Chapter 86 – Doll Master Luca 9
It was a very exciting time.
The music was still ringing in my ears.
I received many things from Queen Amine, such as music and money. Although I don’t currently plan on using the lovely new home and title she gave me.
But first, I need to get my slimy pillow. While thinking about this and making casual conversation with Crazy Bear, we quickly arrived at Luca’s workshop.
“That was fun, Luca.”
“…”
Luca seemed to be lost in thought.
I peered at her face.
“Luca?”
“Y-yeah. I’m listening. Um.”
She definitely wasn’t listening.
“We’re here.”
When I let go of her hand and pointed ahead, she looked a bit surprised.
###
Like Aix, Luca seemed to be lost in thought. Let’s switch to her perspective for a bit.
###
Oh no.
Did we already arrive?
“Um, Aix, th-thank you.”
“I should be the one thanking you, though?”
I can finally say my thanks.
Aix seems to be surprisingly popular, so I need to keep the conversation going somehow.
“That was fun.”
“Yeah. I feel the same way as Luca. Thank you for inviting me.”
My face grew hot as I was taken in by the boy’s smiling face. I couldn’t look at him in my embarrassment.
These past few days, being together has made me think about it even more.
I don’t want to be apart. I’ve decided to do it. I’ll say it!
“Uh, um…”
I let out a faint voice. It may have actually disappeared, such a voice.
My heart was pounding with anxiety. On my way back home, I thought about it the whole time. I wish time would just stop like this.
I think it hasn’t been a long time in actual time, though. But to gather bravery in a world of nothing but the sound of my pounding heart, I needed time to prepare myself.
I take a deep breath.
Love goddess Feene, please give me courage. It must be now or never. I will express my feelings in words.
“I love you, Aix. I love you so much. I don’t want to share you with anyone else. So if Aix is okay with it, please be in a relationship with me.”
I said it!
I mustered up my courage to speak. I’ve bet everything. This sweet and painful time mixed with hope and fear has come. The roulette that I bet everything on is starting to spin fiercely, and despair and hope are constantly changing.
“You have the same feeling as me, right?”
###
She waited patiently for the young man’s answer.
Silent.
Silent.
…
“Did you hear me properly?”
But the answer never came back. Was it too heavy?
The sweetness gradually turned into despair, and the world, once vibrant, lost its colors.
Hey. Is it your own kindness that you’re not refusing clearly?
She felt like crying.
“Aix, did I cause you trouble? I’m sorry.”
With a smiling face almost in tears, she looked up and found nobody there.
?!
“Why?”
“Master. I wonder if partner had some business to attend to, he ran back quite a while ago.”
“What!?”
Crazy Bear came and stroked her head.
Shaking fearfully.
“Aix, you’re a fool!”
Anger.
And relief.
Followed by a delayed feeling of shame.”
“Forget about what just happened. Crazy Bear.”
“Alright, alright. But seriously, where did partner rush off to?”
“I don’t know.”
They returned to the quiet, empty house. Mother Rabbit and the others were returning late by carriage, leaving Crazy Bear alone with them in the spacious house.
“I wonder if partner understands his situation. Is he not aware that he is being targeted now?”
“He should reflect on his actions a bit.”
I thought it would be good if he get caught instead. That way, I would be thanked for helping.
Sigh…I’ve become a bad person.
