Chapter 98

Together with Letitia and the gardener cat adorned with a rose around its neck, Glenreid proceeded through the rose garden.

"Remarkable. It's truly beautiful."

"Yes, these are the roses of which my royal family is proud."

He went on to explain the types and characteristics of the roses. Letitia, nodding in agreement, seemed to enjoy looking at the roses, her eyes occasionally sparkling. Her golden hair reflected the light and swayed in front of Glenreid.

(…When I look at her like this, I realize there's quite a height difference.)

Letitia's crown of hair came into view.

They had never stood so close and relaxed together in human form. When he was in his silver wolf form, he had to look up at her, but now he looked down. She was more than a head shorter than the tall Glenreid, with a slender frame.

(I never noticed before… because she always stood tall and proud when we met in human form…)

His gaze was drawn to her narrow shoulders and slender neck. He consciously shifted his eyes to the surrounding roses.

Glenreid had visited this rose garden many times. Not because he loved roses, but as part of his official duties. He was accustomed to it and had never been particularly moved by it before.

(This year's roses…)

They were beautiful.

As if to complement Letitia, the roses bloomed vividly, stunningly.

"Your Majesty, shall we have tea over there?"

"Yes, let's."

Without showing his inner thoughts on his face, Glenreid nodded calmly. Letitia efficiently laid out the plates and pastries, her movements so practiced that it was hard to believe she was a genuine duchess's daughter. Her lips relaxed slightly, and a pleasant atmosphere surrounded her.

(She must really love cooking and eating…)

Glenreid also appreciated this side of Letitia. The scent of the pastries on the table mixed with Letitia's fragrance.

Since the first time they met, there was always something different about her. But now, it was sweet, so sweet. It was a scent that stirred not only his appetite but something else as well.

(…What am I thinking…?)

He reached for the pastries Letitia had made. Macarons, madeleines, fruit tarts, and cookies. Some were new to him, but they all tasted delicious. One after another, Glenreid reached for the pastries.

"…Hmm. This white macaron is good too. It's sweet, but not too sweet…"

"It's made with buttercream and a touch of salt. A small amount of salt enhances the sweetness. Did you like it?"

"Yes."

As he answered and savored the macaron, Letitia reached for a madeleine. Her cheeks relaxed slightly, and she blushed, looking cheerful.

(She must really like madeleines?)

As he thought this, a breeze blew, and rose petals fluttered over.

"Letitia"

"Ahem!!"

She choked.

"I'm sorry for startling you."

"No, I apologize. What were you about to say, Your Majesty?"

"There are rose petals in your teacup."

"Oh, thank you."

Letitia reached for her tea, intending to pick out the rose petals. The tea might splash and stain her dress.

"…What?"

Instinctively, he grabbed Letitia's fingers. It seemed he had caught them just in time. They were just about to touch the tea. Glenreid exhaled and then inhaled.

(Sweet, soft…)

The scent of Letitia tickled his nose, and the feel of her slender fingers in his grasp.

Before he knew it, his hand moved on its own.

He wanted to feel her scent closer.

He pulled Letitia's fingers toward him.

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"…Your Majesty?"

What was happening?

Your Majesty had captured my fingers and wouldn't let go.

His eyes, which could be seen as blue or green, were fixed on my fingertips. As I was puzzled by his seriousness, my fingers were lifted.

Close to the thin, well-shaped lips of Your Majesty.

The breath that touched my fingertips, the tickling sensation, and the closeness made my heart race.

"Your Majesty, what are you planning to do…?"

I called out in a louder voice than before. My face felt like it was turning red.

"…I just wanted to make sure there was no tea on your fingers."

He released my fingers and looked at the teacup.

"You were about to reach for the rose petals in your cup. If there was tea on your fingers and it dripped, it might have stained your dress."

"…Thank you."

I thanked him and tried to calm my racing heart.

I was startled…

The fingertips that Your Majesty touched were still warm. Despite his cold, ice-sculpture-like appearance, he was human and had a body temperature. I felt as if I was understanding this obvious fact for the first time.

Thank you for reading.

Thanks to everyone, the book version of Volume 2 will be released on May 15th!

To those who bookmarked, rated, and reported typos, and to everyone who bought the book version of Volume 1, I am grateful.

I always enjoy reading the comments, even though I can't always respond individually.

As a thank you and to commemorate the release of Volume 2, I plan to post a side story on Shosetsu-ka ni Narou. I'm considering which character to feature, so I'd like to conduct a poll using the comments section.

If you can participate in the poll, please follow the method below and write in the comments section of this story.

◇Poll Method◇

- Please write in the comments section of this story ("97. The Sigh and Warmth of Your Majesty")

- Choose one character from the list below and write the number and name.

* Letitia is already confirmed to appear, so she is excluded.

* The poll will end at 23:00 on May 1st, the day of the next update.

1. Glenreid (human form)

2. Gū-sama (wolf form)

3. Gardener cat Ichi

4. Attendant Lucian

5. Wolf companion Edgar