A couple of weeks had passed since the successful hunt of the White Whale, and after spending the time in the capital, we were then called to the Mathers domain to celebrate the subjugation of the White Whale and the Archbishop of Sloth, as well as Subaru becoming Emilia's knight.
The 'we' in this case consisting of Priscilla, Crusch, and I, while excluding Ferris as he had decided to remain in the capital for a final check on the victims of Gluttony's authority before we would return to the Barielle estate.
Even Schult was here, having driven the carriage over, though he was currently preoccupied with spending time with that young maid as well as that blue-haired noble girl who was apparently the heiress to the Mathers estate.
I just hope he was doing well, as the last time I had seen him, that blonde-haired demi-human maid had been quite… excited about the objectively cute boy.
Anyway, in the time since the day of the expedition, Crusch had fit in relatively well with Priscilla and me, with her main task being to simply shadow us until she got used to her new surroundings, which would only change once more when we returned to the barony.
And as for Ferris… well, he was still a bit down compared to his usual self, but he was slowly getting better as the days went by.
There was, of course, the issue of his loyalty, as unlike Crusch and I, he wasn't necessarily devoted to Priscilla… but that wasn't really too much of a problem, considering that Priscilla didn't really like him being around anyway.
I could only hope that Ferris could find a purpose, even if he didn't end up becoming a knight sworn to a candidate like me, Crusch, and now Subaru.
And yes… Subaru had finally become Emilia's official knight, transforming his previous embarrassing and baseless declaration at the capital into reality.
Good for him. And he really deserved it considering how hard he worked to set up the expedition.
But speaking of Emilia and her camp… it seemed that there had really been some large changes in the time since the battle against the White Whale, considering how the previous residence of Roswaal's had supposedly been burned down, hence why the current party was being held in another mansion of his domain.
I was sure there was a story there, but I was sure I would be told what transpired later tonight… if it wasn't a camp secret, that is.
Anyway, after the initial announcement of the accomplishments, as well as the beautiful ceremony where Subaru officially swore his blade and became a knight of Emilia's, there was only the celebration part of the party left.
It was a more relaxed event, as evidenced by the relatively casual attire of many of the attendants, and the informal conversations being exchanged.
Even though Priscilla was a lord, she had not had any parties as she deemed such gatherings as 'useless', and even if we did, it wouldn't have such a pleasant atmosphere like this.
It was… nice, to be among friends like this.
Watching as Crusch and Rem continued to talk to each other from across the room, with Rem's twin sister standing near them, I felt a small smile form on my face.
I guess they were getting along, huh?
It was good that Crusch could find another friend after her situation, even if she was a maid in another camp.
"Hey, Selian! Doesn't this sword look cool?" Subaru said, causing me to turn back to the group.
Looking at him, who had remained in his butler attire with his ceremonial sword at his side, as well as Emilia, who had changed back in to her usual white and purple dress, I shook my head at Subaru's excited grin.
"That's just a ceremonial sword. While it can be used in combat, it is quite brittle in comparison to others, so I would not recommend it," I said with a smile.
"Tch. What a buzzkill… but it still looks cool, right?" he said, nodding to himself. "Now that things have calmed down, I think I might start training with this. Wilhelm-san should be a good teacher, right?"
"I believe that is the case… but don't get too ahead of yourself. Your foundation is solid, but it takes years to properly use a sword, especially to the point where you could be useful in a fight," I said, patting his shoulder.
It wasn't that I thought he was weak, it was just, in comparison to Emilia, Wilhelm, and even Rem… well, he needed to make up a lot of ground to make an impact.
Or, in short… he was too weak.
Sorry, Subaru.
"Yeah, but it's better than nothing, right? And wouldn't I look impressive if I used a sword, Emilia-tan?" he asked, turning to the half-elf that was beside him.
"Hmm, I think you look plenty impressive as you are now, though?" Emilia said with a smile. "Besides, you can leave all the bad people to me! I'm going to get much stronger with my magic, you know!"
"Your words are as comforting as always, Emilia-tan, but it hurts my pride to hear that last part…" Subaru said with an exaggerated frown, causing Emilia to burst into a chorus of giggles.
They seemed quite closer than before, and while I couldn't put an exact finger on why and how, they seemed much stronger… mentally, that is.
It was like a veil of deception and insecurity had been washed away, revealing people that even Priscilla didn't seem to mind being in the presence of, considering how she was still standing at my side.
To be able to change my lady's initial assessment of them as 'disgusting trash' was quite the accomplishment, especially for Emilia who hadn't done anything in our presence, unlike Subaru who faced the White Whale alongside us.
I wonder what happened to them in such a short time…
"Selian," Priscilla said, causing me to turn to her. "I see that you've noticed too."
Ah… just how was she able to read my thoughts so well?
"Indeed, I have… though, they still don't hold a candle to you, my love," I replied with a smile, causing her pondering expression to falter.
"Y-You… are you trying to tease me right now? In such a public setting?" she asked with a frown.
"No… I'm simply reminding you," I replied, shrugging my shoulders. "Or… do you dislike such things?"
Her eye twitched before she brought her hand up to my face, gently caressing my cheek before pinching as hard as she could, causing me to wince.
"Ouch…"
"Then stop spouting such idiotic things, Selian," she said with a frown. "And… I have affection for you as well… thus, stop acting so… so…"
"In love? Apologies, but I can't really change-"
"No! It's that! Just stop acting like that, you fool!" she interrupted me, pulling harder on my cheek.
But for some reason, instead of feeling any pain, all I could do was smile at the feeling of her touch, and the look of her flustered face.
"Um… you two… you are awfully close, aren't you?" Emilia said, causing both of us to turn back to them. "Just… how long have you been together?"
My mouth widened into a smile.
"Well, if you're talking about being 'together', then it's only been around-"
"It's been a year," Priscilla said, sending me a sharp glare before she looked back to Emilia. "This fool arrived at my domain's doorstep a year ago, so I decided to give him a place to stay. Though, as of recent, it's as if he's looking to get kicked out once more…"
Please don't joke about that…
"Wow… but still… it's really~ sweet to see you two together. I can only hope that… well…" Emilia then looked over at Subaru, who was still fiddling with his sword, before suddenly looking away with flushed cheeks.
Oh?
Subaru… it seems that the fortune of love has indeed turned in your favour.
"P-Priscilla-san… do you mind if we talk over there for a moment?" Emilia asked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Hmm? I suppose so… follow me, girl," she said, turning around as she led her away.
"I, uhh… wonder what that is about," Subaru muttered to himself, the two of us watching as Emilia waved her hand around as she continued talking to Priscilla. "I hope it's not anything bad…"
And as for my lady… she seemed… amused, by whatever was going on.
I would have to ask her about it later.
"I doubt it," I responded.
If Priscilla was going to do something mean to Emilia, she wouldn't put on airs while doing so.
That honesty was one of the things I loved most about her… even if it put us in many troublesome situations.
"Subaru," a childish voice then said, causing me to look down at Subaru's side.
Huh… why was there a little girl clinging to his hand?
"Oh! Beako! Did you have some sweets?" Subaru asked.
"Indeed, I suppose. They were quite good, but I would prefer if you ate with me next time, in fact," she said.
Uh… I was kind of lost here.
Wait… the energy I felt radiating from her…
"Excuse me, but are you a spirit, perhaps?" I asked, looking down at the girl with two coiled twin tails.
What an interesting hairstyle.
"Hmm… you… and yes, I am the Great Spirit of Yin, in fact. And I am the one contracted to Subaru, I suppose," she said, tilting her chin up with a proud smile.
A Great Spirit… yet another one in this camp, and this time contracted to Subaru.
How amazing.
"I… see…" I muttered, turning to Subaru for a moment. "And just how did this come to be?"
"W-Well… I guess you could say that I promised to be with her for all my life, and to show her all the fun stuff you could imagine," Subaru said, bringing his other hand down to pat the girl's head. "And who wouldn't want such a cute partner, right? My sweet Beako!"
"S-Stop that, I suppose! That is much too embarrassing!" Beatrice replied in a fluster, reaching up to swat his hand away.
Looking at their sweet exchange, as well as the earlier words from him that sounded like a proposal, I couldn't help but find a certain word coming to mind.
And then there was that young maid girl who had so lovingly passed Subaru his meal earlier…
"Huh? Selian? Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked.
"Nothing… you lolimancer," I said under my breath as I looked away.
"Hey! I take offence to that!" he said, pointing accusingly in my direction.
You take offence to it, yet you didn't deny it… I was beginning to question my choice in friendship a little.
"What ridiculous things are you two spouting… and you there… you are the one that landed the killing blow on the White Whale, correct?" Beatrice said, shaking her head as she turned to me.
"Uh… yeah, although it was a team effort," I said.
"Hmm… so there is only the Black Serpent that is left… how interesting, I suppose," she muttered to herself.
The Black Serpent… that was one of the Three Great Mabeasts.
And speaking of that…
"Does that mean that it's true? Did you really defeat the Great Rabbit?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at Subaru. "I had heard that blonde kid saying such a thing, but it didn't seem like anything more than a rumour…"
But such a rumour, despite seeming so amazing, did not feel baseless.
"Ah… that… yeah, we defeated it. Although it was mostly my incredible Beako-chan and Emilia-tan doing the work," Subaru said with a smile.
Ignoring how his hands began to quiver, I brought my hand to my chin in thought.
"How amazing… congratulations on such a feat, but in order to submit such an accomplishment to the council, you may need a piece of evidence," I said.
Of course, they would eventually accept it if the Great Rabbit did not appear for another few years, but by then, the outcome of the royal selection would have already been decided, so it would prove useless in furthering Emilia's cause.
And either way… I really should stop supporting other camps.
"Nah, it's fine. We got rid of it for our survival, so it's not like we expected to get anything out of it," Subaru said, shrugging his shoulders.
"If you're fine with that, then I won't comment further…" I said, looking back down once again, only to notice that Beatrice was glaring at me quite harshly with her butterfly-styled pupils. "Um… may I ask if I offended you, Beatrice-sama?"
She simply narrowed her eyes further before suddenly flinching as Subaru squeezed her hand.
"Hmph. Nothing like that, I suppose. It is better to say that your existence itself offends me," she said.
Okay… ouch.
To be told that by a cute little girl… if I didn't know that this was a Great Spirit, I might have been truly hurt by those words.
"B-Beako-chan?" Subaru said, confused.
"Don't worry, Subaru, it's not as if I feel malice towards him. It is simply that he is dangerous, I suppose," she said, shaking her head as she looked towards me. "That power… it feels like a Divine Protection, but stronger… even though it isn't being used to its full potential, I can still feel the mana being taken out of the air, and from what I can tell, it can also steal the Od of others as well… a monstrous ability."
My eyes widened at her words as I suddenly knelt down to get at her eye level.
"Are you sure, Beatrice-sama? Could you… tell me more?" I asked.
The secret of my Divine Protection… I wanted to know more, especially ever since that strike against the White Whale.
I could probably replicate it, but if it left me in the same state after only one attack, it was essentially useless in most situations, as no target would simply come towards me as I struck, like the White Whale did.
"Hmph. This is simply my conjecture, so don't expect too much, in fact," she said, narrowing her eyes. "It resembles the Divine Protection of the Sword Saint, at least from how Mother described it. But in terms of absorbing mana… it is even stronger. While not dangerous right now, if you ever wish to actively use it, I would caution you to be careful, I suppose. Especially around spirits… if it can affect the Od, like I presume, it would be akin to absorbing their entire being, in fact."
"I… see… thank you for your consideration," I said, nodding to her before I stood up once more.
Well… that would explain why I had such terrible compatibility with spirits when I could essentially drain them of, well… them.
But being akin to the power of the Sword Saint… perhaps I could ask Reinhard for some advice if I found the time.
This might be the way to get stronger… especially if there were monsters like that Regulus hiding in this world, waiting to bare their fangs towards Priscilla and Felt.
"Subaru… could you come over here, please?" Emilia suddenly said, causing Subaru to look her way.
"Ah! Of course, Emilia-tan!" he said. "And Beako, how about you go get another cake? I want to try one with you!"
"Hmph… that is acceptable, I suppose," she said, letting go of his hand as she walked towards the tables.
Watching as Subaru headed towards Emilia, I looked over to Priscilla, who had returned to my side.
"So? What was that about?" I asked. "You seemed to be having some fun from what I could tell…"
"Hmm… yes, it was indeed amusing," she said with a smile. "And as for what… well, it could be said that I gave her some advice."
"Advice? What advice?" I asked.
"Hmm… how to reward a good mutt, I suppose," she said cryptically as she nodded towards them. "Simply watch."
I did as she asked, hearing the faint sound of Priscilla's light laughter as Emilia hesitantly reached for Subaru's collar, pulling his head down as she suddenly planted a kiss on his cheek, causing his face to immediately light up in a red hue.
That was… awfully forward.
So that advice… Priscilla was the type to enjoy naive playthings, and unfortunately, Emilia had outed herself as exactly that.
"Just… keep the teasing to a minimum, Priscilla… please," I said.
"Oh, there is no need for me to interfere further. I simply decided to push things forward for mine amusement," she said, the two of us watching as Rem suddenly ran over.
How did she get there so fast?
And had she been watching Subaru the entire time?
Either way, with Emilia turning around to hide her face from him, Rem took the opportunity to tie things up by reaching up to kiss Subaru's other cheek, leaving him in an even further flustered state.
Dammit… Priscilla was right… it was quite amusing to watch.
"Excuse me, Priscilla-sama, Selian-dono… am I intruding on something?"
Turning to the voice, I met the eyes of Wilhelm as he smiled between the two of us.
"No… my lady was just having her fun," I said, glancing over at Priscilla, who was still watching Subaru and the other two. "Is there something you need, Wilhelm-dono?"
"I simply wished to introduce you to someone," he said, pushing the blonde haired kid from earlier to stand before me. "This is Garfiel Tinsel. While he could still use some work, I believe he will grow into quite the formidable knight, and I think the two of you will get along."
"Oh? A formidable knight? That is quite the praise from Wilhelm. Good to meet you, Garfiel," I said, nodding to the boy.
"Yeah… good ta' meet ya too, I guess," he said, narrowing his eyes at me.
He was analyzing me… and from the way his fur was standing on end, it seems that he noticed how much of a possible threat I was.
Was it the instincts of a demi-human, or was it his intellect?
Either way… it was praiseworthy.
"I believe you have encountered the Bowel Hunter before, and it is he and I who put an end to her deeds. Unfortunately, we could not save the mansion in the process," Wilhelm said before looking down at the boy with narrowed eyes. "And Garfiel… it would be best that you respect this man. Selian-dono is likely the strongest in the kingdom aside from the Sword Saint, so you should see him as someone to match in strength."
The Bowel Hunter… Elsa?
Did that mean the old mansion was destroyed by their fight?
And for the boy to have lent a hand in such a battle… well, I could tell he was strong, but I guess he was even more impressive than my instincts told me.
That aside… from that tone Wilhelm was using… did he take this boy on as his mentor?
How interesting.
"The strongest? Are ya sure?" Garfiel said, turning to Wilhelm with wide eyes as the old man simply nodded in affirmation. "Whoa… hey! Selian, right? Come outside and fight me! I wanna see what you're made of- oof!"
His words were promptly cut off as Wilhelm smacked him in the back of his head, the old man releasing a sigh as he shook his head.
"What are you trying to do during a celebratory party, Garfiel? Go back to Otto-dono if you cannot control yourself, and ask again at a better time," Wilhelm said sternly.
"Alright… got it…" Garfiel said, turning to head back towards the tables.
"He… seems like quite the interesting fellow," I said, watching as the boy sat down next to a grey-haired man.
"He is… his tenacity is praiseworthy, and his strength is quite amazing for his age… though, he needs to work on his manners, among other things," Wilhelm said with a small smile before looking back at me. "But aside from that, I also wanted to congratulate you on obtaining the title of 'White'. Priscilla-sama is lucky to have two of the kingdom's best magicians among her retinue."
Ah… right.
There was that too.
After my showing in the defeat of the White Whale, as well as fending off the Archbishop of Greed, I was named the title of 'White' for being the kingdom's most skilled magician in Yang magic.
Of course, it helped that the title had not been held by anyone for the past few years.
"Thank you, Wilhelm-dono… though such a title is ill-befitting my standing," I said, looking down at my fist. "I still have to get a lot stronger…"
Strong enough to be able to kill that damned Regulus, without needing to separate from Priscilla.
"If you say so, Selian-dono… though it is that drive that has gotten you this far," Wilhelm said before turning away. "Now, if you would excuse me."
Continuing to look down at my clenched fist, I then found a hand overlapping it, causing me to look up at Priscilla's inquisitive face.
"What is angering you so?" she asked. "Is it perhaps the memory of that archbishop?"
She knew me so well…
"Yeah… I would have lost the battle if he hadn't run away, so it's frustrating…" I said with a frown.
"Hmm… but that is not all, is it?" she said, raising an eyebrow.
No… it wasn't.
There was something that pissed me off about that guy more than his strength.
"He… said he wanted to take you as his wife… and treated you like a damn object…" I said, furrowing my brow. "I didn't like it…"
"Pff… hahaha! Ah~ you amuse me so, Selian," she said, chuckling to herself. "But do not worry, for that will never happen in a million years. After all…"
I felt her hand grip my collar, pulling me down so close to her face that our noses touched.
"You so arrogantly declared me as 'yours', correct? And I know that you are not one to renounce your word," she said, a victorious smile on her face. "But… you will need to work hard to maintain that dream of yours, as I'm quite a difficult woman to please."
So cheeky… did she forget how cute she was acting recently?
Telling me to feed her at dinner, reaching out to hold my hand when we walked together in the street… and not to mention the few times we had stolen kisses from each other when no one else was present.
And now she was telling me I had to work hard to keep that going?
Sure, I would always aim to be the best in front of her… but I didn't want to stress about that either.
So perhaps it was time to put her in her place, so to say.
Pressing forward, I quickly captured her lips in a soft kiss, my tongue briefly flashing out to trace her lower lip before I pulled away, only to be graced with the sight of a very surprised, and evidently flustered, Priscilla Barielle.
"T-That…"
"Hmm… perhaps you aren't so difficult after all… at least for me," I said with a teasing smile.
"Y-You!" she stuttered, her cheeks still stained red.
Before we could continue such banter, I heard the sound of the musicians change from a formal ambient tune, to one with a soft, flowing melody, obviously meant to be accompanied by a dance.
And seeing many of the other attendees breaking off into pairs only confirmed that.
"Well… shall we, my lady?" I asked, extending my hand towards her.
"W-What…? Say it clearly, fool," she said, attempting to regain her authority as she tilted her head up boastfully.
But that arrogance didn't feel too imposing when she had already reached to grab my hand.
Still, I would entertain her.
"Then… Priscilla Barielle, my beloved… will you please accompany me for this dance?" I asked, leaning down so that our noses were pressed against each other's once more.
"Hmm… you may," she said, pulling her face away and stepping forwards as we headed towards the centre of the room.
"But Selian…" she said, turning back to narrow her eyes at me. "I will absolutely have my revenge for those previous displays."
"Yes… my lady," I replied, a wide smile on my face.
With one hand clasping hers, and another reaching down to hold her lower back, I found myself captivated one more with the face of the woman before me.
Truly befitting the title of the Sun Princess, the days spent with her were always so much brighter.
— Priscilla Barielle —
"Honestly… to think you were so weak to alcohol, Selian. What was that, two glasses of wine?" I asked, feeling him lean against my side as we continued towards my guest room.
"Mmm… sorry, Prishilla… but I feel good~" he said, his speech slurred.
What a fool.
"Priscilla-sama, do you wish for my assistance? Rem-san said that there is a room for all four of us next to each other," Crusch said from the side, causing me to pause.
"Hmm… no, I can take him to our room on my own," I said, turning to one of the doors, opening it to see that it was unlocked. "And we will be using this one for tonight."
"I see… w-wait, 'our room'? 'We'?" Crusch said, surprised.
My, such a reaction was quite thrilling.
She truly was a wonderfully amusing member of my entourage.
"Yes, ours. It is not as if this fool could do anything to me in this state," I said, pushing my finger into his cheek, causing him to pout as he closed his eyes. "Besides… this is a new side to my knight that I wish to see more of, so do excuse us."
"I-If you say so… but do you require my assistance in undressing?" she then asked.
I simply shook my head as I led Selian inside.
"Alright… then, I will be in the room to the right if you need me, and I will go get Schult," she said, turning away. "Goodnight, Priscilla-sama, Selian."
And with the door closing behind her, I was left alone in the room, with only the pale glow of the moonlight coming through the window serving as a light source.
"Now, let's get you lying down," I said, walking Selian over to the bed.
Luckily, he didn't resist, and simply collapsed against the mattress as soon as he felt it, his face transforming into a goofy smile as he rubbed his face against the sheet.
"To think you would be a joyful, sleepy drunk as well…" I said, watching as Selian unceremoniously kicked off his shoes onto the ground, a smile growing on my face. "Perhaps I will have to spike some of your drinks for mine amusement, especially with how easy it was to reduce you to this state."
Honestly, he had been acting as a child as soon as that wine went down his gullet.
To be able to learn about this, I might have to thank that Garfiel boy and sly merchant for inviting him for a drink.
"Pris…" he mumbled, causing me to pause. "I love you~ love you so~ much~"
I felt the familiar heat rise from my chest to my face… the heat that only he was able to elicit within me… the heat that burned brighter than the very sun itself.
"Just what are you saying… you fool-!"
I nearly yelped as I felt his arms wrap around my side, and before I knew it, I had been pulled down onto the bed and into his embrace, the man having turned to sit upright as he gently ran his fingers through my hair.
If this was anywhere else, I would have retreated from this place to preserve my pride.
But since it was only the two of us… I decided to relish in this feeling and his warmth, leaning into his chest as I closed my eyes at the pleasant sensation sending tingles down my spine.
We remained like that in silence for but a few moments as Selian leaned back down to rest his head against the pillow, keeping me within his arms as he continually patted my head.
Honestly, to make me feel so comfortable in such a state… was it due to his experience with his sister?
The feeling was… quite safe.
"You know… before we met, you were lonely… weren't you?" he eventually said, braking the silence. "Just like I was after leaving the capital…"
"Your presumption is correct…" I answered, frowning as he twirled a strand of my hair around his finger. "But just what brought this up?"
"Nothin… just wanted you to know that with me here, you won't be lonely anymore… I love you, so I want to give you all~ the love and warmth that you never had before…" he said, leaning down to press his face against my head. "Mmm… you know, I'm always proud of you… I love your kindness, even if you don't outwardly show it… so always, always, I'll be here for you… as your knight and lover-"
"J-Just stop with the pleasantries for a moment!" I said, removing myself from his grasp.
Honestly, hearing those sweet words whispered right above me, so close that I could feel his breath against my skin… it was too much.
"But… they're true though?" he said, tilting his head in confusion as he grew a warm smile. "I promise to love you forever… no matter what."
…On second thought, I don't think I would secretly get him drunk in the future.
He was much too dangerous in this state.
"Those words… they are something meant for marriage, Selian. They are the words you would whisper to your lover as you held your kids," I said, shaking my head.
Yes… not for someone like me.
Honestly, what did he think he was doing, spouting such-
"But I want it," he said, his words making my thoughts grind to a halt. "With you… I want to marry you… love you… have kids with you… I want to do it all…"
…How was it, when he was in such a ridiculously intoxicated state, that I was the one feeling embarrassment?
This was obviously wrong, right?
"J-Just go to bed," I said, pulling the blanket up to cover him as he turned his head into the pillow.
"Alright… good night, Pris…" he mumbled, snuggling deeper into the sheets. "Sweet dreams…"
And like that, he was out.
Sweet dreams… yes, ever since he arrived in my life, I had been having nothing but sweet dreams.
The pains of the past… it all just seems like so long ago ever since I found my knight… my place to call home…
"Thank you… for coming into my life," I whispered, my hand reaching over to play with his hair. "And your love… I will not take it one-sidedly, as I love you as well."
Perhaps it would be better for me to say it out loud more often, but I knew that he could see my true feelings, so that was enough.
I just hope that he could understand the pure depth of my love… especially when he showed his so outwardly.
What a troublesome fool.
I… wasn't sure if I deserved such a pure devotion from him, and I still found myself questioning how I became so lucky.
Well… this must be the world turning in my favour, I suppose.
Ever since leaving my homeland, I never thought that I would ever have someone that I could truly trust again, much less have them remain at my side.
But he had done so.
While his previous words of love were delightful to hear, they weren't anything particularly special to me.
After all, being this beautiful, and with quite the exalted background, many had come to me with frivolous pleasantries… but none could shake my heart like him.
None could make me feel so wanted, and so… cherished.
He made me vulnerable, he made me feel things I was scared to feel, he gave me the hope to love and to receive it in kind… and now that I was so assured of his devotion, the fear of losing said feelings had all but vanished.
He was my strength, just as much as he was my weakness.
"You're such a bad boy for doing such a thing to mine august self…" I said, swiping his bangs away from his forehead, my voice quieting to a whisper. "Altair-kun~"
…
That was much too embarrassing.
How could I say that out loud?
He really made me an idiot, didn't he?
Clicking my tongue, I moved my hand to squeeze his nose as punishment for causing me to do such a shameful thing.
"Nghh… mmgh…" he groaned, struggling as his eyes scrunched in annoyance at his nose being forced shut.
How cute.
Haa… but I suppose I would let him go for now.
Removing my hand and getting to my feet, I quickly undid the back of my dress, revealing the figure that could tempt any man clad in a black nightdress that I had kept underneath.
There were absolutely no ulterior motives for such a state of dress, nor for being prepared beforehand… it was purely for efficiency.
Letting down my hair, that had already been partially undone thanks to Selian's affections, I then lifted the sheet before positioning myself next to Selian, hearing the soft sounds of his breathing as I turned to look at him.
Those words he said before… I could tell there was nothing but truth in them, which was why I had been so flustered to hear them.
Life in the future… having a family… kids…
"Well… if such a thing comes to pass… I hope they get your eyes," I said, narrowing my eyes at his sleeping face. "Goodnight, Selian."
And with a small kiss planted on his forehead, I then turned around, closing my eyes as I prepared to fall asleep.
But… there was something missing.
"Oh…" I mumbled, feeling Selian's arm wrap around me as he snuggled close, his face nuzzling against the nape of my neck as the slight discomfort I felt vanished into nothingness.
I see… so that was it.
Lowering my hand to cover his over my midsection, I found a smile forming on my face as a sense of calmness washed over me.
Yes… this was certainly better.
Perhaps from now on… I would have him hold me like this during the night.
A perfect being like myself deserved to feel such comfort as they fell asleep, after all.
The comfort of being held by one they loved… such was a privilege of the divine.