Book 5: Chapter 45
When I opened my eyes, I saw Lucia’s teary face. I’m such an embarrassment.
I was the one chasing Lucia, yet I slipped and fell backwards, hitting my head on a tree and passing out. When I came to, I was lying with my head on Lucia’s thigh.
Lucia gently stroked my head as she cried and in her throaty voice said, “Why… why… why… why you did chase after me… Don’t you have Nier already? Why are you still looking for me…? Don’t you already have someone you love? I lost the duel. I can’t do anything. I’m just an ordinary elf. Why did you come looking for me?”
I smiled and reached out to grab Lucia’s hand. I sincerely said, “Because I love you, Lucia. That’s all there is to it. I love you. I love you and Nier the same way and equally. I don’t want to lose my loved ones. I don’t want my loved ones to be heartbroken, so I’ll chase you even if I have to chase you to the ends of the world.”
Lucia’s tears landed on my face.
She wiped her tears away and choked on her words, “What am I… Your Highness… what am I to you? … Am I just an elf that you can do with or without? … In what way do I not measure up to Nier…?”
“Of course not… You’re my most beloved Lucia. You are the Lucia I could never abandon. Lucia, you are in no way inferior to Nier. Nier could save me when I was in danger, but you carried me over such a long distance in that forest. You’re stronger than Nier, Lucia. That’s why I love you. I will forever love you, and I won’t let you leave me for such a reason.”
I stretched my hand out to wipe away the tears on her face, but I accidentally touched the bruise on her face, causing her to jerk her body.
She then continued sobbing as she responded, “In other words… I’m not inferior to Nier, is that right? … I can be better than Nier… and I can beat Nier…?”