Chapter 323: Proactive
Lux’s Side
One day after swordsmanship class, as I walked beside Florence-san down the hallway of the noble academy on the way back to the lecture room, she said to me,
“Lux-sama, it seems your sword skills have improved again recently.”
“R-really!?”
I couldn’t help letting out a delighted voice.
“Yes, I felt it when we actually crossed swords,” Florence-san said with a gentle smile.
At those words, my lips relaxed a little, and I replied, “Actually, at the third Royal Exchange Gathering, Rezamiliana-sama taught me what I should do to improve my swordsmanship even more.”
“I see… That was when the First Princess said to Lux-sama, ‘I would like to speak with Rodwell later, just the two of us, about swords.’”
“That’s right! Since then, I’ve been training while keeping Rezamiliana-sama’s advice in mind, and thanks to your praise just now, Florence-san, I can really feel that the results are showing. Thank you very much!”
“…!”
When I expressed exactly what I was thinking, Florence-san, walking beside me, quietly gazed at my profile for a moment.
“Lux-sama… if you would allow it, may I move a little closer to your side?”
“Eh!? Uh, y-yes!”
Though nervous, I managed to answer.
Looking somewhat happy, Florence-san said, “Thank you,” and stepped closer.
The distance between us became close enough that our shoulders might touch.
Until now, we had never walked this close together in a public place like a hallway where others could see.
As I felt her pleasant fragrance drift toward me more strongly than before and grew a little nervous, Florence-san spoke in a gentle voice meant only for me.
“As I thought, it is wonderful… Being able to draw close to the man I love and walk beside him makes me very happy.”
“…! I-I see.”
I know I need to get used to it, and I understand that Florence-san cares about me.
But still, being suddenly called the man she loves by Florence-san of all people…!
As my face inevitably grew hot, Florence-san looked into my eyes and said,
“…Lux-sama, how about you?”
“…Eh?”
“Lux-sama, how do you feel walking close together with me like this? I will consider your answer unrelated to any talk of engagement, so please tell me honestly what you are feeling right now.”
“What I’m feeling right now, honestly…”
“Yes.”
When Florence-san nodded, I paused briefly before answering.
“Walking this close with someone as beautiful as you makes me nervous, but… more than that, being able to meet someone as kind and beautiful as you and become this close makes me really happy!”
“…!”
When I told her exactly what I felt, just as she asked, Florence-san let out a small gasp and widened her eyes.
Then, as if whispering into my ear, she said,
“I too was able to meet a man like you, Lux-sama, someone I wish to spend my life with… I am very happy.”
“…!”
Those words made my face grow even hotter.
Seeing that, Florence-san let out a soft laugh.
Siana’s Side
Just as Lux returned from the noble academy, Siana was informed by Violet, who had come back to the mansion, that Floria Florence had become more proactive toward Lux.
Siana narrowed her eyes and said,
“That woman… shall I go cut her down right now…?”