Chapter 87

It's a summer story during their engagement.

"Does Noah not get drunk?"

On their way back from the Terilis Inn, Alicia, holding hands with Noah, swayed them while asking this. Noah's lips curved into a smile. Alicia seemed a bit tipsy, with a blush on her cheeks.

"I do get drunk, but it doesn't show much on my face."

"Have you ever passed out from drinking?"

"A few times when I first joined the Knights. They held welcome parties, and we had drinking sessions the day before our days off."

"Hehe, sounds fun."

Alicia's voice was lively. After gently fixing her young green hair, which was played with by the night breeze, she smiled shyly. She looked adorable.

A large moon cast their shadows long on the cobblestones. The shadows were so close that they seemed to merge into one.

"It was fun, but I ended up bedridden the next day. Recently, I've learned to control it and don't drink that much anymore."

"I can't imagine you being bedridden. You don't look drunk at all even now."

"Once we're married, you can join me in drinking until I pass out."

"Of course, I will."

Feeling the strength in their clasped hands, Noah responded by gripping hers firmly. The tips of their intertwined fingers felt as if they were on fire, hot and intense. He loved the sensation of their temperatures merging, growing warmer.

"If I pass out, will you be my pillow? I don't think I'll be able to let go until morning."

"Sleeping in together sounds nice. Sometimes, a lazy morning might be good. But only on our days off, okay?"

Alicia giggled, her shoulders shaking. She seemed to have no qualms about spending the night together, which was both endearing and a bit worrying. After all, the man beside her was just a man in love with his beloved.

But Noah also wanted her to stay just as she was, so he could only inwardly smile bitterly. It was fine if Alicia didn't know how much he adored her—how much he wished he could keep her in his arms forever. Such dark feelings were best kept hidden.

"Hey, Noah."

"Hmm?"

"I'm looking forward to getting married."

Alicia smiled like a blooming flower. Noah's smile deepened, and he nodded vigorously.

"Me too. But there's a lot of preparation, and it's going to be tough."

"It's tough but fun. I'm happy that everyone is excited about choosing the dress and accessories, not just me."

"Let me join you when you try on the dress."

"Of course. I want to hear your compliments, not anyone else's. Your outfit will be the formal attire of the Knights. I'm looking forward to seeing you in it."

Noah, being a knight, was supposed to wear the ceremonial knight's uniform for the wedding. Even though matching wedding outfits would have been fine, he decided without hesitation to wear the knight's uniform after hearing that Alicia was looking forward to it.

"If you like me in formal attire, I'll wear it as much as you want."

Speaking in a joking tone, he received a joyful laugh in return. Her golden eyes sparkled like stars.

"You look great no matter what you wear, Noah."

Ah, I can't win.

Even though it wasn't a competition, he always felt that he couldn't match her.

"...Thanks."

Feeling inexplicably embarrassed, he could only manage a single word in response. Alicia laughed happily at Noah's reaction. She was so cute that he bent down and kissed her lips lightly. Alicia turned bright red instantly, and this time Noah laughed low.

Today, September 2nd, is the release date of the book version of "Hidden Star Connects Hearts"!

Thank you very much for your support.

(Information about the special edition is available in the activity report.)