Chapter 68

“……Why are you…here…”

As soon as Rebecca realizes that the person who entered the room is me, not Dorothy, her expression hardens.

Her face resembles that of a cat caught in an unexpected situation, or a child who’s been caught doing something they shouldn’t by their parents.

Though I find it cute how Rebecca always shows me such colorful expressions.

“Am I not allowed to be here?”

I couldn’t deny that a petty irritation was rising within me.

What’s wrong with a fiancé visiting his fiancée’s house?

Of course, the fact that this visit wasn’t prearranged was a bit of a problem.

“Didn’t you also visit my mansion without any prior notice, Princess?”

As I’ve said before, prior arrangements have long since stopped being important.

Rebecca herself has visited Count Zernias’ Mansion several times without notice, putting me in awkward situations.

So, what’s the big deal if I visit once without saying anything?

“……”

Rebecca seems to have nothing to say in response and closes her mouth.

It’s not like the genius princess has a bad memory. She couldn’t have forgotten her own past actions.

“……”

“……”

Rebecca, unable to come up with a rebuttal, tightly closes her mouth, while I simply watch her without saying a word.

In this strangely awkward silence, I slowly examine Rebecca’s face.

As always, I can’t help but think how beautiful she is.

She probably didn’t expect to meet anyone today, so she likely didn’t bother with any special preparations.

Yet, even without any adornment, Rebecca’s appearance is as captivating as ever.

Her flawless, pale skin is something you wouldn’t expect from someone so skilled in combat.

Usually, excelling in combat requires constant training under the scorching sun.

But Rebecca’s skin remains miraculously flawless, as if she’s been meticulously caring for it.

And then there are her striking red eyes, which stand out more than anything else.

Those clear, crimson eyes and her red hair, always tied in twin tails except during training, are the most distinctive features of my fiancée.

“……Why are you staring at me like that…”

Noticing that I’ve been silently staring at her, Rebecca mutters a small complaint.

“Do you dislike it?”

“Huh?”

“I asked if you dislike me staring at you without saying anything.”

“That’s…not it, but…”

Rebecca’s face turns red, unable to bring herself to lie.

Even with such a straightforward question, she blushes and shakes her head.

Why does she keep bringing up these meaningless complaints?

Even though she’s my fiancée, there are times when I just can’t understand her.

“Princess.”

“……Yes.”

“Do you dislike me?”

“Huh…?”

As if my question was completely unexpected, Rebecca’s already large eyes widen even further.

“Suddenly, what are you talking about…”

“Considering your recent behavior towards me, it’s only natural for me to think that.”

“When did I ever…”

“Not long ago, you suddenly kissed me without my consent, saying you’d catch my cold. And now, you’re blushing as if you’re unhappy that I’m here.”

“……”

“If this isn’t the behavior of someone who dislikes another person, then what is?”

“How is that…”

How is that the behavior of someone who dislikes another person…

That’s probably what Rebecca wanted to say.

With a look of injustice, as if she didn’t mean it that way, that’s what Rebecca would’ve normally said.

But in the end, Rebecca couldn’t bring herself to say what she wanted to.

And I, better than anyone else, knew the reason why.

‘Because she doesn’t want to be found out.’

Just like me in the past, who acknowledged my feelings for Rebecca but didn’t want to reveal them.

She probably didn’t want to reveal her feelings for me, which she had unknowingly acknowledged.

The reason, of course, would be my reaction if she did.

Rebecca knows that her fiancé, Albert Zernias, wouldn’t let such a confession slide easily.

If she even hinted at her feelings, I would undoubtedly tease her relentlessly.

So, it’s clear she doesn’t want to reveal them. And in reality, that’s exactly how it is.

Funny enough, Rebecca’s current state is a mirror image of my past self.

When I first realized my feelings for Rebecca, I swore over and over that I must never let her find out.

Just like Rebecca is worrying now, I was afraid that if I revealed my feelings, I’d be at her mercy for the rest of my life.

They say people in love resemble each other. Though the timing is different, Rebecca and I are doing the same foolish things.

However, the difference between me and the princess, who seem so similar, is that I’ve found a way to hide my feelings while still being with Rebecca.

By creating the perfect opportunity through a bet, using the resulting wish as an excuse.

Though it’s a bit embarrassing to say, I’ve used that excuse to express my hidden desires.

From childish cheek kisses to honest conversations and tight hugs. Under the guise of the wish, I’ve been able to do things I wouldn’t normally dare to express.

I don’t think Rebecca hasn’t noticed.

My fiancée isn’t a fool. She must realize that I’ve been using what could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for mere displays of affection.

Though for me, it’s far from “mere.” To others, especially to Rebecca, it must seem that way.

In any case, Rebecca might already know.

That I have feelings for her.

That her troublesome fiancé, who’s been bickering with her since their first meeting, who made her cry from the very beginning, has feelings for her.

But even if she knows, Rebecca is currently in a position where she can only fidget.

She only has a suspicion that I’m using the wish strangely, but no concrete evidence that I like her.

And now that she’s become aware of her own feelings, Rebecca’s mind must be in complete turmoil.

“Why can’t you say anything?”

“……”

“Don’t you have something more to say?”

“That’s…”

Of course, it’s not like I’m going to consider Rebecca’s mental state and go easy on her.

When the opponent’s psychological state is weak, that’s the perfect time to strike—a classic strategy passed down through the ages.

“What a strange thing. My fiancée isn’t usually someone who can’t speak.”

“……”

“She’s not someone who avoids eye contact as if she’s guilty of something.”

“……Wait…”

“Is there something on your mind?”

I slowly approach Rebecca, who’s tightly clutching the blanket on the bed.

Step— Step—

The sound of footsteps quietly echoing in the silence.

Only the sound of footsteps indicates that I’m gradually getting closer to Rebecca.

“……Why are you suddenly coming closer?”

“……”

“Don’t come any closer. I’m warning you. Stop right there.”

Rebecca, sensing that the situation is starting to take a strange turn, tries to crawl backward, attempting to distance herself from me.

“You’re telling me not to come closer with your words, but why aren’t you pushing me away with your hands?”

“……”

But it’s already too late.

Rebecca is within reach if I just lower my head a little.

Just a slight tilt of my face, and our faces would touch.

After briefly staring at Rebecca’s face, I speak in a low voice.

“Didn’t you do something interesting to me before?”

“……”

“I never imagined that the princess would kiss me in that situation.”

“……Don’t get the wrong idea. I clearly said…”

“You said it wasn’t because you liked me, yet your cheeks were redder than your hair.”

“……”

“Since you kissed me without my consent, isn’t it only fair that I get to do the same once?”

“You can’t be…”

You can’t be thinking of kissing me now, of suddenly kissing me like this.

Her expression, like a startled rabbit, is so different from the cold princess the world knows, and it’s adorable.

“Yes. I’m going to do it right now.”

“……Wait…”

“If you don’t like it, say so now.”

If you don’t say you dislike it, I’ll do it right away.

A declaration that would make others question what I’m even talking about.

A ridiculous, almost non-declaration declaration.

But for my fiancée, who can’t honestly express her feelings, it seems to work perfectly.

“……I didn’t say…I didn’t say I dislike it.”

“……Then I’ll do it.”

“……”

With Rebecca’s permission, I declare once again that I’m going to kiss her.

I lean closer to Rebecca, who closes her eyes in anticipation of what’s to come.

Mwah-

Instead of her lips, I lightly kiss her forehead.

“……?”

“Were you expecting something? Too bad, today doesn’t seem to be the day.”

“……Ah.”

Realizing she’s been tricked, Rebecca’s face turns red, and she glares at me as if I’m being mean.

“Who knows? On your birthday, which isn’t far off, it might be different from today.”

“……”

“You’re looking forward to it, aren’t you?”

“……Ugh.”

I smile slightly, satisfied with teasing Rebecca once more.

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