Chapter 83

"......Jed?"

Lilith, unable to believe the figure of Gesualdo standing before her, called out softly.

As if afraid that this illusion would vanish if she did not.

But it was not an illusion, for Gesualdo faintly smiled, even with a hint of embarrassment.

(Eh? What is this? Is it still a dream? Am I seeing daydreams as well as reality dreams now?)

Though she stood there in a daze, Lilith's heart was pounding as much as it could.

It might even stop if this continued.

To such a stunned Lilith, Gesualdo whispered softly in a low voice.

"......Can I come in?"

"O-of course!"

If Gesualdo had asked in a small voice, considering the time, Lilith's voice was so high and loud that it ruined the consideration.

However, Tena did not show her face.

She had probably already talked to Tena, but Lilith did not even think of that, and just opened the door wide to invite Gesualdo in.

Gesualdo, who entered the room, had taken off his coat but was not relaxed, still wearing his sword.

Still, he always carried a small sword when he came to Lilith's bedroom.

Lilith had always felt sorry that he had to be so cautious even in the palace.

There, Lilith finally realized that something must have happened.

Perhaps they had to return to Tuisen or the capital urgently.

"Did something happen? We need to hurry back—"

"No, it's different."

"Then, we need to hurry and get ready—wait, it's different?"

Gesualdo's response was unexpected, and Lilith, who had started to move, stopped.

Lilith, who had turned back halfway, looked up at him in confusion, and Gesualdo pulled her close.

"Jed!?"

"I know you're not fully recovered. But, just for a while like this."

"I-I'm fine. Really..."

It seemed he still misunderstood that she had been lost in thought during dinner because of him.

Trying to deny it, but overwhelmed with various emotions, she could not find the right words.

So, Lilith just shook her head.

Lilith, who had cornered herself with her own feelings, deeply regretted it.

She regretted it much more than the time she wished she had quickly become engaged to Arnaud instead of indulging in her romantic dreams.

But, a woman in love is strong.

If she could not express it in words, she would have to act.

Lilith hugged Gesualdo tightly once and then separated a bit forcefully.

Seemingly concerned about her condition, Gesualdo let go of her and held her hand as she headed to the bed.

"......Lilith?"

"I still need more of Jed."

"......I'm not enough?"

Ignoring Gesualdo's confusion, Lilith sat on the bed and patted the spot next to her.

Then, she pushed down Gesualdo, who had removed his sword and sat next to her.

This time, however, Gesualdo did not seem surprised, and as he lay on his back, he pulled Lilith close and kissed her.

Lilith was the one surprised.

The positions quickly switched, and before she knew it, she was being led by Gesualdo.

Still, Lilith had no objections and let him take the lead.

But—

"I'm sorry."

"Eh?"

Gesualdo suddenly broke the kiss and apologized, sitting up quickly.

Lilith, completely confused, looked up at him blankly, but Gesualdo was sitting on the bed, taking a deep breath.

"Did I do something wrong?"

"Of course not! Ah, no, it's just that you're not fully recovered..."

"Ah..."

To Lilith's question, the answer was one she could hardly accept.

Unable to help it, Lilith let out a sigh of dissatisfaction.

"Jed, that's cruel. This is like torture."

"No, that's on this side—no, that's not what I meant..."

Gesualdo's voice trembled and then burst out laughing.

Seeing him laugh uncontrollably, Lilith's frustration also dissipated.

She gently hugged him from behind and rested her head on his broad back.

Gesualdo gently stroked Lilith's hands that were around his stomach.

"You really are different, Lilith."

"Eh?"

"But I wanted to see you like this."

Hearing the unexpected yet natural words, Lilith was shocked, and Gesualdo gently held her hand to calm her.

The next words were truly unexpected.

Overwhelmed with surprise more than joy, Lilith's hand was gently stroked again by Gesualdo.

"Returning to the palace alone, I was overwhelmed with work as usual, living the life before I met you, and then I realized how lonely I felt."

"Jed..."

"I only realized how lonely I was quite late. It was an unfamiliar feeling for me... Your postcards made me happy and entertained, but there was something nagging at my heart, so I wrote back. But I didn't know what to write in a personal letter. That's when I heard from Frio."

"......What did he say?"

"About the bets going on in the palace."

"Huh?"

Lilith, expecting something more romantic, was disappointed.

All the joy and emotion from before were ruined.

Gesualdo chuckled at her reaction.

"The servants in the palace often bet on us high-ranking officials, and we usually turn a blind eye to it. They need some relaxation, after all. And the current bet is about the relationship between you and me."

"Jed and me?"

"Yes. Thanks to the postcards you send every day, my image has changed a bit. So, the bets started on whether 'Her Highness really admires you' and 'Are you two really close.'"

"Is that bet even valid? It's obvious that I admire you. Otherwise, I wouldn't send postcards every day."

To Lilith's dissatisfaction, Gesualdo's silent laughter could be felt.

Wanting to see his smile, Lilith peeked, and was pulled into his embrace.

Before she knew it, she was sitting on his lap.

"Huh?"

Lilith was confused, but seeing Gesualdo's smile made her feel it didn't matter.

"There are always suspicious people. Some think, 'The postcards sent every day are suspicious. Maybe Her Highness is being threatened.'"

"Eh!? I don't understand! It might have seemed intentional to show everyone, but it's all true..."

Gesualdo looked at the grumbling Lilith with affection, but unfortunately, she didn't notice.

"Since then, the bets have shifted overwhelmingly to 'Lily.'"

"'Lily'?"

"If you admire me, it's 'Rose.' If not, it's 'Lily.' It's like a code for the bet."

"In that case, I'll bet all my dowry on 'Rose'!"

Lilith's enthusiastic declaration made Gesualdo laugh again.

If someone had told him a few months ago that he would laugh so much, he would have laughed at them.

Gesualdo kissed Lilith, who looked disappointed.

"Unfortunately, there's a limit to the bet amount. And the parties involved or those with a certain rank or status cannot participate. It's entertainment for the palace servants, after all."

"So, I've lost the chance to make a fortune. What a pity."

Forgetting her position, Lilith was disappointed.

However, Gesualdo smiled slyly.

"Frio and Dennis bet half their salary on 'Rose.'"

"But the parties involved can't participate, right?"

"They can get around it. Even ministers often participate."

"Ah..."

"And I asked Frio to bet the same amount on 'Rose' for me."

"That's cheating!"

"Yes, but by coming to see you directly, everyone will know that 'You two are really close.'"

"Jed, that's unfair."

The justice-minded Lilith, forgetting the situation, scolded Gesualdo.

Gesualdo then showed an uncharacteristically vulnerable expression.

"But I don't know if you really admire me or if it's just a show. That's why I bet on 'Rose.' And I wanted to ask you directly—no, I just wanted to see you."

"Jed..."

Seeing such an uncertain Gesualdo for the first time, Lilith was surprised.

Tonight was full of surprises.

But Lilith had also been longing to see him.

With that feeling, she gazed into Gesualdo's crimson eyes and kissed him in response.