“Do you think His Highness will really break off the engagement with Erita?”
“He might not. But I hope he does. I’m clinging to the slimmest hope.”
“If you don’t trust him, then why are you helping with this ridiculous charade?”
“…Because at least one of us has to keep our promise.”
“You really are…”

Kamiel didn’t feel angry at Ruth for deceiving him. Instead, he felt a sense of pity. This was why he could never just leave Ruth to his own devices. Ruth was too honest, almost to the point of stupidity, and overly diligent. He was the kind of person who would inevitably lose out wherever he went. A little cunning wouldn’t hurt him, but Ruth never cut corners. In that sense, Ail had chosen his target well—someone with Ruth’s personality, paired with the status of being the son of the Kaizel family, was an unbeatable combination.

Kamiel pressed his fingers to his forehead, frustrated by Ail’s meticulous planning. Ruth wasn’t the type to hold a grudge or seek revenge, even if he were used and discarded. Ail must have understood that from the start and deliberately roped him in. It was clear Ail had underestimated Ruth. The more Kamiel thought about it, the angrier he became.

Kamiel firmly believed that honest and kind people deserved respect. Exploiting someone like Ruth was unforgivable.

“I honestly don’t know what to do about this. Is that why you’re leaving? Did His Highness tell you to leave because you’d be in his way eventually?”
“No, I decided this myself. If I stay in the way, I might disappear without a trace.”

Ruth answered with a faint smile, but his words sent a chill down Kamiel’s spine.

“Surely His Highness wouldn’t go that far…”

Ail’s current reputation might be that of a frivolous, incompetent prince, but most people agreed that his personality wasn’t bad. Charisma stemmed more from character than appearance, and Kamiel knew well how people were drawn to Ail’s sly but warm and cheerful demeanor. Yet Ruth responded with a bitter smile.

“He’s absolutely capable of it. You know what kind of person he used to be. He hasn’t changed at all since he was fourteen. Don’t trust what you see on the surface.”

Kamiel thought back to the Ail he used to guard, his memory now hazy with time. In a deflated tone, he muttered,
“…Is that so?”

“Yes, it is. So don’t trust His Highness either. He’s the kind of person who can turn his blade on anyone. No exceptions. If you’re a hindrance, he’ll remove you.”

“I see.”

Ail’s personality had shifted drastically after the hunting tournament four years ago. Kamiel had assumed it was just part of growing up, especially after the significant incident back then. He had thought Ail was changing for the better, but hearing now that it had all been a facade left him feeling hollow, like he had been played.

“So you’re really planning to leave?”
“I have to. It’s the only way for me to survive.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?”

Kamiel had come to convince Ruth to stay, but now he found himself offering to assist him instead. His practical nature helped him quickly grasp Ruth’s reasoning and piece together the situation. Ruth gave Kamiel a small smile.

“No, everything is ready. Just… help my younger sibling. My mother and I will be leaving.”
“Alright.”

Kamiel nodded, lowering his head. His mind was still a mess, but he understood that Ruth had no choice but to leave.

So he wouldn’t try to stop him anymore. That was the best way to support Ruth.

“You’ll let me know before you leave, right?”
“Yes.”

“That’s a relief. I should at least say goodbye.”

Seeing Kamiel’s bittersweet expression, Ruth stood up and approached him. Then, he wrapped his arms tightly around Kamiel’s head, pulling him into an embrace.

“The reason I was happy here was because of you and Elsen. Thank you. And I’m sorry I can’t stay with you until the end. I’m really sorry for deceiving you, too.”

Ruth held Kamiel close, pressing a gentle kiss to his hair. The affectionate gesture made Kamiel reach up and grasp Ruth’s hand that was resting around his neck.

“I was glad to have you two as well.”
“Thank you.”

Expressing gratitude he thought he’d never manage to say, Ruth squeezed his eyes shut. He felt a sense of relief for being able to tell Kamiel the truth, even if it was at the very end. He was also grateful to have this time to prepare for their farewell before leaving for good.

It felt as though the end was slowly approaching.