Chapter 12

"Right, right... At that time, I wasn't feeling well. I managed to prepare and attend the evening party hosted by my aunt, but my magic power accumulated much faster than expected. I was trying to release it in a secluded place when I bumped into you—suddenly, the magic power that was stirring inside me vanished."

... And that's when Julius realized.

The girl in front of him could neutralize the magic power overflowing from his body. She herself was unaware of this, and despite not being a mage, she showed no signs of being affected by his powerful magic.

... Instinctively, Julius thought he couldn't let her go, and his action was to "propose marriage."

"... So, that's what happened."

"Looking back now, I realize it was quite a rash thing to do... But Laila responded to my proposal, and when I slept with you, my magic power was absorbed, allowing me to sleep soundly. ... With you by my side, I can live a normal life like everyone else. So... I am grateful to you."

"..."

"... Laila?"

"... Well, I understand the situation. But that doesn't mean I can accept your gratitude."

As Laila spoke, Vernerly's face lit up. But Helka immediately kicked him in the shin, and while Vernerly glared at her, Laila approached Julius.

"Indeed, I might have a special constitution. It's true that it helped to stabilize Julius-sama's condition. ... But I really didn't do anything."

I didn't stay up all night to take care of Julius, nor did I prepare his bed. As Vernerly said, I just slept in his arms.

Julius had a troubled look on his face, but Laila gently touched the back of his hand.

"So, there's no reason for you to thank me. ... I just wanted you to have a comfortable night and sleep well, so I agreed to Vernerly's request. I didn't take any action on my own."

Julius's hand trembled, and Hazel's eyes fixed on Laila.

"... You wished for my peaceful sleep?"

"Of course, if someone is having trouble sleeping and I can help, I would want to assist, wouldn't you?"

This isn't about love or romance.

This marriage didn't start with love. Laila knew this, but her heart was calm.

(But, even without love, Julius-sama proposed to me because he needed me.)

Moreover, by living together and getting to know each other, some kind of feelings might develop.

As Laila approached Julius and Julius got to know Laila, perhaps...

"Besides... if it were a stranger, it would be different, but the person is my... my fiancé, so..."

"..."

"I'm not doing it out of duty or obligation. I want to help Julius-sama disperse his magic power. That's what I want to do!"

Even though she knew it was a bit forced, Laila said it with determination. Julius chuckled and covered his mouth with his free hand.

"Hehe... I see. If you want to do it, it might be strange for me to keep thanking you."

"Right?"

"Then, let me summarize everything in one go. ... Laila, thank you for caring about me and accepting my proposal. I want to continue sleeping with you, feeling your warmth."

As he said this, Julius held Laila's hand with both of his, lifting it to chest level.

The words, spoken in an almost tender tone, were quite risky and could easily lead to a misunderstanding.

(My warmth... No, that's true! It's true, but...!)

Vernerly's mouth was agape, and Helka was smiling elegantly. Laila, whose hand was held, smiled awkwardly.

"Ah, ha... That's right. I'm a good sleeper and I don't have a bad sleeping posture, so please think of me as a convenient pillow!"

"... 'Convenient' isn't a word to use for a person. ... I want you. While your constitution helps me, ... being next to you is very comforting. Listening to your breathing makes me feel happy and content."

(Hii, hieeeeee!?)

Her body temperature soared, and her head felt like it was boiling. She must be blushing terribly.

Unaware of the impact of his words on Laila, Julius tilted his head and looked at Laila's face, which was opening and closing her mouth aimlessly.

"Laila... Your face is red. Is something wrong?"

"Wh... Whose fault do you think it is!?"

"...? Who's fault could it be...?"

(He's so innocent!?)

Looking genuinely confused, Julius glanced at Vernerly and Helka. When they quickly averted their eyes, he exclaimed.

"Could it be... me?"

"Yes!"

"Did I unknowingly release my magic? That's strange, I feel very good when I touch Laila..."

(It's the way you say it!)

Perhaps because he had been frail and hadn't been out much, the great mage seemed to be quite blunt despite being rather insensitive.

Laila, who was blushing, and Julius, who was still holding her hand and looking puzzled.

"..."

"... Vernerly, if you interrupt them, I'll crack your skull."

"... I understand."

The mages watching them were having a serious conversation.