Chapter 57

Waking up earlier than usual on this early morning, I looked down at him who had snuggled deep into my arms.

His nose breathing tickled my neck and occasionally reached my chest.

“Hmm…”

Arthur while sleeping looked just like a cute little animal.

Looking at his fragile face breathing steadily, a strong urge to protect him arose.

Though I wanted to keep watching this peaceful Arthur forever, I had no choice but to wake him up eventually.

I slightly lowered my body and firmly pressed my lips against his.

Though his body lightly flinched, his eyes did not open.

I continued to pepper his lips with small kisses, but Arthur remained asleep.

“What? Why won’t you wake up?”

I tilted my head and moved on to more earnest kissing.

Even as the intensity deepened, Arthur’s eyes did not open.

This reminded me of a month ago, and I cautiously placed my fingers under his nose.

Feeling his warm breath tickling my fingers, I was relieved he was still alive.

Finally, deciding on an extreme measure, I opened his mouth with my hand.

I inserted my tongue, licking around his mouth thoroughly.

Yet, he still didn’t wake up.

Something was definitely wrong.

“Arthur, are you…”

“Who uses their tongue and still can’t wake up?”

“…Are you pretending?”

He remained silent.

“Well, fine. Then listen…”

Leaning over Arthur who was pretending to sleep, I whispered in his ear.

“If you don’t wake up… I might do something unpredictable… like for instance…”

Simultaneously, I feigned moving my hand toward his lower half and blew a sudden gust of wind into his ear.

“Huuyyyy~”

“Kyaaa?!”

With a strange shriek, Arthur woke up.

Smiling smugly, I greeted him.

“Good morning, Arthur.”

“A, good morning, Lily-”

“Did you like it?”

“…What?”

“Lying there quietly and taking the kisses. Did you like it?”

“…”

Blushing, Arthur finally responded.

“…Yes. It was nice. I’m sorry.”

“If you liked it, that’s all that matters. But…”

Trailing off, I pressed my lips on his firmly again.

“Remember, tomorrow it’s your turn to wake me up.”

That was a moment of anticipation for the next morning.

—

As I walked back with an old one in the morning streets, he was holding what looked like a new business card.

“What’s this business card?”

“Uwa?!”

Arthur flinched, grabbing his chest.

“Dear me, sorry for startling you~ I wasn’t careful.”

“Please make some noise next time. My heart almost stopped….”

…Heart?

I must have subconsciously frowned.

Arthur looked back at me guiltily, as if realizing his mistake.

“…Don’t say things like that.”

The moment I said that, I was reminded of him a month ago.

His fading life in front of my eyes.

Every time I think about the tears I uncontrollably shed back then, it stabs my chest painfully.

“I’m sorry.”

Seeing his defeated bow of apology, my anger quickly melted away.

‘Aww, you’re too cute. So lovable. I want to protect you.’

Lifting his chin, I spoke gently.

“Let’s eat breakfast.”

The fire in Arthur’s eyes began to kindle.

“Lily, I’m not hungry.”

“What? J-Just a mo-…mmmph…”

Without hesitation, he embraced me, kissing me. I happily reciprocated his affection.

‘You can desire me as much as you want. I’ll gladly take you in, anytime.’

—

After breakfast.

Arthur spoke to me.

“Ah, right. Lily, may I go out this afternoon?”

‘A date! A date surely?’

The happiness I felt had subsided, now began to rise again.

“Okay? Where to? Do you have a place in mind?”

“No, I’ll go alone…”

Alone?

Alone?

What is ‘alone’?

…

…You’re going to be apart from me?

Why?

Why?

Why?

“Going alone? Why? Do I have to stay back? Why?”

I couldn’t understand.

Hadn’t he said it was vacation? A two-week break?

And still, he wants to be apart from me?

Why?

“Ah… I… well…”

Judging by his inability to answer, there was something he couldn’t tell me.

“Can’t say?”

Arthur nodded.

Something I shouldn’t know?

Don’t tell me…a girl?

I immediately shook my head.

No, that’s impossible.

Arthur only watches me.

We’re already engaged after all.

“Is it dangerous?”

“No, that’s certain.”

“…Alright. Be careful.”

“Thank you.”

Seeing his brightening face, my gloomy feelings promptly dissipated.

Each of his reactions made me sad, and then made me happy again. This proved how much I was captivated by Arthur.

Thinking that way, I felt a little better, though. Nevertheless, as much as it might be tiring today, I wanted to stay by his side at least tomorrow.

“In exchange, we’ll definitely go on a date tomorrow, okay? Got it?”

“Sure.”

That’s how I secured a promise.

—

As it’s said, enjoyable times pass quickly.

The morning spent with Arthur flew by in no time.

I approached Arthur who was getting ready to go out.

“Arthur, wait a moment.”

While straightening his clothes, I pinned a badge on his uniform collar.

“It’s a magical badge that signals me if you’re in danger. Promise me you won’t take it off.”

“I promise I won’t take it off. I swear.”

Though we have confessed our love and are already engaged, I still couldn’t help feeling uneasy.

Pure, kind, and overly good-hearted Arthur might attract certain undesirable attention from those around him.

‘Sorry, Arthur.’

From now on, I won’t repeat what happened last time.

“Seal.”

Goochhh!

As a proof of commitment, I requested a kiss stamp, to which he smiled and kissed me. Watching his satisfaction until I was content, a kiss was delivered audibly, making him seem all the more precious to me.

“I’m going.”

“Okay, don’t get hurt~”

“Yep!”

When Arthur left,…

“…It’s cold.”

It’s as if I lost a light.

It feels like being thrown alone into endless darkness, cursed chaos, a cold winter.

I dived into the bed and blanket Arthur used, searching for traces of him. If I didn’t, I felt like I might go mad.

Then suddenly.

“!!!”

The tracker I placed on Arthur sent a signal.

‘Already?!’

I quickly moved to the tracker’s location and spotted a person holding Arthur. It was Reeti, wasn’t it?

According to Arthur, she’s a frequent helper, a friend.

Of course, I’m grateful to her—she’s probably been his pillar of support thus far.

But not anymore.

I want to be Arthur’s only support now.

And this…

‘…Friends don’t usually hug like this, do they?’

That person… could it be that she likes Arthur…?

Arthur checked the time and quickly left. Normally, I’d have waited for him at home but this time, I’ve decided to follow him. It might be too late relying on the badge alone. What if he’s meeting a woman?

‘In that case…’

Even I couldn’t predict how I’d react.

—

Fortunately, Arthur wasn’t meeting a woman one-on-one.

Arthur met two siblings and started a conversation.

What kind of talk is this that he’s willing to give up our time together for?

I decided to eavesdrop on their conversation.

The soundproofing magic was on, but for me, this simple magic was no barrier.

“Is it true that you’re from an orphanage?”

That human is insane!

How dare they ask Arthur such a sensitive question…

“Yes, that’s correct.”

But Arthur answered easily.

“Which orphanage?”

“Blue Piece Orphanage.”

The questioning format suggested an interview.

But why? An unexpected interview?

Though I wondered, it was indeed a good opportunity for me. A chance to learn more about him.

“You’ve been rumored to experience abuse in the orphanage. Is it true?”

“… Not to the extent of abuse—”

“So, it was a place harsh enough to be considered abuse?”

“Yes, correct—no, that’s not what I meant…”

…If I have time later, I should visit the people there. Both to gather more information about his history and to hold them accountable.

As I continued listening, mention of me started.

“Of course, it’s a brilliant mind that’s impressive too, but the one who made that plan a reality, wasn’t it the cat?”

“What kind of cat is this?”

“Rilim is my familiar.”

“Can you tell us about the cat’s abilities? Of course, you don’t have to tell us everything!”

“Shielding, curses, and destruction rays.”

“Ah! The destruction ray, isn’t that the famous ‘Nya Nya Death Beam’? Can you show it to us?”

Is that human asking for their own death?

“Not this time. I didn’t bring Rilim today, and even if I did, blowing something up here… would be problematic.”

“Understood. Next!”

“Why the nickname ‘Troll’?”

This I was curious about too. It was a nickname spouted by that trash, Louis. Why that name?

To compare such a loving figure to a grotesque creature?

“… It’s due to receiving multiple severe wounds yet surviving healthily, thus earning the derogatory nickname.”

Outstanding natural healing.

It’s definitely related to Arthur’s overwhelming life force.

He truly is the one as predicted in the records…

As my thoughts wandered…

“A month ago, you were seen walking in the academies’ shopping district with an elegant-looking woman.”

“A picture-perfect, sweet couple.”

“The woman was dressed in the academy uniform. Who is this woman? What’s your relationship with her?”

Unconsciously, I focused my gaze on Arthur’s lips. He seemed to want to keep his relationship with me hidden. It would have been troublesome in various ways if it was known.

I tried to respect Arthur’s wishes as much as possible…

But deep down, I hoped for some confirmation through his own words. If word got out that Arthur was engaged, perhaps women like Reeti would be less inclined to approach him?

Focusing on his trembling lips, just at that moment…

“Fiancé.”

“!!!!!”

The moment those words came out from his lips, it felt as if my brain had been bleached blank.

The overwhelming emotions that filled my mind.

Happiness, and love.

The intense emotions felt as if electric signals were coursing through my body.

Though I wanted to burst into cheers, I barely managed to hold back because I didn’t want to reveal myself yet. I decided to save this exhilaration for when he returns to the room.

—

After the interview, Arthur received something from the twins. Looking closely from behind, it was a check.

“Money… Did he need money?”

I had a strange feeling.

Though I knew humans were inexplicably obsessed with money, but to give up time with me for it?

Even for people standards, money like that was nothing more than pocket change to me.

If he wanted it, I could buy him an entire star system.

Yet, he chooses to earn money himself… I worry if he’ll later offer to work.

“Money’s unnecessary… He could easily live his whole life in my arms with no shortage…”

But why?

Arthur got up and headed somewhere.

Was I supposed to go back to the dormitory and wait for him?

—

“Uh? This isn’t the way back to the dormitory?”

Arthur suddenly started walking in a strange direction.

Why?

This is not towards me?

Why?

Not meeting a girl again… no, that can’t be possible.

But why?

Anxiety gripped me as I followed Arthur who stopped in front of a small building.

“What? Where’s this?”

As soon as Arthur knocked on the door, a man popped out.

“Welcome! What do you need? A spare uniform? School supplies? Or perhaps… photo albums of young professors?”

…Should I kill this person?

“A, no! I want to cash out the check—”

Cashing the check? So he intends to use money immediately?

Following closely behind Arthur, a staircase appeared. Following Arthur and the staff down the stairs, I overheard their conversation.

“How would you like this dealt with? Shall I convert it all into cash?”

Arthur replied.

“…By any chance, does your shop handle jewelry?”

… Jewelry? Could it be…?

“Of course, sir! Rings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, even crowns—we have everything!”

“I want to buy a ring.”

‘!!!!!’

I barely managed to contain my scream and continued listening to the ensuing dialogue.

“What kind of ring are you looking for? From the flashy ones with embedded jewels to simple silver rings, or perhaps magic rings with functionality?”

“Uh… I want to buy two.”

“Perhaps a couple set?”

Arthur nodded.

“Is it a surprise?”

He nodded again.

I’m losing my mind. No, I must be already crazy.

I’ve gone mad over his precious heart.

I felt like flying.

I wanted to shout in joy everywhere.

I was happy. Happy. Happy.

Just happy.

A surprise… and a ring… !!

Upon reflection, our engagement was just by word. There was no ring symbolizing that commitment.

“Newheart!!!”

Arthur, who thinks of such things, is just too loving.

Even planning to give it to me as a surprise.

Although now that I’ve discovered this situation, the surprise might be ruined.

Still, I was confident I’d be delighted when he gave it to me.

“Love you, love you, love you, love you…”

I wanted to shower Arthur with kisses right now.

Rather, I even wanted to do something more.

I was mad with affection for him.

But…

…It’s not the time now.

Tomorrow. The date.

I had to wait.

I had to restrain myself.

The more I restrains myself, the more the fruit I eventually enjoy will be sweeter.

I climbed back up the stairs to let him keep the appearance of his surprise regarding the ring.

—

After some time, Arthur came out of the shop and headed toward the dormitory with a light step.

Muttering something, I approached closely to hear.

“…Tomorrow… date with… finger size…”

The last word was clear.

‘Finger size! He doesn’t know the ring size!’

Tomorrow at the date, I would express my affection related to his hand.

Focusing on the left ring finger whenever possible.

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