“Nana, why did you request a room for the two of us?”
Nox sat on one of the twin beds, with a serious expression, and asked.
“It’s not a problem. We are engaged after all.”
Sitting on the other bed across from Nox, Nana responded with her usual impeccable posture.
“That’s right…”
The old fool, Edwin Galaxia, had signed an agreement with House Saarlosso on his own. In other words, they were legally engaged.
“I have decided to devote myself entirely to Nox-sama and care for him with all my love. I cannot overlook anything that may be useful to you.”
“No, I meant what if there was a mistake…”
“My mother used to say that pre-marriage negotiations are part of the game.”
“The Duchess Saarlosso?”
Nox was completely surprised by the generosity of the neighboring country’s culture.
“Even if there is a ‘mistake,’ I don’t mind. And you, Nox-sama?”
“No…”
Nana sat next to Nox, gently caressing the young man’s knee with her skilled hands.
Even though the girl who had been his emotional support in loneliness, and whom he had silently admired all this time, was now showing him total affection, Nox felt a little bewildered. However…
“I can’t do it. I can’t do something like that with Nana.”
He moved her hand from his lap, turned away, avoiding looking directly at Nana.
“I can’t, you say?”
Seeing Nox’s sadness as he lowered his head, Nana felt it was not right to press him further and returned to her own bed.
“It will take us around two months to reach Sarlosso. If you don’t mind, could you tell me the reason?”
Sensing that the atmosphere was no longer in a tempting mode, Nox breathed out softly.
“I have been researching my stigma. This hair color and eyes simply don’t fit in.”
After spending time in the mansion library, the city library of Galaxia, and even extending his search to the capital, tracing from ancient legends to current academic documents.
“In short, the existence of the stigma curse is confirmed. It not only affects the cursed person but also those close to them. That’s why I can’t… do it.”
This probably also had a connection to the death of Iris, Nox’s mother. He should avoid interacting as much as possible with Nana as well.
“So, how far is acceptable?”
“Eh?”
“I have always been by your side, so being close is not an issue, right? Moreover, walking together with linked arms seems to be fine. How about a kiss?”
Upon this question, Nox immersed himself in silent contemplation.
Nana’s expression was completely serious. She momentarily got distracted by noticing his lips, quickly averting her gaze.
“I think it would be better to avoid the kiss…”
Physical contact imbued with feelings, akin to the effect of magical healings by touching the affected area, or in the common fairy tale phenomenon where a true love’s kiss breaks a curse, can trigger various effects, as significant as the spells themselves.
If Nana were the one affected by the curse, or if Nana’s magical abilities were superior to Nox’s, it could break the curse.
However, conversely, it was more likely that Nox’s curse would affect Nana.
“How about a kiss on the cheek instead of the lips? Nobles often give hand kisses, don’t they?”
“No, but…”
Nana approached again with determination.
“Wait, what…?”
When he thought she would grab him by the head, instead he found himself close to Nana’s generous neckline. Without resistance, he was enveloped in a soft, fluffy sensation, while a pleasant unfamiliar scent caressed his nose.
“Apologies for the delay, but happy birthday. And thank you for all your efforts so far. It must have been tough.”
Nox opened his eyes in surprise.
Since Nana arrived at the Galaxia mansion, she had always come to wish Nox a happy birthday. Even though things were a bit confusing this year due to the preparation for his coming of age, Nana had patiently waited for the right moment to congratulate him.
“Thank you…”
After Nox managed to say those words, Nana released the embrace and nodded with a satisfied expression.
“Again, I look forward to relying on you from now on.”
“Likewise…”
Then, both shared an awkward silence for a while.
“Do you mind if I use the shower first?”
“Yes, please.”
Seeking an excuse to temporarily withdraw from the uncomfortable situation, Nox slipped into the narrow shower room that was in the bedroom.
Under the water, he tried to calm the blush on his face.
“It was so soft…”
He had hardly experienced being embraced by someone, let alone by a girl his age.
The sensation had been quite a stimulus for Nox, even though the thick fabrics of his adventurer outfit. He wondered what it would be like if he could touch that softness directly.
Nox has endured a lot over these 16 years. He has exceptional patience. However, being able to endure does not mean he lacks desires.
Above all, it was frustrating for him to have to endure because of a curse, especially when the other person was willing.
“First, let’s find a way to break the curse. And then…”
With the lifting of the curse, Nox plans to express his feelings to Nana.
So far, his sole goal was “to leave home,” and this moment marked the beginning of a new goal for Nox, who was wondering what to do next.
