My body stiffened in an instant.
In the end, only one thought passed my blank mind.
‘Is he…… now seducing me?’
That must be the case, right?
Isn’t it obvious that he’s seducing me, and not just because my thoughts are rotten?
What I think is right, right?
“If you don’t like my request.”
“No!”
Did I shout too loud?
Caleb’s face looked quite startled.
I’m curious if his reaction was natural. Because I came to a standstill after shouting aloud.
“It is fine.”
My face was burning, and both of my cheeks were hot.
But I can’t help it.
‘But where should we spend the night?’
In my bedroom or……?
I couldn’t bear thinking about it and plainly averted my gaze to the door. I mean to the door which connected my room and Caleb’s room.
I couldn’t open my mouth quickly enough, but Caleb said, “then, excuse me,” and moved.
Caleb’s hand reached for the doorknob to my bedroom.
The wind that had stopped for a while flowed back in when the door was opened.
Meanwhile, as if the ventilation had stopped, the room was only filled with the smell of the wind.
I stood motionless after closing the window at the end of the bed, unsure of what to do next.
Caleb inquired as he sat in an awkward position on the bed.
“Was there anything else you planned to do?”
I shook my head.
My hair was only slightly dry, which bothered me, but time would have solved it.
The light went out. My nerves became more sensitive as the surroundings darkened.
The rustling of cloth rubbing against each other and the tilting of the bed were able to be heard.
When Caleb’s hand brushed against my shoulder, I stiffened.
But, despite my nervousness, all Caleb did was put me in bed and cover me with a blanket.
Huh? Blanket?
I saw the blanket that was really covering my body when I rolled my eyes as I was about to hear another noise.
Caleb then sat beside me and hugged me from behind. His strong arm wrapped around my waist.
And that was it.
I blinked, turned around, and looked at Caleb.
But he was simply lying down.
I wanted to ask, ‘Are we just going to sleep?’ but couldn’t bring myself to do so.
Caleb, meanwhile, closed his eyes.
His silver eyelashes were visible even in the dim light.
Wow, his eyelashes are long and beautiful…… No, that’s not it!
Of course, sleeping like this meant we’d be spending the night together, but it wasn’t what I was expecting!
To be honest, the situation itself emits that kind of nuance, so thinking about it is not unusual.
Let’s just stop. It’s just that my thoughts are rotten.
Apart from that, I cast a glance at Caleb because I was overcome with regret for no apparent reason.
I’m not sure how long I’ve been doing it.
“Are you having trouble sleeping?”
Gosh, what a surprise!
I replied, barely suppressing a scream that filled the back of my throat.
“Oh, no. That is not the case.”
When did he reopen his eyes? Don’t tell me he was watching me the whole time.
Caleb was looking at me with a more relaxed expression than usual.
Looking at him like that, he does seem to be sleeping……
But, based on the fact that he asked if I was having trouble sleeping, it makes it appear that he wasn’t.
“Elena.”
Caleb stroked the curls of hair that had cascaded down my face and behind my ears.
“I hope you’re not thinking too hard.”
“A-about what?”
“Whatever it is.”
What does he think I was thinking……
That’s when the dangerous impulse did strike.
“Sleep well.”
His lips touched and fell with a little hot breath over my forehead.
Caleb closed his eyes again after kissing me on the forehead.
My heart was pounding.
I despised Caleb, who was just trying to sleep after setting fire to my heart to his heart’s content, so I stared at him for a long time.
‘I really want to screw him.’
I wanted to tickle him gently, but when I saw him comfortably closing his eyes again, my hands couldn’t move.
I felt the warmth of my body temperature passing through my body as I was just looking at him, and I became gradually drowsy.
Caleb is supposed to go to the Knights tomorrow, right?
Should I then let it slide this time……
Sure, sure. Let’s do that.
I eventually closed my half-closed eyes completely after yawning hard.
⇺⇺⇺⇼⇻⇻⇻
The sound of even breathing is heard.
Unlike before, there was not even the slightest rustling movement.
Caleb, who was convinced Elena had fallen asleep, opened his eyes only then.
Elena’s sleeping face was visible even in the dim light.
Her sleeping face was serene, with not a trace of worry visible.
He couldn’t believe she was the same person who forced her smile the entire dinner.
Caleb placed his hand gently on Elena’s face, near her eye.
But that was it.
Because he was afraid Elena would wake up if he moved more than that.
‘I assumed you’d be relieved to find your parents.’
Elena actually looked better before she found her parents.
Caleb knew just by looking at what happened today.
He was surprised to learn that Elena had already returned from her visit with the Archduke and Archduchess.
That’s not all.
Something has been wrong with Elena lately.
Elena often hesitated, no matter what he said, and there were many times when worry appeared on her face moment by moment.
Caleb wanted to ask Elena every time.
What is making it so difficult for her?
Though he couldn’t say it out of his mouth because he didn’t want Elena to feel burdened because of what he asked.
Instead, he could only stand by her side and wait for her to realize it herself.
That he is there for her.
‘That’s all.’
Caleb lifted his hand near Elena’s eyes and clenched his fist. He wanted to be the only person Elena could confide her worries and heart to.
Caleb hopes Elena does not try to think and solve her problem on her own.
He wants her to trust him.
Much more than now.
However, these were words that could not come out of his mouth.
That is why Caleb swallowed it all.
⇺⇺⇺⇼⇻⇻⇻
Today does seem to be a pleasant day for outdoor activities.
I thought as I looked outside, leaning on the window sill.
It wasn’t windy, and the sky was clear, so it was an excellent day for a walk.
‘On a day like this, it would be nice to go out with Caleb.’
Caleb, unfortunately, went to the Imperial Palace quite early in the morning.
Because it was boring to stay in the mansion without Caleb, I decided to go to a store that sells play scripts.
‘How long must I bring the escorts like this?’
Of course, taking a few escorts was a daily occurrence for a high-ranking noble. But at most, it was five or six.
‘No matter what I think, ten escorts is simply too many. Furthermore, Caleb and Lord Vessel go around without even a single escort.’
I knew it was possible because they were so powerful. That even if I were reborn, I couldn’t have those abilities.
‘Wouldn’t it be different if I could develop Auror?’
I never imagined myself as powerful as Caleb or Lord Vessel. I wished I could be as strong as Natalie, but I knew it was my own greed.
No matter how much I learned kendo since I was young, it was definitely different from killing swordsmanship.
Furthermore, unlike me, who had been learning to use a sword for self-defense and as a hobby, their main job was to deal with swords, and they were people who had lived dealing with demon beasts.
‘However, wouldn’t it be better if I could develop Auror?’
For example, if I can handle two men in my current situation, I can handle three or four men if I develop Auror.
Isn’t it possible, then, to reduce the number of escort knights who will accompany me? Caleb would be less concerned.
In many ways, I believed that developing Auror would be preferable.
‘Auror development…… can I ask Caleb to help me?’
Caleb was the first person to offer to help me in the past, so I figured it would be fine to ask him again.
‘I’ll have to tell him when I get home.’
I returned to the mansion with the newly purchased scripts.
I’m curious to see Caleb’s reaction when I tell him I want him to teach me how to develop Auror.
⇺⇺⇺⇼⇻⇻⇻
“He’s late yet again today.”
I looked at the time and rested my chin.
It was a careless remark, but the maid flinched and asked if I wanted to eat first.
I waved to her and said that it was fine.
I wasn’t hungry, and I needed to tell Caleb something.
‘Moreover, eating together is preferable to eating alone.’
I straightened my back and flipped through the script I was reading.
That’s how I was awaiting Caleb’s return.
The downstairs soon became noisy.
I put down the script I was reading when I heard Caleb’s voice.
When I got down, I saw Caleb, who had just walked in.
When I told him to come, he said with an apologetic face.
“I heard you didn’t have dinner yet. Why did you not eat first?”
“It’s nice to eat together.”
Caleb hurried upstairs, saying he would change his clothes and return soon.
We were eventually sitting face to face and eating dinner.
“However, why are you late today? Was your workload heavier than usual?”
“Since His Majesty is planning a hunting contest this week, I was late because I was ordered to participate, checking and grooming the weapons.”
Oh, for the hunting competition.
“Are all of the knights competing in the hunting contest?”
“No, only five people from each knight order will be allowed to participate.”
“And among them, Caleb is participating too?”
“The commander and vice-commander were told to participate, so I had no choice but to do so.”
For some reason, I felt compelled to participate, but he really is.
“I’d like to follow you in the hunting contest.But am I able to do so?”
“You certainly can.”
That he responded so quickly is suspicious.
“Am I initially unable to join you?”
Caleb laughed for a split second.
“I’ve heard that invitations will be extended to other nobles, so it’s not impossible.”
“It’s then a relief. I’m surprised there’s a hunting contest this week, by the way. I expected it to be a little later.”
“Have you heard anything about it?”
“I heard it while visiting His and Her Highness the Archduke Couple. His Highness stated that it was His Majesty who suggested it first, and that the competition will take place soon. I wasn’t expecting it to be held this week.”
“It appeared that your parents were preparing to hold it as soon as possible before returning to the principality.”
I paused for a moment without realizing it. Soon after, I pretended to be fine and inquired.
“Do you know when they’re going to return?”
“I’m not sure of the exact date, but I heard they’ll be back next week.”
“They returned earlier than I expected.”
I expected them to stay a little longer.
Even so, I considered it a relief rather than a pity that they returned so early.
Perhaps because I’m not their real child.
A bitter smile formed on its own. I immediately fixed my facial expression.
“Come to think of it, Caleb, there was something I wanted to ask you when you came.”
“What is……”
“I want to develop Auror. Can you help me, even if it’s just for a few minutes every evening?”
My body stiffened in an instant.
In the end, only one thought passed my blank mind.
‘Is he…… now seducing me?’
That must be the case, right?
Isn’t it obvious that he’s seducing me, and not just because my thoughts are rotten?
What I think is right, right?
“If you don’t like my request.”
“No!”
Did I shout too loud?
Caleb’s face looked quite startled.
I’m curious if his reaction was natural. Because I came to a standstill after shouting aloud.
“It is fine.”
My face was burning, and both of my cheeks were hot.
But I can’t help it.
‘But where should we spend the night?’
In my bedroom or……?
I couldn’t bear thinking about it and plainly averted my gaze to the door. I mean to the door which connected my room and Caleb’s room.
I couldn’t open my mouth quickly enough, but Caleb said, “then, excuse me,” and moved.
Caleb’s hand reached for the doorknob to my bedroom.
The wind that had stopped for a while flowed back in when the door was opened.
Meanwhile, as if the ventilation had stopped, the room was only filled with the smell of the wind.
I stood motionless after closing the window at the end of the bed, unsure of what to do next.
Caleb inquired as he sat in an awkward position on the bed.
“Was there anything else you planned to do?”
I shook my head.
My hair was only slightly dry, which bothered me, but time would have solved it.
The light went out. My nerves became more sensitive as the surroundings darkened.
The rustling of cloth rubbing against each other and the tilting of the bed were able to be heard.
When Caleb’s hand brushed against my shoulder, I stiffened.
But, despite my nervousness, all Caleb did was put me in bed and cover me with a blanket.
Huh? Blanket?
I saw the blanket that was really covering my body when I rolled my eyes as I was about to hear another noise.
Caleb then sat beside me and hugged me from behind. His strong arm wrapped around my waist.
And that was it.
I blinked, turned around, and looked at Caleb.
But he was simply lying down.
I wanted to ask, ‘Are we just going to sleep?’ but couldn’t bring myself to do so.
Caleb, meanwhile, closed his eyes.
His silver eyelashes were visible even in the dim light.
Wow, his eyelashes are long and beautiful…… No, that’s not it!
Of course, sleeping like this meant we’d be spending the night together, but it wasn’t what I was expecting!
To be honest, the situation itself emits that kind of nuance, so thinking about it is not unusual.
Let’s just stop. It’s just that my thoughts are rotten.
Apart from that, I cast a glance at Caleb because I was overcome with regret for no apparent reason.
I’m not sure how long I’ve been doing it.
“Are you having trouble sleeping?”
Gosh, what a surprise!
I replied, barely suppressing a scream that filled the back of my throat.
“Oh, no. That is not the case.”
When did he reopen his eyes? Don’t tell me he was watching me the whole time.
Caleb was looking at me with a more relaxed expression than usual.
Looking at him like that, he does seem to be sleeping……
But, based on the fact that he asked if I was having trouble sleeping, it makes it appear that he wasn’t.
“Elena.”
Caleb stroked the curls of hair that had cascaded down my face and behind my ears.
“I hope you’re not thinking too hard.”
“A-about what?”
“Whatever it is.”
What does he think I was thinking……
That’s when the dangerous impulse did strike.
“Sleep well.”
His lips touched and fell with a little hot breath over my forehead.
Caleb closed his eyes again after kissing me on the forehead.
My heart was pounding.
I despised Caleb, who was just trying to sleep after setting fire to my heart to his heart’s content, so I stared at him for a long time.
‘I really want to screw him.’
I wanted to tickle him gently, but when I saw him comfortably closing his eyes again, my hands couldn’t move.
I felt the warmth of my body temperature passing through my body as I was just looking at him, and I became gradually drowsy.
Caleb is supposed to go to the Knights tomorrow, right?
Should I then let it slide this time……
Sure, sure. Let’s do that.
I eventually closed my half-closed eyes completely after yawning hard.
⇺⇺⇺⇼⇻⇻⇻
The sound of even breathing is heard.
Unlike before, there was not even the slightest rustling movement.
Caleb, who was convinced Elena had fallen asleep, opened his eyes only then.
Elena’s sleeping face was visible even in the dim light.
Her sleeping face was serene, with not a trace of worry visible.
He couldn’t believe she was the same person who forced her smile the entire dinner.
Caleb placed his hand gently on Elena’s face, near her eye.
But that was it.
Because he was afraid Elena would wake up if he moved more than that.
‘I assumed you’d be relieved to find your parents.’
Elena actually looked better before she found her parents.
Caleb knew just by looking at what happened today.
He was surprised to learn that Elena had already returned from her visit with the Archduke and Archduchess.
That’s not all.
Something has been wrong with Elena lately.
Elena often hesitated, no matter what he said, and there were many times when worry appeared on her face moment by moment.
Caleb wanted to ask Elena every time.
What is making it so difficult for her?
Though he couldn’t say it out of his mouth because he didn’t want Elena to feel burdened because of what he asked.
Instead, he could only stand by her side and wait for her to realize it herself.
That he is there for her.
‘That’s all.’
Caleb lifted his hand near Elena’s eyes and clenched his fist. He wanted to be the only person Elena could confide her worries and heart to.
Caleb hopes Elena does not try to think and solve her problem on her own.
He wants her to trust him.
Much more than now.
However, these were words that could not come out of his mouth.
That is why Caleb swallowed it all.
⇺⇺⇺⇼⇻⇻⇻
Today does seem to be a pleasant day for outdoor activities.
I thought as I looked outside, leaning on the window sill.
It wasn’t windy, and the sky was clear, so it was an excellent day for a walk.
‘On a day like this, it would be nice to go out with Caleb.’
Caleb, unfortunately, went to the Imperial Palace quite early in the morning.
Because it was boring to stay in the mansion without Caleb, I decided to go to a store that sells play scripts.
‘How long must I bring the escorts like this?’
Of course, taking a few escorts was a daily occurrence for a high-ranking noble. But at most, it was five or six.
‘No matter what I think, ten escorts is simply too many. Furthermore, Caleb and Lord Vessel go around without even a single escort.’
I knew it was possible because they were so powerful. That even if I were reborn, I couldn’t have those abilities.
‘Wouldn’t it be different if I could develop Auror?’
I never imagined myself as powerful as Caleb or Lord Vessel. I wished I could be as strong as Natalie, but I knew it was my own greed.
No matter how much I learned kendo since I was young, it was definitely different from killing swordsmanship.
Furthermore, unlike me, who had been learning to use a sword for self-defense and as a hobby, their main job was to deal with swords, and they were people who had lived dealing with demon beasts.
‘However, wouldn’t it be better if I could develop Auror?’
For example, if I can handle two men in my current situation, I can handle three or four men if I develop Auror.
Isn’t it possible, then, to reduce the number of escort knights who will accompany me? Caleb would be less concerned.
In many ways, I believed that developing Auror would be preferable.
‘Auror development…… can I ask Caleb to help me?’
Caleb was the first person to offer to help me in the past, so I figured it would be fine to ask him again.
‘I’ll have to tell him when I get home.’
I returned to the mansion with the newly purchased scripts.
I’m curious to see Caleb’s reaction when I tell him I want him to teach me how to develop Auror.
⇺⇺⇺⇼⇻⇻⇻
“He’s late yet again today.”
I looked at the time and rested my chin.
It was a careless remark, but the maid flinched and asked if I wanted to eat first.
I waved to her and said that it was fine.
I wasn’t hungry, and I needed to tell Caleb something.
‘Moreover, eating together is preferable to eating alone.’
I straightened my back and flipped through the script I was reading.
That’s how I was awaiting Caleb’s return.
The downstairs soon became noisy.
I put down the script I was reading when I heard Caleb’s voice.
When I got down, I saw Caleb, who had just walked in.
When I told him to come, he said with an apologetic face.
“I heard you didn’t have dinner yet. Why did you not eat first?”
“It’s nice to eat together.”
Caleb hurried upstairs, saying he would change his clothes and return soon.
We were eventually sitting face to face and eating dinner.
“However, why are you late today? Was your workload heavier than usual?”
“Since His Majesty is planning a hunting contest this week, I was late because I was ordered to participate, checking and grooming the weapons.”
Oh, for the hunting competition.
“Are all of the knights competing in the hunting contest?”
“No, only five people from each knight order will be allowed to participate.”
“And among them, Caleb is participating too?”
“The commander and vice-commander were told to participate, so I had no choice but to do so.”
For some reason, I felt compelled to participate, but he really is.
“I’d like to follow you in the hunting contest.But am I able to do so?”
“You certainly can.”
That he responded so quickly is suspicious.
“Am I initially unable to join you?”
Caleb laughed for a split second.
“I’ve heard that invitations will be extended to other nobles, so it’s not impossible.”
“It’s then a relief. I’m surprised there’s a hunting contest this week, by the way. I expected it to be a little later.”
“Have you heard anything about it?”
“I heard it while visiting His and Her Highness the Archduke Couple. His Highness stated that it was His Majesty who suggested it first, and that the competition will take place soon. I wasn’t expecting it to be held this week.”
“It appeared that your parents were preparing to hold it as soon as possible before returning to the principality.”
I paused for a moment without realizing it. Soon after, I pretended to be fine and inquired.
“Do you know when they’re going to return?”
“I’m not sure of the exact date, but I heard they’ll be back next week.”
“They returned earlier than I expected.”
I expected them to stay a little longer.
Even so, I considered it a relief rather than a pity that they returned so early.
Perhaps because I’m not their real child.
A bitter smile formed on its own. I immediately fixed my facial expression.
“Come to think of it, Caleb, there was something I wanted to ask you when you came.”
“What is……”
“I want to develop Auror. Can you help me, even if it’s just for a few minutes every evening?”
