Chapter 74….
The Mirage Princess and the Familiar.
“I’m happy just to be by your side, Lord Yoan. If you’ll allow it, I’d like to stay by your side from now on as well.”
Blushing bright red, Felicia managed to say only that—hoping, at the very least, that her feelings would reach him. She didn’t want Yoan to ever feel lonely or hurt again. That was all she wished for.
Yoan widened his eyes in surprise and gazed at Felicia intently for a while, as if searching for her true intent. Then, softly smiling, he took her hand in his. Perhaps her sincere feelings had reached him.
“There’s no happiness greater for me than being with you, Felicia. If that’s how you feel, then I want us to stay together—always.”
After realizing that what she felt for Yoan was love, Felicia wanted all the more to be close to his loneliness and pain.
(I love Lord Yoan. I want him to be happy. Surely, everyone who knows him must feel the same way.)
Felicia gently placed her other hand over the one he held and nodded.
“Lord Yoan, excuse me. I’ve prepared some tea on the table here, so please take a short break.”
Peeking her face through the door opened by one of the familiars, Felicia called out. Yoan, seated at his desk, looked up and smiled. Felicia carefully checked his expression to see if there were signs of fatigue; his complexion seemed fine, and she felt a bit relieved.
“Ah, thank you, Felicia.”
After giving a few more instructions to the crow that had finished its report and sending it out the window, Yoan moved to the sofa and sat down. When he drank the tea Felicia had poured, his eyes softened, and he let out a calm sigh.
“Yes, Felicia, your tea is always delicious.”
Seeing that gentle expression that told her he trusted her, Felicia felt her heart quietly warm.
“Please have some sweets as well. I hope they help you relax a little.”
“Ah, Gâteau Nantais—looks as delicious as ever. I’ll have some.”
Yoan happily brought a forkful to his mouth.
“Mmm, this is good. Moist, and the aroma of rum is irresistible. The slight crunch in the texture is wonderful too. You really do know exactly what flavors I like, Felicia.”
He had sweets every day, but Yoan always gave feedback, not just compliments. That made Felicia happy. Watching Yoan finish one in no time, Felicia spoke up.
“Shall I bring you another?”
Yoan’s eyes lit up at her words, and he nodded.
“Really? Then yes, please.”
“Of course. These sweets are made especially for you, Lord Yoan. As long as they don’t bother your health, you may have as many as you like.”
Felicia placed the extra portion she had brought on Yoan’s plate.
