When I had finished handling all matters related to Sarang, it was already dark night.

I had been moving busily back and forth to Philia Islands since early morning, yet it had become this late.

As soon as I arrived at my room in the imperial palace, I massaged my stiff shoulders.

‘Now that I’m starting transportation work again, will I often be this tired?’

It was nice when I was just eating and playing idly in the palace…

At that moment, another hand began to massage my shoulders.

I immediately recognized whose hand it was with that warmth.

“Your touch seems a bit impure. It feels more like you’re touching rather than massaging.”

Someone brazenly replied.

“Am I not allowed to touch?”

“….”

“It’s mine anyway.”

At those sweet words that struck unexpectedly, I felt my face growing hot.

“Demian, where do you learn to say such things?”

At that moment, Bless, who had gone out with us, began to peck at Demian’s head with familiarity.

—Kyuuu!

‘Down with the pervert! Down with the pervert!’

I only half-agreed with Bless’s words.

Hold off on the “down with” part for a bit.

Demian lightly grasped Bless’s small body with one hand.

“If you’re dissatisfied, why don’t you turn back into a human?”

—Kyu, kyu!

‘Hmph! I won’t turn back into a human because Yerena pets me better when I’m a bird!’

“What did it say?”

I spoke indirectly.

“He says it’s troublesome to turn back into a human. Being a bird is more comfortable.”

“That doesn’t seem to be what it said…”

I awkwardly laughed, avoiding the answer, and took Bless from Demian.

“By the way, when should I leave the palace?”

“You’re thinking of running away from me without telling me what Bless said?”

“Running away? Honestly, I’d like to stick close to you and live in luxury if I could.”

“You could do that.”

Demian smiled handsomely.

My resolve wavered a little at that smile that completely shook my heart.

But I kept thinking about Marco and Bonnie, whom I met today, and the monsters and animals I had recruited.

I couldn’t just enjoy myself while ignoring them.

“I don’t want that. I want to take responsibility for the people I should be responsible for, at least.”

Far from being disappointed, Demian just smiled, lifting the corner of his mouth.

“This is why I like you, Yerena.”

“…What?”

“Things like how you don’t give in to any difficulties, or how you value your own convictions, like now. I really like those aspects of you.”

“I feel awkward receiving unexpected compliments.”

“I think I’m attracted to you because you’re the opposite of me.”

I responded by planting a kiss on Demian’s cheek.

I couldn’t resist kissing him when he said such lovely things.

Why does physical affection make you crave more the more you do it?

Will there ever come a day when my desire for him is fully satisfied?

I couldn’t fathom that day.

A day when I wouldn’t want this lovely man…

“Back to the topic, you can actually leave the palace tomorrow. You’ve revealed yourself as the master of the transportation company, and you’ve also restarted dealings with the Count’s family by going to Philia Islands today.”

I nodded.

Sarang, who went down to Philia Islands with me today, decided to work at the Jinjijo branch with Nero.

She plans to meet with the Duchess occasionally while traveling between the capital and Philia Islands.

I told the Duchess about Sarang’s story and asked her not to kidnap her again.

“Antoinette had, had a family? Even a husband? Ha… I should be the one apologizing. I kept her from leaving without knowing she had a family. Maybe I should go down to Philia Islands myself.”

Then she added one more thing.

“…My mind is quite troubled about my son’s matter.”

I didn’t bring up Benjamin in front of the Duchess.

I didn’t want the conversation to drag on by bringing up unnecessary topics.

The Duchess seemed to feel the same way.

Moreover, she seemed relieved when I didn’t make a big issue out of Benjamin’s matter.

The repayment to Sarang, who had helped me, seemed to be well concluded that way.

“Demian.”

“Yes?”

“I feel relieved that everything has been wrapped up well, but on the other hand, it feels strange that things have gone too smoothly.”

“Oh my. It seems you’ve gone through so many hardships that you can’t fully enjoy the happiness that’s now upon you.”

“I guess so.”

I fiddled with Demian’s fingertips as I continued.

“Nothing bad will happen after I leave the palace, right?”

“Of course. And don’t worry. You have me and Bless by your side.”

Demian reached out his hand to stroke Bless, who had somehow perched on my shoulder.

But Bless nimbly avoided his hand.

“…It feels like we were closer when he was human.”

I giggled at the sight of the two males squabbling.

“Alright, I’ve decided! Trusting you two reliable ones, I’ll really leave the palace tomorrow.”

“Though I’m regretful, I hope your business flourishes even more.”

“But before that, I’d like to spend this last night at the palace ecstatically.”

“Ah…”

Demian showed a flustered look and ran his tongue over his lips.

I whispered to Bless in a small voice.

“Bless. Would you like to sleep with your friends tonight?”

‘…’

Bless left through the open window without answering.

He still seemed to dislike the fact that I spent more time with Demian than with him.

Well, I couldn’t spend an intense night with Demian with Bless right in front of us either.

At that moment, I heard Demian’s voice.

I turned my gaze from the window to him.

“This might sound really pathetic, but…”

“….”

“I wish you would pay more attention to me than to Bless.”

“What?”

“You liked Minky so much, too… I feel a bit sad that I always seem to be second priority when you’re with animals.”

“Now you’re jealous of animals too?”

“What can I do when I like you so much? I wish you would only look at me…”

Demian dropped his head listlessly as he spoke.

He buried his face in my shoulder and nuzzled against it.

It felt like a large dog was trying to coax me. Is he doing this because he knows I like animals?

I didn’t dislike Demian being affectionate.

It was quite cute how he acted like a small animal, not realizing how large his body was.

But it wasn’t just cute.

Every time Demian’s hot breath tickled my neck, my heart tickled too.

My breath seemed to be getting moist as well.

“Can’t you just adore only me?”

That complaint was so genuinely lovable that I almost said “I will” without thinking. Even though I never make promises I can’t keep.

Of course, I loved Demian the most, but I also adored Bless and other animals.

I didn’t think I could suddenly distance myself from them.

“…I understand. That Yerena can’t love me to the point of turning away from Bless.”

Demian seemed to interpret my silence that way.

It was an accurate guess.

“But please promise me.”

Demian raised his head. He gazed at me steadily.

It was a gaze full of heat, unlike his earlier complaining tone.

Looking at him, I felt my body growing hot now.

It seemed like heat as intense as what Demian harbored was warming my body.

Perhaps Demian was thinking the same thing as I while looking into my eyes.

That I was emanating a gaze full of desire.

Demian whispered softly while gently caressing my fingertips seductively.

“That among people, you’ll like me the most. That you’ll do so for life.”

That was a very easy vow to make.

I gave Demian the answer he wanted.

“I will love only you, now, later, until I die.”

“….”

“Now then, can I express my love for you with my whole body?”

I led Demian’s hand, which I was holding, toward the bed. We could no longer ignore the heat burning between us.

Demian was helplessly drawn along and kissed me deeply.

I had no doubt that tonight would be another long night.