Chapter 62

After hearing the truth about Harold’s past and his secrets, Lifa retreated to her room, where she sat huddled with her knees pulled against her chest. The destiny Harold bore was far too heavy. The words Justus had spoken played on a loop, over and over, in the back of her mind.

The most devastating blow had been the man’s final parting words.

“As things stand, Harold has only a few years left. He’ll be lucky to see twenty. Every time he draws upon his power from here on out, that time will only grow shorter.”

Harold was eighteen. In less than two years—perhaps even sooner, if things went poorly—he would die.

This unacceptable reality weighed down on Lifa with a crushing force. She couldn't even begin to organize her own thoughts.

“...Are you all right?”

“El... what am I supposed to do? How can I even face Harold...?”

“Do you regret hearing it?”

“...I don't know.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing?”

“Because I knew. I knew that Harold was fighting even as he whittled away his own life.”

“No! Then why didn't you stop him?!”

“Do you really think he’s the kind of person who would stop just because someone told him to?”

“Well... that’s true, but still!”

El had known. He had known, yet how could he interact with Harold so naturally? How could he still smile at him?

The same applied to Harold himself. Lifa couldn’t fathom why he fought so hard. There was no way he wasn't afraid of dying, so how could he wield his sword with such cold, clinical detachment?

Her mind was such a muddle that she couldn't even form a coherent sentence.

“What is wrong with everyone... nothing makes sense...”

“You’re right. Honestly, that’s probably the most appropriate reaction to have.”

El gave her a sorrowful smile. In her current state, Lifa couldn't even find the strength to accept that kindness.

“Hey, Lifa.”

“...What?”

“If you’re thinking about trying to stop Harold, you should probably give up on that idea.”

“But if I don’t...”

I won't be able to do anything for him. As that thought crossed Lifa's mind, El’s tone sharpened. Precisely because it was so unlike him, the gravity of the situation was hammered home, whether she wanted to hear it or not.

“This is the path Harold chose with full resolve. It’s not an issue that people who don’t understand the circumstances should just go barging into.”

“Then are you saying I should just stay quiet and watch Harold die, El? I can't do that...”

“If that’s the case, then it might be better if you don't see Harold anymore.”

“How can you say something like that?!” Lifa barked, her voice rising in anger.

However, even as she glared at him, El didn't flinch. He spoke with a calm, flowing cadence, stating only the cold facts.

“I told you I knew Harold's secret, didn't I? The reason I didn't tell anyone—not even you, Lifa—is because that is exactly what Harold wants. He has a goal, and this is what’s necessary to achieve it.”

“What goal could possibly be worth all this...?”

“He didn't go so far as to tell me that. But to him, it’s clearly more important than his own life.”

Though normally, you need to be alive for anything to matter, El muttered under his breath.

How could Harold go that far? How could he simply accept a fate of death? Lifa couldn't even begin to imagine what could possibly be that important.

“Come on, let’s get some sleep. Once you've calmed down, you might be able to process everything a bit better.”

“...Okay.”

Urged by El, she climbed into bed. The lights were extinguished, enveloping her in complete darkness. However, the waves of emotion in her heart continued to surge; there was no sign of sleep coming for her.

As if trying to protect her fragile heart, Lifa curled into a ball. Like an innocent girl praying to God, she whispered a single wish into the dark.

“Please don’t die, Harold...”

---

“First off, drop dead.”

That was the very first thing Harold said to Itsuki. Itsuki, a young man who looked as though he had been plucked straight out of a painting, was well-acquainted with such verbal abuse and brushed it off without a second thought.

“I’m relieved to see you’re in high spirits. Would you like something to drink?”

“I don’t need anything.”

They were in a cafe in Kablan. It was the time of day when one might want to sit down for a proper dinner, but Harold figured he wouldn't be able to listen calmly if he were eating, so he had dragged Itsuki into the first place that caught his eye.

Sitting across from him, Itsuki wore his usual refreshing smile. If anything, it felt like a provocation.

“Hurry up and explain yourself. From the beginning.”

“Well, to put it simply, I’m getting married.”

“Hoh.”

Harold gave an acknowledgment that dripped with feigned indifference. In his own way, he was actually trying to be congratulatory.

Still, it was somewhat moving to think that Itsuki was finally getting married. To list his traits once more: he had the looks, the personality, the pedigree, and to top it off, he was a perfect specimen whose sword skills were top-tier. Honestly, it was a wonder he had remained single this long.

If he had one flaw, it was that he was a massive siscon.

Thinking back, Harold recalled a time shortly before he joined the Knight Order when he and Itsuki had discussed their respective marriages. Itsuki had been incredibly persistent, interrogating him about when he was going to marry Erika. Since Harold couldn’t exactly say he planned to break off the engagement eventually, he had dodged the question with a lie, saying he’d consider it once Itsuki himself was married.

At the time, Itsuki had happily slung an arm around his shoulder, saying they would be brothers soon enough. Harold still broke into a cold sweat remembering how Yuno, who happened to be nearby, had radiated a terrifying, smiling pressure. She was quite a beauty herself; he wondered if she had a partner yet.

“My bride-to-be is the daughter of this town’s Lord. It was decided that a celebration party would be held before she is wed into our family.”

“And?”

“It’s not a formal, stiff affair, so the whole family isn't coming. But I thought it wouldn't be right to leave out Erika, since she'll be the girl's sister-in-law.”

“Can I go home now?”

“The problem is that it’s not just family; they’re doing it on a grand scale. Many sons of other nobles and merchant houses will be attending as well.”

Itsuki continued talking as if he hadn't heard a word Harold said. He was being completely ignored. Itsuki was probably the only person in the world who could take such an attitude with Harold.

“So, I want you to act as a repellent for the vermin who will try to hit on my sister.”

“Make up your mind whether they’re beasts or insects.”

“They're beasts no better than bugs.”

Itsuki spat the venom with a casual, shameless smile. Harold decided he should probably retract his assessment of the man being a "charming youth."

Actually, that wasn't the important part.

“Why should I have to deal with such a hassle?”

“Because you’re Erika’s fiancé. It’s only natural, isn't it?”

“What is going on inside that head of yours? Did you forget that five years ago, I told you to dissolve the engagement?”

“I remember. I also don't recall ever agreeing to it.”

“There’s no way...”

“My father only replied, 'I thought this day would come eventually. I suppose this was unavoidable,' didn't he?”

That was true. But there was no way that doting father, Tasuku, would marry Erika off to someone he was supposed to be on bad terms with. If he could break the engagement, he would. That’s why Harold had interpreted that reply to mean "the cancellation was unavoidable." No—he had been led to believe that.

If those words didn't mean "the breakup is unavoidable," but rather "it was unavoidable that the day would come when you asked for a breakup," then he had made no explicit promise regarding the actual dissolution of the engagement.

While Harold sat there, stunned, Itsuki took a sip of the coffee he had ordered. After a moment, he set the cup back on the saucer and faced Harold again. If Harold wasn't mistaken, a vein was pulsing on Itsuki’s temple.

“Honestly, you are far too selfish. You decide everything on your own and act on your own. Then, before anyone knows it, you’ve landed in a dire situation and are on the verge of death. Try to put yourself in the shoes of those who worry about you for once! Even setting aside emotions, because you dumped the operation of that farming method you proposed onto my father, I’ve been dragged into it and forced out into the fields! Now, I’m grateful for the method itself and I know it’s wrong to complain, but there’s a better way to do things! Since I have the floor, let me say this: I have no obligation to listen to the whims of a selfish brat like you!

I’m sure you thought you were being noble by declaring the engagement broken so as not to cause trouble for House Sumeragi, but unfortunately, we’ve already recovered thanks to you. Absorbing your infamy along with our success is well within our means. Do you think I’m being selfish? Fine! We’re both the same, so I’ve decided to be just as selfish as you. It just so happens that with my marriage, I’ve been entrusted with several matters regarding the family business. Among them is the authority to oversee Erika’s engagement. Fortunately, 'That Letter' didn't specify that the person in charge had to be my father, so there shouldn't be a problem!

Therefore, let me say it again! As the next head of House Sumeragi, I, Itsuki Sumeragi, absolutely will not recognize the dissolution of the engagement between you and Erika Sumeragi!”

Harold, the cafe staff, and every other customer in the building were left utterly speechless. Just when they thought this man had started a long-winded lecture in a public place, he ended it with that booming declaration. Standing tall with his right fist clenched, he looked like he was giving a campaign speech.

Harold could tell Itsuki was being careful not to use his name to keep his identity secret, but by using the Sumeragi name, he was basically giving everyone all the hints they needed. And more than anything, he wished Itsuki would be careful about his surroundings. Harold couldn't stand being the center of attention like this.

“I am grateful to you beyond measure. But that is a separate matter. How about it? Am I not shockingly selfish?”

“Ugh... are you a child?”

Itsuki looked triumphant, sporting a massive, smug grin. Harold’s urge to be indignant was drained by how childish the argument was. It could hardly be called intellectual. He felt more worried than angry, wondering if it was really okay for someone with such a disappointing brain to get married.

“Well, to be honest, I also think I went a bit far just now, but to deal with you, I have to be this thick-skinned or I won't be able to stand on equal footing. Being constantly jerked around isn't my hobby.”

“Hmph, so in the end, it’s just an emotional outburst based on your sore-loser personality. I feel sorry for Erika, having an engagement forced on her by a brother like you.”

“Oh? Did you just call her Erika? Hey, you did, didn't you? I see, I see—your relationship progressed while your big brother wasn't looking!”

(So annoying...! Seriously, I already went through this routine with your father!)

Being father and son, they latched onto the exact same things, although their reactions were polar opposites.

Harold had more than a faint suspicion that Itsuki’s provocation skills were top-tier. Moreover, unlike Harold’s own "mouth," which activated automatically against everyone, Itsuki could aim his barbs at a specific target, making them far more effective.

“Anyway, this isn't the time for jokes. You understand what I’m saying, so I’m leaving the job of being Erika’s pest repellent to you.”

“I ref—”

“Here, take this. A letter of authorization from the Doctor.”

Itsuki pulled a sheet of paper from his pocket along with those ominous words. When Harold read it with a sense of looming despair, he saw that the right to issue compulsory orders to Harold, which Justus originally held, had been delegated to Itsuki until a specified date. He had been warned beforehand that he had no right of refusal; from the start, Harold had been boxed in.

It was a total checkmate.

“So, that’s how it is.”

“Eri... what is that woman saying about this?”

“You could just call her by her name... Erika doesn't know you're coming. Right now, she’s slipped away to see a friend.”

“What?”

“I thought I’d surprise her.”

She would certainly be surprised. If Harold showed up at a celebratory event, she might be so shocked that she’d lead with an opening slap.

Harold wanted to resent Itsuki for pushing this trouble onto him, but considering it was Itsuki’s retaliation, it was his own fault. He cursed his own mouth, but even if he did, it wasn't as if it would stop the automatic conversion of his speech.

“For now, you'll stay the night at a nearby hotel I've reserved. I'll come to pick you up before noon tomorrow, and you'll meet Erika and the hosts after that.”

“Wait. Forget Erika, how do you intend to introduce me to your fiancée?”

“As her fiancé, of course.”

“Don't. It’s obvious that won't lead to anything good.”

Especially given Harold Stokes’ infamy. If Harold were to marry into the Sumeragi family, he would become a relative to the other party. They would surely want to avoid that at all costs. It would be fine if they persuaded Itsuki to reconsider the marriage between Harold and Erika, but if this caused Itsuki's own wedding to fall through, Harold would feel terrible.

“Hmm, but a mere guard cutting down the men hitting on her might cause a scene... I know!”

Itsuki clapped his hands as if he had hit upon a stroke of genius. And then, he made a proposal that would rewrite Harold’s history.

“Starting tomorrow, you are Erika’s fiancé... Lord Strouse!”