Kyle raised his little finger out of the blue, and I froze in sheer disbelief while he made this weird kind of smile.

Dont you know when you see this? Im trying to make a promise.

Oh, yeah, I see. PromiseWhat?

What? Promise? Lets make a promise about this.

Is this what you want to pinky promise?

I couldnt understand the absurdity of a promise like this.

Kyles face crumpled as he asked. Is there a problem?

No, no problem, but

Well, I can promise you this, but

Foo

Oh no. I quickly covered my mouth with my hands and lowered my gaze. I laughed without realizing it. I couldnt help it. It was impossible to keep it in.

His little finger sticking out, Kyle stuck it out again with a serious face.

How can I not burst into laughter?

I was in deep trouble. I covered my mouth with my hand, but I couldnt manage my expression at all. My laughing expression was out of control.

Why are you laughing? Youre the one who showed me how to make a promise.

Kyles uncomfortable voice came as I broke my lips to endure pain.

I glanced at Kyle.

Poof

Oh Im screwed. I laughed again. Why do you keep holding your pinky up?

Thats what made me laugh.

I pushed ahead in hope to fix the atmosphere before it got worse.

So Pooh, this is Phew. Fu-fu.

Wow. I was going crazy.

Im in pain.

Eventually, I stopped trying to form proper sentences and fanned my face with my hands.

Having had a hard time quieting my laughter for a while, I looked at Kyle after calming down to a certain extent.

His current expression was one of you better tell me what is going on and quickly. It was just about to explode.

But why does he even look so cute.

At this point, there was no turning back. I opened my mouth in an effort to clear my mind and heart.

I Im sorry I kept laughing. I couldnt stop laughing because you were so cute.

What?

Maybe it was all thanks to my new relaxed state. I was able to convey my unembellished sincerity.

Although Kyles expression is a spectacle.

He looked as if he didnt know what he heard now. His blank face was looking straight at me.

Of course.

From Kyles point of view, there were two kinds of laughter.

Its either a normal laugh or one that hides evils intentions.

In the first place, there was no option for a dragon to understand a pure and innocent laughter. It was also a rare occurrence for Kyle as a human to even laugh. Furthermore, it would have been harder as an Archduke. Even here and now, it was highly unlikely that he would remember those feelings now that he was dragonized.

Then how should I explain this?

Thinking about it, I naturally touched my mouth, then raised one corner of it. It was Kyles usual expression whenever he was with someone.

Look, Archduke. I copied your usual expression, but isnt it different from my smile?

Look at this. Only one corner of my mouth went up and my eyes werent smiling. A little while ago, both sides of my mouth went up and my eyes were smiling.

Kyle didnt answer, but he looked so focused on what I was saying. I continued rapidly without delay.

Theres a variety of laughs and smiles like this.

There are types?

Yes. Human beings have complex emotions, so they can laugh in different ways.

You can smile, for example, when youre happy or sad, or when someone feels cute and adorable like now.

Uh, um. How should I say this? It was embarrassing that the word adorable was coming from my mouth. It was in a similar manner.

Cute Is adorable?

Kyle must have been embarrassed about that. If you look at him babbling.

Adorable, adorable

Excuse me. You dont have to babbler that much. I was so embarrassed.

Trying to get rid of a little embarrassment, I tried stopping him by calling him, at the same time he called my name.

Archduke

Riddel.

What? Why are you calling me?

So, you laughed because I was adorable?

I felt like I was hit on the head by the word I heard. When did I say the word adorable? Didnt I say cute?

He must have developed a special ear that only listens to what he wants to hear.

I shook my head in denial.

No, Im laughing because youre cute.

Isnt that because its adorable?

No, not because its adorable, but because its cute.

You just said it was a cute and adorable smile with your own mouth.

No, not because its adorable, but because its cute.

I tried to keep my ground in order to not create a misunderstanding.

Kyle tilts his head in thought for a moment.

Then whats the difference between the two? I dont know, so I want you to show me.

What?

Smile with an expression of something adorable.

what?

You said there was a difference between those two words, so tell me the difference.

Uh, well, I see Kyles intentions. It seems I had to take responsibility for the things I said.

My head was pounding.

How am I supposed to smile as if I saw something adorable without preparation, you are crazy.

I talked with a disgusting look on my face.

Not now.

Why?

Its something I can only do if I feel its adorable, or Ill have a twitch around my mouth and a strange smile.

Then when will I be able to see it?

If I see something and feel its adorable, would I not do it?

I got it.

Whats that? The answer is.

I didnt expect him to bite on the subject and drop it as fast. Kyles persistent personality conceded more quickly than I thought. I felt a little uncomfortable, but I didnt dig further. If I instigated Kyles curiosity here

I might have to laugh all night until Kyle understands.

I wanted to avoid that. Of course, there were other things to talk about. Probably a mountain of other things we could talk about.

Okay, good.

I naturally got up from my seat and sat next to Kyle. I just wanted to ask about the upcoming schedule. In fact, there was something else I really wanted to ask.

For example, about Sejan.

No matter what I did, I felt that Kyle was watching Sejan.

Provoking him openly was the only part I could get my hands on. I didnt understand what they were hiding. Perhaps it was too early to ask.

I dont know if Ill have to just wait and see.

Kyle personally explained the schedule, frowned at some points in the clarification, but it was easy to understand.

Feeling that Kyles story was ending in braille, I gently encouraged him.

Archduke, are we going to sleep together today?

I heard that this area usually drinks warm wine, how about drinking it together?

If you want.

Kyle gladly accepted my offer. I called Lily in and told her to bring him a cup of Glhwein.

After a while, Lily brought me some Glhwein. But what? She brought two glasses and a bottle of it.

such a big barrel.

Have a peaceful night. Lily quickly escaped after she greeted me with no hesitation.

I asked Kyle, pointing to the Glhwein. Have you ever had this, Archduke?

There is.

Kyle, who added a story about his time as a human being, skillfully poured wine into his glass then mine.

Taking advantage of the moonlit forest as the perfect background, Kyle and I quietly bumped each others glasses and drank a sip of wine.

Its sweet.

What? Is this sweet? Its too bitter and leaves an astringent aftertaste.

How can you say its bitter? Its sweet, obviously.

What are you talking about? Itll be bitter for anyone who drinks it.

It was starting again.

The quarrel between Kyle and me.

I cant believe youre so different when you drink something outside.

Besides, Kyle and I never seemed to be on the same page. Sometimes I wonder if it was a dissonance between the two of us. Ive been feeling it ever since. This kind of small argument was quite enjoyable.

What would Kyle think?

Huh? Now that I looked his way, his glass had already been emptied clean. Done already? That was fast. Thinking about it, I suggested to Kyle.

Would you like another drink?

Are you going to be drunk?

Oh, what are you saying to the lady? What do you mean drunk, I never been in this position? Ive never done anything like that. If you dont pour it, Ill drink it myself.

Kyle clearly had a lot to say, but he poured wine into my glass with a look of reluctance.

What is it? Do you want me to drink and die?

Like that two, three, and finally the fourth glasses.

Hey, Kyle.

Youre drunk.

What? Someones drunk. My head hurts a little, but Im fine?

Thats what I mean by drunk.

More important than that, Kyle. You know what? The wine were drinking now has a name.

44

Although there was no answer from him, I continued talking because I could see Kyle listening quietly.

The name of this wine is Glhwein. Hmm, isnt it? Is it mulled wine or vin chaud? Oh, I dont know? Lets just unify it with Glhwein.

Riddel Spencer, you make a mess of things you cant understand when youre drunk, and youve got the gift of constantly talking about them.

Tsk. Kyle clicked his tongue, but I didnt care and continued talking.

Well, I dont like this wine very much, but you know why I drink it?

Well.

What happened was, when I was just an adult, my family went on a trip to Europe, and my dad bought this from the Christmas market.

Europe? Markets?

Yes, but as soon as I took a sip, it was so bad that my family didnt like it.

Is this wine that bad?

Kyle shook the wine in the glass and raised pure doubts.

Whats up with him? He responded better than usual.

Are you drunk?

Excited whatsoever, whatever it was, I continued to talk with enthusiasm.

At that time, my father apologized for buying the wrong wine and got Glhwein instead. He looked so sad, drinking it along Well, in conclusion, we all drank and laughed together by the end of the night.

Anyway, since then, Ive been drinking Glhwein as a habit on Christmas. Ive been drinking it even refusing anyones recommendation to drink something else. It still doesnt taste good.

As I spoke, I remembered the faces of my family, and the longing I had buried inside my heart. Kyle listened to me and seemed to be lost in thought, but he opened his mouth again.

Did Thor Spencer have that trait?

What? Thor Spencer? Its notmy dad Um, Kyle

Yes?

Well, Im sleepy.

What?

I want to say more All of a sudden, its so Im sleepy

Oh, my. Was I already drunk?

My head just Round and round. I blinked and rubbed my eyes. My eyes keep It was because of the wind.

Ill take you to bed.

I felt Kyle holding my saggy and drooping body. Comfy. And

warm.

It was warm. It was so warm. I was so relaxed.

Im glad I have a place to go.

Where to go back?

Yes, Kyle is by my side I really

Unable to overcome the heavy eyelids, I eventually closed my eyes.

***

Deep dawn with the moon hidden in the clouds. There was only stillness in the villa. There was only one who was not. Kyle could sleep at all.

Kyles transparent eyes, with his eyelashes curled up, were facing only one spot.

Where Riddel quietly fell asleep.

Kyle was dazzled by the situation. He drank wine like water, but he kept a list of words that he didnt understand from the previous conversation.

falling asleep without moving.

Riddels breath was faint as she slept soundly. Kyle didnt show it, but he thought there was also something outside the carriage schedule that was tiring her.

So, how many times has it been now?

Seeing Riddel sleeping soundly. Kyle couldnt even remember the first time it happened.

Thats right.

He had been watching Riddel sleep every night even at the Great Duchy.

It had become a daily routine at some point. For Kyle, Riddel Spencer was a woman who always leaves doubts. She did it again.

But why is the Archduke concerned about it?

Well.

Kyle murmured quietly at Riddels question that he left a moment ago.

Honestly, Kyle wondered himself. He never thought deeply, didnt even feet the need for it, but to put it bluntly, Riddels words were not wrong.

Contract.

Yes, its just a contractual relationship with Riddel Spencer.

The truth never changes no matter how sweet Riddel may have said it. Even if they meet for different reasons, he had no right to interfere. He could only ask for some control to save his face.

Havent I seen a lot of things in the first place?

Married people shushed and played with others behind their back. It was such a different world from the outside. Thats why Kyle never had any expectation from the nobles, no, from anyone.

Kyle hated it.

Whoever could get involved with Riddel. Whether it was her ex-fianc, Doman Woodhill, or those pathetic nobles. The employees and knights of the Great Duchy. Even the maid she especially cares about, who Kyle couldnt even think of her name.

Kyle was even bothered by Riddels more intimate relationship with Jean these days.

because of my pride.

Maybe.

The reason why he was impatient with Riddel Spencer may be because of his primitive desires.

No, this is something different.

If Kyles pride was hurt by his own womans unruly behavior. It would be over the moment he took away her freedom.

The original dragon was a holy spirit that could be cruel in means of possession, control, and reign. If Riddel was something simply to own, he wouldnt care at all if her body was broken in two.

I just need to hold my breath anyway.

For some reason, Kyle didnt want it this way. The exact reason was unknown. He thought it didnt make sense, but he didnt want to hurt Riddel in the back of his mind.

Although he didnt understand himself, Kyle didnt even want to hurt her fingertips.

Of course, sometimes, no, often. Kyle had a desire to chain up and lock her in a place that only he knew. This was also quickly subdued by something, not instinct.

So

Its different from my original desire.

It was the only conclusion that Kyle could come up with.

How dare you make me think this far.

Is there anyone else who would give Kyle such a different experience?

There wasnt. Forever. No one would want to give up their lives in a hurry. It was not enough to say that it was ridiculous.

Kyle touched his mouth unconsciously, at the same time, recalling Riddels words.

Theres a variety of laughs and smiles like this.

One side of his mouth was the same, but this was not the smile that he usually made. Kyle could tell without looking in the mirror. His eyes, which have always been fierce, were nowhere to be found. Folded in half with no poison.

Kyle was confused.

If there were different kinds of smiles, it would be great to know about them.

what kind of smile is that?

There was another remark that added to such confusion. Ive heard of it, but for Kyle, the most difficult word in the world.

Love.

A senseless feeling that he couldnt understand or didnt want to understand.

Still, Kyle wondered, curiously.

What should I do.

He wondered if Riddel would show him a smile. Yes, Kyle wanted to see Riddels smile powered by an adorable thought. And

Im glad I have a place to go.

Riddel told him that she had a place to go back. Kyle felt his chest filling up for some reason.

And

Yes, Kyle is by my side I really

He was also curious about the story behind it. However, he would not be able to hear this part.

Youll say you dont remember.

Did his own scent transfer to her?

Kyle stopped in an attempt to reach out to Riddel, who started to smell like roses. He felt this instinctive impulse more than the feeling of reaching her. Kyle felt his body heat up in a heartbeat. Damn it. He bit his lips with a troubled look.

Was this a dragons instinct, or? Whatever it was, Kyle would never.

I wont hurt you.

Unaware, Kyle inadvertently told her.

***

I look forward to seeing you again, your Highness.

Please come back anytime, your Highness.

Dawn didnt make an appearance as of yet, however I was up and ready to go.

I went out of the villa receiving polite greetings from the employees. Kyle had left the villa ahead of me. The reason was simple, today we were entering into the woods in the south. Thats why I told him Id leave the villa at dawn.

As soon as I woke up in the morning, I was told by Kyle, who seemed somewhat haggard.

Did he just left after telling me we were leaving at dawn?

Oh well.

I was fortunate this morning, it seemed I slept so well; I didnt have a hangover.

How I fell asleep was a little blurry, but I dont remember making any big mistake.

Im sure it will be alright.

After I finished thinking, I contemplated Kyles words.

Well, Kyle said hed join the knights because monsters could come out from now on.

Kyles action was one of a hero. Ordinary nobles would have put their safety first.

When I reached Lily and Matthias, I saw Kyle. Next to him, was Sejan. The two were facing each other and talking in a rapid succession.

Its better to go this way.

Sejans voice could not be heard properly, but they seemed to be reviewing todays schedule.