Chapter 35

Today, the first volume of the manga is being released in both print and digital formats!

"Miss Lissette, I'm sorry to disturb you. I found the book you were looking for, so I brought it to you."

"Huh? Thank you so much, Ralph."

As I took the book offered by Ralph, I felt a sense of discomfort and looked up.

"Hey, shouldn't we stop using these formal titles and polite language?"

"Why?"

"Combined with your attitude, it feels like I'm the master and you're the servant, which makes me uncomfortable."

Originally, in terms of status and position, he is far above me. Yet, I call him by his name without using polite language, while he always speaks humbly. This situation is indeed strange.

I understand that he feels a sense of gratitude, but now that we are in a relationship, it's time to change things.

"It looks strange to others too."

"I don't care what others think, whether you see me as your servant or a dog."

"Please care about that."

Ralph is the hero of this country and the next marquis. Normally, he would be out of my reach.

However, I thought that Ralph might be used to the current situation and would feel uncomfortable if we changed it suddenly. So, I suggested, "Let's try a little practice, shall we?"

Ralph obediently sat next to me with a bright, dazzling smile.

"What should we do first?"

"Well, start by calling me Lissette. Or Lise is fine too."

"…Really, is that okay?"

"Yes."

Ralph cleared his throat, then with a serious expression, he looked straight at me.

"Lise"

"…!"

At that moment, the impact was even more powerful than I imagined. Ralph has an incredibly good voice. When he called me with his low, sweet voice, my heart skipped a beat.

Even though everyone, including Grandma and Roy, has been calling me "Lise" or "Lissette" since we left the sanctuary, being called by Ralph made me feel so special and my heart fluttered.

"…Lise? Is something wrong?"

"S-Sorry, I just… got more flustered than I imagined."

"Are you flustered because of me?"

"Of course."

When I answered honestly, Ralph's expression brightened. It was as if flowers were blooming behind him.

"I'm so happy! I'll call you a lot, Lise."

"Umm… thank you."

Ralph Redford has the most handsome face of anyone. Being called by him at close range, it's impossible for any woman not to be flustered.

Thinking that my heart might not hold up, but since I suggested it, I found it hard to back out.

"What should we do next?"

"W-Well, try not using polite language."

"Got it. …Lise, you look cute today. I like you."

Please, just wait a moment. I feel like my face is on fire. Why can't he just have a normal conversation?

As I took a step back, Ralph moved closer, narrowing the distance between us.

"Why are you running away? Don't you like me?"

"W-Wait…!"

"No, I won't."

Not only his tone but his personality seems to have changed. Usually, he listens to me right away, but now he's grabbing my arm and almost pinning me down.

"S-Sorry. It's my fault. I think we should go back to the way it was for a while. Please."

"…Understood."

When I pleaded desperately, Ralph nodded with a dejected look.

"I'm sorry. You looked so cute when you blushed, and I couldn't control myself…"

"I'm the one who suggested it, so I'm sorry. I realize that if I suddenly changed my tone to 'Lord Ralph, please stop,' you would feel uncomfortable too."

"…!"

Ralph's cheeks turned red, and he covered his mouth with one hand, looking like he couldn't contain his excitement.

"I got really excited. Please do it more."

"Umm…"

"Besides, I like any version of you. No matter how dirty the words you use or how much you scold me, I'll be happy."

"Please stop."

Realizing that things are best as they are, I firmly vowed never to suggest anything unnecessary again.