Ch. 7: A Heart that Carries Passion (SUN)
In the small amount of time that passed after the curse was broken…-
The rumors about the werebeast gradually vanished, and peace returned to the people.
Butler: "Really Lady OO, how can we ever thank you enough…"
I was being treated to dinner in the parlor.
OO: "Oh no…I didn't do anything."
Butler: "It's the first time I've seen Lord Vairy look so calm. I had thought you would be the one to break the curse Lady OO."
OO: "…um, but what did I do to break the curse…?"
I resolutely asked the butler what had been on my mind.
Butler: "True love…Lady OO, your feelings for Lord Vairy are what broke the curse."
The butler had said it so boldly, and I felt my face heat up.
What I had realized before, my feelings for Vairy.
These feelings are true love…?
Vairy: "Hey! I'm back!"
My heart leaped as I heard that voice.
Vairy entered, full of energy after having gone to check on the town.
Butler: "Welcome back Lord Vairy. I shall go finalize the preparations for dinner."
The butler withdrew, and the two of us were left alone.
Vairy: "You got a fever or something? Your face is bright red."
Vairy asked it so innocently.
OO: "I-it's nothing!"
I'm so nervous, I can't look at his face…
Vairy: "Really? Your heartbeat is super loud you know."
OO: "…!"
Right, I heard that beastmen have really good hearing…
OO: "I'm sorry…I have to go!"
Unable to stand the embarrassment, I moved to leave.
Vairy: "Ah, hey…"
As I put my hand on the doorknob, a large hand was placed atop mine.
OO: "…!"
Vairy stood right behind me.
Vairy: "…wait."
He used his other hand to shut the door, encircling me with his arms.
My back feels hot…
It was like he was about to embrace me from behind, and I could feel the heat from his body on my back.
OO: "I, um…"
Vairy: "…what you said before."
Before…
OO: "Vairy…I…"
OO: "U-um, I…I really have to go!"
I insisted on leaving as I turned towards him…and our eyes met. He looked at me, full of concern, and I once again felt my cheeks heat up.
Vairy: "You sure you don't have a fever? Your face is…"
OO: "…!"
Vairy put his hand to my forehead.
OO: "…I-I'm fine! Sorry, but I'm going to go take a break."
Wishing my pounding heart would calm down, I left the room.
Vairy fixed his eyes on OO's back as she left.
Vairy: "…I couldn't say it."
Vairy muttered to himself, still feeling the heat on his hand from where he'd touched OO's forehead a moment ago.