[Translation] Mistonia's Hope - Edward Bernstein - Dawn Ending After Story
Source: Mistonia no Kibou -The Lost Delight- Stellaworth Exclusive Booklet
Note: Spoilers for Edward's Dawn Ending below.
A heart that longs for you - Edward After Story
‘Lord Ed…..you seem kind of down.’
On a certain day, Phillip, who had temporarily returned to the Bernstein Manor from the place that Lily was currently convalescing, called out to Edward.
‘Oh….do I? Ah, but that might just be the fatigue catching up. Ever since the incident, I’ve had so much to do, dealing with the aftermath…..’
‘Ah——! I was being super insensitive just now, wasn’t I!? I’m reeeaaallly sorry!!’
Seeing Phillip press his hands together as if pleading was enough to make Edward feel apologetic himself instead, and he gave a vague smile.
‘The incident’—the commotion that his father Edmund had caused had been of such seriousness that the existence of House Bernstein itself had been called into question.
However, because his heir Edward had been the one to put an end to things, in addition to the significant work he had done rebuilding the country in the Queen’s absence, the House had narrowly survived.
Ever since, Edward had barely rested at all, dedicating the majority of his time and energy to rebuilding the kingdom and the House that had lost its master.
‘I don’t think you’re insensitive. You were worried for me, right?’
‘Well yeah, that’s true, but….. Basically, what I want to say is-’
Stopping there, Phillip continued by whispering in his ear-
‘…..You haven’t been able to see her at all then, right!’
‘…..Phil. Even though you’ve been gone for a while now, just how much do you know….?’
He did his best not to let his discomposure show, but Phil, who had known him for a long time, smirked.
‘Hm, well-….not so much at all really. But, you guys are together, right? Just so you know, it’s not just me, Evelyn and Charlotte have also noticed too.’
(…..I wonder if this is the part where I should be impressed with just how perceptive the servants of my household are)
Just as Edward’s thoughts started to go in a different direction, Phillip lightly slapped him on the shoulder.
‘So, Lord Ed. If you’re going to make a face like that, why not just go and see her? No one would complain just because you’ve taken a break for a single day.’
‘No, but-…..’
‘No more excuses! …..You miss her, right?’
‘…..That’s-…..of course I do.’
Now that he had given in and admitted it, he could no longer suppress his feelings.
And so, Edward’s mind then began to be filled with thoughts of where he wanted to go with Aprose— the woman he loved.
* * *
‘I was so surprised when I got the message that you were taking a holiday all of a sudden! Still…..I’m relieved to hear it. You’ve been working so hard, I was worried you were driving yourself into a corner.’
Aprose, who he was seeing for the first time in a while, gave a lighthearted smile, but it didn’t escape Edward’s notice that there was still a sadness in her eyes.
(It’s to be expected. She’s spent the last eight years doing nothing but work towards avenging her family)
She had said to Edward that she would be with him forever, but truth be told he was still unsure.
(Every time Aprose looks at me, the man who killed her family, my father….doesn’t she find it hard being reminded of him? Wanting to be together may just be a selfish wish on my part, one that I have no right to make.)
Nonetheless, almost as if to wipe away those thoughts from his mind, Aprose gave a broad smile and peered in at his face.
‘That look on your face…..Ed, you must be tired. Still, you decided to spend your day off with me, right? In that case, you have to smile, it would be quite rude of you otherwise, seeing as I’ve come out all this way, don’t you think?’
‘…..My apologies. It’s as you say. This is an important day that the two of us are finally able to spend together. I promise I will do all in my power so that you can enjoy yourself.’
Even though he had told her his earnest feelings, for some reason Aprose turned away, looking as if she were pouting.
‘You really are so serious. I was joking. If I’m being honest…..I just wanted to see it. Your smile, that is…..’
‘…..! I see, that…..kinda makes me happy. I feel the same way, I want to see your smile too. To tell you the truth, not only have I been wanting to see you for some time, I’ve been thinking that with you smiling at my side, I feel as if I can do almost anything.’
As he spoke, Edward once more averted his gaze out of embarrassment. But he then rethought it upon realizing that at this rate the sun would be going down while they were still standing in front of the manor.
‘Aprose, can you ride a horse? You rode with me when we went to the hill before, but if you don’t mind, this time I’d like us to go on a longer ride together.’
‘Oh…..so that’s why you wrote to wear clothes that are easy to move in in your letter. I haven’t ridden one in a while, but I think I should still be able to.’
Just as she had said, after gently stroking the neck of the horse Edward had prepared for her, Aprose settled into the saddle as if she were accustomed to it.
‘Are we going to your secret spot again?’
‘No, that wouldn’t be very exciting, so today we’ll be going somewhere else. Will you come with me?’
‘Yes of course.’
* * *
At first Edward went at a slow pace out of consideration for Aprose, but eventually realizing her horse-riding skills were more than adequate, felt comfortable enough to go at his usual speed.
‘This feels great!’
Seeing Aprose comfortably ride next to him, Edward felt the constrained emotions he had been feeling of late loosen.
(I never thought that there would be someone other than Lina that I could ride together with like this. Least of all for that person to be the woman I love)
—What happiness.
That feeling, like the smell of fresh greenery brought by a breeze foretelling the coming of spring, filled Edward’s heart. Nonetheless, it didn’t completely erase the slight sense of guilt that he felt.
(For now, I must make sure she enjoys herself. Let’s just concentrate on that.)
Shaking his head once, Edward pointed at a landmark tree visible from a little way ahead.
‘Let’s tie our horses there and take a break.’
‘Yes, both us and these guys have been running for quite some time now.’
Seeing her gently pat the horse’s neck once more, in the same way she had before they had begun their ride, Edward thought to himself that she really was a deeply caring person.
And as he watched her, he began to realize the true cause of the guilt he felt within himself.
* * *
After tying both horses to the tree and giving them the water and feed they had brought, they both sat down on the grass.
‘It’s not so far from town, but it’s pretty quiet here, isn’t it? And the breeze feels very pleasant. I understand why this would be a favourite spot for you.’
‘…..I really am a boring person, aren’t I? There must be so many other better places to invite a woman, and yet I could only think of places like this. It’s a little late for regrets now, but perhaps I should have taken you for a meal or to the theater instead.’
‘No, I much prefer it here. I enjoy getting to move around, and more importantly, it makes me happy to do something together that you like.’
Murmuring this softly, Aprose looked at Edward straight in the eyes.
‘Not to mention, you were wanting a chance to speak with me, right? In a place where no one else will overhear, somewhere you can be yourself.’
(…..She really does see right through me. I’m no match for you.)
Taking a light breath, Edward returned Aprose’s gaze.
‘Yes, you’re right. I wanted to talk to you about the future. I want to be with you forever. Which was why I would like to officially ask you to marry me but…..I can’t just yet.’
‘…..I understand. It’s not the right time. You’re not officially head of the Bernstein family yet, and the country is still-’
‘No. That’s not it…..!’
As he interrupted Aprose, looking flustered, Edward diffidently took her hand.
‘Of course, there are unavoidable circumstances. But more than that, I feel apologetic….towards your family. Without being properly engaged, I…..that is-….you and I-….’
As he trailed off, Edward’s cheeks were visibly reddened. Taken along, Aprose’s face also became bright red.
‘Th-That was…..something I wanted as well. Or are you saying you regret it?’
‘Not at all! I love you from the bottom of my heart, I embraced you back then because…..I was only thinking about wanting to convey that feeling to you. There’s no way I would regret that.’
‘Then…..there’s no need to feel apologetic towards my family. I’m sure my father, mother and brother all know just how much you love me.’
Aprose squeezed his hand back tightly, but Edward still continued.
‘I’m glad to hear you say that. But there’s something I’d like to do in order to make things right.’
After taking a single breath as if to firm his resolve, Edward patted Aprose’s head with his free hand.
‘Let’s go to Eltbeak together. I would like to properly commemorate your parents there. After that, would you allow me to ask for your hand in marriage?’
‘…..!’
An early summer breeze gently swayed Aprose’s golden hair as she became speechless. Edward spoke once more.
‘As a member of House Bernstein, I offer you my deepest apologies for that tragedy. And as simply Edward, I want to swear to the people important to you my full determination…..to make you happy, Aprose.’
‘…..Thank you, Ed.’
As she answered him, Aprose’s voice was trembling. Wanting to comfort her, Edward hesitated for a moment but then continued-
‘Aprose, I love you.’
After speaking in low voice full of emotion, he kissed her gently.
Drawing back, he then once more gazed steadily at Aprose.
‘Nonetheless, there is no changing the fact that I am my father’s son. Even if it’s after visiting Eltbeak, I still don’t think that will give me the right to become your husband. But even so, no matter what…..I want you.’
‘You made a difficult decision and put an end to things. That is enough for me….most likely my family would say it’s fine just so long as you have “that”.’
‘…..And “that” is?’
His uncertainty showing on his face, Edward asked, almost imploringly. Seeing him, Aprose smiled kindly.
‘A heart that loves me. Just that will be enough.’
‘So much so that I have trouble holding it back.’
As he returned her smile, Edward rested his forehead against Aprose’s. His guilt hadn’t necessarily disappeared completely, but right now his feelings for her won out.
‘…..Do you mind if I prove that to you?’
‘Yes, please do.’
After hearing Aprose’s answer, Edward kissed her once more.
As the lovers exchanged a kiss that was a little longer than the one before, as if in blessing, a warm breeze ruffled their hair.
