Chapter 1
Apparently, this cookie, with candy as beautiful as glass displayed in its center, is called a stained-glass cookie.
They existed in my old world, too, but as an unremarkable college student, I never had any reason to try one.
As I admired it against the chandelier light, another stained-glass cookie was held out so close it nearly touched my lips.
"Here you go, Riko."
"U-um, Julius-san... I can eat it myself..."
"I want to feed you."
My right hand, reaching for the cookie, was gently lowered, and he clasped it, lacing our fingers together.
"Or... do you not like being pampered by me, Riko?"
Julius-san tilted his head as if seeking affection, his honey-colored eyes narrowing.
He smiled from close enough for me to feel his breath, looking almost frighteningly practiced at being cute...!
(T-this is way too much for a mob like me!!)
I was internally writhing and coughing up blood as I tried to decide what to do with the offered cookie, when the butler entered at just the right moment.
"Pardon me for interrupting your conversation.
"Julius-sama, a letter has arrived for Riko-sama from Saint Toko."
"Ah, Toko-san..."
I quickly looked up at the name of the only other person from my world. The cloying atmosphere seemed to dissipate, and I let out a small sigh of relief.
Seeing that, Julius-san gave me a slightly troubled smile, handed me the cookie, and took the letter instead.
"...The Saint again.
"The Saint must be busy training her Purification Skill, and yet she seems awfully eager to dote on our very own Riko."
(What does he mean by 'our very own'...?)
It was true that I was staying with Julius-san's family, the Ashford ducal house, but I was just a freeloader.
And it wasn't as if I was any use to anyone. I did nothing but eat and sleep, a hopeless good-for-nothing...
(...Why is he so kind to me?
Even though I'm not the Saint...!!)