Chapter 11

When I woke up, the shadow had moved, and the sun was shining on the mat.

It wasn’t blinding. When I looked up, Rias was making a shadow with his hand.

“Are you awake?”

“Ah... I’m sorry.”

I had slept deeply and very comfortably.

“There’s no need to apologize.”

I sat up and moved to the shade.

Eidan also started to stir.

We decided to have lunch and asked him to start preparing it.

After the meal, Eidan went out to play again.

Rias and I decided to relax a bit while drinking tea after the meal.

It’s the turn of the nurse and Lord Orenzia. It’s so much easier with so many adults around one child.

“What a peaceful time.”

“Yes.”

“We have dinner together every day. Is everything okay with your work?”

“No problem.”

I see, you could have come back before, but you didn’t.

“Rias.”

“Yes.”

“Can’t you change the way you speak to me a bit?”

Rias slightly widened his eyes.

“What do you mean?”

“It’s the formal language. We’re not subordinate and superior.”

“You are the princess—”

“No, I’m not a royal anymore. I’m your wife.”

His reaction was one of surprise.

“Right. Try speaking to me the way you speak to Lord Orenzia.”

“Are you joking?”

“I’m being completely serious.”

It feels so formal that I have to straighten my posture.

How can I make him change?

I slightly lowered my gaze.

“I feel lonely when you treat me so formally.”

“Wha—”

A moment of silence.

“I thought you didn’t like me.”

“Language.”

“Oh, I thought you didn’t like me.”

“I don’t dislike you.”

The words sound strange, but I won’t nitpick.

“I remember saying I didn’t understand you well.”

Ever since we started spending every day together.

I’m clumsy and a novice father, and as a husband, I have a lot to say.

But he’s not a bad person.

He has a good face.

“I don’t dislike you at all.”

He always takes care of me.

He tries to be sincere with Eidan too.

“I feel safe when I’m with you.”

I can relax even when you’re around, like just now.

“I think these moments are very happy.”

That’s why I want to spend more time with you.

Rias was frozen.

Just as I was wondering what else to say, Rias spoke.

“You were murmuring ‘happy’ in your sleep just now.”

Ah, right. I was incredibly happy. The luxury of sleeping outside in this refreshing weather.

“I’m also incredibly happy. —Cynthia.”

Rias straightened his posture.

I naturally put down my cup and straightened my back.

“I’ve always liked you.”

“Huh?”

Oh no, I made a strange sound.

“You were my idol. The joy of serving you, who was called the Light, and the loyalty to protect you for life. And then... to have you as my wife.”

No way. That’s not true. The look in your eyes when we first met wasn’t the look of someone who likes someone.

“I thought you hated me, so I never thought I could tell you these feelings.”

If that’s true, you have incredible mental strength and facial muscles.

“If you don’t dislike me, can I stop hiding my feelings?”

Well... I’m not sure.

I’m a bit confused.

“The joy of being able to express my love to you is beyond anything else.”

Rias put his hand on his chest and smiled happily.

Wow, when he smiles, he looks even more like Eidan.

The cold atmosphere suddenly softened, and yes, he’s dangerous. Dangerously handsome.

“I don’t intend to ask for your love. If you allow me to express my love to you, that’s enough.”

“W-wait, just a moment.”

I can’t hear any more.

When he speaks so intensely, I start to blush.

“It’s sudden, so...”

“You just need to smile and listen—ah, don’t make that face.”

Rias took a strand of my white hair and gently kissed it.

“Your blushing face is so beautiful, it takes my breath away.”

“Ah!”

Oh, I’m not used to it, so I made a strange sound.

Rias chuckled.

“I love you, Cynthia.”

My heart is being destroyed.

It can’t take it.

I awkwardly stood up and sought help from Eidan.

Eidan, play with me. Heal me...

Since that day, Rias has changed.

Changed... or broken?

“Cynthia. Good morning.”

“Ah, good morning. —About your work—”

“I’ve adjusted my working hours. I can’t start the day without seeing your face.”

“S-so...”

He eats breakfast with me every morning before going to the castle.

After dinner, when the nurse leaves after putting Eidan to bed, I’m always invited for tea.

Since I answered “yes” to the question “May I have tea?”

He came and sat next to me, even though the opposite sofa is spacious.

“Just thinking about sitting next to you... makes me nervous.”

Yes, I agree. Can you move back?

“Um... aren’t you too close?”

“Yes, it’s bad for the heart.”

Rias sighed.

“Oh, I won’t touch you without permission.”

Please don’t say it like that.

That’s not the point. You’re too close.

This is what he’s like.

“Do you remember the first time I met Eidan?”

When I forced you to hold the crying Eidan.

“Oh, yes.”

“You looked at me straight and...”

Rias put his hand to his mouth and said.

“You said, ‘Hold me.’”

Rias sighed in a troubled manner.

“My heart almost stopped.”

What is he talking about?

Is he broken?

Did I put too much pressure on him?

For now, I focused all my attention on the tea in front of me.