BELLE'S P.O.V
"How is everything?" I asked May and Arkanghel. They are now preparing for the grand party that the emperor is preparing.
"Everything's going fine, my lady. We are now making sure that everything will go smoothly at the party."
"That is great!"
I walked in their direction and looked at the stuff inside the box that she was holding.
"Is this the invitation?"
"Yes, my lady."
"You are working hard!"
"Well, a raise in salary is all I want."
I couldn't help but laugh.
"Yes, I know!"
May shrugged, then continued arranging the invitations.
We are now preparing because we are the ones who were tasked to do it.
It is insane that the emperor wanted to hold a party, but he let someone outside the palace handle it and that people are us.
Sometimes, I really couldn't understand what the emperor was thinking.
It's been a few months since the incident between Sebastian's plan and Georgia occurred.
It has been many months since Hendrick and I talked about us.
Since then, we have begun to know each other more, and I am glad that we can now understand each other, not the same as before when we would jump to some speculations without asking.
I can tell that we have learned our lesson, which made our relationship stronger.
Although we are in a relationship where we confirm that we are already together, I know that we are improving each day.
Hendrick became an official prince in the palace, but he wasn't the type of a prince that would stay there and do palace work.
He quit being a mercenary because it would affect the palace.
Now, Hendrick plans to create his own army and create his own name by building structures and groups.
He plans on doing business not only in this empire but also in other empires.
That is one piece of information that I was so shocked to know because I never knew that Hendrick would know the imperial family of the other countries.
He had many connections in different countries, and he didn't have an enemy. I remember that I used to think that being a mercenary would give you a lot of enemies, but Hendrick isn't like that.
That also explains why he was so rich at that time. I always wonder where he got the money that he even lent me before.
I am just so happy that we get to know each other more, and we can open up to each other as much as we want. He also promised each other that whatever happens, we will not end between us.
I've matured so much that I am so ready for what the world will throw at me.
I feel so happy that I get to experience things that I haven't experienced before.
All the past memories and those hardships were paid off these past few months.
I remember when Hendrick invited me to the palace, and even the emperor gave me an invite, so I couldn't resist going.
I remember that all the imperial family was present at that time, and they were just waiting for me because they wanted to know me even though we had already had an interaction before.
They never judge me and never think of me as someone who is just using their son.
People were so interested in us that some of them gave us nicknames.
I can't deny that I am happy that everyone appreciates our efforts, not to mention that they support us.
So I tried my best to give back what they were giving to me.
Maybe not in the way they are giving it to us, but I am doing it in my own way.
Last month, I had a project where I built a playground for the kids in the village near this mansion. When the palace heard of it, they started to make more around the empire.
Many things have changed, and I'm proud that I witnessed all of them.
I never knew that there would be another beginning for me. I've been here before. I used to think that it was the beginning of my new life here.
But then, that incident happened, and now that it is all gone, I am here again thinking that the supreme one gave me another beginning.
But I have learned my lesson. This time, I will use those past experiences as my lessons, and I will use that to strengthen myself so that those incidents will never happen again.
Before, I laughed at those adults who always kept saying that a problem will make you stronger. I thought that it was silly because the problem will make you weak as it will give you hard times and emotional difficulties. But now that I have experienced those, I am so embarrassed because of the past.
Still, I am happy that I could feel it because it just means that I am improving and growing. I am so glad that I can now understand things around me more.
We prepared everything for the party.
Everyone was so excited to attend it because even the people outside the palace and those commoners could come.
We had a giveaway on our take last month. We gave everyone dresses and coats and suits that they could wear during the party.
Everyone is so excited because some of them will be attending a party for the first time and going to the palace.
Everyone was so excited, especially the children.
THE DAY OF THE PARTY, everyone is starting to come one by one.
You can see on their faces how happy they are.
You can see how they appreciate everything that they can see. Adults and children are wearing the dresses that I made.
It was a party that would be held at night. When the assigned time started, the party started by playing music.
Everyone dances in the center of the hall.
Some children are dancing with their friends.
Some were teenagers who were dancing with their partners. And some were adults who were just watching the youngsters dancing on the floor.
I can see familiar faces from before that I already met and those who became my friend and now they are here to attend the party.
Everyone has a smile on their faces and you can see that they're really enjoying this night.
The imperial family came, and they announced the official ceremony for Hendrick.
While he is telling everyone who hendrik is I'm so awkward because I can see that they are looking in my direction, they are stealing glances on me so some of the people also look in my direction.
The emperor's really insane!
Everyone was so excited to see him and talk to him, so it took us a while to speak with each other.
"I am sorry that it took me so long, my lady…."
Hendrick came and gave me a hug.
"That is okay. Everyone is so excited to see you."
I hugged him back, and we went to walk outside.
"Did you enjoy the party?" he asked me.
"Hendrick is holding my hand while we are walking."
I nodded my head and said, "Yes, of course, I am happy to see everyone happy…."
"I am glad that you enjoy the party, my lady."
"Yes…"
We talked about random stuff.
While we were walking, we met different people and greeted each other.
Everyone here is so lovely to us, even those holding a higher position than me.
As everything changed, the behavior of the nobles and other people also changed.
I am talking to Hendrick about how good and beautiful the palace is. While telling me a story about his childhood.
I can't help but laugh.
"So you were hard-headed before?"
Hendrick nodded his head.
"I used to tell the emperor that I don't need him, and I will stay outside the palace and live there."
"HAHAHA!"
Hendrick kept telling me stories about him, and I couldn't help but laugh at it. He was so bratty before, but when he lived outside, he became much more, and I can tell that he is happy with his decision.
I also told him about my childhood, even though some were memories from my past life.
We talked about it, and we laughed at it together.
I am thrilled that I met Hendrick and I was able to open myself to him.
I am happy that it is Hendrick who I fell for, and it is him I give my heart.
I can't imagine myself being in love with someone, not Hendrick.
I can't imagine myself right now without him. If Hendrick didn't come to my life here, I would not know the world of love.
I would not be able to feel it if he didn't come into my life. I know that I will not be here.
I am sure just in the countryside living quietly in a small house.
We walk until we reach the garden.
I remember that the emperor built a playground here, but I haven't seen it since I came here. Where could it be?
"Hendrick-"
I was about to ask him when he suddenly collapsed on the floor.
"Hendrick?!"
I leveled him and checked on him.
"What's wrong?"
I am so confused about what is happening and scared at the same time. This is the first time that Hendrick collapses, and I don't know what to do.
I kept on asking him, but he did not say anything.
"Hendrick…tell me what's wrong!?"
I was about to cry because I couldn't handle what was happening, but then the place started to light up.
I look around to see that the gardens have become a stage where there are different lights, and the center is us.
But not like those in the theaters. The lights here or in different colors all look satisfying to the eyes.
"What is happening here?"
Suddenly a group of people started to appear as the essence of the garden.
They were all holding cakes, and they looked like they were all from the kitchen. I think they are the chefs here in the palace.
What are they doing?
My gaze landed on Hendrick when he changed position.
From his previous position, when he looked badly hurt, he is now kneeling on the ground.
"W-what is this?"
Hendrick pulled something in his pocket while the chefs went behind him and formed a line.
"What is happening here?"
I asked him, but he didn't answer me.
Why isn't anyone talking?
When the chefs were finally in line, I saw Hendrick tear up.
"Hey! What is happening?"
I am so confused about what is happening, but they're all just looking at us, mainly me.
Why are they so weird?
One of the chefs told me to stand up, so that is what I did, but I am still looking at Hendrick.
When I was finally standing, music started to play in the garden.
I searched for it and found a live band near the fountain.
"J-just…what is…."
"My lady…"
My attention went to Hendrick as he called me.
"Y-Yes?"
I am so nervous right now.
Hendrick showed me a date that he pulled from his pocket.
It is a small box with a heart design on the top.
Wait…
Is this…
I started to realize what was happening.
Is Hendrick really going to…
"There's a lot of things that have happened to us over the past few years. There are times when we are almost separated by that event. But we have managed to overcome everything until now. Now, I am proud to say that I am lucky to have you because you are brave enough to face everything, and I am proud to say that you give me strength when I am down…."
I couldn't help but cover my face with my hand.
I am so embarrassed and shy at the same time.
"So please…"
Hendrick's voice is full of warmth…
Hendrick opens the box that he is holding.
My tears started to fall when I saw what was inside the box.
"Belle…"
My eyes started to become blurry…
"Will you marry me?"