"Great."
There was no time to worry.
The answer came out of my mouth without even moving my head. Raphael's face brightened like the morning sun.
"It's so good. Really, really...."
He picked me up again, the only difference being that there was a flower ring on my finger.
In response, I bowed down in midair and kissed Raphael several times.
The ring woven from wildflowers sparkled in the sunlight. The rain was slowly stopping.
Raphael lightly placed his lips on my cheek and spoke, interpreting my inability to take my eyes off the ring.
"I will get you a new ring that is better than the one you lost."
"Oh, that's right. What would people say if the Grand Duke's treasure disappeared?"
"I'm the Grand Duke, so what?"
It was Raphael's playful appearance that I felt like I hadn't seen in a long time.
I burst out laughing and then suddenly felt like joking and said.
"But I accepted the proposal because I liked this flower ring."
"It will wither in a few days."
"Hmm, but I think this is good."
As I spoke with force in my voice, Raphael's face gradually changed into an expression that seemed to indicate confusion as to whether I was joking or serious.
It was funny how he only showed his clumsiness at times like this, so I had to hold back my laughter.
"Should we see if it's possible to preserve them with magic? If not, I can always pick new flowers from the garden every morning."
I watched him sweat profusely inside, and eventually burst out laughing and confessed my true feelings.
"Be with me every morning, and I won't need anything else."
Raphael sighed as if he had only just realized that he had been tricked. Even in the midst of all this, he was smiling, unable to hide his joy.
"Me too, Enri."
As soon as the conversation ended, the rain stopped completely as if it were a lie.
The morning air that greeted me in my light clothing began to feel slightly chilly.
He placed me down on the ground with great care, as if he were handling something very precious. Our eye level quickly changed.
Raphael unfolded my coat, which he had kept draped over my arm, and put it back on me.
Then, as if he would not tolerate even the slightest breeze, he carefully opened the hem of his clothes.
"Shall we go in?"
Raphael asked shortly. I answered, looking forward to a warm breakfast.
"Yes!"
For dessert, you must ask for hot, rich chocolate.
***
After breakfast, Raphael, now that he was feeling perfectly healthy, went into his office to take care of some pending work.
Thanks to that, I was able to have lunch with Sarah and Vermont.
When Sarah heard the news that I had given half of my heart to Raphael, she was initially shocked, but soon nodded as if she had no other choice.
"Half of Enrica's heart. Well, it's a shame, but there's nothing I can do about it."
"You know he gave me his whole hearť. Do you still feel bad about it?"
"The values are different, the values."
I felt so reassured by Sarah's way of always putting me first. I also knew she was half joking.
"That worked out really well."
Even Sarah, who had been joking around like that, finally couldn't hold it in any longer and opened her mouth with an extremely proud expression on her face.
She was also the one who watched and helped Raphael and me get together most closely.
Sarah was about to ask how things were going these days.
Not only did her complexion, which had improved significantly, provide the answer, but it also brought to mind the complaints from the maids I had heard in the hallway the other day.
It never happened before, but these days, I hear a squeaking sound whenever I pass by Sarah's room, as if there's a mouse there.
I decided not to dig into that part or ask about it.
Because I was someone who completely wanted Sarah to be happy.
Next, I turned my gaze to Vermont, who was attending the meal in human form for the first time in a long while, holding a knife.
Then he cut off a big piece of pie, put it in his mouth, and said absentmindedly.
"I'm planning to return to the Demon World soon."
It was a bombshell statement that turned the dinner table upside down.
"What, what did you say?"
"The Grand Duke has regained his heart, and the auction case is almost over. There is nothing more I can do to help you."
At the sudden news, I opened my eyes wide and looked at him.
"What are you doing in the Demon World? Are you sure you're not coming back?"
"I will return for the execution of the First Prince. It is an event that I have a considerable stake in. It would be better for me to watch it with my own eyes until the end."
"An event? No, why are you suddenly thinking of something like that?"
"You know that, Enrica."
Vermont's answer, which came back as if nothing had happened, suddenly stabbed deep into my heart.
I was a little taken aback and surprised, as I had not expected to be confronted with his feelings so openly in this way.
It was a problem I had vaguely guessed about, but had been putting off because I wasn't sure.
The complex and deep feelings that Vermont, a servant demon, had for me, a human.
I love Raphael, and I probably won't be able to answer until I die.
Vermont chuckled as he looked at me, frozen in place.
"Yes, sweetie. What would you know?"
Even when teased about being a kid, I couldn't get angry like I usually do.
It felt strange, but it gradually eased as Vermont spoke next.
"You look happy now, Enrica. That's what I've always wanted."
"..."
"So don't feel guilty. If you need me as your servant, you can call me anytime. I'm just leaving for a short break."
Sarah rolled her eyes, not understanding the situation at all.
But I, too, couldn't say anything and just rolled my eyes.
For the first time, it really felt like Vermont had been around for over 400 years.
I'm so confused right now, but he, who must have been hurt, looks so calm.
The sight of Vermont looking like it could disappear at any moment was unfamiliar.
No matter how much the relationship between a wizard and her servant is like that, all this time I have only received from him. In fact, I received too much.
A natural separation when the time comes is inevitable, but it may also be good for both of us.
But even if it was better to accept the breakup, at least I didn't want to send Vermont off like this.
I racked my brain. And as soon as something occurred to me, I blurted it out.
"Party! I'm going to throw a party when fall ends. So just wait two months."
"... Party?"
"I'm going to use magic... to throw a really fancy party outdoors. I'm going to have decorations and food that you've never seen before, and I'm going to invite a lot of people."
Vermont chuckled, as if he had already noticed my shallow trick.
It was clear that he was just going to wait and see how far I could build right away. The sight of it was a little annoying.
I felt faintly dizzy as I thought about the training that would soon become my lot.
"How long have you been planning this party?"
"Ha, it's been a while. I was planning to open it once everything was over..."
Next to me, Sarah was listening to the conversation with her eyes sparkling.
You really have no tact in times like these. Of course, you may be less tactful than I...
After the wedding, I finally came to terms with the fact that my perception may not be as perceptive as other people's.
Anyway, I now had a reason to hold on to Vermont a little longer. I finished speaking in a voice that pretended to be calm.
"Since you're leaving, we can have a farewell party together then. Will you attend?"
Vermont pretended to think, then said, as if a good idea had occurred to him.
"Can I call the orchestra and ask them to play music from the Demon World?"
"I don't know if I'll get taken away after the party, but... Yes. If that's what you want, I'll do that."
"Let's make sure all the dishes contain fish. I don't want to attract attention, so I might show up in the form of a cat."
If all of the demanding demon's demands are met, it could be one of the strangest parties in history.
But I also felt excited when I thought that the party was really going to happen.
It was just an excuse to catch Vermont, but it seemed like a good idea.
There is no need to feel nervous like you would at a formal banquet.
I should call over a bunch of people I like and repay them for all the help I've received. Of course, Raphael will be by my side.
Sarah and Vermont were also among the first to receive invitations.
There are the former Marchioness Francis, the Second Prince, and Sophia. Hayden and Sasha, are currently recovering.
As I decided on a rough invitation list, a happy picture formed in my head.
Until recently, I had to worry about the death of a loved one and the auction that was going to take place.
Now I'm thinking about decorating a party I'm hosting in a few months.
I realized once again that I was truly happy about this peace.
Vermont I'm here 😈💜 thanks for the update
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