Chapter 10 Part 4
As if stroking a kitten, his careful hand smoothing my hair was sweet enough to make my insides flutter.
Then abruptly, Hyle’s hand cupped my chin.
As my gaze slowly rose, I unintentionally met Hyle’s eyes at close range.
I could see myself reflected in those deep green pupils.
I wanted to close my eyes, embarrassed by how clearly I could see my own dumbfounded expression staring at him.
“There’s that look again.”
“…What look?”
A gentle breeze passed between us. It was cool and sweet.
The scent coming from Hyle was as refreshing as a summer breeze.
“Sometimes you look at me with such sad eyes.”
It felt as if someone’s heart was rising over the pale moon in the night sky.
An unidentifiable heartbeat pounded hotly against my eardrums.
“When you think about it… everything that’s happened to you is my fault. I just feel responsible.”
“Well, what exactly has happened to me?”
At my words, Hyle tilted his head slightly to one side.
Looking at his mischievous face, he seemed like a child playing a prank.
“You say that, but actually—”
In that moment, a soft warmth touched my lips. The rest of my words were swallowed. A familiar heat skillfully explored inside me.
I knew the calm green moon was gradually drawing closer. I could have avoided it, but I didn’t.
To push you away with my feeble pride would have been too much—I needed salvation.
Your strong protection, telling me everything would be fine, rescuing me from the fear of death that rushed in at every moment.
The kiss, like a lingering echo, quickly ended.
Even as his breath gradually retreated, I remained buried in Hyle’s warmth.
“I didn’t think you’d believe me if I just said it.”
His words flowed gently through the cold night air. When he said he didn’t think I’d believe him if he just told me, I flinched—it was as if he’d read my mind.
“Rosiel, I think you’ve been misunderstanding something all along…”
My lips remained firmly closed even after Hyle pulled away.
I was afraid of what words might pour out if I gave them the slightest opening.
I simply watched silently as his Adam’s apple moved.
His pleasant voice continued languidly throughout.
“Everything I’m going through is the result of my own choices. If anyone should feel responsible, it’s me—for becoming involved with your life.”
Then I felt his delicate touch as he continued to smooth my wind-tousled hair.
I couldn’t manage any reply, not knowing what to say.
I was just having all my inner thoughts exposed by Hyle. Rather than embarrassing, it felt… refreshing.
I’d never thought there could actually be someone who would understand without me having to say anything. And yet, such a person was right in front of me.
“I will definitely save you. So don’t die, Rosiel.”
Don’t die.
I heard his words emphasizing it once more. His tender words scattered in the air without leaving a trace.
They only lingered in my ears.
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, or what expression I should make.
It was both amusing and pitiful.
Everything I’d done until now was purely to survive.
More precisely, it was so I could live happily for a long time… and he tells me not to die!
Telling me not to die when I’m struggling to live—does this mean others see me as someone who wishes for death?
“Hmm, you look like you’re about to cry. You really must live. Though, I must say, you do look pretty when you cry.”
“…Rosiel, you always have to say things like that…”
“Vulgar, you mean?”
I smiled slightly as I placed my hand on Hyle’s cheek. Despite his sulky tone, he willingly tilted his head into my palm.
It felt as if a ticklish feeling completely filled my palm.
“I didn’t say that. Vulgar… sigh.”
Hyle let out a soft sigh as he watched me grinning.
…Wait, why? You looked so serious that I was just trying to comfort you in my own way!
“Hyle, you’re my lifeline. My heart is already in your hands. So I believe that you’ve saved me.”
I won’t die.
I emphasized my meaning once more, adopting his languid tone.
I once wondered what expression Hyle would make if I disappeared.
But I couldn’t quite picture his face… until now, when I got a rough idea from what had just happened.
Hyle wouldn’t cry if I disappeared. He’d probably be happy instead.
My disappearance would be proof that I was alive.
He so desperately wants me to live that he would be glad if I survived and vanished someday.
But if I died… well, I truly can’t imagine that.
Anyway, I have no intention of dying quietly, so I won’t think about it.
“Rosiel, that’s the most pleasant promise I’ve heard from you.”
Pleased with my small declaration, he narrowed his eyes.
“Someone’s hasty kiss was quite enjoyable. I shouldn’t die for the sake of the next one.”
I responded with a cryptic smile and teasing tone.
“…Rosiel.”
I could see Hyle pressing his lips tightly shut, his cheeks flushed.
A strong, handsome man glaring at me with a red face! What a delightful sight.
Wait, am I not someone who plays such childish pranks?
Hyle said I influenced him, but perhaps I was also being influenced by him.
Looking at how naturally I threw out that vulgar joke that only an immature, humorless man would make.
“Hyle, let’s head back. Enough time has passed that the atmosphere should have calmed down.”
“Let’s do that.”
We re-entered the hall with his skillful escort. The mood had indeed relaxed considerably since earlier.
Perhaps it was the alcohol flowing down everyone’s throats, but they were all busy laughing carelessly. We were no exception.
“Hey, isn’t this Marquis Feros? Please join us gentlemen for some manly conversation!”
“Marquis Feros, please spare us a moment of your time.”
I once heard that among young nobles, Hyle Feros was an object of admiration.
That was no lie—the way the men looked at him was anything but ordinary.
It was exactly like… a pack of hyenas eyeing their prey.
Hyle looked at me with troubled eyes, and our gazes suddenly met.
What’s with that pitiful look? Is he asking me to save him?
But the expectation of the young nobles surrounding him seemed too high for that.
If I so tactlessly pulled Hyle away, those intense stares would turn into resentment directed at me…
Hmm, I know! I’ll pretend I don’t know what’s happening.
“Lord Feros, please don’t worry about me and enjoy yourself. You’re so popular, it’s only right that I step back.”
I shrugged slightly as if I had no choice and looked away.
At that, Hyle’s expression immediately fell. He looked like someone who’d been betrayed.
“Lady Laté has graciously given up the Marquis to us! We are deeply grateful!”
“Thank you!”
Amid the excited cries of the men, Hyle’s stiff face gradually receded into the distance. Suddenly, he pushed through the crowd and strode back to me.
He seemed to have something to say. Ugh, I don’t want to hear it if he’s going to blame me.
Standing before me, Hyle carefully caught my downturned wrist.
Then he brought his face close to my ear.
“I hope you’re not planning to collapse today.”
I wondered what he was going to say, but this man, really… how many times do I have to tell him that fainting at the last party was my mistake!
“Fortunately, I have no such plans… but I’ll let you know if that changes.”
“Huh.”
I brazenly smiled and lightly responded to Hyle’s words.
Hyle snorted briefly as if in disbelief.
Then a small, involuntary laugh escaped him.
Seeing Hyle laugh made the corners of my mouth lift too.
See? I told you I’ve been influenced by Hyle. I don’t usually laugh this easily.
“Wow…”
As Hyle and I smiled at each other, someone’s exclamation came from nearby.
I hadn’t been aware of it, but only then did I realize that everyone’s attention was focused on us.
It wasn’t just me—few people had ever seen Hyle smile so brightly.
Given his position, he didn’t have many occasions to smile, so it wasn’t strange.
But they never expected to see it at this party, in front of a woman from House Laté.
But… I didn’t know either! I didn’t know Hyle could laugh like a child like that.
