TWFLLYM Ch 25
- Feb 10
- 8 min read
Necessary Condition, Sufficient Condition
[Kalart] "It is nothing much."
His voice lacked its usual steady confidence. He averted his gaze, offering the words like a reluctant excuse.
[Kalart] "They informed me the investiture staff would take a few days to arrive...... so take this instead."
[Roserikta] "Your Highness."
He had come to find her. He now held out a hairpin encrusted with several large, brilliant diamonds. It was an imperial treasure with a storied history—an object most people would never even glimpse in their lifetime.
[Kalart] "No, calling it a replacement is wrong. Consider it an apology. An apology for the delay of the staff."
[Roserikta] "......"
[Clobell] "......"
Both Roserikta and Clobellina fell silent, staring at the radiant jewel.
A moment later, the white cat joined the huddle, its eyes fixed on the glitter.
[Kalart] "Accept it."
His voice dropped to a low, awkward rumble.
[Roserikta] "Your Highness. I... I cannot accept this."
She finally snapped out of her daze, shaking her head vigorously.
[Kalart] "Why?"
[Roserikta] "It is far too extravagant. Besides, you have absolutely no reason to apologize to me."
The hairpin was exquisite. For generations, it had likely adorned the hair of imperial women, lending them an unmatched brilliance.
However, from a witch's perspective, diamonds were the most useless of gems. Aside from their beauty, they were little more than common stones. They possessed no magical resonance—no power beyond their sparkle.
Normally, she would have looked at such a piece and thought about how heavy it was, or how much it would make a scalp ache. Yet, a sudden surge of greed gripped her heart.
The reason was singular: Kalart was the one offering it.
She clenched her jaw, burying the desire deep within. Perhaps her unrequited love resembled a diamond—useless and devoid of intrinsic value, yet brilliant because it involved Kalart. It was a beauty that made her eyes sting.
[Roserikta] "Please, take it back."
[Kalart] "You cannot reject what I......"
You cannot reject what I give. I am the Crown Prince.
He likely intended to say those words, but he cut himself off, his lips thinning into a hard line. He could no longer speak to her in such a manner. To him, she was no longer a subject to command, but someone from whom he had to beg permission.
[Kalart] "......My heart will not be at ease unless you take it."
[Roserikta] "Allowing me to use the sapphire was more than enough, Your Highness. I genuinely mean that."
[Kalart] "I know."
He gripped the hairpin tightly. The world’s hardest gemstone bit painfully into his palm. The diamond, which he had considered a fine gift, now felt pathetically inadequate.
What could make this woman happy? What did she like? What did she welcome? Why did he feel as though he possessed nothing that could move her?
[Kalart] "I know it is enough for you... but it is not enough for me."
Why did he know nothing of her preferences?
He used his free hand to sweep back his stray hair.
She let out a sharp, shallow breath at the sight. It was a natural reaction to his overwhelming handsomeness, but he misinterpreted the gesture as a flinch—as though she were tense, fearing his touch.
[Kalart] "If you dislike jewels, something else is fine. Just name it."
[Roserikta] "Your Highness. That is......"
Her expression grew troubled. She would have loved anything he gave her, yet she couldn't allow herself to show it.
[Roserikta] "......As I said, this is all too much. I cannot handle it."
[Kalart] "And I told you before. I want to give you everything. I am desperate to give you something—anything—to win your heart. Even a tiny piece of it would suffice."
[Roserikta] "......"
He is determined to make me cry.
Her heart wouldn't survive this. If it continued to flutter, tremble, and shatter like this, she would be worn down to nothing.
[Roserikta] "Then...... please hold this cat, just once."
She struggled to voice a wish. Once he drank the antidote, once his ability to find beauty in the world vanished, and he returned to his former self...... He would be lonely again. She wanted him to have one small, warm memory to lean on.
[Kalart] "A cat......?"
Only then did he notice the white cat. A faint crease appeared between his brows.
[Kalart] "What is this?"
[Roserikta] "The Head Maid asked me to look after it. It is a very lovely and gentle cat, Your Highness."
Clobellina snorted.
[Clobell] "Gentle? It's just too stupid to speak."
She ignored the cat's grumbling and picked up the white feline. Despite being in a strange environment, it stayed quiet in her arms, proving its good nature.
[Roserikta] "If you find its appearance unpleasant, close your eyes and hold it. Just feel how warm and soft it is."
[Kalart] "......If that is what you want."
He scowled as though he were facing a death sentence, but he closed his eyes anyway. His lips twitched. He looked utterly miserable.
She suppressed a smile at his adorable expression, but her heart ached at the realization that he was enduring something he hated because she asked.
When this man truly fell in love, his partner would be the happiest person in the world. The rumors of the cold Crown Prince—the emotionless marble statue—were all lies. He was capable of a love more tender and passionate than anyone else.
[Roserikta] "Here."
She took his hovering hand and placed it atop the white cat’s head. He flinched. She kept her grip on his hand, moving it slowly back and forth to guide him in stroking the fur.
[Clobell] "Look at this farce. Why do this? He won't like anything anyway unless it's the potion."
[Roserikta] "Be quiet, Clobell."
That’s exactly why, Clobell.
She wanted him to try liking something. The world was full of wonderful things. She wanted him to discover them one by one, rather than remaining in his cold isolation.
[Roserikta] "......How is it, Your Highness?"
She had let him stroke the gentle cat for a long time before asking. She expected an answer like, 'It’s tolerable for a cat that isn't Clobell.'
[Kalart] "I like it."
The answer exceeded her expectations. Her eyes sparkled.
[Roserikta] "Really?"
[Kalart] "......Yes."
His voice was slow and raspy. He suddenly flipped his hand, pressing his palm against hers. He interlaced his fingers with hers and, with his eyes still closed, brought her hand to his lips.
Mwah.
His lips brushed the back of her hand.
[Kalart] "I like it very much."
[Roserikta] "......"
He wasn't even thinking about the cat. What he liked was the fact that Roserikta was holding his hand. The white cat, now a forgotten prop between them, blinked its eyes.
[Roserikta] "Your Highness...... I was asking about the cat......"
[Kalart] "I will touch anything you tell me to, but that doesn't mean I will suddenly grow fond of it. My ability to feel pleasure or affection... that belongs entirely to you."
[Roserikta] "......"
This is torture.
She couldn't take it anymore and yanked her hand away.
His eyes snapped open, looking disappointed, but he let her go without a fight.
[Roserikta] "......Thank you for granting my request, Your Highness."
[Kalart] "Do not mention it. It was a joy for me. Thank you for making me happy."
The torture doubled in intensity. She held her breath as she watched him turn and walk away, his back shrinking into a distant speck.
[Clobell] "Why don't you just date him? Who cares if it's the potion? He clearly likes you."
She snatched her up, lifting the cat high into the air. Her belly jiggled as she shook her head in surprise.
[Clobell] "L-let me go! What are you doing?"
[Roserikta] "If you say that one more time, you’re in trouble. I’m already struggling enough as it is."
[Clobell] "What do you mean? How did I make it hard? I said it because you look miserable."
[Roserikta] "Exactly. So don't make it even harder."
[Clobell] "Nyaaaa...... just put me down. I’m dizzy."
She spun around a few times while holding the cat before setting her down.
[Clobell] "Pant... pant... what is wrong with you!"
[Roserikta] "Phew...... I needed to burn some energy. Ha... that was exhausting. Clobell, I think you need to lose more weight."
[Clobell] "Ack! You’re only exhausted because you’re acting crazy! Don't blame my weight!"
[Roserikta] "Ah, you're right......"
Her arms shook, and she was out of breath, yet Kalart’s face remained burned into her mind.
His scowl when holding the cat, the way he kissed her hand, the look of gratitude for being made "happy."
I’m going lose my mind.
Unrequited love was hard enough, but her crush was pouring out words as sweet as chocolate, completely unaware of her internal struggle.
The temptation to just close her eyes, plug her ears, and believe his lies grew stronger every second.
[Roserikta] "This will be the death of me."
She slumped onto the bedroom floor.
She had intended to bury these feelings and forget them, but it might already be too late.
The white cat watched her in silence, taking everything in.
Tap, roll.
Tap, roll.
The massive diamond hairpin rolled across the desk. It didn't move on its own; His Highness was flicking it like a child's toy.
The sight was strange enough, but the behavior of the Royal Guards was even stranger.
Eaton didn't just watch—he looked at the Prince with an expression of profound pity, as if encouraging him to keep playing.
[Lafitte] "......Ahem, Your Highness."
The Chamberlain waited for the finger-play to stop, but eventually lost patience and let out a soft cough.
[Lafitte] "Forgive me, but you summoned me?"
No matter how noble the Crown Prince was, the Chamberlain had a mountain of work. He hoped for some understanding regarding his busy schedule.
[Kalart] "Ah."
He seemed to snap back to reality, stopping the diamond pin's rotation with his fingertip.
[Kalart] "I called you to ask when the investiture staff will arrive."
[Lafitte] "Your Highness, about that......"
He wiped his brow.
[Lafitte] "I informed you just this morning that we need at least three more days......"
And yet, less than half a day later, the Crown Prince had summoned him again. This was practically a threat to produce it immediately.
[Kalart] "Time has passed, so I am asking again. Have you found a way to bring it tomorrow?"
[Lafitte] "No, that is impossible......"
Lafitte turned pale. Technically, a way existed if he searched hard enough. However, he was under an obligation to stall for time and divert the Prince’s attention elsewhere to protect the treasure.
[Lafitte] "Please, I beg you, consider my position. I cannot follow your order immediately......"
Clack!
The diamond pin, which had been balanced on its point, fell over.
[Kalart] "Frustrating."
Lafitte’s shoulders flinched. If the delay were genuinely due to complex procedures, he wouldn't be this terrified. Unfortunately, he was lying, and his conscience was screaming.
[Kalart] "Three days. Is that certain?"
Of course it wasn't. Lafitte took his duty to protect imperial treasures very seriously. He intended to drag his feet as long as possible to ensure the staff was never handed over.
[Lafitte] "It... it might take longer, Your Highness."
[Kalart] "Even longer?"
Kalart’s expression shifted instantly.
Lafitte broke into a cold sweat, barely resisting the urge to scramble backward.
[Lafitte] "Y-yes... Your Highness......"
[Kalart] "Setting aside the fact that I’ll look like an unreliable fool, it’s becoming difficult even to find an excuse to see her face."
[Lafitte] "Gasp! No, Your Highness! Who would dare call you unreliable?"
[Kalart] "I would."
He set his jaw with irritation.
[Kalart] "I should be trying to impress her, yet I look like a man who is all talk and no action."
Lafitte wondered why on earth the Prince was being so hard on himself.
[Kalart] "Did you say it was in Kyrien?"
He rose from his desk. As usual, it was buried under piles of administrative documents and letters he handled on behalf of the Emperor.
[Lafitte] "Yes, Your Highness?"
[Kalart] "That is only a day’s journey away."
[Lafitte] "Well, that is true, but......"
The room filled with apologetic faces. They assumed the Prince was berating them for taking three days to fetch something only a day away. But they were wrong.
The Prince was always decisive, and his current frustration only sharpened that trait.
[Kalart] "It will be faster if I go myself."
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