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Engaged since he was a child with the predestined fate to rule the kingdom as the next emperor, he’d been trained in the military and been taught a multitude of studies from mannerisms and etiquette to politics and history.
But the responsibilities he shouldered will never lighten.
That’s why, when Diluc met a simple commoner that showed him the outside world—a world beyond books and tradition—his heart came to life, and he fell in love.
It was a touching and heartwarming romance, fit for a novel.
But what about the fiancé?
Meigui took a sip of his tea, glancing out the window on this sunny afternoon. The coloured leaves were already falling, and he heard that it might rain heavily tomorrow.
“Mei?”
He looked back at his guest. Diluc sat across from him with a handsome yet stern expression on his face. It made approaching him all the more intimidating, especially since his buff physique from all the sword training didn’t help.
So many expectations, and only seventeen. Hatefully two years older than him.
The reminder made Meigui furrow his brows slightly, for a moment, but Diluc still caught it.
“What’s wrong?”
Meigui shook his head, short pink wavy locks following the movement. “I just heard that it will rain tomorrow. In any case, let’s continue our discussion from last time.”
Diluc snorted and took a sip of his grape juice. “For the last time, I’m not planning to take in a concubine.”
“Not right now, but I’m simply saying that if you do—”
“Do you not trust me?” Diluc’s face scrunched at the implication that he’d be unfaithful.
Meigui pursed his lips. “… It’s not a matter of not trusting.” ‘It’s simply that you’re the male lead in the novel and I’m supposed to be the villain who gets in the way of your happily ever after.’
Except that, nothing has been going according to the plot at all. They were still engaged. And his fiancé has yet to dump him. Even though he told the redhead many times that he doesn’t mind taking in a concubine. Though initially, he asked for the annulment of their engagement when Meigui first woke up remembering his past life. Many doctors had already taken a look at him, and there was nothing wrong at all. Aside from everything.
Meigui drank some more to calm his nerves as he got lost in his deep thoughts.
Diluc was always amused whenever he saw his partner pout. This person was prim and proper, elegant and careful with their actions, and yet this habit of theirs has yet to break. It was cute. Now if only his fiancé would stop insisting he take another person into their home, then it’d be better.
The redhead seriously didn’t understand where it was coming from. After all, didn’t they promise to marry each other when they were children? “Then?”
“I’m simply anticipating all sorts of possibilities. Feelings can’t be controlled after all. If you fell in love with another person, per se, then I’ll be sure to take care of them.” Since it’s also part of an Empress’s duty to care and guide consorts.
“… You make it sound like I don’t love you.”
Meigui blinked several times, owlishly; caught completely off-guard. “Eh, you do?”
Diluc’s mouth thinned to a line. “You expect me to marry someone I don’t even love?”
“But isn’t our dut—”
“We promised to marry each other when we were little.”
Meigui fiddled with his cup, another habit of his when he was nervous. “Well, yes. But—”
“Are you saying you don’t … love me anymore?”
The forlorn expression on Diluc caused Meigui’s heart to soften and he sighed. “No. I’m not saying that.”
“Really?” Diluc reached out to hold their hand, gentle yet determined.
It let Meigui see how the large, scarred and callous hand, enclosed over his delicate and fair one. Protecting, reassuring, and letting him know that he’d have someone to depend on.
His heart ached from guilt and confliction. Could he really say he was still part of some novel?
“Really … I still … My feelings haven't changed.”
Diluc adorned a small smile on his usually stern face. “I’m relieved.”
The redhead didn’t say anymore nor did he ask again. Because Meigui decided to tell him everything about their dream—their past life. Especially the novel.
Diluc listened to every word carefully. Though he was skeptical, a lot of the things Meigui mentioned were truly happening. How could his fiancé know the situation of another country that was only privy to the military? Or the plan of investigating Wolvendom he and his men thought of just yesterday? Or even the part where one of his men sprained their ankle during training!
He had to believe it since most were true. Most. “Except that my feelings have remained unchanged.” He kissed the back of his lover’s hand, then the ring that signified their promise. “So don’t … let go of me so easily.”
Meigui’s heart lurched in his throat, and he gripped Diluc’s hand, trembling and tight. His own walls crumbled and his lips quivered; as the realization of what he was—had been doing, hit him with a force that knocked his breath out of him.
“I’m sorry… I just—”
“I know.” The novel determined a future—his happiness. And it had Meigui out of the picture.
He could only imagine how much it hurt his beloved, having kept the burden all to himself. Willing to give up anything if it meant Diluc would be happier.
“But my life without you is meaningless. And I mean it.”
“I know.” ‘I’m the same.’ A soft sigh left Meigui, although a small smile etched on his face as well. “That was cheesy, Luc.”
Diluc grunted, cheeks colouring up to the tips of his ears.
“Well, we both are right now.” Meigui chuckled. “Nevertheless, you’re right … Though it’s a little scary. Going against something that may be far bigger than us.” He looked back down at their joined hands, light gleamed on their silver rings. “Our fate may end up becoming worse. But if I … if I still get to stay with you …” Meigui met Diluc’s eyes head on. “Then I’m willing. I want to see our re-written story to the very end.”
Diluc’s heart felt full and warm at the determined promise. “Yes.” He gave a radiant smile, one that Meigui hasn’t seen for a long while since remembering his past life. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Whether their ending was a tragedy or a happy one, no matter what may come, they were going to live their own story.