"…I want someone like you by my side. Regardless of how we started—that is my conclusion. …When we are alone, you may spoil me. I look forward to our time together."

  Saying this, Her Majesty quietly extended her hand.

  A soft palm. Its warmth felt almost visible to the eye.

  —I can... spoil her?

  Those words alone turned my mind completely bnk. There was a dull ache; my thoughts couldn't keep up. The phrase "As you command," which usually spilled from my lips so naturally, refused to come out.

  (A handshake… surely, it’s just supposed to be that.)

  And yet, I—

  I softly pressed my cheek against the hand she had offered.

  —Thump.

  "…Mmh."

  Like a beast nuzzling against someone it trusts. I simply buried my cheek in that palm.

  It was so warm.

  Bathed in that warmth, I instinctively rubbed against it. I closed my eyes, nuzzling her as if seeking comfort. It felt as though the tension was slowly draining away from my very core.

  (A little higher… My head…)

  Thinking with a hazy mind, I let my forehead slide against her skin. I gently lifted my head myself, as if inviting her—

  Finally, her palm touched my head.

  Her warm fingers slowly stroked my hair. With that movement, both my heart and my mind began to unravel.

  "…—Ah, phew…"

  It felt so good.

  The pain behind my eyes began to soften.

  (If I were to y my head on her p right now… I feel like she would surely forgive me.)

  I was even under such an illusion.

  —Ah. This sensation…

  It overpped with a memory from a long time ago, of someone stroking my hair.

  (…I… this is—)

  "—-GAH!!?"

  Suddenly, reality came crashing back.

  In the line of my upward gaze.

  Her Majesty had frozen.

  Complete silence.

  Her eyes were wide with shock. …I’ve done it. I really did it.

  (…Crap!!!)

  I recoiled reflexively. My chair toppled over with a loud thud. But that was the least of my concerns.

  "I-I-I am terribly sor—!! I-I have a mission starting now, s-so, excuse me!! …Th-thank you so much for, uh, f-for your time!!"

  My speech was on the verge of total colpse.

  Spouting nonsensical words, I bowed and sprinted at full speed toward the archway.

  My face and ears were bright red. My heart was loud and frantic.

  I collided with the stone pilr of the arch as I burst through, causing the clinging Luminaria to flutter and scatter.

  …But.

  (To be honest—it felt wonderful.)

  The warmth lingering on my cheek wouldn't fade. Flushes, shame, relief, and happiness were swirling in a vortex within me.

  ("More"... is something I could never, ever say.)

  And yet—both my heart and body felt lighter.

  Perhaps that’s why.

  I found myself wanting to see her again.