For Romantic Superpowers - Chapter 75 - Epilogue

#75. Epilogue

Due to Perth’s strong insistence, the two of them proceeded with the engagement. But first, they decided they needed the approval of the Count.

“No.”

“Marriage? It’s still too early for Lia.”

It wasn’t the Count who strongly expressed opposition. Lia’s two brothers, Charlie and Rufus, knew the couple would discuss the engagement, so they were waiting in the mansion. They barged into the drawing room and took their seats.

“I haven’t said anything yet.”

Perth maintained his charming smile. Sitting beside him, Lia openly displayed her displeasure at her brothers’ behavior.

“Wouldn’t it be better for you gentlemen to leave?”

“Why? I believe I have every right to be here.”

“I don’t like it.”

As Charlie was accustomed to disregarding his opinions, it was expected. But Rufus, who usually sided with Lia, was equally firm. Lia massaged her temples as her head throbbed.

“Are you alright?”

“Oh, just a momentary headache.”

As she frowned, Perth looked concerned. Both Charlie and Rufus were aware of the rumors surrounding Perth in the palace, so this attitude was unusual. Moreover, Charlie was visibly trembling. To him, Perth was an arrogant, unfortunate fellow. He didn’t like him even as a friend. Now, he was talking about marriage! Of course, he couldn’t accept it.

“Both of you, leave.”

Finally, the Count issued the order. The resisting pair had to be dragged out by the servants. Lia couldn’t bear to face her brothers’ embarrassment. Even amidst the commotion, Perth remained composed. When the drawing room quieted down, the Count turned his gaze to Perth and Lia. His expression wasn’t as hostile as Charlie and Rufus’, but it wasn’t friendly either.

“So, why did you come to the mansion?”

“I want to marry Lady Lia.”

Perth answered without a moment’s hesitation. His firm and clear response made Lia feel even more embarrassed.

“Lia, do you share the same sentiment?”

“…Yes.”

Why is it so difficult to answer just once? Lia couldn’t bring herself to meet the Count’s eyes. As if giving her courage, Perth gently clasped her hand.

“You seemed quite unwilling to marry.”

At the Count’s words, Lia felt awkward. To avoid hearing the Count’s nagging about marriage, she had agreed to a deal: to receive three introductions, one a month, during the probation period. But eventually, she ended up marrying Perth, who was the last introduction and had introduced her to others. It was strange even to herself.

“It seems it was meant to be.”

The Count smiled softly. With this positive signal, the expressions of Lia and Perth brightened.

“So, do you consent?”

“Of course. My wish was for Lia to marry.”

The Count’s consent came quite easily, as expected. Neither of them had thought he would object. They had simply decided to seek his approval before proceeding with the engagement.

“But I’m not happy that Lia won’t be Penelope.” 

It was an unexpected statement. In Psychedelia, it was customary for one of the spouses to adopt the other’s surname upon marriage. Usually, the wife would take the husband’s surname. The opposite situation usually occurs when the husband enters as a son-in-law.

“So, does that mean I can use Penelope’s surname?”

Perth’s eyes widened in surprise. There was no resistance to him becoming a son-in-law to the Penelope estate. However, his taking on Penelope’s surname held a different significance. It meant he would officially become a part of the Count’s family. More specifically, it meant succession rights would be granted to him, following Charlie, Rufus, and then Lia.

“I see. Why? Is it difficult to relinquish Versier?”

“Not at all. On the contrary, I would be grateful.”

His family background was no secret within the palace. Everyone knew that the Versier Family had sent him to the palace as if they were getting rid of him. The Count was no exception. He was rather saddened by the fact that capable individuals like Perth were being disregarded by some nobles because of the name Versier.

“Mr. Perth, are you really okay with this?”

Lia also vaguely knew that Perth had a strained relationship with his family. However, giving up ‘Versier,’ which he had lived with all his life, was different. Perth smiled gently at Lia’s concern.

“It doesn’t matter. Don’t worry.”

Perth had no hesitation. The name Versier was just an additional mark that had followed him since birth. He had received nothing from that name. There was no affection attached to it. He reassured Lia and firmly told the Count.

“The wedding is scheduled for one year from now. We intend to formalize the engagement before then.”

“Why wait so long?”

“Father!”

The Count inadvertently revealed his inner desire for Lia to marry soon. Even though Lia had expected him to be somewhat disappointed, she glared at the Count with resentment.

“Lia asked you to delay it, right? What’s the difference between one year from now and right now? Look at the other nobles.”

The usual nagging was about to begin. Since the departure of the Countess, the Count had become even more naggy. As if she couldn’t bear to listen anymore, Lia waved her hand.

“If you’ve given your consent, we’ll take our leave. Excuse us for the lecture.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Lia took Perth’s hand and pulled him away.

“We’ll visit again.”

Even as he was being pulled away, Perth politely bid farewell. Watching Lia’s hurried departure, the Count finally heaved a sigh.

“I thought I’d be cool, but I’m afraid not.” 

It seemed tears were already welling up in his eyes. The only consolation was that he didn’t shed tears in front of the prospective son-in-law.

* * * 

As soon as Lia and Perth emerged from the drawing room, Charlie and Rufus rushed over as if they had been waiting.

“Did he agree?”

“Of course. You two are always nagging about marriage, so why oppose it now?”

Lia positioned Perth behind her as if to shield him. As she seemed to protect him, Perth stood quietly behind her with a pleased smile. This demeanor irritated both Charlie and Rufus.

“Aren’t you embarrassed standing behind like that, Mr. Perth?”

“Why should I be? Lady Lia is the stronger one in this mansion.”

He was enjoying this situation. His relaxed expression was even more annoying. Charlie crossed his arms, openly displaying his displeasure towards Perth.

“Anyway, I cannot accept this marriage.”

“Brother!”

Lia seemed ready to pounce at Charlie’s firm attitude.

“Oh, there’s one thing I forgot to mention. Your father asked me to come as a son-in-law when we marry.”

“What did you say?”

It seemed Perth deliberately brought up their conversation from the drawing room to provoke them further, and indeed, Charlie and Rufus’ eyes lit up.

“Father! What is this?”

Without waiting for Perth or Lia to speak, Charlie flung open the drawing-room door and stormed inside. Rufus, too surprised to say anything, followed suit.

“Let’s take advantage of this and escape.”

“What?”

“Permission from my brothers can wait. Let’s go.”

Initially, Perth had anticipated their opposition. However, he also knew that their opinions wouldn’t be taken into account. He was confident. Taking advantage of Charlie and Rufus’ astonishment, Lia and Perth fled the mansion as if it were planned. As if it were a promise, they headed towards the mountain Lia climbed every day. Without a break, they climbed the mountain to the valley and then collapsed on a rock, catching their breath.

“Lady Lia, may I ask you for one thing?”

“Yes, anything.”

Although she didn’t know what he would ask, Lia agreed readily. Her answer made his heart swell with the feeling that she trusted him. Perth squeezed her hand firmly.

“I’d like to see many flowers blooming around us. Could you make flowers bloom around us?”

Instead of answering, Lia reached out her hand. Wherever her fingertips touched, flowers began to bloom slowly. The sight of flowers blooming in various colors, one by one, was truly magnificent. Eventually, the rock they were sitting on was enveloped by flowers. From above, they looked as if they were trapped within a circle of flowers.

As Lia gazed proudly at the flowers she had created, she realized she could almost perfectly control her abilities now. It was all thanks to her growing self-confidence. Back then, she could control her abilities at Perth’s urging. Perhaps she had already started to like him by then, without realizing it. She just hadn’t put a name to her feelings.

“To be honest, I’ve never thought flowers were beautiful. But strangely enough, the moment I saw the flowers you created, Lady Lia, I thought they were. Truly beautiful.”

Perth delicately caressed the flowers Lia had created as if they were precious. He handled them with care, making sure not to damage them.

“Perhaps it started from then. The beginning of these feelings.”

Just as Lia recalled the start of her emotions while using her abilities, Perth also pondered when his feelings began. Though the starting points of their feelings may have been different, they eventually looked at each other with the same affection.

“There’s… something I must tell you, Lady Lia.”

He couldn’t bring himself to meet Lia’s eyes as he fixed his gaze on the flowers she had created. It was the first time he had shown such uncertainty, despite usually being confident.

“I should have told you even before confessing my feelings. The truth is… I’m a psychometry user. I can read memories from objects or people I touch bare-handed. And I can also read people’s thoughts.”

The reason he hadn’t revealed this earlier was partly due to Alfonse’s orders not to disclose his abilities to anyone. Now that he had Alfonse’s permission, there was another fundamental reason.

– It’s disgusting!

The rejection he experienced from his family at the Versailles mansion. Even Alfonse, who knew about his abilities, never allowed him to touch him bare-handed. However, Perth didn’t think it was because they were bad people. It was only natural for ordinary people to feel uncomfortable with someone who could peer into their minds. But he couldn’t muster the courage to be honest with her. So, he could only be honest after the marriage was confirmed, in a cowardly manner. After repeatedly testing her feelings and gaining confidence.

“Mr. Perth.”

There was no discernible emotion in Lia’s voice. He couldn’t respond, nor could he meet her eyes, waiting for her to speak further. Then, he felt warmth in his hand.

“Thank you for being honest.”

Her emotions flowed through her bare hand. When he looked up, he saw Lia smiling. Her expression was as warm as the emotions permeating his mind.

“You knew…?”

“I wasn’t sure, but I had a feeling you might. It occurred to me recently. I wondered why you never held my hand bare-handed, and I thought, ‘Oh, maybe…'”

“But why did you accept me?”

It was a straightforward question. Usually, people felt uncomfortable when they found out about his abilities. However, even though she had guessed that she might be a psychometry user, she held his hand without hesitation. She even embraced him.

“Because I love you.”

Lia answered as if it was obvious why he was asking such a question. Perth felt the tension leave his shoulders at her simple answer. Then, he finally smiled as if relieved.

“Well then… it’s a bit late for this, but will you spend your life with me?”

Perth gently pulled Lia’s hand and kissed the back of it. Before Lia’s lips could even part from the firm grip of his hand, the answer was already conveyed. Both Lia and Perth knew it, but Lia felt the need to verbalize it.

“Yes!”

It was the beginning of another story.