Chapter 96

"Sorry, I changed the title;;"

Zain-sama pointed to a particularly tall mountain and narrowed his eyes wistfully.

"When I was a child, I used to believe the story Mother often told, that 'naughty children would be eaten by the giant hiding in that mountain,' and I would often cry."

"Zain-sama did?"

"Yes. Whenever Mother spoke, Father would make footsteps from behind the door, and I thought he really came to eat me."

"Hehe, that's so adorable. You must have been a cute child, too."

Thinking that even Zain-sama, who is now such a composed adult, had such an adorable childhood makes my heart flutter.

When I said I really wanted to see it, Zain-sama laughed, blushing, "Absolutely not."

As noon approached, after tying the beautiful white horse to a nearby tree, we spread a blanket under a large, leafy tree.

The shade under the tree seemed perfect for a peaceful meal. I took out the basket I had brought from the mansion and sat down next to Zain-sama.

"It looks delicious."

"Really? I'm glad!"

As soon as I opened the basket, Zain-sama said this, and I clasped my hands in joy. Zain-sama looked at me curiously.

"Why are you so happy?"

"Actually, I made all the food myself."

This morning, I woke up at 3:30 AM and worked hard alone in the kitchen I had arranged to borrow, preparing a basket full of dishes.

I told them to use the leftovers as lunch for everyone in the mansion and left them there. I kept it a secret from Zain-sama, so he was genuinely surprised.

"I'm happy, but it must have been a lot of work to make all this. I feel bad, considering it's your birthday."

"No! I just wanted Zain-sama to try my home-cooked food."

I had always dreamed of serving a meal I had prepared to a man I liked outdoors.

I told him not to worry, and we started eating the sandwiches and other easy-to-eat dishes.

"It's really delicious. I like what you make the most."

"Thank you so much!"

It seems he genuinely thought so, and I felt elated.

Despite the large amount, Zain-sama finished everything while praising it multiple times.

"That was a feast, it was really delicious. Thank you. What do you want to do next?"

When Zain-sama asked, I hesitated, "Um..."

He must have sensed that I wanted to say something but couldn't.

"I want to do what you want to do."

Hearing this, I mustered the courage to tell him.

"Well, in the ideal picnic date I've been imagining, there's one more thing I want to try..."

"Whatever it is, I'll do it."

"Um, can I use your lap as a pillow?"

I asked timidly, and Zain-sama blinked his silver-fringed eyes.

I know it's a cliché, but taking a nap on someone's lap in a peaceful natural setting is a common scene in romantic novels.

The old romance novels in the library were my Bible and my dream, so please forgive me.

At the same time, I also wanted Zain-sama, who is always busy, to rest a little.

"Alright."

Zain-sama nodded and asked how to do it.

Since I had no experience either, we tried and made adjustments, and eventually, Zain-sama lay down on my lap while I sat seiza.

"It's more embarrassing than I thought."

"R-Really..."

I could feel Zain-sama's weight and warmth directly. The distance was closer than I imagined, and the position of looking up from below was quite embarrassing.

However, as time passed, I gradually got used to it, and the tension in my shoulders eased. A gentle, comfortable breeze blew, and Zain-sama closed his eyes quietly.

"Can you fall asleep?"

"Is this something I should fall asleep to?"

"Yes, that's what a lap pillow is!"

Honestly, I don't think so, but I asserted it boldly, and Zain-sama seemed to understand.

I gazed at Zain-sama's face, which was closed in sleep.

Every feature is perfectly placed and beautiful. I still can't get used to his beauty and could look at him forever.

Even now, I think it feels like a dream that such a beautiful person likes me and is my lover.

"..."

Just looking at his face, my feelings of love overflow, and I gently stroke his soft silver hair.

Zain-sama's well-shaped lips curved slightly.

"Being with you makes me feel truly happy."

Those words made my heart warm, and my vision blurred.

I receive so much happiness from Zain-sama.

If I can return even a little of that to him, there's nothing more joyful.

A few minutes later, I heard regular breathing, and it seemed he had fallen asleep.

Looking at his beloved sleeping face, I felt I could do anything for Zain-sama.