Chapter 22

I ended up buying a considerable amount of books at the Selcuse Bookstore. They were placed in a double-layered paper bag, which Sir Percival held effortlessly in one hand.

If it were me, I would have carried them with both hands, but now, the books I had reluctantly given up on, even though they were interesting and just out of reach with my allowance, were in Sir Percival's hands. It's nice that he let me introduce my recommendations, saying not to worry about the cost.

I had been a recluse, so I never thought I'd be able to share the same books with someone. I did avoid romance novels for a male, but there were still many interesting books.

"Um... They're all recommendations, so... I know you're busy! But... if you could read them for a break, I'd like to hear your thoughts."

"Of course, I'll read them all. I bought them because I thought all of your recommendations were really interesting. I'll definitely share my thoughts."

Relieved, I looked up at Sir Percival, relaxed my shoulders, and smiled, but I felt his hand stiffen and then he turned to take a deep breath.

Did his brain freeze? It did, didn't it? But I won't press him. He's doing his best to keep talking. Keep it up, Sir Percival!

"Since we took quite a bit of time, would you like to go get some lunch?"

"Yes. ...Um, I don't have any plans."

"It's fine. I asked a servant yesterday... Ah, cough, I know a place."

Even though he coughed and blushed, I heard everything.

What should I do? Sir Percival is really cute. He looks so cool, but... I really want to pet him. But, is it okay to touch a man's hair in public?

I feel restless and nervous. A new sensation is swirling inside me, and I even blushed. On the other hand, I felt a bit bold.

"Then, um... would you like to hold hands on the way to that place?"

"! Of course, I'd be happy to."

He smiled brightly and the hand that was on my shoulder took mine. His hand, usually gripping a sword, gently held mine. The warmth and gentleness made me happy.

The lunch place was perfect for our current appearance, a café that young nobles and servants could visit in style.

We were seated at a terrace table, and after placing the newly bought books in a basket, we sat across from each other and looked at the menus. I ordered an omelet rice, and Sir Percival, surprisingly... or maybe this is normal for a knight, ordered a number of dishes. We waited for the food to arrive.

Suddenly, I remembered how Sir Percival glanced at Alex Cheryl's book just now. Considering what he said yesterday and how he suddenly held my hand, I wondered if...

"Um, Sir Percival... I'm sorry if I'm wrong, but the conversation the lady mentioned at the dinner the other day..."

That's almost a certainty. He turned his face away, blushing, and covered his mouth with his hand.

This person is jealous of his own mother.

"...Yes. I don't want you to say you'd pour tea on me. I won't declare that I'd break my pen in exchange. I would be willing to be doused in tea for you if I could, and I have no intention of putting down my sword to protect the royal family and the capital, or the peace of the country, if it makes you smile. But..."

He's so cute. How did such a cute creature grow up?

I might have fallen in love with this person even if he had grown up just like a bookworm. I feel so much affection for him right now.

But if I say that, the food will get cold and he'll be in a daze until the sun sets, so I'll just say this.

"Sir Percival"

"…What is it?"

"Being your wife, I'm really glad it's you, Sir Percival."

I thought carefully about my words. I didn't use words like "like" or "love," I don't think.

However, after Sir Percival, who had buried his face on the table, had his ordered food mostly untouched and packed up, and I drank warm tea after my omelet rice, I had to wait until the afternoon for him to look at me again. My afternoon plans were completely ruined.

...I didn't know expressing affection could be so difficult. But he's so cute, so it's okay, I think. I want him to stay this way, but I also want him to get used to it a little.

Since we're getting married, you'll get used to it eventually, right, Sir Percival?