I Love You (Krish’s POV)

“Father, there is someone I’m in love with. That’s why I didn’t want to go on a blind date, so I asked Krish to pretend to be my lover.

He refused at first, but I threatened to run away if he didn’t listen to my request, and he agreed to help me out by promising to do so for the two years while he was away on an expedition with Onii-sama.”

Her parents must have been extremely shocked to have been lied to by their beloved daughter for over two years. The Madam was pale and looked like she might collapse at any moment, and her father’s legs were shaking. He tried to interject words every now and then, but couldn’t get any words out. He just kept opening and closing his mouth like a fish.

 “I was planning to become his girlfriend and introduce him to mother and father in those two years, but it didn’t work out.

While I was thinking it would last a little longer, rumors of our marriage started to spread in town, and father asked me to introduce him to you.

I was scared that if I told the truth, you would get angry and push for an arranged marriage, so lately I’ve been running away so I don’t have to meet father. I’m really sorry.”

“For now, I understand the situation. But, Krish, you knew everything, and you’ve been deceiving us this whole time?

You should have scolded Annette…”

“Father, let me say, taking out your anger on Krish is completely wrong. You should apologize for causing him trouble.

First of all, Krish is my knight, and there is no reason for Annette to use him. The responsibility for allowing this lies with our family, who raised Annette to be selfish.”

Felix-sama cut off his father just as he was about to turn his anger towards me.

“No, Felix-sama. I am also responsible for agreeing to do it. I should have stopped her, but I agreed to it while I was away traveling, and it ended up causing confusion. I’m sorry.”

“Ugh.”

He bowed deeply, and his father, who had lost the target of his anger, groaned, unable to press himself any further.

There was silence for a while, and then the Madam spoke, trying to change the atmosphere. 

“So, Annette, who is the person you are in love with?”

“I don’t want to say.”

“Hm, why not? If your father asks, I’m sure he’ll give a positive response.”

“That’s what I don’t want!! I won’t be happy at all if he forces him to marry me. If he doesn’t love me, there’s no point in getting married!!

I want Gilbert-sama to love me!!”

“Gilbert?! It’s Gilbert?!”

Annette-sama accidentally blurted out the name of the man and covered her mouth, saying, “Damn it!!” but it was too late.

 “Gilbert from the management office? That guy who likes older women and has been married before?

No kidding, I won’t accept it. I didn’t raise him to this point to give him my daughter in his middle age!!”

“Gilbert-sama is not middle-aged!! He’s elegant, kind, and very nice…”

“He’s middle-aged! He’s not that different in age from me!!”

“Father, you’re being arrogant. Gilbert-sama is 47 years old, 17 years younger than you. He’s the same age as you when you made Annette, so he’s still in his prime. Besides, father is more like old age than middle-aged.”

“Shut up!! Felix, shut up for a bit!!”

After that, Annette and her father continued to argue for a while about whether to accept it or not. Whether to accept it or not, as long as Gilbert-sama refuses, I don’t think there’s any chance of them getting married.

 It was still before dusk when they arrived, but the two of them hadn’t reached a conclusion even by the time the garden seen from the window turned crimson red.

“Why don’t we just get this over with already? You two can discuss Gilbert later.

So? Annette. You know for a fact that the whole town is buzzing with talk of you and Krish getting married. How do you plan to settle this?”

Felix-sama, who had been bored for a long time, finished his third cup of tea and scratched the handle of the teacup with his index finger, swinging it back and forth.

“Eh… that…”

“You hadn’t thought of that? What will you do, father? It’s hard to pretend that something that has spread this far never happened.”

That’s true. It’s fine for me, but for Annette-sama, it will become a scandal.

 “That… well…ah, Krish, I’m sorry, but could you please just say that you changed your mind? In return, I’ll let you off the hook for contributing to Annette’s selfishness.”

“I’m really sorry. I know this is a bother for Krish, but Annette is a girl. I’d like to avoid any impact on future marriage proposals, even if I put Gilbert-sama aside.”

I had predicted this would happen when I agreed to the pretend relationship. It would be easier to settle things peacefully if I were to be blamed for the breakup. I don’t have a boyfriend or anyone else like that, so I have nothing to lose. On the other hand, Annette-sama is a true young lady. Considering her future life, even if a scandal is inevitable, it’s better to minimize the damage.

 “I see. If we spread rumors that Krish cheated on her or something, we’ll get the sympathy of the people around, and if Annette keeps quiet as a tragic young lady, marriage proposals will come rolling in again. 

… So that’s how you plan to spoil Annette again.” 

Clang 

Along with an ear-splitting sound, the cup disappeared from Felix-sama’s hand. It was the sound of the cup he had been playing with being roughly returned to its saucer. 

I had no idea how much each cup cost, but the way he handled the cup so roughly sent chills down my spine, as I would never want to buy one myself.

The sound was so loud that it seemed as if an expensive cup with delicate decorations had broken. Annette-sama’s shoulders shook with fear as she looked at her brother.

“If you are selfish, you can get what you want without even lifting a finger.”

He counted off with his thumbs.

“If you cry, the people around you will do things for you.”

“You don’t even think about the people who are inconvenienced by your actions.”

It was clear who he was talking about as he counted off his fingers, and the Madam was confused by her son’s words and covered her mouth with both hands.

“Compared to other children her age, her behavior is childish and she doesn’t care about the trouble she causes others. This is all the result of a spoiled upbringing, so are you going to do the same thing again?”

Their parents were speechless under Felix-sama’s cold gaze. Of course, I was the same, knowing that I had played a part in it.

 However, I knew that Felix-sama’s family was also a poor bunch who were at the mercy of the Tree of Life and the powers that came from their clan, so I couldn’t justify spoiling them.

I heard that his father, who grew up at the bottom of the family and had no important positions, was a middle manager at the administration office and was bossed around by his superiors. That life changed completely when it was discovered that his long-awaited first child, Felix-sama, was born with an ability.

Now Felix-sama is the only one in the family who has the ability, but there was another person who was previously the top candidate to become the head of the family. He was stronger than Felix-sama and was apparently able to communicate with the Tree of Life.

In order to become that person’s right-hand man, the young Felix-sama was separated from his parents and educated the moment his ability was discovered.

I wonder how great the grief of his parents must have been, being separated from their beloved child. After that, she was expected to give birth to a child with even greater abilities, and was given the Fruit of Life as a priority, but perhaps the pressure from those around her caused her stress, as she did not become pregnant for a while after that.

And so, Annette-sama was finally born. Her parents were overjoyed that Annette-sama did not have any abilities. They had been fearing that another child would be taken away from them.

And so, they doted on Annette-sama, as if to make up for the love they had not been able to give him.

Her parents were originally very loving people. It can only be said that it was fate that Felix-sama was born with abilities. It can’t be helped, but it’s sad to think of the time the family lost because of it.

 “As the head of the family, I command you. You must atone for using the knight Krish for your own desires and causing trouble to those around you.

I sentence Annette to be on house arrest for the next three months. During that time, you will not be allowed to take a single step outside the mansion.

As for the matter with Krish, well… I think it would be best to have the maids spread some rumors. It is not unusual for a girl of Annette’s age to have a change of heart. Once word of the suspension spreads, they will no doubt make their own assumptions and spread the rumors. 

 “Annette, you told Krish that if you couldn’t get Gilbert by your next birthday, you would marry someone father recommended. Your birthday is just three months away. If you don’t get Gilbert, you’ll have to give up.” 

“Three months?! And how does Onii-sama know about that?!” Annette screamed at the punishment ordered. 

“My little bird heard your story and kindly told me. You will have to take responsibility for what you said.” The “little bird” must be the bird that Felix uses to communicate. When I had this conversation with Annette-sama, there was certainly no sign of other people but I didn’t pay attention to the animals outside the window. Felix-sama, who can talk to animals, would know about our conversation. 

“Felix, that would be too cruel to Annette.”

“I won’t accept any objections. From tomorrow, Annette, don’t leave the mansion. I’ll put you on guard, so don’t do anything stupid.

That’s all. I’ve wasted so much time on such pointless things. Krish, I have something to tell you. Follow me.”

When speaking as the head of the family, Felix-sama intentionally changes his tone. At such times, Felix-sama becomes more dignified, and even the troublesome old foxes of the family are intimidated.

Sensing the sincerity of Felix-sama’s tone, his father kept quiet, bowed his head, and expressed his consent.

Annette-sama burst out crying. Her father put his arm around her shoulders, giving him a reproaching look, but Felix-sama didn’t even look back.

I followed Felix-sama, bowed, and left the room.

 The sun had completely set and night was approaching.

“Do you think Annette’s punishment was too harsh, Krish?”

Felix-sama looked very tired. It was impossible not to love his younger sister. It must have been hard to be strict with her.

“Three months seems a bit long.”

He must have thought that he had just scolded her for what had happened up until then and that was the end of it. Annette-sama was probably the same. She was afraid that her feelings for Gilbert-sama would be revealed, but she didn’t seem to be worried about anything else.

 “I suppose so. I think it’s strict too but someone has to teach her. That girl doesn’t realize enough that she’s the younger sister of the current head of the family. She doesn’t understand the impact her words have on those around her.

That was fine up until now. While she was still a child, Father and I could protect her, but that won’t be the case once she becomes an adult. I can see her being tempted by the demons of the family and used for their own good.

Annette needs to learn before that happens. She’ll regret acting or speaking thoughtlessly again, and carving that into her mind will protect her.

But it’s all the result of us spoiling her.”

I couldn’t find the words to say to Felix-sama, who was smiling sadly. All I could do was stand there like a statue and listen.

 “Her cheerfulness was a savior for our family. It was Annette who brought our family together, who had felt guilty about letting me go and had become awkward.

My mother, who had often been depressed, was able to smile again, and my father, who had not been able to hold a conversation with me because he did not know how to interact with his son, who had become superior to him, was able to communicate naturally between us. It was all thanks to Annette’s birth.

Her smile was the symbol of our family’s happiness. Even the servants would stop what they were doing and smile at each other every time they heard her laugh.

Everyone wanted to see Annette smile, so they gave her sweets, flowers, and dresses.

Even though they were aware that they were spoiling her, she’s come this far using the excuse that she’s still a child.

The truth is, I have no right to blame my father. I watched quietly even though I knew she was causing trouble for Krish.

I really did cause you trouble. If your subordinates find out about your breakup, there will be a fuss for a while, but…”

“You don’t have to worry about me. If you ignore people’s rumors, they will eventually disappear.

Those who were jealous of my role as Annette-sama’s lover may laugh at me for being so proud of myself for being dumped, but that’s a minor issue.”

If lovers want to settle things somehow, their only options are marriage or a breakup. There are as many couples who have broken up in this world as there are stars in the sky.

Annette happened to be in a high position, so it caused such a fuss, but it’s not unusual.

 I myself am not so delicate that I would cry at being ridiculed, and there is no need for Felix-sama to be worried about me. I am Felix-sama’ knight, so I don’t mind if he uses me to his heart’s content.

That’s how honored I am to be Felix-sama’ subordinate.

“Sorry, thank you.”

Felix-sama let out a sigh and opened his eyes wide at the darkness outside the window. We had been talking without having dinner, so it was completely dark outside, and the stars were beginning to twinkle.

Remembering Shinobu’s fear of the night, I began to feel anxious inside.

 “It’s night now. What will Krish do? Will you stay the night?”

“No, I’m worried about Shinobu. I’ll go home.”

“I see… I wonder if he’s still having nightmares?”

“No, he hasn’t been waking up in the middle of the night lately. But I’m going to wait and see how he is.”

Annette-sama said she would let me stay at the mansion tonight, but I had planned to go home from the beginning. I actually wanted to bring Blanche with me, but unfortunately I was crammed into the carriage and didn’t have time.

“I’ll be leaving then.”

“Okay, be careful.”

After a brief greeting, I left Felix-sama’s private room and immediately started running. It was an hour by carriage to Shinobu’s house, and 30 minutes on foot for Blanche. I wondered how long it would take if I ran. Thinking about it, every second was precious.

 “Oh, hey, Krish…”

Now that I think of it, Krish came by carriage. I wanted to call out to him to borrow him a horse, but he was no longer in the hallway.

Thinking I could still make it, I went outside the mansion, but Krish was nowhere to be seen there either.

“Felix-sama, is something wrong?”

“Oh, have you seen Krish?”

“Krish-dono just ran out. He was so fast you could see his after image, as you would expect from a knight.

I wanted to say hello, but I didn’t have time to call out to him. He seemed to be in a hurry. Is something wrong?”

Did Krish just run back?

“No, nothing. You can go now.”

Recalling Krish’s words from earlier, he suddenly burst out laughing. Krish said “going home” without realizing it. Not “leaving”, but “going home”.

This was probably because Krish himself wanted to go back to Shinobu.

He knew that Krish cared about Shinobu, but he didn’t think that those feelings would grow and take root deep in his heart.

Shinobu looked like a young child, and he remembered that most of Krish’s previous partners were calm, mature men and women.

He thought that the seed of love was planted inside Krish from the moment he met Shinobu. The incident that happened to Shinobu this time was probably the trigger that sprouted. The seed grew rapidly as the two of them got closer, and now it has budded in Krish’s heart.

He didn’t know if the bud will bloom or wither, but he hoped it will bloom into a large flower.

“Now that I think of it, Krish was looking for a flower.”

He thought it was a small flower the size of a fingertip. If that’s the case, the flower that blooms between Krish and Shinobu will be a small and delicate one. As their memories of each other increase, more and more will bloom. It would be great if the day came when flowers fill the field of vision like the tree of life.

I predict that this day will come soon.

“I envy you. My seed will never bloom as a bud.”

Running all the way through is tiring as expected. It’s much easier without armor though.

During the journey, it was common to climb mountains and hills in armor, push through vegetation, and continue traveling without sleep. Perhaps his stamina has decreased since he returned.

The amount of sweat running down the inside of his clothes is incredible. Maybe it would be a good idea to wash off the sweat before going inside. Thinking this, I headed towards the pond and discovered a small back.

“Shinobu?”

Why are you outside? He’s been reluctant to go out at night since before the incident. He said he was scared to go out because his eyesight is poor at night. I wonder if something happened inside the house.

I carefully searched the area for signs, but there didn’t seem to be anything unusual. There were no lights on in the house, so I wondered how long he had been here.

“Shinobu, what’s wrong? You’re out in the middle of the night like this. Did something happen?”

Blanche whined in dissatisfaction. She kicked the dirt with her front hooves as an added bonus. Maybe she was trying to say that I was late coming home.

“N-nothing. I couldn’t sleep so I was cooling off.”

I immediately realized the reason for Blanche’s bad mood. Shinobu’s voice sounded strange. It was as if he had been crying just a moment ago.

Why? What happened? 

Blanche leisurely returned to the house as if her duty was over. She was accompanied by Pochi, who slapped my arm with his tail as we passed each other and acted reluctant to leave Shinobu’s side.

It seems that he was guarding Shinobu until I returned.

“Shinobu, what happened?”

Why didn’t he look at me? Even though he pretended that nothing had happened with his words, I knew from his voice and his small back that he was crying.

“Nothing. I’ll stay here a little longer, so you’d better get some rest, Krish-san. You have work tomorrow, right?”

I felt a raw irritation in my heart from his remark that seemed to reject me, and my voice became a little rough.

“Shinobu, look at me.”

He moved so slightly that it was only noticeable if you looked carefully, but Shinobu still didn’t turn around.

“Krish-san, I’m sorry. I want to be alone for a bit.”

“Shinobu, look at me.”

I couldn’t bear it any longer. I grabbed his shoulders and forcefully lifted his body and turned him around. I saw the tears that had built up in his eyes and rippled down.

“Were you crying…?”

When I touched him, his cheeks were sticky. It was proof that he had been crying for a long time, in addition to the tears that had just fallen.

Why didn’t you tell me? Is it because I’m no use?

If Shinobu ever sheds tears, I want it to be in my arms, but I’m never in time for his tears.

It may be inevitable that he thinks I’m unreliable, but I still want to know what he’s thinking and what’s making him sad.

“Shinobu, tell me. Why are you crying? It’s painful for me to see you crying. If there’s something that’s bothering you, I’ll do something about it.”

Another tear spilled. Shinobu’s lips were definitely moving as if to say something, but he swallowed and lowered his eyes. I put my hand on his cheek and tilted his head up.

“Shinobu.”

Even though he finally made eye contact with me, he looked like he’d given up on something. I guess he didn’t feel like talking to me. To me, Shinobu…

“I like Krish-san.”

It was a tiny, tiny voice that made me wonder if I’d misheard. He muttered to himself, as if he’d let out his inner voice, rather than conveying his feelings.

Confused, I ruminated in my mind about what “like” meant, chewed it over, and the moment I swallowed it, my stomach felt hot.

I couldn’t find the words right away, and at the back of my head, where my thoughts were boiling and disorganized, the image of Shinobu from the other day popped into my head. Thanks to that, I was able to calm down a little.

There are different kinds of “like”. I like Pochi, I like Ravi, I like being hugged. Where do I stand in Shinobu’s mind? I remembered how I’d felt when he called me “Dad,” and slammed the brakes on my budding thoughts.

“Does that mean you like me and want to start a family with me?”

Stay calm, stay calm. Even though I told myself that, the words I asked were rising in my voice.

“Yes. I’m sorry.”

Since when had he felt that way? My heart trembled when I thought that he still liked me, even though I was useless at such a crucial time.

What words should I use at a time like this? I wanted to express it in some special way. But I couldn’t think of anything.

For the first time, I learned that when people are truly moved, only simple words come out.

“I see… Thank you.”

Shinobu smiled at the words I’d finally managed to squeeze out. But why? Even though we’d connected, Shinobu’s smile looked sad.

 “Thank you too. Don’t worry. I know everything, so it’s okay. You’ll be fine soon. Be happy with Annette-sama.”

…Huh?

“Wait a minute, Shinobu.”

“I heard from Norn and the others that there are no weddings in this world. Why don’t we gather up some close friends and have a party?

I’ll bring some vegetables and fruit. I’ll do my best to make sure everyone eats something delicious… Mogga!?”

I thought it would be rude to interrupt him in the middle of his conversation, but before I could think about it, I covered his mouth with my hand. I took a slow breath to calm myself down in a different way than before.

“There seems to be a bit of a misunderstanding. I’m not going to marry Annette-sama.”

It seems Shinobu had heard rumors about Annette-sama in town. I wondered if he was jealous. When the misunderstanding was cleared up, Shinobu looked extremely cute in his panic.

I don’t have to lower my hand to Shinobu anymore. There’s no need to look for a reason to hug him.

The body in my arms is small, soft, and very hot. I wonder if he is as moved by the mutual feelings we share as I am.

Shinobu’s heartbeat resonates in our tightly pressed chests. It sounds like a squirrel’s footsteps, and even the sound of Shinobu’s heartbeat is adorable.

“Shinobu, I love you.”

“I love you too. I love you, Krish-san.”

Oh, how adorable.

When I put my lips to his soft cheek, I smell a sweet scent. It tastes even more delicious than the kukuri I ate that afternoon, probably because of Shinobu’s scent.

I can’t help but find Shinobu adorable, blushing and flustered by this level of contact. We have plenty of time, so let’s take it slow and not rush.

I’ll hold off on touching his lips until he’s comfortable enough to lean his body against me, rather than getting tense and stiff when I hold him close.

Let’s start by holding hands.

 “Shinobu, can you stand up?”

“Yes, thank you.”

Shinobu’s small hand rested on his outstretched palm. He held it gently so as not to break it, and they began to walk slowly.

It was an incredibly happy moment for the two of them as they walked, gazing at each other, for the few steps to the front door.