Duty-Bound: Chapter 75
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As expected, most of the elders did not approve of her and Natsume. She wouldn't wonder why since tradition ruled those elders. If she didn't follow the tradition, she was the one who was wrong. Honestly, she didn't mean to change the tradition. All she wanted was to be with Natsume, her true love. Without him by her side, she wouldn't be able to endure this duty-bound fate for long.
Besides, the elders should have expected her decision. Natsume was her playmate since they were five. When she turned seven, she was separated from Aida, which made her grow closer to Natsume. Aida, as the eldest twin, was expected to learn everything as the next ruler while she, the younger twin, learned to be a good supporter for her sister.
What she was going to do was quite childish, but that was the only thing that could shut them up. "I quit."
A deafening silence settled for a while before everyone voiced their protests.
Elder Souma banged the desk, stopping everyone from speaking. As soon everyone turned quiet, the oldest elder spoke, "Princess, if we approve…"
He glanced at Natsume, who was sitting beside her. "Natsume-sama's intention to court you…"
His gaze returned to her. "Will you promise us that you will truly accept your role as the ruler of the West?"
Ah, I should have known that I can't fool his eyes. Up until now, she had been doing her duty, but her heart was not in it.
Everyone remained still to wait for her answer. Glancing at Natsume's hand that was placed above his thigh, she smiled. Without hesitation, she grabbed his hand, earning a surprised look from him. But then, he entwined their fingers together as she promised, "As long as he is with me, I will."