Chapter 47: I Tried Having a Private Study Session with Liese
Although I’d requested an investigation into Claris’s situation, I couldn’t do anything until the results came in.
The wait felt so incredibly long… I tried to focus on my duties to alleviate my frustration, but at odd moments, worries about Claris would inevitably cross my mind.
For a change of pace, I headed to my study. I began to read a book spread open on my desk, intending to further deepen my knowledge of Territory Management and law, when I heard a sound.
When I quietly turned around, my eyes fell upon Liese, who was tidying up the bookshelves.
“…Liese?”
When I called out to her, she turned around, looking a little surprised. There was a light sheen of sweat on her cheeks, a testament to how hard she’d been working.
“Ah, Lord Serios! I’m sorry, the books in the study were a bit of a mess, so I was tidying them up!”
“There’s no need to apologize. I just didn’t expect you to be here.”
This unexpected situation of being alone with her, for some reason, made my heart stir. But, since it was like this, I wanted to make good use of this time.
“Say, Liese. Why don’t you study with me too?”
“Eh… Me?”
Her eyes widened in surprise, and she hurriedly returned the book she was holding to the shelf. Every little gesture of hers was adorable.
“That’s right. As an aide to the Lord, even a little knowledge would be useful, wouldn’t it? Look, we don’t have to do anything difficult; we can start with the basics.”
“…To be able to study together with Lord Serios…! I’m so happy!”
At those words, my heart skipped a beat. When she showed such pure joy, I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.
“Well then, have a seat. Let’s begin.”
“Yes!”
Liese sat down on the chair next to me, her expression a little tense. The distance between us felt strangely close, and a faint, sweet scent drifted from her hair.
“Alright, let’s start with this. We’ll begin with the basics of the tax system. It’s an unavoidable part of territory administration.”
We both peered into the book I had opened. Her face was close. So close that our noses might touch if I moved just a little.
“Take a look at what’s written here. To increase revenue, it’s not just about the tax rate, but also…”
“…Amazing… To think such detailed calculations are involved…”
Every time she murmured softly, the sound of her breath tickled my ear pleasantly, yet it made me feel incredibly restless. More than anything, was I the only one so aware of this?
“It’s not just about deciding the tax rate; it’s also important to consider ensuring the residents can maintain their livelihoods. Here, look at this.”
I naturally leaned closer to her. As I did, our shoulders brushed lightly, and Liese gave a small shiver.
“Sorry.”
“N-No, I’m sorry! Was I too close…?”
“No, it doesn’t bother me. In fact, I’m glad you’re listening so intently.”
When I said that, Liese’s face turned bright red. It seemed I wasn’t the only one who was conscious of the closeness. Even when I returned my gaze to the book, I could sense her faint embarrassment.
“Lord Serios… you’re truly amazing. To have learned so many things…”
“As a noble, I suppose I should have studied much more from a younger age and been able to contribute to the territory, but I simply can’t manage it all on my own.”
“Lord Serios, you are doing your best!”
“Thank you. It’s not just me; I want your help too, Liese.”
“…If I… can be of assistance to Lord Serios… I will gladly support you!”
Her soft voice resonated deep in my chest. How could I not cherish someone who thinks of me with such devotion?
“Liese.”
When I called her name, she looked up. Her eyes gazed straight at me.
“Do you realize just how much your presence reassures me?”
“Eh… For you to say that, I…”
“Your very presence supports me. You, who always watches over me, who believes in me… I need you. When I’m anxious, Liese, your words are my salvation.”
Her eyes widened, her cheeks still flushed, and she seemed to be at a loss for words.
“Besides… spending time with you like this calms my heart.”
She gave a small smile. That smile was so dazzling, it left me speechless.
“I… also love spending time with you, Lord Serios.”
Those words made my chest unbearably warm.
“…Thank you.”
Without thinking, I pressed my forehead against Liese’s, who was right in front of me.
At that, Liese’s face turned an even deeper shade of red.
“L-Lord Serios! That’s… unfair!”
Though embarrassed, she smiled faintly, and I found myself smiling back.
“Is that so? You’re just so adorable, I couldn’t help but want to feel that connection.”
“O-Oh, honestly! You leave me no choice!”
Even while saying that, Liese didn’t try to pull away and instead leaned into me; she’s truly gentle.
“Thank you, Liese.”
The moment of contact was brief, and with the lingering warmth on our faces, we returned to our studies.
In the study, enveloped in warm light, time for just the two of us flowed by slowly.
It was a calm, somewhat tingly, happy time. I didn’t want to ruin this moment.
However, when it came to her, there was a line I felt I couldn’t quite cross…
A fear had begun to sprout within me—that if I were to cross that line, I might lose everything.
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Afterword
Hello, this is the author, Iko.
That’s all for today.
Chapter 2, woven with unease and anxiety, presents quite the vexing internal conflicts.