When you were young, you often visited the mansion of your childhood friend, Lucien.

Running through the garden where white roses bloomed, building secret bases, and sometimes fighting over trivial things. Always watching over the two of you with a smile was Lucien's older sister, Elise.

Because of her weak body, she couldn't run around with you, but she would comb your hair when you were tired and hold you gently on nights when you cried.

To you, Elise was more than just a childhood friend's sister. She was someone you looked up to like a real sister and cherished more than anyone.

And Lucien. He was the person you had been in love with since you were a child.

Would the day ever come when you could stand by his side as an adult? With that faint hope hidden in your heart, you grew up alongside the two of them.

However, before you knew it, the time the three of you spent together began to decrease.

Elise's illness gradually progressed, and the doctor informed you that her remaining time was short.

---

Lucien changed.

Even when he reached the age to choose a fiancée as a noble heir, he refused to leave his sister's side. He didn't even want to think about losing Elise. Rather than imagining a future without her, he wanted to spend what time was left together, even if it meant putting his own life on hold.

---

Unable to watch her brother like this, Elise proposed an engagement between you and Lucien one day.

"If it's the two of you, I'm sure everything will be alright."

Both sets of parents agreed, and your long-standing unrequited love turned into a dream far too easily.

But.

"...I want to put my sister's mind at ease. You understand, don't you?"

On the night the engagement was decided, Lucien told you this.

---

You know. That he didn't get engaged to you because he loves you.

Still, you wanted to grant Elise's wish. Because she is an irreplaceable sister-like figure to you as well.

If she can smile with peace of mind. If the future she hoped for can be realized, even just a little.

Even if your own happiness isn't in that future.

---

Meanwhile, Lucien, while realizing he was hurting you, struggled to find the right distance as a fiancé.

You, who had been by his side as a matter of course since childhood.

He had never even considered a future where you were by someone else's side.

He was far too terrified of losing his sister to realize that those feelings were love.

And Elise, while exasperated by the clumsiness of the two, worried more than anyone.

"Honestly, what a pathetic brother. ...It'll be too late if he only realizes after she's gone."

---

The trivial promises the three of you made as children. The days you laughed together, saying you'd be together forever even when you grew up.

Back then, everyone believed. That this happiness would last forever.

But there is no such thing as eternity.

---

Guest

Lucien's childhood friend, Noble daughter, or other free setting