IOTB Chapter 56

“Licht, what does your afternoon schedule look like?”

 

“My afternoon schedule… First, I think it would be good to start with a meal.”

 

“Has it gotten that late already?”

 

Licht gently cupped Louise’s cheek, who looked apologetic, bent down to meet her eyes, and asked, “Would you like to eat here, or should we go to the dining room?”

 

In his heart, he wanted to stay in the room, just the two of them, without going anywhere. However, if that continued, Louise might start feeling confined.

 

It seemed better to give Louise a choice and accompany her whenever she wanted to go out.

 

“Going to the dining room… Would that be okay with you, Licht?”

 

“Hmm? What concerns you?”

 

“I heard that the previous pope never once came to the dining room during his tenure.”

 

In fact, not only the pope but also the cardinals usually dined separately.

 

The food quality in the dining room wasn’t particularly good, and they didn’t like eating with many people in a crowded and noisy place.

 

Of course, Licht was an exception.

 

He wouldn’t miss the chance to meet Louise by coincidence, exchange greetings, and have a conversation. Even when the former pope or other cardinals suggested dining together, he would flatly refuse for the sake of his time with Louise.

 

‘What’s so important about food?’

 

After all, the Melbeth clan didn’t place much importance on the taste of food.

 

They converted the unique energy contained in ingredients into pure mana, which served as fuel for sustaining life.

 

For that reason, the Melbeth clan tended to prefer ingredients that were closer to pure mana. Although there were always exceptions in any group, and some enjoyed bizarre foods, Licht was not one of those peculiar types.

 

“Perhaps the former pope was unwell. But thanks to you, Louise, I am healthy, so it’s fine.”

 

“Oh…”

 

Seeing the sparkle in Louise’s eyes, he was certain that she preferred going to the dining room over having a meal alone with him here.

 

“More than that… I thought you’d be worried about something else.”

 

“What? Like what?”

 

“Being with me not as the vice-captain of the Holy Knights, but as my lover. Many people will be curious and pay attention. Will you be okay with that, Louise?”

 

Licht deliberately used the word “lover” instead of “companion.” He suspected that this word from earlier might have stirred something within Louise.

 

“Lover…?”

 

“Why? Is there another suitable word to describe our relationship?”

 

Licht carefully observed Louise, ready to respond immediately if she showed any strange reaction.

 

“I just… thought I was more like your servant, Licht….”

 

“Oh dear…”

 

Licht rubbed his brow, pretending to be troubled.

 

“It seems I come across to you as a corrupt priest who drags unwilling servants from the church into his bed…”

 

“What? Absolutely not!”

 

Louise denied it, shaking her head vigorously with wide eyes. She even waved her hands, looking so adorable that Licht had to grit his teeth to stop himself from rushing over and kissing her.

 

“…Is that not the case?”

 

“Of course not. If anything, I’m the one who’s immoral, having done all sorts of inappropriate things to you, Licht, while you were unconscious….”

 

Although Licht had been conscious but too weak to move due to a lack of energy, he decided to feign ignorance.

 

“Did something like that happen? This is the first I’m hearing of it.”

 

“I… didn’t mean to hide it. I just missed the chance to tell you….”

 

“Alright then. We can discuss that during confession after the meal.”

 

“Yes….”

 

Louise’s slumped shoulders, burdened as if she carried the weight of the world, seemed so pitiful that he wanted to pull her into his arms and comfort her. Resisting the urge, Licht spoke softly.

 

“I only know you, Louise. I don’t regret breaking my vow of celibacy, but I have no intention of making another exception beyond you. That would be too….”

 

After carefully choosing his words, Licht glanced at Louise’s expression and continued.

 

“Animalistic.”

 

He chose this word to instill a consistently negative perception of polyamorous relationships, hoping that Louise would naturally come to feel a sense of repulsion toward them.

 

“Do you feel differently? Do you consider what happened between us a mistake and want to avoid responsibility?”

 

“No. How could I…? For me, Licht, you will always be my one and only.”

 

Ah, if only he could carve those words into his soul.

 

Licht felt an overwhelming joy at Louise’s words, which eased his deepest fears and anxieties.

 

To her, it might have been just a response to his sharp questioning, but those words alone made his heart swell, bringing tears to his eyes.

 

“So, we are lovers, right?”

 

He couldn’t help the tightness in his voice. The best he could do was force a smile that didn’t look awkward.

 

“…Yes, Licht.”

 

Though she was bewildered at how things had led to this conclusion, Louise answered as if under a spell when she saw his smile.

 

“Alright then.”

 

It seemed she wasn’t ready to accept the title of “companion” yet, so they would start with “lovers.”

 

Licht brushed the back of Louise’s clasped hands gently with his knuckles, pretending not to notice his wild, uncontrollable desires rushing ahead like an untamed horse.

 

“……?”

 

Louise blinked in confusion, looking between his face and their hands, then cautiously intertwined her fingers with his, as if she’d realized something.

 

Though the gaps between their fingers weren’t to his liking, Licht refrained from correcting her grip.

 

After all, this was the first time Louise had initiated hand-holding with him since she became an adult.

 

It felt as if he had reunited with the younger Louise, who used to run into his arms, chirping like a sparrow and holding his hand. His eyes, already warm with affection, began to fill with tears.

 

Unable to voice his love or ask her to become his companion, Licht simply smiled gently and kindly as he opened the door.

 

“The weather is really nice today.”

 

The sunlight shone brilliantly on his head as he quietly murmured, “It’s blinding.”

 

Walking slowly hand in hand, the path he had once hurried along alone seemed much more leisurely now. He even noticed the white buildings and the well-maintained flower beds that he had previously passed by without a second glance.

 

It was as if everything existed just for him and Louise.

 

Although it bore no resemblance to the Rugaru territory where Louise had grown up or the Melbeth domain where Licht hailed from, he found himself liking this place.

 

As long as Louise was here, it was worth enduring all the discomfort and pain.

 

Licht looked down at Louise, hoping she felt the same way. Right on cue, she looked up at him, and their eyes met.

 

“Ah….”

 

His reflection filled her dark, almost indistinguishable pupils, and his heart swelled with satisfaction. Just as he felt an overwhelming surge of joy, Louise quickly turned her head forward.

 

Licht gazed at Louise’s flushed cheeks, silently willing her to look at him again.

 

Unfortunately, Louise didn’t meet his gaze again.

 

Instead, she flashed a bright smile—one she rarely showed him—and gave a small wave to someone.

 

“…….”

 

At the end of her gaze were the Holy Knights.

 

They were gathered in a group, drenched in sweat as if they had just finished training, and upon spotting Licht, they quickly saluted. Then, noticing Louise, they waved enthusiastically.

 

Some of them, eyes wide, even mouthed an astonished “Oh!” as if they were witnessing something unexpected, displaying a friendly demeanor.

 

“Your Holiness, you’re here for a meal.”

 

One of them approached and spoke.

 

It was Karon Isles, the vice-captain of the Holy Knights. He had always been oblivious, never able to tolerate seeing Louise and Licht alone together.

 

“Louise, you look well.”

 

Karon tapped her on the shoulder, causing her to smile brightly. She didn’t seem the least bit uncomfortable.

 

“…….”

 

Licht’s lips twitched slightly as he silently observed the scene.

 

He had thought he rather liked this place… but it seemed he had misjudged.