What's wrong, Louise?

"What in the world are you doing?" His words carried a sharp edge, his tone tinged with worry and a touch of exasperation. "It's well past midnight, Louisiana! You've been absent since morning. What compelled you to wander alone at this late hour? Do you grasp the danger lurking in the darkness? You lack the skills to defend yourself, Louise. What if someone were to attack, abduct, or harm you? What reasons led you to venture out so recklessly?"

As Ludwig's words resonated, the fiery intensity of his concern mirrored the rising temperature of his anger. 

Tears welled up in my eyes as I spoke, my voice trembling with a mix of hurt and frustration. "I thought I wasn't your prisoner," I managed to say, trying to control the tremor in my voice. "Why do you seem upset that I left? What happened to make you in such a bad mood?"

Ludwig's expression softened, his brow furrowing in concern. "You're not my prisoner, Louise," he reassured me firmly. "But that doesn't mean I can let you wander outside alone at midnight. What if something happened to you? Amelia is still out there..."

His words continued, but they faded into the background as the emotions overwhelmed me. The pounding of my heart drowned out his voice, and I felt numb, unable to process everything that was happening. The hurt lingered, weighing heavily on my heart. 

My heart throbbed painfully, and I struggled to comprehend why I had developed such strong feelings for Ludwig. We hadn't spent much time together or engaged in deep conversations, yet I found myself falling for him uncontrollably. The realization of his impending marriage hit me hard, causing immense pain and sadness. I felt like screaming at him, venting out my frustration and anger.

Despite my emotional turmoil, I knew I couldn't let him underestimate me. I needed to remind him that even in my vulnerable state, I was capable of protecting myself. I longed to express my feelings and tell him that beneath his scolding tone, I sensed genuine concern and care.

Feeling overwhelmed by emotions, I struggled to contain the tears threatening to spill. This was the first time I had experienced such intense feelings for someone, and it left me feeling lost and unsure of what to do. For the first time, I found myself hoping unconditionally, longing for something beyond my reach.

However, I knew deep down that this kind of hope was not allowed. It would only bring more pain and disappointment. I needed to accept the reality that Ludwig was getting married for the greater good, to save everyone, including himself. As much as it hurt, I had to let go and free him, for his sake and mine. It wasn't the end of everything. It was just the beginning of finding peace within myself.

"...Don't do this again," Ludwig continued, his voice firm with concern. "Next time you go out, Liam should accompany you. If he's unavailable, there must be knights to ensure your safety. It's safer to remain within the castle grounds. Do you understand me, Louise?"

I nodded in acknowledgment, my expression devoid of any emotion as I stared out into the distance, lost in my own thoughts.

There were countless words swirling in my mind, each struggling to find a voice, but I swallowed them down, knowing they would only complicate things. Ludwig was facing a crisis, possibly even war. My personal feelings were inconsequential in comparison. It would be selfish to burden him with my emotions, especially now.

Deep down, I knew that expressing my love for him wouldn't change the course of events or save the kingdom. Only his marriage to Princess Amethyst held that power, and I had to accept that harsh reality, no matter how much it pained me.

"What's wrong, Louise?" Ludwig's concerned voice broke through the tense silence, his gaze fixed intently on me.

I remained unresponsive, my attention elsewhere, though I couldn't ignore the weight of Ludwig's presence focused solely on me. I sensed his expectation, perhaps anticipating a familiar confrontation like the ones we had engaged in before. However, this time, I lacked the energy to engage in a verbal battle.

Moreover, I knew that arguing would only prolong the discussion, something I was keen to avoid. Previous arguments had left me afraid of uttering words that might inadvertently express my fear of losing him to someone else, particularly Princess Amethyst. I yearned for an alternative solution, berating myself internally for these conflicting emotions. Did I truly love him, or was it merely a strong liking? What even defined love, and how could I be certain of my own feelings? These questions swirled in my mind, leaving me uncertain and hesitant.

Ludwig slid closer, attempting to hold my face, but I instinctively pulled away. His lips parted slightly, and tension crept into his jaw as his eyes locked onto mine. "Is this because of my upcoming marriage to Amethyst?" His tone was assertive, probing for answers. "If that's why you're upset—"

"Why assume it's about that?" I replied with a cold edge, my gaze unwavering as I stared into his captivating eyes. "What made you jump to the conclusion that my feelings are tied to your impending marriage, Ludwig?" My teeth clenched as frustration simmered beneath the surface. "I am not a shallow individual."

I watched as Ludwig's eyes widened in surprise, a sudden realization dawning on him.

Gathering my thoughts, I took in a deep breath of air. "I understand the necessity of your marriage to Princess Amethyst for the sake of your kingdom. However, I am indifferent to whether you marry her or not, as it has no bearing on me. I don't harbor any significant feelings towards you or this entire world."

As the words left my lips with unwavering confidence and without a trace of hesitation, I wished I could retract them. I berated myself internally for maintaining direct eye contact with Ludwig throughout, revealing my true sentiments. However, I couldn't help but notice the pain that seemed to etch itself onto his face, a pang of guilt tugging at my conscience.

"I'm angry because I feel suffocated," I continued, my voice tinged with frustration. "Yes, it's well past midnight, but I am not weak. You don't have to treat me like a child under your care simply because I took longer. You don't own me, Ludwig. So what if I die? Why should it matter to you? Who am I to you anyway, Ludwig?"

Silence enveloped us after my outburst. When the carriage halted once again, I swiftly opened the door and stepped out without a backward glance or a farewell. Ignoring any hesitation, I strode into the castle ahead of him, not bothering to wait. He didn't dare follow. I moved along the blurred path, my destination uncertain, feeling the weight of my emotions heavy upon me.