Chapter 30.1

I was held in Gilbert-sama’s arms for a while, enjoying the strength and warmth of his body.

As I rested my cheek against his chest, I could hear the sound of his heartbeat. He told me that it is not blood that was flowing, but magic, but the regular sound is no different from ours.

It was warm, pleasant, and very reassuring, yet strangely tense.

It was similar to the emotional turmoil I sometimes feel when I talk to Gilbert-sama.

“Lydith, until you are ready, I would like to declare that you are my fiancée, or as you call it, the king’s bride, is that okay?”

“Yes. Ria called me your favorite princess.”

“Those like Ria and Astaroth, who have been around for a long time, tend to surround themselves with a number of women. I’m not going to have any other woman by my side but you, so the term is not appropriate.”

“Even in my country, kings take concubines by their side.  Before the Great War, he must have taken many human women as concubines to increase his tribe.”

“In Lucis’ memories, well, it leaves a bad taste.”

“Gilbert, do you and the kings of the demons have concubines?”

“Yule’s only companion was Aria. During his long reign as king, Lucis increased the number of concubines he requested, but it seemed that there was no one he cared about as a companion. I only want you. You’re going to tell me that it’s the king’s duty to marry a concubine, and that I have to marry a concubine, aren’t you?”

The other women of the demon tribe, for example, may be required to serve at the side of Gilbert-sama in order to increase the number of the tribe. It is the king’s duty. I am sure that if Gilbert-sama wants to do so, I will accept it.

But right now, I am not in the mood to actively encourage him to do so, so I shake my head, which is pressed against his chest.

His long fingers caressed my hair. It feels good to be pampered.

“If that’s what you want, Gilbert-sama, I don’t care. But I am not so generous as to encourage you to go on.”

“I don’t want to. I’ve got my hands full with you, a dangerous little thing who could be snatched away by a Snake or an evil wolf if I take my eyes off of you.”

“I know that you love me that much, so don’t worry, I won’t be unfaithful. Of course, I will return your affection with love, but I will try not to make you feel lonely. If there is anything I am missing, you can always tell me.”

“Is that the kind of thing you want me to worry about?”

“I can’t help it, I’m a beautiful girl blessed by God.”

“Oh, yes, you are.”

Gilbert-sama nodded with a wry smile. The power of love is terrible. Gilbert-sama is sweet and gentle.

“Lydith, if you declare you as my bride, your safety is assured. That’s what a king is supposed to do. Ria will bring the wood nymphs who have been tending the forest and stockpiling food, and you will no longer have to act as a servant. I’ll tell Shuzel to work as well, so you’ll have enough to take care of yourself.”

“I heard that Shuzel-sama was the one who managed the castle.”

“Yeah, he was in charge of the nymphs working in the castle. He’s the nymph King. He’s now holed up in the back of the library because he’s pissed off that I didn’t stop Cronaea from eating the other water nymphs and running amok. I know it’s just an excuse now, but Yule was the one who broke Cronaea. I thought it was pathetic.”

Gilbert let out a small sigh and said, “It’s just an excuse. It was a hassle.”.

Both of them must have meant it. The reason he felt sorry for her and let her do whatever she wanted was because he was being kind, and the reason he didn’t confront her was because it was too much trouble.

The nymphs have returned, and Gilbert-sama, who made the decision to become king for his beloved me, is so confident and wonderful, I’m sure Shuzel-sama will calm his anger. Come to think of it, I looked in the library once, but I didn’t see anyone like that.”

“He’s an eccentric fellow, I’m sure you’ll be able to find a way to get to him.”

Gilbert-sama seemed to be embarrassed by my compliments, and although he was averting his gaze, it was easy to see that his embrace was getting stronger.

“I see… I understand. I won’t be taking up anyone else’s role. I will stop my role as the head chef”

If there is someone else to fill that role, then I am not needed. I’m not so attached to my position that I have to continue in it at all costs.

“And then there’s the room. The rooms on the first floor are not suitable. The queen’s room is there, but it’s been abandoned for so long after Aria’s disappearance that I don’t… know what it looks like inside.”

I’m not picky about the room. If it’s not convenient for me to be in the guest room, let me sleep here. I’m small, so I don’t think it’ll get in the way if I sleep with you.”

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