The Gap Between You and Me - Chapter 148

Bernard paused for a moment. He met Herietta’s gaze.

“But now it is different. I won’t run away any longer.”

“Do you intend…… to become King?”

Herietta asked cautiously. Bernard, who was looking at her blankly, then nodded.

“Yes.”

There was a firm will in his eyes.

Herietta realized. That this is not just an impulsive decision. Bernard must have thought about and struggled with this for a long time. He must have been troubled on his own until he made a decision like this.

Bernard, to be the king of Velicia.

Herietta drew a picture of him in her mind.

He who kneels before the throne and inherits the crown, blessed by all.

The era of the new king, which will be recorded as splendid and wonderful.

“Good idea. Your Highness will surely become a good monarch who will go down in history.”

“…….”

“Even though I feel a little sad that Your Highness seems to be going farther and farther away.”

“Herietta.”

Herietta smiled lightly, but Bernard called her.

“Go up to the capital with me.”

“The…… capital?”

Herietta was taken aback by Bernard’s sudden suggestion. He nodded and continued.

“I hope you will continue to be with me.”

“…….”

“I want you to stay by my side and watch me grow.”

“Your Highness…….”

“I know how much you suffered and struggled because of what happened in the past. I know what you have been enduring to achieve.”

Bernard got up. Then he turned around the table and walked over to Herietta’s side. He stopped her from unwittingly moving out.

“It’s a pity, but I don’t have the ability to turn back time that has already passed. But I promise you this much. I can’t help the past, but in the future, I will protect you with everything within my power.”

Bernard bent down and took Herietta’s hand. Then he pulled it slightly.

“Herietta Mackenzie.”

Bernard, who was looking at Herietta, lowered his head and kissed her hand lightly.

“I will make it so that no one can ever be reckless to you again.”

* * *

The conversation between the two didn’t last long. It was because Jonathan had come to the study to meet Bernard. Entering the room, Jonathan saw Herietta next to Bernard and looked slightly puzzled. It was quite late, so he must have assumed that Bernard would be alone.

Bernard asked what was going on, but Jonathan hesitated, unable to answer. Seeing his unusual appearance, Bernard thought for a while and then went out of the study with him.

Mumble, mumble. Herietta could hear their conversation through the door. Perhaps it was quite serious, Jonathan’s voice, which had been calm, became a little heated.

Eventually, the door opened and Bernard entered the study again.

“I’m sorry, but we’ll have to talk later. I have urgent business to deal with.”

“Is something wrong?”

Herietta asked softly towards Bernard’s darkened complexion. Bernard shook his head.

“I can’t explain right now. I’ll tell you later, when things are settled.”

His expression looks urgent and anxious. What happened?

Curiosity crept up. But Herietta didn’t ask more and just kept her mouth shut. Although she was curious, she did as he said, because the situation seemed urgent.

Herietta put the teacup down and got up. It was late for her, so she thought that she should go back to her room, but Bernard stopped her.

“Herietta. Don’t go straight to your room, go to mine first.”

“Your Highness’s room?”

“Yes. It’s not a big deal.”

Bernard muttered, looking around. Before Herietta could answer, he called an apprentice knight who was standing guard nearby. Then he ordered the knight to take her to his room.

“I’ll explain everything later.”

He really looked like he was in a hurry. He left with Jonathan, who was waiting at a distance, without leaving a single word. The two people were discussing something seriously and moving away.

Herietta, who was looking at their backs, looking slightly bewildered, soon followed the apprentice knight who came to her side and moved away.

* * *

Bernard’s room was not too far from the study. The apprentice knight tilted his head after arriving in front of Bernard’s door, finding it strange. It was because the sentries who were supposed to be guarding the front of the room were nowhere to be seen.

“Probably because it was shift-change time, they were away for a while. Shall I go and find out what’s going on?”

“That’s okay. They’ll be back soon.”

Herietta passed it by without a big deal. Setting up a sentry in front of the door was only nominal. Since the war was over, they didn’t consider the inside dangerous enough to have a guard at all times.

The apprentice knight, who had completed the given mission, gave a short bow to Herietta. She too gave him a thank you and entered the room.

Inside the room, it was pitch-dark. It must have been left empty all day, and the inside was filled with a cold chill.

‘It’s a bit chilly.’

Herietta, who was wearing thin clothes, wrapped her arms around her body and trembled. An open window came into her view. The wind outside was quite strong, and the curtains hanging by the window were blowing like waves.

Was Bernard very busy in the morning? Why did he leave the window open?

Bernard was sensitive to cold. Unless there was a special reason, it was very rare for him to leave the window open. Knowing that fact well, Herietta thought that this scene in the room was a bit unnatural.

But that didn’t last long. Thinking she was overreacting, she walked to the window. Then she stretched her arms out and closed the open window. The wind that blew the curtains to and fro, stopped and the room became quiet.

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