Chapter 31: I Tried Spending Some Time Alone With Her.
《Serios’s Side》
After the commotion in the Courtyard, Liese and I were alone.
As she walked quietly beside me, I was overcome by an indescribable sense of embarrassment.
This atmosphere, what am I supposed to do about it…?
Glancing sideways, Liese was walking with her usual elegance, but a small smile played on her lips.
The moment I saw that expression, I felt my heartbeat quicken just a little.
Claris had said that I like Liese. Could that really be true?
“Lord Serios, is something the matter?”
Perhaps noticing my silence as we walked, Liese tilted her head and asked.
That gesture was so adorable that I instinctively averted my gaze.
“No, it’s nothing. I was just… well, lost in thought for a moment.”
When I replied, she smiled happily and nodded.
“Is that so? When you’re deep in thought, Lord Serios, you look so serious. It’s almost a little intimidating.”
“Intimidating? Was I making that kind of face?”
When I asked in surprise, she hurriedly waved her hands.
“No, not intimidating, but rather… how should I put it, dignified and, well, cool.”
At those words, I instinctively stopped walking. My heart gave a loud throb.
“Cool…?”
As I repeated my word, Liese’s face rapidly turned red. Looking down, she murmured in a small voice.
“Th-that’s not what I meant. It’s just that I truly think you’re a wonderful person, Lord Serios…”
Her demure attitude was so endearing, a smile escaped my lips.
“Thank you. Hearing you say that… gives me a little confidence.”
When I said that, she looked up, surprised.
“Lord Serios, lacking confidence…? Is such a thing possible?”
“Of course. I’m not a perfect human being. If anything, I’m full of shortcomings. I feel I lack knowledge, so I’m here at this academy to accumulate the knowledge necessary for history and managing my domain.”
When I answered honestly, Liese smiled gently.
“To me, Lord Serios, you always seemed perfect. Always looking forward, thinking of so many people, and being strict with yourself. Besides… I believe in that Lord Serios.”
Her words resonated in my chest. Why does she look at me so straightforwardly?
“Liese, you truly are mysterious.”
“Is that so? I haven’t changed, not now, not in the past.”
“You haven’t changed?”
“Yes. Nothing has changed since the time you saved me, Lord Serios. You asked me, ‘I will buy everything of yours with my gold. You don’t like that, do you? Then, you don’t have to worry about such things.’ To that, I replied, ‘No! I accept your offer!'”
Liese voiced the words I remembered her saying.
“I have always been serious. Seriously, I offered everything of myself to you, Lord Serios.”
I was dumbfounded by those words.
“Even now?”
“Of course.”
She answered my question immediately.
At that gesture, I once again felt a tightening in my chest. She certainly hadn’t changed.
From the very beginning, she had accepted everything.
She smiled at me, her face blushing.
“When I’m by your side, Lord Serios, I feel very at ease. If possible, I’d like to do many things together. Studying with you, Lord Serios, and Sword practice too.”
“Yeah.”
Our conversation was somewhat awkward. But that awkwardness, like that of a newly formed couple, felt strangely comfortable.
Eventually, we sat down on a bench in the Courtyard. A pleasant breeze was blowing, and we spent some time in silence, until Liese suddenly spoke.
“Lord Serios, from now on… may I stay by your side, always?”
I gasped at those words. Her eyes were looking straight at me.
And those were the words spoken to the Prince, accompanied by an illustration, when the Intimacy Level reached MAX.
“…Yeah.”
The word slipped out naturally. Her expression instantly brightened, and I felt a Warmth spread deep within my chest again.
“Thank you. I also want to stay by your side forever, Lord Serios.”
Her small hand gently touched mine. In that instant, I felt my heart leap.
“…Liese.”
When I called her name, she smiled happily. That smile seemed to shine brighter than any jewel.
I squeezed her hand in return and murmured quietly.
“From now on, I’ll be counting on you.”
“Yes, Lord Serios.”
I didn’t say I liked her. But in that moment, I didn’t need words.
Just sharing a peaceful time, feeling each other’s Warmth. I felt that this was Happiness above all else.
Was this really alright? I have such anxieties, but I don’t want to hand Liese over to someone else; I want to keep her by my side.
I might be a bastard who bought her with gold, but I wished for this moment to be real and to continue.
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Afterword
Hello, this is the author, Iko.
That’s all for today.
Well, opinions may vary. But isn’t it more interesting with some twists and turns? (๑>◡<๑)