The Extra Saved the Terminally Ill Princess and Ran Away - Chapter 50

Chapter 50: Finn and Lili (2)

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"Ah… this ring? I actually had it made from the hair ornament you gave me. I wanted to receive a ring from someone I loved…"

Lili answered my question about the ring in the Knight Department's top scorer training room, the only place where we could truly be alone.

She looked at me anxiously, wondering if I was upset that she had modified my gift.

She must have misinterpreted my stunned silence, my staring at the ring in disbelief, having never imagined that the ring she wore was made from the hair ornament I gave her.

I took a step towards her, wanting to tell her,

That I wasn't upset,

That I was simply in awe of her resourcefulness, her creating a ring to remember me, and that her gesture was so touching it had left me speechless.

I hesitated, another step forward frozen mid-stride.

A sudden thought: was this how our relationship was supposed to be?

Before the Empress's death, we were close friends.

After her death, we were a guilt-ridden sinner and a grieving victim.

After I faked my death, she was a princess, coldly rejecting the affections of a commoner knight to remain faithful to her deceased fiancé.

And now?

She was a girl whose mere glance could captivate a king.

Her slightly melancholic air only amplified her allure, a potent aphrodisiac.

This breathtakingly beautiful girl, her noble bloodline only adding to her charm, was the embodiment of every man's fantasy.

A girl so radiant that even the flowers around her seemed to pale in comparison.

An Imperial Princess, second only to the Emperor.

And yet, this girl, with her beauty and status, who had rejected countless suitors, remaining faithful to her deceased fiancé,

Was now looking at me with anxious eyes, a flicker of insecurity in their depths.

From the interrogation room to my training grounds, she hadn't left my side, even though I was here to prepare for the tournament.

She hadn't even tried to distance herself.

That realization stopped me in my tracks.

I spoke, trying to lighten the mood, to shift the dynamics of our twisted relationship.

"How can I, a mere attendant, tell Your Highness what to do?"

"H-Huh? Finn…?"

I sighed, avoiding her gaze. She reached out, her hand outstretched, as if wanting to touch me, even though she knew I couldn't feel it.

She seemed to be asking, Why are you acting like this? So, I told her.

"You told me to stay within my limits, Your Highness."

I reminded her of her harsh words, her rejection, spoken when she believed I wasn't Finn.

"Huh…?"

Her mouth hung open, her lips trembling.

I put on an exaggeratedly hurt expression, hoping she would notice my act and react.

"How can I, a mere commoner, question Your Highness's decisions? I know my place. I'll stay within my limits, as you commanded."

Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.

"Y-Your Highness…?!"

Drip.

Lili's tears, forming crystal beads, began to fall. I called out to her, but it was too late.

"Hic…!"

Her tears flowed freely, tracing paths down her cheeks.

"I-I… hic… I said those things because I thought you weren't Finn…"

You idiot.

Why are you crying? It was just a joke.

"I'm sorry for being so cold… but… I couldn't…"

I pulled her close, her head resting against my chest, hoping she would stop crying.

Her shoulders continued to shake with silent sobs.

I stroked her hair gently, whispering apologies, telling her I hadn't meant to hurt her, that it was just a joke.

"It was just a joke… I shouldn't have said that, but please, stop crying, Your Highness…"

"Hic…! Y-You… you won't call me 'Your Imperial Highness' again… will you…?"

"Of course not. What kind of impudent attendant would do such a thing? I'll give him a good scolding."

Who else? It's me, damn it.

Knowing she couldn't see my face, I grimaced and sighed silently.

My worst fears had come true.

I hadn't planned on revealing my identity as Finn.

Even if she eventually learned about my sacrifices,

I didn't think it would be beneficial to reveal the truth after we had built a strong relationship as Berry.

She was a character who clung to those she depended on, her affections bordering on obsession.

And now, with me, Berry, as her new anchor, what would happen if I revealed that I was also Finn?

Instead of comforting her, helping her overcome her past trauma,

I would become her sole focus, her obsession.

She would become my pet, obeying my every whim, living only to please me. A slave… no, worse than a slave, a pet.

While some people might find such a relationship appealing,

The idea of controlling a beautiful, powerful woman wasn't my cup of tea.

Where was the love, the respect, in such a relationship? It wasn't a healthy dynamic.

As long as we both love each other, as long as we're both happy, it doesn't matter, right? Some might say.

But wanting to control and manipulate a vulnerable woman, to enjoy her fear and obedience, to have her at your beck and call… that was a matter of preference, and it wasn't mine.

I didn't want Lili to become my pet, my slave.

I wanted a partner, someone to share my life and my love with.

That's why I hadn't planned on revealing my identity as Finn, and I was even searching for a permanent appearance-changing artifact.

But now, seeing her trembling in my arms, her inability to even understand a simple joke, I sighed.

My attempt to lighten the mood, to shift the power dynamics, had backfired, solidifying our twisted relationship.

We were walking on thin ice, a single misstep solidifying our reversed roles permanently.

If I was careful, I could maintain a normal relationship with her, but… I didn't trust myself.

As someone with zero relationship experience, I was bound to make a mistake, and she would be traumatized.

So, to steer our relationship towards a healthier path, I had to act now.

The key was to alleviate her guilt, and her fear of being abandoned again.

She had stopped crying, but her hand, still clutching my shirt, trembled in mine.

Rustle.

I stroked her hair, searching for the right words, when,

Knock, knock-

The familiar voice of our resident interrupter echoed through the door.

"Berry, the tournament is ready. The final match will be held outdoors, since the main arena is… unavailable. Please come to the main grounds when you're ready."

Grace, with her impeccable timing.

But this time, her interruption was a welcome distraction. I didn't know what to say to Lili.

"Your Highness, shall we head to the main grounds?"

"Y-Yes… let's go…"

She pulled away from my embrace, but her hand still clung to my shirt.

Her eyes were still filled with anxiety, so I patted her head reassuringly.

"Your Highness."

"Yes, Finn?"

"This is an exhibition match, so we're allowed to use our own weapons, right?"

"Yes…?"

"Then allow this humble servant to illuminate the night sky with a brilliant full moon, just for you. What do you say? Doesn't that sound exciting?"

I smiled confidently, and she pointed at the window.

"It's… daytime."

How can you show me the moon during the day? She was asking.

I chuckled, referencing the feat she mistakenly attributed to me,

"I can conjure a sun in the night sky to protect you, Your Highness. A mere moon during the day is nothing, as long as you promise to smile for me."

For you, I would conjure a sun in the night sky, and pluck the moon from the heavens. That's what I meant.

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