I’m the fifth son of a count’s family, but I became the head of a duke’s house.
When the night had grown quiet…
I was sitting side by side with Leila in my private room.
Leila, having just come out of the bath, had slightly flushed cheeks and her hair was still a little damp.
I had been meaning to tell Leila about what happened during the day, but as I hesitated to bring it up, Leila looked at me with a curious expression and asked,
“Is something the matter?”
Since Leila brought it up, there was no backing out now.
I steeled myself.
“Actually… Wolf approached me with a proposal to make Arthe his concubine.”
I finally said it.
Thinking about how this might sadden Leila, I couldn’t look her in the eye and found myself staring at the floor instead.
“…And what did Arthe say?”
“Arthe was… favorable towards the idea.”
Arthe had said she would leave the decision to Leila, but essentially, if Leila agreed, it was safe to assume Arthe was amenable to it.
“What does Lord Ein think about this?”
“I… Considering the position of beastfolk, I think it’s not a bad idea to secure their standing.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
Wondering what she meant, I turned to look at Leila.
Her eyes were fixed on me with serious intent.
“I asked how Lord Ein feels about Lady Arthe.”
“…I like Arthe. Especially her fluffy tail.”
Wait, what am I saying?
I ended up explaining my feelings and even the reasons behind them.
But Leila didn’t mock me for it; instead, she chuckled softly.
“I understand. The fur of beastfolk is truly charming.”
Leila had gone straight to pet Arthe when they first met, so in a way, it wasn’t surprising that she appreciated someone who liked being petted too.
Leila lifted her legs, which had been resting on the floor, and assumed a position similar to sitting cross-legged on the sofa.
“I think… it’s fine. Lady Arthe is a good person.”
Honestly, I was surprised.
Given Leila’s somewhat yandere tendencies—like when she showed jealousy towards Lady Selene—I thought she’d be against it. But perhaps it’s also because she knows Arthe personally.
“Are you sure?”
Just to confirm, I asked again, but Leila gave a small nod.
“To say I’m not jealous would be a lie… But if it’s Lady Arthe, it’s alright. Plus, you made sure to consult with me beforehand.”
“I’m glad…”
It reassured me that I hadn’t handled things wrong.
I don’t want Leila to hate me.
Relieved, I was about to let out a sigh when Leila continued, “However…”
“You’ll love me the most, right?”
Her eyes seemed to glisten with a somewhat murky intensity.
Unconsciously, I swallowed hard.
“Of course.”
“Hehe. Then, list lots of things you love about me.”
“Huh?”
Ah, I see. Since I listed Arthe’s good qualities, she wants me to do the same for her?
And so, late into the night, I found myself enumerating countless things I loved about Leila.