Volume 5 Chapter 93 (2/2)

“I have to fix my make-up, excuse me for a moment.”

Even though it was not good for a host to be absent, I made up a reason and left.

Tears started to flow, one after another, making the handkerchief moist.

(Even though I cried until I was satisfied that night……)

Holding the handkerchief to my eyes, I tripped while walking along the way.

I was down on all fours in the dark, cold corridor.

I really hated this clumsiness of mine.

The friendly chattering from the hall, the calm music ―― here I was, outside of that circle of happiness, groveling on the floor, all alone.

It was as if I was alone in this world.

“Fufufu, this really suits an incompetent disaster princess like me……”

While drowning in misery, I ridiculed myself.

“Oh, Lyss, did you trip again? Clumsy as usual, aren’t you?”

“--!? L-Lute-san? W-Why!?”

‘Am I hallucinating?’, I thought that at first, but when I look up, I saw Lute-san, whom I should have parted with a while ago, standing on the side. He gave me a bitter smile, and then stretched out his hand.

“Come on, how long are you going to sit there? The dress that took you a lot of effort to wear will get dirty, you know?”

“Th-thank you very mush……”

Auuuuuu! I’m such an idiot! Why do I have to bite my tongue at the very last moment!?

Lute-san, who gave an even more bitter smile, grabbed my hand and, with force, helped me get up.

However, there was too much power, which made me cling to his chest reflexively.

Lute-san’s hand held my shoulder in check.

His body temperature spread over my whole body. His scent, his muscles.

I grasped his clothes tightly, without realizing it.

Aah, my hero-sama――

(I wish for this moment to continue forever.)

Or that time itself would just stop like this for me.

However, I could be in his, a married man’s embrace forever.

I released my body from Lute-san, and stood firmly on my own feet.

“……Thank you very much. But, why did you come for me?”

“Well, Lyss is my precious comrade, so isn’t it a given that I’m worried, when you left with such a face?”

He said, with a ‘why are you saying something so obvious?’ kind of face.

The sense of isolation that was there a while ago disappeared without a trace, being overruled by the feelings of joy.

My love, my love, my love……!

Even though I cried, telling myself to forget it until my pillow was wet, I still couldn’t abandon that pa.s.sion in my chest.

When I tried to throw everything away and plunge myself into his arms, at that moment――someone appeared, stopping my movements.

“……What are you two doing in this place?”

“Father.”

My father――the High Elf King of Enol, accompanied by his imperial guards, stood there.

Father seemed to have noticed me leave the large room, and was chasing after me.

“I felt a little ill, so Lute-san accompanied me. I’m okay now.”

As if cold water had been dumped on my head, I regained my composure and told him a suitable excuse. Lute-san, who had sensed that, said nothing and stayed silent.

Since we had gone on a journey and saved the country from its national crisis together, we could now understand each other with just a glance.

After looking back and forth between us several times, father seemed to understand and didn’t pursue it any further.

“Then, come back to the hall. It’s rude, as one of the hosts, to leave halfway. I apologize for my daughter troubling you.”

“No, it wasn’t a problem at all.”

Lute-san answered politely.

Understanding the situation and being tactful, he returned to the banquet hall first.

I could only look at his back with eyes of regret.

“How do you do, father?”

While following Lute-san with my eyes, I noticed a strong gaze from the side.

I completely forgot that father was standing right next to me.

Belatedly, I fixed my att.i.tude.

“……Lyss. As soon as the party ends, come to my room.”

While carrying an expression like he had realized something, father returned to the party hall.

(To father’s private room?)

I was perplexed by this rare situation.

Could it be that, from just now, he realized my feelings for Lute-san and was going to give me a warning?

(……Even though I have already given up.)

Feeling upset, I followed after my father.

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