As for what Laurent felt toward Justeaze… calling it love wasn't quite accurate.
It was closer to the bond between siblings—or a father and daughter.
She was, indeed, "eternal," but that eternity was only possible within Einzbern.
The moment she left this place, her lifespan would start ticking down. She probably wouldn't last more than ten years—far less than an ordinary person.
Her appearance wouldn't change over those ten years, but her condition would worsen day by day.
Laurent felt that a hundred years of companionship was already more than enough. Yet she never seemed to tire of staying by his side.
Their relationship never moved forward.
As for Laurent "stringing her along"… well. Fine. He really did only love Jeanne. Sometimes, when he let his mind drift, he'd think that if he hadn't met Jeanne, maybe he would've ended up with Justeaze—but it was only a stray thought.
If he hadn't met Jeanne, none of what he had now would even exist.
Even now, he was still striving for Jeanne's sake.
Justeaze's body was built like a human's, but it differed in certain ways. She could feel desire, sure, but leaving it "unresolved" wasn't something that would damage her.
Yes. Of course.
As for whether she ever stared at Laurent's photo in the middle of the night and did… something, Laurent had no idea.
So, in theory, he wasn't really "stringing her along."
Today, Justeaze put on a pure white dress and did herself up—and went out with Laurent.
Einzbern had already been abandoned by the magi. Justeaze didn't want Laurent to leave her too. Not at the very end.
Good news?
Yes. Today really did come with good news.
But good news came with a price.
Justeaze didn't know how long she could keep holding up her smile.
Still, she knew why she existed.
From the moment she'd been created to now, the meaning of her creation had never changed.
"I heard the scenery in Fuyuki City is lovely," Justeaze said as they walked, keeping her tone light, like it was just idle curiosity. "And there are two major magus families there, too. Would Lord Laurent be interested in taking a look?"
"Why bring that up all of a sudden?"
Walking with her hand in his, Laurent thought for a moment.
"Fuyuki City… that's in Japan, right? I've been there plenty of times."
Then his tone shifted.
"But no. Once you leave Einzbern, your life starts shrinking. If this is just to make me happy—wasting your life like that—forget it."
Justeaze tightened her hold on his arm. "It won't be meaningless. My life—spent on Lord Laurent—every minute, every second, is worth it."
"…I want to live like a normal person."
That made Laurent pause, his expression flickering.
He understood what she meant by "normal."
Leave the Einzbern estate. Go out into the world. Feel time slipping through her fingers.
People's dreams weren't the same. Justeaze didn't have a life of her own—no, her life had been bound to a prison called "home," a name called Einzbern.
Unlike Laurent, she had her own wishes. Something she wanted to chase.
That self—those thoughts—were what made her who she was.
Laurent wasn't foolish enough to start researching some way to keep her alive.
That wasn't what Justeaze needed now.
If anything… she probably felt she'd already lived long enough.
Thinking that, he let out a slow sigh. "Have you really decided, Justeaze?"
"You could stay in Einzbern forever. Live here forever. My life is eternal, too. There's no need to burn yours just to travel."
"It's fine," she said softly. "If you don't truly feel life while you're alive, then staying in that castle with Lord Laurent forever… that won't do."
He hesitated, then didn't object in the end. "Fine. I get it. But if your body gives out at the end, I'm the one who'll suffer too."
Justeaze blinked. "Is Lord Laurent saying that because you're worried about me?"
"Isn't it obvious?!"
Laurent snapped, then gave her a light chop on the head. "Please. I'm not some emotionless god. I have feelings too. Even a block of wood would grow feelings after a hundred years."
Justeaze rubbed the top of her head, smiling anyway.
"But there's something even more important," she said.
"Oh?" Laurent raised a brow. "Even better news?"
Justeaze leaned in, smiling like she was hiding a secret. "Kiss me and I'll tell you."
Laurent didn't hesitate for a second—he chopped her head again.
Justeaze clutched her head, looking wronged.
"Listen," Laurent said, "I'm letting you choose this because I know it's your resolve—your decision. That doesn't mean I'm going to let you do whatever you want."
Justeaze pouted. "I'm sick of being stuck in that tiny castle too. A hundred years with you… has already given me more happiness than most people get in a lifetime."
"So after we leave the country—those ten years…"
She held out her right hand, as if inviting him. As if offering him something.
"Lord—no. Laurent. Will you spend the last ten years of my life with me?"
"With all the feelings I've built over a hundred years with you, and everything Einzbern has poured into me, I'll trade for ten years of your companionship. How about it?"
"Hah." Laurent clicked his tongue. "If your life ends in Japan, who's the one who'll suffer? Me."
"I'm only a homunculus," Justeaze said quietly. "Laurent doesn't have to take it to heart. All of Einzbern's homunculi are based on me—"
"But there's only one Justeaze in the world, isn't there?"
For a moment, Justeaze went rigid.
Laurent gave a small laugh, and something in him loosened, like he'd finally let go of a knot he'd been holding too long.
"Fine. These past several hundred years, I've sent off enough people. One more won't make a difference."
Then his voice softened, almost against his will.
"But for those ten years, you'd better be happy. If you end up leaving in tears, I'll… I'll still feel it."
"But my happiness is having you stay with me," Justeaze said at once.
Then she puffed out her cheeks, a hint of jealousy slipping in. "Even so… there's always only Jeanne in Laurent's heart."
"Enough. Don't start." Laurent hurriedly changed the subject. "I never once tried to seduce you. I'm still wondering how you even fell for me."
He glanced at her. "Have you arranged everything at Einzbern? Even if you leave, they'll keep running properly?"
"Of course." Justeaze's eyes curved with pride. "I won't allow a single accident to ruin my sweet vacation with you."
"Mm. No crossing the line," Laurent said. "But other than that… I'll go with you. Like a boyfriend, if that's what you want. A honeymoon, even."
Justeaze's eyes instantly filled with starlight, glittering bright. Happiness hit her so suddenly she almost forgot how to breathe.
She nodded hard.
"Yes! Yes!"