came for me... It’s only been four years since that time.

How much effort had he put in? How much hardship had he endured?

All this time, he hadn’t forgotten about me. Just knowing that made me so happy... so incredibly happy.

“I’m sorry for the sudden visit, but if you’ll permit me, I would love to be engaged to you... I will make sure to bring you happiness.”

Tears streamed down my face as he extended his hand. I struggled to smile, but my lips trembled, and my throat hitched with small sobs.

But still, I answered him with a voice that cracked with emotion.

 

“...I am Marianne Edwards... Please... call me Maria... I would be honored... to accept... this... Gil...”

I took his hand with trembling fingers. He gently wrapped his hand around mine, his warmth, his touch.

I truly felt that if the world were to end right now, I would be content. 

 

 I must have been born for this one reason:

To meet this man.

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