Adults Have All Sorts of Things Going On...

(Somehow, I feel a little relieved...

...Wait, this makes it sound like I was shocked at the thought of Julius-san being taken from me...)

I shook my head, my face burning red, nearly shouting at myself for such a ridiculous thought.

Toko-san, who had been watching me, hugged the pillow she had been swinging around and told me:

"...One of my best friends was dating a really possessive guy.

"It annoyed me that she put her boyfriend before her friends, but they got along so well that I figured, well, whatever. Then he basically kept her all to himself and married her. After that, we could still get in touch, but it was hard to meet up and stuff. Still, if she was happy, that was fine, right?"

"It’s not like I’m upset that my childhood best friend, whom I’d known since we were little, was taken away from me or anything!!!?"

The pillow thumped as Toko hit it again.

I don’t really get it, but adults sure have all sorts of things going on...

"That’s why..."

"?"

"...That’s why, if you’re truly happy, Riko... I think that’s all that matters."

"Toko-san... Thank you."

(Honestly, I had so little life experience that I couldn’t understand why possessive boyfriends or married life had anything to do with me...!!)

But she was probably trying to cheer me up. And she was wishing for my happiness.

That made me happy.

As her bracelet swayed, Toko-san’s delicate hand stroked my head.

Of course, it felt different from when Julius-san did it.

I suddenly found myself wanting that big hand to stroke my head, and just as I thought I should head back, a knock echoed through the room.

"Saint-sama, may I have Riko back now?"

(It’s Julius-san!!)

A smile came naturally to my face at the familiar voice.

When Toko-san opened the door, Julius-san was there, along with the prince who hadn’t been there earlier.

"Toko, I’m sorry... I heard Edgardo made an unpleasant remark."

"...It’s not your fault, Theo. It’s fine now."

"But like I said back there, I don’t need any helpers, so don’t involve me under that pretext from now on! Especially that mutt!"

"Mutt..."

Edgardo did seem kind of doglike. Julius-san had even scolded Edgardo—had the lesson sunk in?

"And I have no intention of getting married, so don’t bring me any marriage proposals!"

"Huh?"

The prince froze at Toko-san’s declaration that she intended to remain single for life. Well, well?

(Is the prince panicking because marriage can no longer keep her in check, or is something personal going on...?)

My mouth was starting to curl at my own wild speculation when Julius-san placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Riko... Could you spare me some time later?"

"...I want to explain it properly in my own words."

"Julius-san... I understand. Please do."

When I nodded, Julius-san’s expression relaxed a little, as if he were relieved.

◇◇◇

Guided by the light of a lantern carried by a maid, I walked down the dark connecting corridor and reached the greenhouse.

The wall lamps inside the greenhouse were already lit. On the rattan-and-glass table in the center sat glasses, a bottle of wine, and a plate of cheese, nuts, and dried fruit.

Julius-san was sitting there waiting, dressed casually.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Julius-san."

"I’m the one who should apologize for keeping you waiting so late."

After that, I went back to the estate in the carriage that had brought me, but Julius-san apparently had work at the castle and didn’t get home until after dinner.

"Aren’t you cold?"

"I’m fine."

Since greenhouses got chilly on autumn nights, the maids had dressed me in a fairly warm gown, so I wasn’t particularly cold.

I won’t give him an adorable sneeze that triggers his protective instincts. I’m a mob character.

"I see. ...I might be a little cold, though."

"Oh, should I go get a blanket?"

I couldn’t see them behind the plants, but the maids should be waiting near the entrance.

When I suggested that, Julius-san shook his head and came over to me...

"I’ll borrow some of Riko’s warmth."

"Eeeeeek!?"

He picked me up with ease. Then, as if nothing had happened, he went back to the long rattan sofa and sat down with me on his lap.

(Another lap cuddle!? ...Wait...)

"Julius-san, are you... drunk, by any chance?"