Chapter 23 - The Talk with Liselotte (2) (1/2)

”About what? Did Sir Rio ask my impression of you as the Apostle of God, or as a person called Rio?”

”The latter,” Rio answered Liselotte's question shortly.

Liselotte nodded in affirmation and closed her eyes briefly, collecting her thoughts. She then opened her eyes and looked into Rio's eyes with a tender look full of affection. And despite Rio was prepared for any sign of her affection for him, he was still surprised. But, he held himself from showing his surprise, maintaining his calm appearance to the end.

”I think Sir Rio is kind, thoughtful, reliable, and amazing. Sir Rio is a good person.”

”I see…” Rio nodded his assent. He then asked Liselotte his next question, ”Do you already have someone you like, romantically I mean?”

This time, Liselotte could not meet Rio's gaze and lowered her face deeply. She was hiding her face with her front bang, but Rio could see her ears which had become very red. Rio put his other hand above their intertwining hands and squeezed Liselotte's hand softly. Liselotte squeezed his hand in return, but she kept looking down, not meeting up his gaze.

After a few seconds, Liselotte raised her face slightly. Rio saw Liselotte's upturned eyes. When he saw that, his heart skipped a beat and wanted to hold this cute girl closely in his embrace. However, he restrained himself and waited for her answer.

Liselotte finally gave Rio her answer, ”I have someone I respect and love dearly…”

When Rio heard that, Rio didn't fall into the cliche trap of misunderstanding that usually happened in Shoujo stories. No sir, no way! Thank you very much! Besides, Liselotte had subtly informed him of the man she remarked by putting her other hand above Rio's hand. Their hands were currently stacking on each other's hands.

”But…” Liselotte continued with a conflicted expression.

”What is it?” Rio urged Liselotte to continue, wondering what was her problem.

”I am not sure if I can be a suitable partner for him. I mean, he is very amazing! He is special! Yet, I'm only a lowly servant. And I realized that I am not suited to be with him...”

Liselotte had an expression of self-ridicule and grief when she said that. Tears were pooling in the corner of her eyes, ready to fall down her cheeks any moment. Her hands which were holding on his were shivering. She bit her bottom lip to stop herself from spilling out her inferiority complex by shedding her tears.

When Rio saw the grief-stricken expression in Liselotte's face, Rio felt a pang of guilt.