-872- [ Love ]

"————"

At this moment, Rama fell into profound silence.

On his once youthful and spirited face now lay sorrow, discomfort, and melancholy that hadn't been there before.

Yes.

Unable to see her.

Rama was destined never to see Sita.

As long as the curse lingered on him, Rama would never see Sita. Even if they were face to face, it would not be a joyous reunion.

This was a hardship and torment predetermined in his lifetime.

So...

"You should understand, this time, you won't see Sita either. Even if you do, it won't be a pleasant situation."

Rozen turned his gaze towards Rama.

"You should have experienced this in your past life, right?"

Why, after ascending to the throne, did Sita face questioning from the people, rumors spreading, leading Rama to submit to public opinion and abandon her?

The reason might be because, after ascending to the throne, Rama became constrained, but there might also be a connection to this curse.

In other words, the struggle Rama is undertaking for Sita may end up as useless, or even if successful, it won't bring joy.

In this case...

"Is it really necessary to sacrifice everything for this?"

Rozen questioned Rama in this manner.

To this...

"What if it's the Master?" Rama inexplicably asked, "What would you do?"

At these words, Rozen was stunned.

Truly stunned.

Yes.

If it were himself?

If he were under such a curse, what would he do?

"Would you feel that there's no need to sacrifice everything for this level of difficulty and then abandon your beloved?"

Rama turned his gaze to Rozen as he asked.

"If, in this situation, you knew your beloved was waiting ahead, what would you do?"

Rama's counter-question left Rozen completely speechless.

Would he?

Would he really...

"You wouldn't," Rama confidently stated, "I can read people to some extent. So, I can tell that Master is definitely not the type to back down in the face of this level of difficulty."

Rama's extremely confident and assured words left Rozen silent.

In this instant, Rozen involuntarily projected himself into Rama.

"If I were really under a curse that forever prevents me from seeing my beloved, what would I do?"

"If, in this situation, I knew my beloved was just ahead, what would I do?"

"If..."

Rozen imagined Rama as himself.

Then Rozen understood.

"You're right," Rozen met Rama's gaze and said, "I will never back down."

Even if under such a curse, knowing that my beloved is just ahead, I would definitely go in search of her.

Even if aware that we might not meet in the end, and even if the meeting is not a joyous one, if she falls into the hands of the enemy, I would definitely do everything to save her.

"A mere curse cannot hinder our love."

Rozen naturally spoke these words.

Even though Rozen had never experienced having a lover or a wife, he could assertively say so.

"Well said!"

Rama's voice was louder and more resolute than ever, filled with strong determination and joy.

This was not only because he felt happy from the acknowledgment of others but also the delight of finding a kindred spirit.

"A mere curse cannot hinder our love."

With an attitude as if willing to sacrifice everything, Rama declared this.

"So, no matter how many times, no matter what disasters lie ahead, I will go to see Sita."

"I must go."

Rama held onto this determination.

And Rozen...

"Rama," Rozen gazed at Rama, sincerely expressing, "You are indeed a hero."

This was Rozen's greatest recognition, another understanding of Rama.

Originating from the protagonist of "Ramayana," the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, considering the status of a hero, he could confidently stand at the pinnacle of Heroic Spirits, surpassing even Karna and Arjuna.

Now, Rozen recognized this kind of hero, and indeed, he lived up to the name.

Even if the current Rama was only the youthful version, not fully matured as a king and hero, the brilliance of his heroic spirit outshone anyone.

At least, that's what Rozen thought.

And Rama had never doubted himself.

"Of course, I am a hero."

Rama, as arrogant and confident as ever.

However...

"I have also come to realize that the Master is indeed the last hope of humanity, traversing four Singularities and reaching this point."

Rama expressed his utmost recognition for Rozen.

"Perhaps Scáthach values Master's talent and aptitude, but I value the Master's character and beliefs."

Rama patted Rozen's shoulder.

"Perhaps, Master is still quite young, rich in knowledge, but relatively low in life experiences."

"Perhaps, the Master is currently striving and doing everything possible to save humanity."

"But, let me tell you, your future will definitely shine brighter than any hero."

"Therefore, pay attention to your surroundings and persist in what you want to do."

"That way, you will undoubtedly reach the most perfect ending."

When Rama spoke these words, his eyes were full of acknowledgment and trust.

Even though they had just met not long ago, with limited interaction, Rama seemed to understand Rozen to this extent, offering such affirmation and trust. It was indeed an incredible thing.

However, precisely because of this, Rozen couldn't help but think.

"I want to help him."

Help this hero who is also not fully mature, fulfill his wishes.

In other words...

"Let me help you, Rama," Rozen said to Rama, "I will make you and Sita meet, a genuine reunion for both of you."

Hearing this, Rama raised his head abruptly, looking at Rozen.

When he saw the radiance and emotion in Rozen's eyes, Rama laughed.

Moreover, it was a hearty laugh.

"Good!"

Rama nodded vigorously.

"I believe in Master! I will leave it all to you!"

Rama made this resolute decision with a strong voice.

Rozen also smiled at once.

Both of them failed to notice that in the direction of the cabin, there was a figure watching this scene.

"Fou..."

The small white creature on the girl's shoulder made a sound, licking the girl's cheek.

The girl touched the creature's head, looking at Rozen standing at the bow of the ship, her eyes filled with affection.

"Love...?"

The girl pressed her hand against her heart.

There, her heart was beating forcefully.

What is love exactly?

The girl still didn't fully understand.

But...

"Mr. Rama and Miss Sita's love is truly admirable."

At least, the girl understood this to some extent.

And then...

"If I and Senpai..."

The girl couldn't help but think like this.

Then...

"Cough...!"

Suddenly, the girl coughed forcefully, instinctively covering her mouth.

There, a bright red color appeared.

The girl hurriedly wiped off the glaring red, lowered her head, and escaped into the cabin.

Completely unaware, there was another figure standing in the shadow nearby.

"Poor little girl..."

The Queen of the Foreign Land sighed involuntarily, then looked at Rozen, murmuring.

"I hope you can create a miracle, little one."