His gaze was strangely cool.

Youll have to let it go.

But Louise smiled.

To be exact, he told me that he likes me with you.

Who Sir Hesse really cares about is you, Your Highness.

Louise reached out and placed her hand on his cheek, and he seemed strangely embarrassed. She had guessed that this would be his reaction.

Arent you moved by it?

A little bit.

It didnt seem like just a little. It was obvious he was so happy he didnt know what to do.

You know.

Louise whispered, still holding his cheek.

There may not be any other substitute for your grandfather in this world.

Louise recalled the tears Ian shed for him.

Still

I know.

He answered her quickly, as if he understood what she wanted to say.

I still have Hesse.

Theres also Claire and Lord Simon.

Unfortunately theres Dean Crissis, too.

And your parents as well.

My father, who is a fool.

And the memory of the clever and beautiful queen.

And.

Ian stroked Louises long hair that fanned out on the bed.

Youwill you be there for me?

Louise struggled to find her answer when Ian posed the question so seriously. Come to think of it, she had something she wanted to say to Ian. And if she couldnt say it, then their relationship would always be at a standstill. But was it okay to bring it up now? Wouldnt that be a bother?

Suddenly, Ians hand captured Louises chin. Just like that day in the dormitory.

Ignore it.

He spoke the same words, and Louise understood what he intended. He was trying to recreate the moment in the dormitory before it had fallen apart, to hear the story that Louise couldnt tell him then.

Now?

Yes, now.

He nodded encouragingly, and Louise gathered her thoughts for a moment.

Truly.

She also brought back the words she once spoke in the past.

Theres something important I have to say.

Im listening.

It was the same reply as the day. Except this time, the atmosphere was different. Back then he was playing around, but now he listened with devoted attention. No, not just to her words, but to the subtle tremble of her eyelashes and the curve of her mouth.

Iwont be too stubborn anymore.

Youve never been too stubborn for me.

Louise shook her head. She was. She was scared that even their long friendship may turn twisted.

I have been. Drawing a line in our relationship.

Louise took his hand that was stroking her hair.

Defining what we would allow for each other This is all because you listened to my stubbornness.

Because I was greedy.

He answered frankly. Meanwhile, their fingers curled and tangled with each other.

More than that, is that alright with you? You said you didnt want to be misunderstood.

Iwell, I

I wonder if everythings okay.

Everythings a total disaster.

Ah.

Ian shook his head with regret for a moment.

So my fiance was dumped. Who was your partner? You can tell me now.

P-partner!

You did have one, right? Didnt you say you didnt want to be misunderstood because you were involved with someone?

Well, the person she didnt want to misunderstand was Stella, but that was a failure.

I-its not like that! I didnt have someone I liked. Not at all!

Well, I see. Theres nothing in it for you even if you do become known as my fiance. Youll just get checked on needlessly. You dont have to worry. Of course Ill be careful about calling you my fiance in the future.

His tone was friendly, and Louise ventured on carefully.

PerhapsThats what you planned to do from the beginning?

Hmm. Maybe?

He smiled lightly when he answered that.

I never thought Id be restricted at all.

Im sorry.

Then how should I treat you in the future?

Oh, just naturally, normally

Thats a difficult answer.

How difficult?

Even someone with no sense like Louise Sweeney would know. You saying that youll stop being stubborn and allow me to

His dark pupil gazed at her quietly.

Thats how it sounds to me.

Louise didnt turn her eyes away from him.

I know.

She gladly confirmed that he was understanding correctly.

Theres no other way, naturally.

Naturally?

T-thats how it is. Since we already k-kissedthats how it has to be.

Louise added with a sense of embarrassment, You dont do that with someone you dont want to share your heart with.

Im glad you dont deny my thoughts.

Ian gave her a questioning look.

So you called it a kiss?

Louise jumped up and sat next to him. His hand, which seemed to have never let go, moved away, and Louise clenched her fist.

How could it not be a k-kiss! I even circled the calendar on that date! Both times!

I thought you would do that, so I circled the calendar too. I even colored the first one blue and the second purple to distinguish who initiated.

He seemed very proud of himself, but she didnt understand him.

Anyway, Im relieved.

About what?

Louise murmured gently.

I was worried you would define it as a mere impulsive act.

Theres no way you came to such a terrible conclusion.

But its the simplest way to escape.

But if I said that.

If she made an excuse like that

Then it would truly be over.

So did you think that we really need to face it?

Louise nodded, and Ian chuckled. How could she be so entirely committed, making a face like she was ready to go into battle? What made her look like this? Louise sometimes was like this, as if there were another version of her he couldnt reach. He wondered if he could ever meet the complete Louise.

I want to meet.

Who?

When she turned to look at him again, her expression was as usual. The other shadow of the Louise that he had caught a glimpse of was completely gone.

You.

Youre joking.

You dont think Im serious?

Youre already looking at me, arent you?

Louise then picked up Alice, who had rolled onto side, and checked if there was anywhere she was flattened.

I cant see you right now

Hmmm?

She gave him a questioning look, but he shook his head and pulled her in his arms.

Wait, hold on. Alice will caught in the middle. I told you I dont want her to be squashed!

I just want to hold both of you.

What the hell, are you kidding me?

I told you, Im not joking.

He tugged Louise a little closer, but neither her nor the rabbit came any closer. He whispered in a small voice.

I mean it.

Maybe he really did need to.