Chapter 63: In Your Arms
《Liese’s Side》
When I awoke, my room was enveloped in moonlight. In the silence, a gentle night breeze rustled the curtains.
“…Where am I…”
As I looked around in the dim light, I sensed that this wasn’t the abandoned ruin Kyl had taken me to.
Why had I been moved? Had Kyl taken me to yet another place? Thinking such thoughts, I turned my gaze to the chair beside me.
The one sitting there, slumped over the bed and asleep, was not Kyl, but Lord Serios.
“Lord Serios!”
I called out, but Lord Serios seemed exhausted and remained asleep.
His figure came into view. In that instant, my chest grew hot, and tears streamed down my face.
(Lord Serios… You saved me, didn’t you…)
He has such a tired sleeping face. Even though I had been trying so hard to be a support for Lord Serios, I ended up causing him trouble.
(I’m so sorry.)
But, having been saved by Lord Serios, feelings of relief and gratitude welled up within me. Yet, at the same time, my chest ached just a little.
Lord Serios had said he was going to save Lady Claris. That was a very difficult task, and I had burdened Lord Serios, who was challenging the members of the Dukedom.
It must have been an important mission for him. And yet, I made him put everything aside to save me.
(…I’m happy. But… I feel so guilty…)
While Lord Serios slept, I gently reached out and touched his hair. The soft sensation spread through my fingertips, and Warmth spread through my chest.
“Lord Serios… Thank you so much… I love you. No matter what others may say about you, I have sworn to dedicate my ‘entire life’ to you, Lord Serios. Please, allow me to stay by your side.”
Murmuring softly, I gazed intently at his face. Though he must be tired, his sleeping face looked somehow calm and gentle. That sight was so precious to me, that even if I wiped my tears away, they would flow again with the slightest surge of emotion.
(Just for now… Just for this moment… I want Lord Serios to be mine alone.)
When I thought that, my heart stirred.
Not just to Lord Serios, but I also felt apologetic towards Mother Maria, Faina-san, and Lady Claris.
But, just for tonight, I wanted to monopolize him. Lord Serios, who had risked his time and life to come save me, I wanted him to be mine alone…
A slightly selfish feeling welled up inside me.
“…Lord Serios…”
Calling out softly, I gently took his hand. The size and Warmth of his hand made my chest tighten once more.
I sat on the edge of the bed and pulled the hand of him, who was sleeping slumped beside me.
“Lord Serios… Please rest here.”
Of course, he didn’t reply. Seeing him sleeping so soundly, a smile escaped my lips.
Gently pulling his hand, I supported his body and guided him onto the bed. He was heavier than I expected, and I struggled a little, but I managed to lay him down on the bed.
(…I’m sorry. I’m doing something so shameless… When I was a child, I wouldn’t have felt embarrassed, but now, I’m terribly ashamed.)
Thinking this, I gently sat down beside him. I could hear his calm breathing as he slept next to me, and my heartbeat quickened just a little.
“…Lord Serios, I… I’m a bad girl.”
The fact that he prioritized me, I never thought it would bring me this much Happiness. But at the same time, when I think of Lady Claris, my chest aches.
I truly want to monopolize him. However, Lord Serios is not a man to be tied down by a single woman.
(But, just for now… just for this moment… may I be allowed to monopolize Lord Serios? Even if he wakes up tomorrow morning and gets angry at me, please forgive me for this momentary Happiness.)
Gazing at his sleeping face, I gently touched his cheek. In that instant, a single teardrop traced its way down my cheek.
“Lord Serios… Thank you… For saving me so many times, my savior is none other than you. Only you, Lord Serios. Even if I am not loved by you, Lord Serios, I will be your support and dedicate everything to you.”
After confessing this in a small voice, I gently pressed a thankful kiss to his lips.
“…I’m sorry, Lord Serios.”
These feelings won’t reach him. No, I’m sure Lord Serios would gently accept them. But, if Lady Claris is to become his legitimate wife, it would be better for me to hide my feelings.
But, just for this moment, I wanted to express my feelings.
Beside him, I Closed my eyes.
Please forgive me for burying my face in his broad, matured chest, and for embracing him as I sleep.
(I… Lord Serios… I like you this much… I love you. I want to spend my entire life with you.)
Holding onto those feelings, while feeling his Warmth, I slowly drifted off to sleep.
Enveloped in Lord Serios’s scent, embraced by Lord Serios, cherishing Lord Serios, I feel the Happiness of being in your arms.