Chapter 78

"Did you not get angry even when you encountered me cheating because you knew from the beginning that it was just a pretense?"

"Yes. Still, I was angry to see it with my own eyes."

"No matter how much I tried to run away, you knew where I was going..."

"I knew where you were going from the beginning. By the third time, I not only hired Alfred but also multiple people, and from then on, I bought out all the carriages you might change to along the way."

"..."

I really felt like I couldn't match Lord Zain anymore.

All my efforts until now were just in vain. All the money I spent was wasted.

And Lord Zain, I think, likes me more than I thought.

"I believed there must have been a reason for your actions, and after seeing and hearing you in the dining hall, I thought even more so, which is why I accepted that proposal."

While being moved by the fact that Lord Zain believed in me so much, I also felt convinced.

"I'm good at finding you."

"...You really are amazing."

"I'll pray for your dreams to come true."

The reason I felt comfortable being with him even though it was our first meeting, and the reason he accepted the proposal to keep our distance so easily, was because of Lord Zain.

"Do you have any other questions?"

"Um... there should be countless, but they don't come to mind right now."

As I was struggling to think, Lord Zain suddenly placed his hand on my chin. He turned my face towards him, and our faces got very close.

"W-What are you...?"

"Do lovers need a reason to touch each other?"

With a confident smile, Lord Zain lightly kissed my cheek. Just that made my face heat up, and I let out a small "Hya," causing him to chuckle.

"You're cute. I love you."

Everything was so sweet that my whole body felt warm.

"I've always wanted to see you and touch you."

He touched my cheek, neck, and hands as if to confirm my presence.

I was so flustered that I couldn't calm down, and I couldn't look at Lord Zain's face anymore.

"Still, even so, you're closer than usual, and it's not like the usual Lord Zain..."

"You saying you love me has made me so happy."

While feeling happy at his words, my chest tightened.

—How much must Lord Zain have been hurt during the time I pushed him away?

If I were to be told to break up or run away now, I might not be able to recover from the pain and sadness.

But I realized that he, who had always cherished my feelings, truly loved me.

Thinking that I would express my feelings to him even more from now on, I gently stroked his soft silver hair.

"...I really, really like you."

His golden eyes widened in surprise.

Feeling confused by his unexpected reaction, Lord Zain buried his face in my neck and whispered, "Thank you," "I'm so happy."

It wasn't like the usual mature Lord Zain, and just one word made my beloved person so happy, which made me regret not telling him sooner.

"From now on, I won't run away."

I had intended to end it. The chase with Lord Zain and my role as the stage prop in the story of 'The Fated Knight and the Holy Maiden.'

There are still many problems ahead, and it would be a lie to say I'm not anxious.

But now, I have the determination and courage to struggle for my own happiness.

"Grace"

"Yes—mm"

When he called my name and I looked up, he sealed my lips.

After a series of light, peck-like kisses, I was enveloped in his beloved warmth and scent.

"...I'm really, really happy."

Tears welled up in my eyes at his heartfelt words, and my heart was full.

My greatest wish, for Lord Zain to be happy, has never changed.

No matter what difficulties lie ahead, I have the confidence that everything will be okay as long as I'm with Lord Zain.

"Yes, me too."

Lord Zain smiled happily at my words, and he is the most precious and beloved person to me.

As I accepted his lips approaching again, I savored the incomparable happiness.

This concludes Part 2! Thank you so much for reading this far...

If a second volume of the book is released, I would be very grateful if you could purchase and support it!

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