Chapter 27 - Chapter 27

Chapter 27

“Rosnia, before we discuss your brother’s problem, there’s something I’d like to ask you as well.”

“......What is it?”

I timidly raised my head and asked at his polite request.

The moment our eyes met, he suddenly smiled.

Not only that, but he pulled me closer and started peppering my face with kisses!

Completely unable to predict his actions, I just stood there frozen in a daze.

Why did he always suddenly shower me with kisses like this?

“Rose. Why were you crying earlier?”

“Ah......”

So that was what he wanted to ask?

I couldn’t answer right away and slightly avoided his gaze.

Then Ruwellin gently took my chin and made me look at him.

Still unable to look him straight in the eye, I rolled my gaze around.

Suddenly, Ruwellin bit my lip.

“Ow!”

“Are you not going to answer?”

“You......”

I almost said ‘you crazy—’ but pressed my lips shut.

It wasn’t painful enough to really hurt, but my bitten lip stung.

Judging from our many nights together and past experiences, this man had a bit of a sadistic streak......

“Do I really have to answer? Why I was crying.”

“Then shall I kiss you instead?”

“Huh?”

He lightly pressed his lips to mine and smiled brightly.

His green eyes sparkled with mischief.

Feeling like a real kiss was about to start, I pushed his face away and said.

“I’ll tell you. Why I was crying.”

“Very well.”

“Why was I crying? Well, um......”

......Strangely enough, this time it was my turn to confess.

Was this ‘what goes around comes around’?

Feeling a bit regretful, I moved my lips and began to speak hesitantly.

“I thought you were trying to use me...... and it made me sad.”

“Is it sad that I might be using you?”

“Of course it is, isn’t it?”

“Why is it obvious?”

Whether I retorted with indignation or not, Ruwellin coaxed me gently with an unbearably relaxed attitude.

We weren’t that far apart in age, yet he seemed much older.

Maybe it was because he was a duke.

“I was confused because you kept being so kind to me.”

“Was I?”

“......But when I thought there might be some other intention behind your kindness, I got angry and disappointed......”

“Hmm......”

Ruwellin hummed and ran his fingers through my hair.

He seemed to really like touching my hair.

No, come to think of it, he just seemed to like touching me.

Even when I was exhausted and about to fall asleep, his touch never seemed to leave me.

“I can’t help but be kind to you, Rosnia.”

“......”

“Because you are the only person I want.”

“You......”

I hesitated for a moment before continuing my question.

“Do you...... love me?”

“......”

Ruwellin didn’t answer that question, only smiling quietly.

He didn’t seem surprised or flustered.

He looked like someone who had imagined this situation for a long time.

Only after a moment did he speak.

“Yes.”

“......”

That was it?

Unable to put my feelings into words, I looked at him.

Ruwellin added.

“Though it’s an emotion too flawed to be contained in the word ‘love.’”

“......”

“If you want love, I can give you as much as you want.”

“......”

What was that supposed to mean......?

So, he didn’t know if it was love, but if I wanted love, he would pretend it was love?

What was that?

Somewhat bewildered, I stared at him and blinked.

Despite his ambiguous words, his expression was full of conviction.

Feeling even more confused, I just furrowed my brow.

If I liked this person, would it really be okay?

“Do you dislike me like this?”

“Huh? No, it’s not that......”

“If you don’t dislike me, now that I’ve confessed my feelings, may I go completely crazy for you in earnest?”

“......Pardon?”

Fear at that request was almost instinctual.

Truth be told, his obsession was already overwhelming for me.

And that wasn’t ‘in earnest’......?

Then how far did ‘in earnest’ even go?

Feeling a strange shiver, I unconsciously backed away.

As I squirmed in his arms, he stroked my shoulder gently and whispered.

“To be honest, I’m still scared. Of revealing just how crazy I am about you.”

“......”

“Because you might come to hate me.”

The hand touching my cheek was hot.

It burned like fire, making me flinch momentarily.

“But...... I’ve made up my mind now.”

“......?”

“Even if you grow to hate me, I can’t help it.”

“Excuse me......”

“I can no longer let you go, Rosnia.”

At his whisper seeping into my ear, I shivered.

There was a chill in his voice.

Our pressed bodies were warm, yet I trembled like someone thrown into the cold of winter.