Chapter 33

"......Rizetto-sama, do you still like me today?"

One evening, after finishing dinner, while having tea in the marquis's parlor, Ralph asked this question with a serious expression. Before I could open my mouth, Nadia let out a deep, deep sigh.

"Brother, please stop this. Asking the same question every day is making me irritable, and I'm sure it's even more so for Rizetto-sama. I won't care if you really get disliked."

Indeed, this question is repeated almost every day. Each time, I respond with "Of course I do," but Ralph asks the same question again the next day.

Nadia, who has heard this every day, seemed genuinely irritated. Despite her cute appearance, she said, "I might just punch you soon," and glared at Ralph.

"......I'm so happy it's scary."

Just the other day, Ralph had said these words. Because he had thought of me for such a long time, I could understand the anxiety he felt, and it made my heart ache.

I don't mind at all, but Ralph reacted excessively to Nadia's words about being disliked, and looked at me with a pleading gaze.

"If Rizetto-sama dislikes me......"

"It won't happen just because of this. Don't worry."

"Sister, you're too kind and too lenient. We'll be living together forever from now on, so the beginning is important."

Nadia smiled and wrapped her arm around mine. I realized again how happy I am now that I can accept the idea of living together forever.

"Rizetto-sama, move away from me."

"No, I don't want to. Are you jealous? I won't switch places with you."

Their exchange made me smile. It was a daily occurrence for them to argue like this over me.

If possible, I want to reassure Ralph. He risked his life to remove my long-standing anxiety.

While thinking about how to do that, I stroked Nadia's head.

◇◇◇

A week later, after finishing my preparations for bed, I was about to knock on Ralph's door to talk to him, but at that moment, the door opened, and Ralph appeared with a beaming smile, making my heart almost stop.

"Rizetto-sama, what's wrong?"

"I, I was startled...!"

"I'm sorry, I was so happy that Rizetto-sama came to see me. Please come in."

It seemed he had sensed my footsteps and was waiting to greet me. I was led into the room and offered a seat on the sofa.

Ralph sat next to me, his smile as bright as if flowers were blooming behind him.

"Your hair tied up high is also very cute. I love it."

"Thank you."

"Is there something you need from me?"

When he asked, I took a deep breath and decided to speak.

"I came to kiss Ralph."

"Is that so? Kiss me... Kiss?"

I nodded, and Ralph's beautiful amethyst-like eyes widened in surprise.

Of course, I would have reacted the same way if I were in his position. There is a reason I brought this up.

I took a small deep breath to gather my courage and gently wrapped my arms around Ralph's neck.

"Rizetto-sama...?"

With his perfectly composed face flushed and looking confused, I pulled Ralph's body closer and sealed his lips with mine.