I was held in Gilbert-samaās arms for a while, enjoying the strength and warmth of his body.
As I rested my cheek against his chest, I could hear the sound of his heartbeat. He told me that it is not blood that was flowing, but magic, but the regular sound is no different from ours.
It was warm, pleasant, and very reassuring, yet strangely tense.
It was similar to the emotional turmoil I sometimes feel when I talk to Gilbert-sama.
āThose like Ria and Astaroth, who have been around for a long time, tend to surround themselves with a number of women. Iām not going to have any other woman by my side but you, so the term is not appropriate.ā
āEven in my country, kings take concubines by their side. Ā Before the Great War, he must have taken many human women as concubines to increase his tribe.ā
āIn Lucisā memories, well, it leaves a bad taste.ā
āGilbert, do you and the kings of the demons have concubines?ā
āYuleās only companion was Aria. During his long reign as king, Lucis increased the number of concubines he requested, but it seemed that there was no one he cared about as a companion. I only want you. Youāre going to tell me that itās the kingās duty to marry a concubine, and that I have to marry a concubine, arenāt you?ā
The other women of the demon tribe, for example, may be required to serve at the side of Gilbert-sama in order to increase the number of the tribe. It is the kingās duty. I am sure that if Gilbert-sama wants to do so, I will accept it.
But right now, I am not in the mood to actively encourage him to do so, so I shake my head, which is pressed against his chest.
His long fingers caressed my hair. It feels good to be pampered.
āIf thatās what you want, Gilbert-sama, I donāt care. But I am not so generous as to encourage you to go on.ā
āI donāt want to. Iāve got my hands full with you, a dangerous little thing who could be snatched away by a Snake or an evil wolf if I take my eyes off of you.ā
āI know that you love me that much, so donāt worry, I wonāt be unfaithful. Of course, I will return your affection with love, but I will try not to make you feel lonely. If there is anything I am missing, you can always tell me.ā
āIs that the kind of thing you want me to worry about?ā
āI canāt help it, Iām a beautiful girl blessed by God.ā
āOh, yes, you are.ā
Gilbert-sama nodded with a wry smile. The power of love is terrible. Gilbert-sama is sweet and gentle.
āLydith, if you declare you as my bride, your safety is assured. Thatās what a king is supposed to do. Ria will bring the wood nymphs who have been tending the forest and stockpiling food, and you will no longer have to act as a servant. Iāll tell Shuzel to work as well, so youāll have enough to take care of yourself.ā
āI heard that Shuzel-sama was the one who managed the castle.ā
āYeah, he was in charge of the nymphs working in the castle. Heās the nymph King. Heās now holed up in the back of the library because heās pissed off that I didnāt stop Cronaea from eating the other water nymphs and running amok. I know itās just an excuse now, but Yule was the one who broke Cronaea. I thought it was pathetic.ā
Gilbert let out a small sigh and said, āItās just an excuse. It was a hassle.ā.
Both of them must have meant it. The reason he felt sorry for her and let her do whatever she wanted was because he was being kind, and the reason he didnāt confront her was because it was too much trouble.
The nymphs have returned, and Gilbert-sama, who made the decision to become king for his beloved me, is so confident and wonderful, Iām sure Shuzel-sama will calm his anger. Come to think of it, I looked in the library once, but I didnāt see anyone like that.ā
āHeās an eccentric fellow, Iām sure youāll be able to find a way to get to him.ā
Gilbert-sama seemed to be embarrassed by my compliments, and although he was averting his gaze, it was easy to see that his embrace was getting stronger.
āI see⦠I understand. I wonāt be taking up anyone elseās role. I will stop my role as the head chefā
If there is someone else to fill that role, then I am not needed. Iām not so attached to my position that I have to continue in it at all costs.
āAnd then thereās the room. The rooms on the first floor are not suitable. The queenās room is there, but itās been abandoned for so long after Ariaās disappearance that I donāt⦠know what it looks like inside.ā
Iām not picky about the room. If itās not convenient for me to be in the guest room, let me sleep here. Iām small, so I donāt think itāll get in the way if I sleep with you.ā
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