There was no conversation. It wouldnt have been strange if there was something of a forced consolation for the situation, but not a word was needed.

Then, for no reason really, Louise felt a pit of anger bubble towards Ian. It would have been better if he had analyzed the situation with a cool head as usual and got angry. Why was he acting so suspiciously? Couldnt he be more assertive about his logic? Louise would surely have power over him seeing the blind trust in his eyes. Today he was being disgracefully friendly as he watched her emotions melt down. She always thought he was a foul guy. Today was no different.

Its too much.

She couldnt pull back the sob at the end of her sentence.

Well, from Professor Lassens point of view, youre too much. Youre smart, youre good at tests, youre pretty, you have a good reputation

Ian seemed to have mistaken Louises outburst towards him at Professor Lassen. She didnt bother correcting him. Instead, she wanted to comment on his checklist of praises.

Its all sobig. Those are some lofty descriptions.

Yeah.

He gave a low chuckle, pressing against Louises head playfully.

Theyre getting loftier and loftier.

What was the big deal? At any rate, as she was talking to him again, her constant flow of tears gradually faded away.

So strange.

I thought Id managed to catch up.

Catch up?

To you. You were very grown up when I was a kid. You were like an older sister to me.

Of course he didnt know there was a teenage girl in the body of young Louise.

But not always. Sometimes you were a cute little troublemaker. Like you were crying out to be loved.

Ugh.

He had poked at a sensitive spot. It is true that when she was young, she longed for the love of her parents and those around herIt was all she desired. It was great to receive it.

Louise lifted her head gently. Her eyes ran into the gaze that had become familiar in the dark. Ian wiped Louises face gently with his sleeve.

I-Isnt that expensive?

Well, I dont know because it was a gift.

But what are you going to do if your gift gets soiled?

Louises eyes were wide and wet, and he shrugged.

I told you it doesnt matter.

Stillyou should go back.

This time Ian didnt answer.

Its your day to become an adult and there is a feast until dawn.

HmmYes.

His tone sounded dismissive.

I mean, its your banquet.

Why are you bringing it up?

Im afraid youll get scolded later.

The elders of the royal family and the scary grandparents who supported Ian would surely turn furious and lecture him for a month.

That is a little scary.

Right?

Would it be okay if I told them I was with you?

If you say that, youll be totally misunderstood!

Besides, Louise was now in a miserable position.

But since everyone loves Louise, maybe theyll forgive me.

I dont think your grandfather ever liked me.

Hes actually fond of you. Hes just pretending that hes not.

Louise chuckled in disbelief.

II just want to stay like this today. Its my birthday.

Come to think of it.

Louises expression turned thoughtful as she remembered something.

I visited you on your birthdaya long time ago.

I didnt think you would remember that day.

I remember. Of course I remember.

Ian was a little pleased. In fact, he remembered the day was special because

That day, I had a special appointment with Hesse and he came to pick me up at the window.

Sir Hesse probably remembers too.

Why, did you and Hesse make a special promise on my birthday?

We cant?

No.

Ian answered obstinately as a warning to Hesse, who might be eavesdropping at some distance. But after drawing Louise deeper towards him, he whispered in her ear.

Im joking. You have the right to interact freely with anyone.

Why are you speaking so quietly?

Louise followed with a small voice.

How about I just say its for security issues? Im glad you feel better anyway.

The arms wrapped about Louise seemed to tighten more. It seemed that he really was worried that much.

Thank you.

SoDo you have something to say?

Me?

Yes. You.

Louise was worried for a moment, then soon opened her mouth to speak.

Happy birthday.

Ian sighed briefly. He specifically gave her permission to speak freely. What was the point of congratulating him on his birthday?

Thanks. But other than that, Im just asking if theres anything you want to say. You know, if you have any left over words.

I wont point out any countrys grammar. Just to say whatever you want to.

Ian sighed at his pathetic utterance.

If not

Before he could continue, Louise gently pushed his shoulder and began to talk, her voice filled with embarrassment.

W-well, that is.

Hmm?

Asking about thisI know its very rude.

Its okay. Just ask.

At his soft urging Louise continued.

When Your Highnessheard about me.

Yes.

What did you think?

Actually, she knew. She knew what kind of answer he would give. It was rude to ask questions as if you already knew what they would say, so Louise couldnt bring herself to face him. But she couldnt help but ask. Just once, today. She wanted to hear those words.

Louise dropped her head down, closed her eyes and waited.

But he gave no answer.

Im sorry, Im sorry. I didnt mean to test the crown prince. I was just rambling.

Louise Sweeney.

But you know what? No one believed me.

Louise.

People think I behaved badly but, um, I really didnt do it. I swear to God I wont do such a thing!

Maybe because her voice was raising in volume, or maybe because she started speaking faster, but her heart, which had barely calmed down, has thudding furiously again in her chest.

But nobody believes me.

Tears spilled over her eyes again.

So pleasejust this once.

She wanted to hear it, clearly, in someone elses voice. Ians soft reply came from somewhere over Louises bowed head.

At least we should do this facing each other.

Ugh

Even so. She couldnt raise her head at all because the flood of tears wouldnt stop rolling down her cheeks.

Raise your head.

At his stern tone, Louise looked up at him with a woeful face. Instead of drying her eyes, Ian lifted Louises chin a little more with his fingertips.

Keep your head up. You deserve to listen to this with pride.

More fat tears spilled from her eyes at his words. They stared quietly at each other as he held up her blotched-red face. Ian waited a little. It was a moment when they saw nothing but each other. And he finally answered.

You are right.

I, Ian Audmonial, will always believe you.

His words were solemn as if he were taking an oath. Under any circumstances, he would believe her. She didnt know how it came to this, but this man really was special to Louise.

His hands swept from her chin to her cheek, brushing away the droplets and erasing them, and her blurry vision gradually became clear from his touch. Then she realized was the distance between them. It was almost nonexistent.

She could feel his breath tickling her. Maybe she had poured out all her thoughts with the tears she shed.

Louise gently closed her eyes, and Ian tilted his head.