CH 77

I shuddered at the unexpected question, and he continued to frown as he sensed my reaction.

“Is that what I think it is?”

“Um…”

Yuren-kun seems down. Does he know…know about His Highness Ash’s secret?

No, it couldn’t be. His Highness said he hadn’t told anyone. And if Yuren-kun knew, he would have had a more dramatic reaction.

Knowing Yuren-kun, he would never ignore the fact that his important family member was risking his life. So what did his question mean?

“Well, I guess it’s understandable to be interested. My brother is strong and kind, and he even has a special power like magic, so it’s natural to be drawn to him.”

“Huh? Wait, what?”

His reaction seemed different from what I had expected. At least, I didn’t feel any heavy atmosphere, just that Yuren-kun was down.

“Um… Yuren-kun? What are you talking about?”

“Hmm? But isn’t it because you have feelings for my brother that you’re researching magic?”

“…What?!”

How did he come to that conclusion?!

I was so surprised that I let out a loud voice that echoed in the study. It was an unexpected misunderstanding.

“No, no, I’m not thinking such a grand thing!”

“Well, it’s just that the timing…”

“Certainly, meeting His Highness Ash sparked my interest in magic. Of course, I also thought he was wonderful, but that’s all!”

“I-Is that so? Then it must have been my misunderstanding.”

I vigorously shook my head up and down. It wasn’t really a misunderstanding as much as jumping to conclusions in Yuren-kun’s head.

Anyway, I hope that clears up the misunderstanding. I shouted so loudly that my heart was pounding and my breath was uneven. I took a deep breath and calmed myself down. Yuren-kun was watching me with a serious look.

“W-What’s wrong?”

“I just thought it was rare for you to deny it so dramatically… I wonder if there’s still something going on?”

“I don’t have it, I don’t!”

I think I reacted too violently than necessary. It’s not like me… Wasn’t it?

When I think calmly, why was I in such a hurry? It had nothing to do with His Highness Ash’s secret, but I felt like I was panicking.

Why did I deny it so desperately… Was it because I didn’t want to be misunderstood?

By whom?

By Yuren-kun?

I don’t know why… The answer is not clear.

“At least it’s not the kind of thing Yuren-kun thinks it is.”

“…Then is there something else?”

Oops. I said it wrong. The way I said it just now would make it seem like I’m hiding something else. Yuren-kun stares at me suspiciously.

“There’s nothing. I just got interested in magic.”

“…Okay. But don’t make me worry… about things like that, okay?”

“Sure.”

“If you need help, talk to me. Sometimes it’s better to hear someone’s opinion than to think alone.”

“I know.”

The misunderstanding was cleared up, but it seemed that I had worried Yuren-kun. In our exchange just now, he must have sensed that I was troubled. And he probably understood that it was something that I couldn’t share with him.

I closed the book I had opened and placed it on the table, stacking it on top of another book I had finished reading.

“There we go.”

“Is that all?”

“Yeah. I’ve read various things, but I can’t find the answer I’m looking for in these books. Let’s call it a day for today.”

To be honest, I had a feeling that I wanted to investigate a little more. But if I stayed with Yuren-kun like this, I might end up saying something unnecessary…

“I’ll help you.”

“Thank you.”

“That’s fine. What are you planning to do after this? You’re not going to work or anything, are you…?”

“No. I don’t have any plans, so maybe I’ll go to the city or something.”

Being in the royal palace meant that I would have more opportunities to meet Yuren-kun and His Highness Ash. But after the conversation we just had, it would be difficult to face the two of them.

After we finished organizing the books, the table was clean.

“Well then, I’ll be going. Yuren-kun, do your best with your work, okay?”

“Yeah. If I didn’t have work, I’d go with you too. Too bad.”

“Yeah…”

Too bad… I guess… I have mixed feelings about it now, but I’m sure I would have felt the same way under normal circumstances. If I’m going to the city anyway, it would be nice if Yuren-kun could come too…

“In that case, it’d be nice if we could go together on a day we both have off.”

“Sure. I’ll be the one to invite you then.”

“Yeah! I’m looking forward to it.”

As I smiled and responded, Yuren-kun also smiled happily. I was relieved to see his smile for the first time today, and I left the study behind.

With the sound of the study door slamming behind me, I looked up at the ceiling.

“… I can’t wait for it to come.”

Whether it was surprised or flustered, my heart was busy with changes in a short amount of time, but in the end, it was overflowing with hope and happiness. No matter what we talk about or where we go, I always feel this way after spending time with Yuren-kun.

His voice and words are more comforting to me than anything else.