Chapter 22 - The Talk with Liselotte (1)

*Knock—Knock*

"Excuse me, Sir Rio. I'm going in."

Rio stopped reading the commonplace fairytale book of Tortus and raised his head to look at the door. He was killing his spare time when he heard Liselotte's familiar voice. After a few seconds, his door was opened from the outside and Liselotte entered the room while pushing a food cart. He then put down his book at the small desk next to the sofa. It was time for dinner, but Rio decided to have dinner in his private room in the castle. The reason why he locked himself in his room was due to his sudden popularity due to Ehit's stunt three days ago.

It had been three days since the presentation of his and Hajime's artifact—christened as Magic Gun. Because of Ehit's stunt at the end of the presentation, everyone from the Pope to the lowest servant in the castle treated him with excessive respect and reverence. Though Rio understood the importance of popularity and positive public image, the way these people treated him was too excessive.

Rio was feeling stifled and annoyed by their excessive treatment. Even the king, Eliheid, treated him with greater respect than how he treated the Pope Ishtar since then. He always tried to strike a conversation in mealtime, trying to get closer with him. He could not even enjoy his meal and he was too mindful of his public image to shoo away the king.

And speaking of Ehit... Rio had made up his mind that he would beat up that entity black and blue when he was finally 'invited' to Holy Precinct. The disembodied entity had given him so much trouble for their stunt. Furthermore, it was clear in Rio's eyes that Ehit was desiring his body. Ehit told him to grow strong fast, and it only meant that they wanted to take over Rio's body due to the similarity of his body's specs with Aleytia's. If Rio became strong enough, he would become a better vessel than Kouki.

Regardless, Rio would wreak havoc and crush Ehit. But, for the time being, Rio wanted to enjoy his life and focused on what was ahead of him. Strictly speaking, he wanted to move into the next stage of relationship with one of his many targets. Said target was the blue-haired maid who pushed the food cart into the table in his private room.

Right after she stopped next to the table, Liselotte moved the dishes to the table. Her movement was swift and well trained. There was no waste movement. From Rio's position, he could only see Liselotte's back and yet her movement still looked graceful.

Finally, Liselotte moved everything from the pushcart to the table. She turned around and faced Rio who was still reclining on the sofa. She gave Rio a demure smile and said, "Sir Rio, your dinner is ready."

Rio was silent for a few seconds, making Liselotte make a confused and curious face. But, she didn't speak what was in her mind and opted to wait for Rio to finish his thoughts. Liselotte was aware of Rio's new status as the one who was chosen by their blessed god, and she had treated him with respect and reverence suited his new status, but Rio didn't have any of it. He had ordered her to behave normally around him, and Liselotte was happy, albeit a tad awkward, to follow his order.

Finally, Rio recovered from his thoughts and shifted his position. After sitting properly, Rio gestured to Liselotte to approach him. Liselotte was perplexed but still followed his silent order. When she was standing before him, Rio patted the empty space on the sofa next to him. His movement invited Liselotte to take the offered spot.

Liselotte formed a surprised expression and alternated her look between Rio's face and the empty space. After a few seconds, she made an unsure expression and said, "Sir Rio, would it not be respectful if I take the place next to you? I mean, by sitting next to you, it seems like we have equal standing when the truth is you're far above my status."

"No, I don't think so. Besides, I don't mind to share equal standing with you, Liselotte." Rio responded while patting the empty space again.

Liselotte face betrayed her puzzlement, but she didn't question Rio any longer and followed his order, sitting down next to him. There was only a few tens of centimeter distance between them, enough to keep off their bodies from touching each other. Afterward, an ambiguous atmosphere engulfed them and Liselotte squirmed on her place as she felt awkward. On the other hand, Rio seemed to ponder about something.

After a few seconds, Rio returned back to the present and turned at Liselotte. Sensing Rio's view on her, Liselotte unconsciously turned at him. Rio's deep, unfathomable brown eyes intersected with Liselotte's blue eyes. For a few seconds, they only looked into each other eyes.

Finally, Rio recovered from his stupor first and grabbed Liselotte's hand, which was resting on her l.a.p. Liselotte tensed her body but didn't take back her hand from Rio's hand. Her healthy pale cheeks were stained by red tint as she felt embarrassed. She averted her eyes away from Rio's eyes. But, her acceptance of the skin contact spoke her good impression of Rio, that she would not mind having skinship with him, and maybe more.

Rio understood this. He knew that Liselotte's impression of him was very good. He made up his mind to carry their relationship to the next step—as lovers—at this moment. There was another reason for his decision, but it was irrelevant at this point.

"Liselotte, please be honest with me."

Liselotte returned back her eyes, meeting Rio's. Her face reddened further as she had an inkling guess where this discussion's heading. After a few seconds, Liselotte nodded her head shyly.

"I will answer Sir Rio's question honestly."

"Good. My first question is…" Rio paused briefly, preparing himself, and then continued on. "What do you think about me?"

Liselotte blinked her eyes and made a pondering face, but she didn't avert her eyes from Rio's. She could see the seriousness in Rio's eyes. Thus, Liselotte wanted to return it properly.

"About what? Did Sir Rio ask my impression of you as the Apostle of God, or as a person called Rio?"