NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 659: Tired
Flora smiled playfully. "That's my solution. What do you think, Nathan?"
"…" Nathan was speechless. He couldn't help but say, "You're insane, you know that?"
"I believe 'selfish' is a more suitable word in this scenario." Flora chuckled.
"Even if you lose your succession right or even your status…" Nathan squinted his eyes.
Stay updated with My Virtual Library Empire
"As expected, nothing escapes your eyes." She chuckled. "Yes. I will still help my kingdom and family. However, I can promise you one thing. Unless it's a matter of life and death of the kingdom, if there are any conflicts of interest, I will step away so as to not influence your opinion."
"…" Nathan let out a long sigh, as if he had been defeated. "I don't really find any reasons why you would go so far."
"Why do you think there's any reason?" Flora looked up before saying, "Well, I don't plan to lie to you. The first time I approached you was purely out of the kingdom's interest. It was quite shocking when they learned about Vivian taking a disciple, so it resulted in quite an uproar.
"I just wanted to see what kind of person you were, albeit I ended up getting overwhelmed by you and your boldness. I thought about making you my retainer at first, but my heart almost dropped when I saw you trying to assault all the students at that event, you know?
"Whether it was Noelle's unexpected defeat or that bold plan, I found myself overwhelmed by you.
"I couldn't help but slightly hesitate to make you my retainer because of those two actions, realizing that I might not have the capability to handle you.
"Hence, I invited you to the student council. I planned to observe you a bit longer."
Nathan looked down, recalling those times. He had gotten the gist of it at that time. That was why he created that wall to separate them.
Flora chuckled. "Without me realizing it, I ended up following your every news. Whether it's the Divine Hand or other tasks, you completed them brilliantly.
"Every time I heard you had accomplished all those tasks, I couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. With you being there, I could feel rest assured… a feeling that is uncommon in my life.
"Should I say? I'm idolizing you a bit? With your familiars, your status has changed. In addition to your capability, I couldn't help but wonder if someone was capable enough for me to finally take a breather in this succession battle… Why would I not want such a man to be my partner?
"Though, it changed when we went to the mine. Despite knowing the situation was getting worse, you didn't hesitate to step in. I could say you were reckless, but at the same time, it was a calculated risk.
"When I saw you summon Jinwu, I thought that would be the end of it. I had ruined your future and didn't really have the right, yet you didn't blame me. Even when the best-case scenario couldn't be achieved, you had other scenarios in your mind. At that time… ugh, I'm embarrassed to say this."
She looked away, her face reddening. "That's probably the first time I slept so well… even though you and Sera got another room after that.
"I probably realized at that time how tired I was. In a world where you had to pretend to be tough and continuously watch out for your back… for the first time in my life, I let go of that burden. Do you know how relieving that was?"
"…" Nathan closed his eyes, acknowledging it. He could also imagine it. After enduring such a suffocating atmosphere for so long, the liberation would definitely feel like something she had never felt before.
"That was probably the day I really fell for you." Flora smiled. "For the first time in my life, I felt like I could still go through all this as long as a certain someone is standing by my side.
"However, after learning about your situation, I felt devastated. I thought it would be impossible until the war minister gave me my reward. A possibility I have never thought possible.
"I guess there's a reason for my father to be the king. He is able to see through one's true nature.
"I thought I wanted to become a crown princess to make the kingdom better. Yet, when I heard about a princess losing 'everything' because of her love… I couldn't help but ask myself whether that was truly my purpose.
"In the end, I tried my best simply just because I had to. I'm a talented summoner, have good connections and skills, and am great at managing things. Because of them, I had always believed I should do it. I buried the feeling of not wanting to do it deep in my heart.
"When I got the potential to leave everything behind, I felt relieved. If I wanted to help the kingdom, I could still do it in one way or another. Becoming a strong summoner could also help the kingdom.
"But this time, I could actually walk on the path that is much brighter and more enjoyable for me. That's why selfish is a more suitable word.
"I don't know what I can do anymore to change your perspective about me." Flora let out a hollow laugh, but after revealing everything, her heart felt refreshed. If, after all this, Nathan still shook his head, she would give up.
To her surprise, Nathan took a step to the side and pulled his arm, which forced her to let it go.
"!!!" Flora's heart sank, knowing what this action meant. Although it was disappointing, she had to accept this result.
But Nathan's action startled her one more time. His right hand suddenly patted her head from behind.
Her body shook, but before she could react, Nathan answered her with his action. His right hand moved to her right arm as he pulled her closer.
"Someone once said that the smarter the person, the harder it is for them to be happy. They have to be calculating constantly, including in their relationship.
"However, that person found there was another way to be happy. Rather than calculating everything before it, he should have just followed his heart and used the wisdom to take care of everything that would come from that decision."
Flora raised her head, looking at Nathan's firm expression.
"Tell me about the princes and princesses."
Flora couldn't contain her happiness. A big smile appeared on her face. Yes."