Chapter 51

Sutrena is a territory with one of the smallest populations in the Kingdom of Desnim.

Most of the people live clustered near the town center, while the rest are scattered in small settlements across distant locations. Because each settlement is so far apart, travel by horse or riding beast is essential.

The town center suffers the least from magical beast damage, and I have already applied my Material Reinforcement magic to the walls that encircle the town. The people gathering at the shelter will likely be those living around the outskirts of the town walls and those coming in from the outlying settlements.

I was working in my maid uniform, busy preparing the manor’s great halls to serve as a shelter. Even with all the maids helping, it was a massive undertaking given the size of the estate.

Meanwhile, Lord Nazel was in a room in the manor, holding a meeting with the elders of each settlement. Since I had already finished my greetings as the Lady of the house before changing into my maid outfit, I had free time until the meeting concluded.

Once the cleaning of the hall reached a stopping point, I headed toward the kitchen to prepare some refreshments, when—

“Oh…?”

On my way, I was captured by Lord Nazel, who had stepped out into the hallway.

“Lord Nazel? What about the meeting?”

“The most important parts are finished, so we decided to take a short break.”

“In that case, I’ll get some drinks and sweets…”

“Kelly, sorry, but could you handle that?”

Kelly, who had followed me without me noticing, gave a thumbs-up with a blank expression. It seemed to mean “Understood.” Though she remained as stoic as ever, she somehow looked happy right now.

Still in my maid outfit, I was scooped up by Lord Nazel and spirited away to his room.

“You’ve been working hard.”

I was sat down between Lord Nazel’s knees as he sat on the bed, and he pulled me into a tight embrace.

Perhaps because I had finally confessed my feelings to him as well, Lord Nazel’s actions had become even bolder than before.

“Agnes, will you let me stay like this just for a little while until my break is over?”

Lord Nazel’s breath brushed against my neck, sending me into a total state of confusion. Heat rushed to my face, and I was overcome by an intense wave of embarrassment.

When I instinctively turned around, I found his face right there, peering into mine from point-blank range.

“U-Um… this position is a little embarrassing.”

“In that case, we’ll just have to get you used to it, won’t we?”

How heartless…!

Lord Nazel refused to let me go. His fingertips tilted my chin upward, and his lips slowly descended toward mine.

“W-Wait…”

“I won’t.”

Seeing the restless heat burning in Lord Nazel’s usually saint-like eyes, I realized that no matter what excuse I made, I wouldn’t be able to escape. Yet, seeing his enchanting eyes narrow with such happiness made even my embarrassment feel bearable.

“Agnes, I love you.”

“I love you too, Lord Nazel.”

I felt a wave of relief that I managed to say it without tripping over my words this time.

After being kissed over and over, I gazed up at him with a dazed mind. He gave a soft chuckle and, with a gentle touch, held my body and began to press me down onto the bed… when suddenly, he glanced toward the door.

At that exact moment, there was a series of powerful thumps against the door. They were so forceful I was worried the door might actually break.

“Lord Nazel! It is time! The break is over!”

The voice echoing from outside belonged to Torre. Since the time to resume the meeting was approaching, he must have come to fetch him.

Lord Nazel looked like he desperately didn’t want to go, but he couldn’t exactly skip the meeting, so he stood up reluctantly. I gave him a word of encouragement.

“Lord Nazel, please do your best.”

“Thank you, Agnes.”

Lord Nazel departed while covering his face with one hand, muttering, “So cute, so cute…” under his breath. I’m worried about him.

Since he seems exhausted enough to be muttering strange things, I’ll have to ask for something good for fatigue recovery to be added to the dinner menu.

I picked myself up and headed straight for Maiza, the cook.