[Nightmare]

"What women?"

"There are three women that constantly protect Sir Helix as bodyguards.

Their names are Marie, Charlotte, and Riley."

"Hmmm? I've heard their names.

What do they have to do with you?"

"Well… they're strong, passionate, and noble.

They're constantly helping Helix in a way that I can't.

I'm so thankful they're there for him."

"Yes. That group is full of amazing young women, I must admit."

"Exactly. Helix has a crush on Marie.

It's easy to know why.

Marie is just like him.

Not only is she beautiful, but she fights for the servants, and weaker people like me like Sir Helix does.

She embodies his ideals, and I admire her so much."

—

Marie burst into tears after hearing Emelia's words.

Tears rolled down her cheeks, and Helix gripped her body.

—

"I've heard of her deeds.

I'm very impressed as well."

"Yes… and then there's Charlotte.

Charlotte is Helix's best friend, but she feels like more somehow.

There's some type of connection.

I see plenty of people become friends with someone of the opposite sex.

When they do, this invisible wall gets put up."

"I think on earth, it's called the friend zone.

That's what Helix calls it anyway."

—

The women on the bed burst into laughter.

They finally understood that his conversations with the mystery woman in the library weren't simply about books.

—

"Ummm… I see. The friend zone.

They don't have that. It's very strange.

I think they'll likely fall for each other one day."

"Hmmm? Why?"

"I don't know. Charlotte has the confidence I wish that I had.

I'm not sure if she's confident on the inside, but she makes everyone else confident."

"She makes other people confident?"

"Yeah. Whether Charlotte's doing it on purpose or not, she's always pushing people forward.

She's important to all of us.

Helix needs her to help give him that final push sometimes."

—

Tears started rolling down Charlotte's cheeks as well.

Helix's confession was still fresh in her mind.

Knowing that Emelia seconded his words was life-changing to her in a way.

She loved Emelia just as much as everyone, aside from Helix.

—

"I see… that makes sense.

What about the last girl?"

"Yes… Riley.

She is… my favorite person that isn't Sir Helix."

"Hahahaha! You're in love with him. I have my answer."

"I… Um…."

—

The women on the bed burst into laughter and giggles.

—

"Why is she your favorite?"

"Well… it's because Riley is always so kind and thoughtful to me.

Everyone is. I… consider the girls my friends even though I shouldn't."

"Nonsense. They're your friends."

"... Yes. I think so, too.

And Riley… She includes me in everything like friends do.

She's so quiet and reserved that she blends in.

But whenever she speaks, she's so kind….

Riley always asks if I want to join in.

Whether we're doing makeup or drinking tea… she always ensures I'm there.

I… she… the way she asks, and its sincerity makes it impossible for me to say no.

I relate to her quietness, and I think it makes me feel… comfortable."

"I see… so why do you think she might date Sir Helix?"

"Well… it's because who wouldn't want someone so kind and caring in their life?

She's beautiful, strong, and confident when she needs to be.

Riley is as perfect in my eyes as Marie and Charlotte."

—

Riley's face was filled with tears of happiness.

She missed Emelia with all her heart.

Helix grabbed her hand gently.

—

"Emelia. You just describe yourself as well.

You know that, right?"

"I…."

"Love Helix and Helix loves you.

He told me that he plans to confess to you all.

That means that he doesn't have to choose.

I'm here to make sure you can run away together."

"W-What…."

"Emelia… I'm jealous of you.

Hah. That's so silly of me to say."

"Wait…."

"It's not because I have feelings for Helix.

It's because the relationship you share is brighter than the sun.

Just once, before you left, I wanted to hear about your feelings for myself."

"Your Majesty…."

"Emelia. As your princess, I give you one last order."

"Y-Yes…."

"You've confessed your love for Sir Helix.

Therefore, I order you to accept his feelings if he confesses.

Not for me, but you.

Once you do, you are officially unbound from my law as soon as you leave Alzeria.

You will be free, and I wish you the best.

As your princess, I must ensure my people are happy.

You are one of my people.

So are those four.

So please make them happy together.

They deserve you as much as you deserve them.

Enjoy your friendships with those girls.

Enjoy your love with Sir Helix.

So please follow this one last selfish request from your princess and be happy and free."

—

"Marie… Charlotte… Riley…." Helix whispered under the glittering starry sky.

"None of you could replace Emelia."

Helix's tone was soft and full of sadness and gratitude.

"However, Emelia could not replace you." He explained.

Marie, Charlotte, and Riley's eyes glittered as the light from the stars bounced off their tears.

,m "There's nothing I would change about any of you.

I loved you when Emelia was alive, and I love you for the same reasons now that she's gone." He whispered with a warm smile on his face.

The women gripped him tighter, and they bawled into the parts of his body they were hugging.

"Emelia is gone. I know that no one has wanted to touch on the subject.

It's for a good reason. It's hard to talk about." He continued with a complex tone.

"Elsa did not give me this recording until a few days before you arrived.

I've buried myself in so much work and practice that it's hard to think about."

Marie cried into his chest, Charlotte gripped his stomach, and Riley tugged at one of his arms.

"However, after you arrived, I remembered that she was not the only person that made me happy." He announced with a bright smile.

"When you first got here, the only thing on my mind was protecting you so I wouldn't lose you.

But I quickly remembered how much I enjoyed you protecting me."

Helix laughed, and tears rolled down his cheeks.

The other women giggled between sobs.

"I remembered that life is about protecting the people you love.

You love those people because they make you happy or fulfill your life in some way." He reasoned.

"Marie, Charlotte, Riley… you all make me so happy.

You remind me of Emelia, and I feel our relationship does her memory justice.

So please, let's live together and enjoy the life that Emelia should be enjoying with us.

Please don't compare yourselves to each other.

You each provide me with fulfilling aspects of my life and are special to me in your unique ways.

All of you are irreplaceable, and I would be just as sad to lose any of you." Helix asserted.

The women cried and expressed their love and gratitude for Emelia.

"Thank you for talking about Emelia tonight. I needed that."

—

[A/N: There was a purpose behind Eliza recording this message; it's not over. Emelia's legacy is seeded, and it's only just beginning.

Reminder: two extra chapters until review 20. One extra chapter for every cross supporter of Nerve Network.]