I Was Cursed with One Year Left to Live, So I’ll Live as I Please — Part 10

“I’ve always said I prefer you. Why won’t you believe me?”

“…What?”

Even Juliana couldn’t repeatedly use the forbidden sorcery without consequence. The curse she placed on Marius was relatively mild, only affecting his health enough to suggest he step down as crown prince. Fortunately, Marius had already recovered.

“I had my suspicions before, but that confirmed it. We were able to gather decisive evidence and capture Juliana.”

“Where is she now?” Sophie asked.

“She’s in prison, but the backlash from the broken curse core has likely taken its toll. She doesn’t have much time left.”

“…I see.”

Lorenz revealed that to save Sophie before the curse claimed her life, he had layered additional spells to place her in a state of suspended animation. Though it was forbidden for anyone but clergy to use such magic, he hadn’t hesitated since it was the only way.

“After capturing Juliana and obtaining the curse’s core, I was finally able to break your curse. But because of the layers of spells—seven in total—I couldn’t wake you up right away.”

“Seven? How did you manage that?”

“Barely. I thought I’d be grateful for my magical talent before, but never as much as then.”

“You’re a genius.”

“Well, maybe.” Lorenz let out a soft laugh, not with pride, but with relief. Even for him, it had clearly been a tremendous challenge.

“Why?” Lorenz suddenly asked, his voice soft but steady. “Why did you spend what might have been your last year doing things for me? Why were your wants the same as mine?”

Sophie tilted her head.

“But I did what I wanted. You see, I thought that once we married, we’d take our time doing all sorts of things together, visiting all sorts of places. When that became impossible, I decided that if you were willing to come along, I’d do what I wanted to do…so…”

“So?”

“So, I didn’t do what you wanted. I did what I wanted, and that just happened to align with your wishes.”

Lorenz exhaled slowly, deeply. Sophie couldn’t see his face, but she could tell from his trembling voice that his expression was distorted, overwhelmed by emotions he couldn’t put into words.

“So, it’s because you wanted to do those things together with me, right? You wanted to stay with me forever, didn’t you?”

Lorenz’s tone was firm, as if seeking confirmation, as if hoping for that answer, or perhaps even demanding it, leaving no room for denial.

“…Yes, that’s true,” Sophie admitted. “But… it’s been three and a half years, hasn’t it? Maybe you’ve found a new fiancée… or even a queen by now…”

“There’s no one else.”

“Really?”

“I told you I wouldn’t annul our engagement. So we’re still engaged.”

Sophie’s heartbeat quickened. Could she dare to hope? She tried to calm herself with a deep breath, but Lorenz was so close that he must have felt her racing pulse.

“But I was declared dead…”

“You’re alive. Which means we’re still engaged. And we’re going to get married—absolutely. After that, we’ll go wherever we want and do everything we wish to do, together.”

Sophie’s face twisted with emotion as warm tears began to flow down her cheeks.

“What should I do? I’ve already done everything I wanted to.”

“Then make new dreams,” Lorenz replied softly. “Unless… you don’t want to?”

Sophie shook her head, though her stiff neck made the motion awkward. Only then did Lorenz loosen his arms and release her.

For the first time, Sophie saw Lorenz cry.        

[The End]

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