CH 76

First Date 4

“Is this normal when you take naps?”

“Um, maybe not as an adult, but I don’t know how else to put you to sleep….”

“Is that so? I’ve never been tucked in by anyone, so I don’t really know what it’s like.”

Alvin-sama said that casually, but my heart ached again at how lonely and sad it was.

I also remembered that in my childhood, when my mother was alive, I always slept in the warmth of her arms.

I really loved that feeling, and I was once again fired up to make Alvin-sama feel the same way, if only a little bit.

“Can I sing you a lullaby too?”

“Yes. I’d love to hear it.”

Then, I sang a couple of well-known lullabies. Although I didn’t understand the meaning of the words, I was sure he didn’t either, and the mood was the more important thing for something like this.

To tell the truth, I had always been praised for my singing, so I was a little confident.

“Nina is a good singer. I’m not very good at it, so I envy you.”

“Fufu, I’d like to hear it sometime.”

He couldn’t be that bad.

However, it was so cute how he said he would never sing in front of me because it was uncool, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“Do you think you can sleep now?”

“I don’t know. But I feel very happy.”

With his long golden eyelashes down, Alvin-sama muttered. He looked younger than usual, and when I caressed his head, he would unintentionally snuggle up to my hand.

It made me happy to think that I was the only one in the world who could see Alvin-sama like this.

“Is there anything else you would like me to do for you?”

“…. Can you hold my hand?”

“Yes, of course.”

I grasped Alvin-sama’s hand with my other hand, and he squeezed it back.

About ten minutes later, I began to hear him sleeping soundly. His sleeping face was very serene, and I patted my chest in relief.

“…. How adorable.”

We had slept together several times before, but I had always fallen asleep first, so I had rarely seen Alvin-sama sleeping.

Although he was usually more dignified than anyone else, he was more innocent now.

When I gently touched him on the cheek, his mouth broke into a small smile.

“I love you, Alvin-sama.”

I whispered, expressing my desire to be with him forever.

Holding his hands, I lay down, too, and closed my eyes happily.

◇◇◇

“…. Nina?”

“Yes. Are you awake?”

Six hours later—when the sun had already set and the room was getting dark—Alvin-sama woke up.

I was also asleep but woke up about two hours ago and had just returned to the bedroom.

When Alvin-sama woke up, he looked out the window, where the stars were already beginning to appear, and looked surprised.

“Have I been sleeping all this time….?”

“You were sleeping quite comfortably.”

He must have been very tired. No matter how many times I went in and out of the room, he showed no sign of awakening.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sleep so much──”

I put my index finger on Alvin-sama’s mouth as he hastily apologized.

“I wanted Alvin-sama to rest today since you’re usually so busy. So, the operation was a great success, and please don’t apologize. I also took a nap with you earlier.”

“…. Thank you. I feel very light thanks to you.”

I smiled back at Alvin-sama, who lowered his eyebrows and smiled at me.

“I haven’t slept this well in a long time. I feel like I can do anything now.”

The effect seemed to be outstanding, and I vowed to make more opportunities like this in the future.

“I made dinner, too, so if you think you can eat it, please do.”

“I’ll have some.”

He thanked me and we moved to the dining room. I had made enough for both of us after I woke up from my nap.

Alvin-sama praised it repeatedly as “the most delicious food in the world,” and I was overjoyed by his compliments.

After that, we both cleaned up, and I cast a transformation spell and went outside, holding hands with Alvin-sama.

Basking in the pleasant night breeze, we took a slight detour from either direction to the royal castle. The forest was quiet, and only the sound of leaves from the trees and grass could be heard.

I looked up at Alvin-sama walking next to me, feeling as if we were the only two people in the world.

“Did you have a relaxing day?”

“Yes, I did. It’s been a long time since I haven’t thought about work.”

“I think you’re working too hard. From now on, let’s make more time for that.”

“Thank you. I’m so comfortable spending time with Nina that I’m afraid I won’t be able to work someday.”

“Fufu.”

Just as we were about to arrive at the back entrance of the royal castle, my name was suddenly called and I raised my face again.

Then, in the next moment, my field of vision was filled with Alvin-sama.

“I just wanted to say thank you so much for today. This is one of those days that reminded me again how much I appreciate your presence in my life, Nina.”

After our lips parted, he whispered in my ear, and my heart jumped loudly.

“I-I also had a lot of fun.”

“That’s good to hear. Can I kiss you just one more time?”

“…. O-Only one more.”

I sincerely wanted to spend many peaceful and happy times with Alvin-sama like this for a long time to come.