Volume 10 Chapter 21 Saintwise's Summoning Art
Sir Ciel dropped me off on the rooftop.
When he lightly touched my waist, the pain in my legs faded away. It felt like he used healing magic.
"I can't cure curses or diseases, but I can heal simple pain with magic. Are you feeling better?"
"It's my first time dancing in fancy shoes... Did you notice I was in pain? I feel so much better now. Thank you!"
I pinched the hem of my skirt and expressed my gratitude.
The cool breeze felt nice against my slightly flushed body from the heat of the crowd.
My hair and the skirt of my dress swayed.
Mer-Mer, still on Sir Ciel's shoulder, hopped down to the rooftop floor, stretched out big, and then flopped down to sleep. Such a good sleeper.
"...It was about a year ago that I brought you to Saintwise."
"Yeah, Sir Ciel. It feels nostalgic. Back then... I'm sorry. I thought you were scary."
"That's understandable. I was pushy. I still regret it."
"You don't have to worry about it. Oh, but... Sir Ciel, if you really regret it, then..."
"What is it?"
"...Just when it's the two of us, I want to talk to you in your real way of speaking. I appreciate how considerate you've been, but it feels a bit lonely."
When I made my request, Sir Ciel's eyes widened in surprise.
Then──he pulled me into his arms tightly, a bit forcefully.
Sir Ciel looks slim but is tall, solid, and has a strong masculine presence.
This wasn't the first time I was hugged, but it was always to comfort me when I was crying.
It felt like family.
But now, it felt a bit different.
His arms were warm and comforting, yet I felt a bit nervous.
Maybe it was because it was different from usual. My outfit too. Sir Ciel's vibe as well.
"Ms. Lydia... Lydia."
"Yes. Sir Ciel. ...Sometimes, when you call me Lydia, it makes me really happy. ...I feel like we've become close friends."
"...When you say friend, you smile. I always thought that was enough, that it was sufficient."
"Sir Ciel...?"
"But it's not enough anymore. Ever since I realized I could take the hand you offered. You always save me. So, to make sure I don't hurt you, to fill your world with happiness... it doesn't have to be me who makes you happy. I was trying to convince myself of that."
His voice is close.
I can't see Sir Ciel's face because I'm being hugged, but his arms are strong, and my body is pressed tightly against his.
It felt like his voice was echoing from the skin touching through the fabric.
His calm and cool voice now feels warm, slightly trembling and rough.
"...Lydia. I like you. I want──Lydia."
"...!"
Like──.
He said he likes me.
I can understand that it's different from just liking as friends.
His words, filled with strong emotions, pierced my heart.
My body, which was cooled by the gentle breeze, suddenly felt hot.
I'm sure my face and body are bright red.
Because it's the first time. A man has told me he likes me── probably for the first time.
I've been told I was liked before, but it was always gentle and affectionate.
It felt like something a family member would say, like the kind of feelings directed towards a younger sister.
But now it's different. Clearly, a kind of intense passion is conveyed through our touching bodies and resonating voices.
"...At Edelstein, you said. You wanted me to express my feelings of liking you in the right place."
"I, I..."
Did I say that?
Yeah. I feel like I did.
At that time, I felt like I knew everything hidden inside Sir Ciel.
The part of me inside Sir Ciel was always smiling happily. His memories were filled with the times we spent together.
To make sure Sir Ciel wouldn't get hurt from having his heart pried open, and to cover up my embarrassment.
I definitely said that. Looking back now, it was such a bold thing to say.
Sir Ciel gently pulled away from the hug and looked into my face.
My confused expression was reflected in his beautiful red eyes, like the most stunning jewel in the world.
"I like you, Lydia."
Even though I wasn't sad, tears started to well up.
My emotions were so intense, it felt painfully bittersweet.
I──
Before I could respond, the night sky suddenly filled with a bright light, like it was midday.
The dark sky was filled with huge fireworks, and a big bird wrapped in flames danced among them.
The bird made of red flames glided gracefully through the night sky.
It twirled around and then disappeared.
Next, a big fish began to swim through the fireworks.
It had fluttery red fins, like a dress.
It melted into the night sky, leaving ripples behind as it vanished.
Then the fireworks took the shape of sunflowers.
Early summer flowers bloomed in full glory.
"...Even if you don't choose me, my heart is yours. Now and forever."
"...Sir Ciel, I..."
I... I also like Sir Ciel.
But I can't clearly say if my feelings are the same as his.
I was so surprised and confused.
My heart was racing to the point of breaking, and I couldn't find the right words.
"...That was Saintwise's summoning magic. My subordinates said you are like a sunflower blooming vibrantly in summer. ...They wanted me to have you in the best spot to see the flowers blooming in the night sky, and this place is the quietest and closest to the sky in the palace."
"...It's beautiful, so beautiful."
Sir Ciel looked up at the sky.
He wrapped his arms around me from behind as I also gazed up.
"Fireworks! They're already starting! Ah, I'm tired; everyone is so persistent. But since they say they're a fan of Hero Fox Mask, I can't ignore them... Wait, princess, are you crying?"
"W-What happened, Lydia...? Did Ciel do something to you?"
"...Sneaky move, Ciel. I thought you were taking a step back, but it seems I can't let my guard down anymore."
After the sunflowers, there are lilies. Then, cherry blossoms, cosmos, and clematis.
Colorful flowers fill the night sky, and lively voices echo.
Sir Rail stands next to us, while Sir Roxas peeks at me, looking a bit flustered.
Mr. Lucian crosses his arms and gives Sir Ciel a light glare, and then──finally, Sir Stefan arrives.
"Lydia. Thank you, everyone, for today."
Under the flowers shaped by bright light, Sir Stefan bows deeply.
My heart keeps pounding, almost painfully.
Sir Ciel is as usual. But──it's like he knows a secret, and my heart races.
Not knowing what to do, I can't say anything, and then, from between my chest, Eir-Eir, Ms. Famine, and Nel-Nel pop out, one after another.
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