On the third morning, Liana groggily opened her eyes. The first thing to greet her was fair, pale skin, plush softness, and the faintest flush of pink at the edge of her vision. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Her nose felt a little ticklish. She could smell the faint, pleasant scent of Mepeilu’s body. It was a lovely scent—Liana didn’t dislike it at all.

However... the current situation seemed just a bit dangerous?

Before going to sleep last night, hadn’t she been the one holding Mepeilu? So why was it that now, upon waking, she was the one nestled in Mepeilu’s embrace?

And right now, her thigh was draped over Mepeilu’s leg, her arms wrapped around Mepeilu’s waist from behind, holding her tightly.

“Good morning,” Mepeilu said in a gentle voice. “A rare, sound sleep.”

It was already eight in the morning. It had been ages since Mepeilu had slept this late. She felt refreshed—completely free of fatigue. Her whole body radiated comfort and lightness.

“This...” Liana found herself unable to explain the situation.

“Liana, you really like holding onto something while you sleep. That’s a very dangerous habit, you know.” After the past few days together, Mepeilu had come to notice this.

Every morning, though it was she who had fallen asleep holding Liana, by the second half of the night, the roles would reverse—Liana would always end up holding her instead.

Liana had never done this before. But Mepeilu didn’t dislike it.

...

Which meant that, back when Liana had been sleeping in the Venus manor, she must’ve treated Loraviel this way too, right?

“Y-you think so?” Liana was utterly unaware of this. “I-it must just be a coincidence. Or maybe it’s because you’re the one sleeping beside me, and that makes me feel really safe...”

Damn it, Liana. Your mouth is way too sweet.

Mepeilu buried her face in Liana’s platinum hair. It was cool to the touch—comforting. For once, Mepeilu actually wanted to stay in bed longer.

But reality wouldn’t permit her that luxury. She didn’t have the time to indulge in such a dream.

“Since you’re awake, Liana, shall we get ready to go?” Mepeilu asked.

“But I’ll be leaving this afternoon...” Mepeilu didn’t want to waste even a second of their time together.

And besides, it was such a rare chance to rest. She didn’t want to waste it by sleeping in.

“I didn’t expect this from you, Mepeilu. You always seemed so mature... but turns out you’re really playful,” Liana teased.

“I just don’t want to waste the time I get to spend with you.”

“Go out and have fun”... Mepeilu wasn’t even sure what exactly that entailed.

As a princess, she’d hardly ever had time to “play.” In truth, those days had ended five years ago—ever since she left the Venus manor.

Ever since becoming an heir candidate, Mepeilu had never again imagined anything like leisure or fun.

She had work every single day. Endless tasks. Endless magic studies. Even her physical training had to continue.

At one point, she might’ve felt worn out. But now... her fighting spirit had returned.

“So, is what we’re doing now considered a waste of time?” Liana asked.

“Of course not...”

“Then is there anything about this that you’re unhappy with?”

“No.”

“Then this isn’t wasting our time together, is it?”

“...That’s true.”

Maybe Mepeilu had been thinking too hard about today. But with Liana, no matter what they were doing—even if they were just lying together—it made her happy.

There was no need to deliberately plan anything or do anything elaborate.

That would only distort the original meaning of being together.

After all, many entertainment activities outside required magic, and in the eyes of others, Liana was still someone unable to use magic.

If word got out that she was active, she might once again be dragged into some training excuse like last time...

Also—

“When lying together like this, you can speak from the heart. No need to keep up appearances out there,” Mepeilu said.

“Appearances, huh? I don’t need them anymore,” Liana chuckled.

“This Liana—after seeing how Princess Mepeilu kept getting more and more support from others—just wanted to cling tighter to Mepeilu’s thigh. So of course I should act a little more affectionate. Totally in-character, right?”

“It really is the perfect setup for ‘Liana.’ Absolutely no one will suspect a thing. Too clever.”

Mepeilu gently stroked Liana’s soft hair—so silky and obedient, like a tame little kitten. Very pleasing to pet.

“This way, we can be openly lovey-dovey outside too. Although... honestly, we already were. It’s just now, you don’t have to keep pretending to be disgusted by me.”

“Cling to your thigh, huh?” A mischievous smirk crept across Mepeilu’s lips.

She let go of Liana and sat up. Turning around to face her, she lifted the hem of her nightdress, placed one long, slender leg across her thigh, and revealed a snowy white, delicate foot.

“Want to give it a hug?”

“Mepeilu! Learn some shame!”

Liana placed her hand on Mepeilu’s thigh and gave it a little squeeze. Her smooth skin felt incredibly soft. Wherever Liana touched, the skin turned faintly pink.

It seemed Mepeilu wasn’t quite as composed as she looked.

But Liana only gave her thigh a quick pinch. Something that embarrassing—she really couldn’t bring herself to do it!

“...It’s about time. Take me out for a walk, will you?” Liana awkwardly shifted the topic.

“Liana being shy is adorable too.”

“Mm. Let’s get ready to head out, shall we?”

...

Downstairs—quite unlike the cozy bed upstairs—Loraviel was pacing at the main entrance.

It was already nine o’clock, and there was no sign of either Lady Liana or Princess Mepeilu coming down.

“Lady Vivian?”

Loraviel saw Vivian walking toward her.

“Good morning.”

“Morning,” Loraviel responded, eyeing the breakfast tray in Vivian’s hands.

“Lady Vivian... is that for...?”

“Her Highness is enjoying a rare morning of sleeping in,” Vivian said as she carried the tray up the stairs.

To Loraviel, those words were not good news.

She had thought perhaps she’d arrived late and that Mepeilu had already left.

But Olivia had clearly said the princess hadn’t left the residence and was still upstairs.

And the moment Loraviel heard Vivian’s words—she knew.

Liana already knew about their plans to leave Lisat Capital today.

Liana was smart. She already knew the misunderstanding between them had been resolved—and that the two of them had a close relationship.

Lady Liana... really did like girls. And Princess Mepeilu was a beautiful and exceptional one.

Mepeilu clearly adored Lady Liana as well. It wasn’t hard to guess what had happened—they’d definitely slept in the same bed.

Liana wouldn’t have been personally invited to Lisat Capital just for nothing.

And the first thing they did upon arriving was eat and sleep together.

For the past two days, no matter how busy she was, Mepeilu always rushed to Liana’s side the moment she finished.

There was no way to argue they “weren’t involved.”

Besides, Lady Vivian had just said it:

The princess rarely ever sleeps in. Which meant—this wasn’t normal.

The last few days, Mepeilu had always left early in the morning.

And now, she was still upstairs?

It was probably because she knew Liana would be leaving today—so last night, she had already...

Maybe Liana had been right. Loraviel really was a shameless, lustful maid.

But even so, Loraviel had made Mepeilu aware of her own passive stance.

Until she had solid confirmation of Liana’s feelings, Mepeilu had never dared touch her lightly.

To Mepeilu, Liana was a treasure. She couldn’t bring herself to taint that pure, lovely perfection.

She was afraid of making a mistake that couldn’t be taken back.

After all, something «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» like that had already happened once before. And Mepeilu couldn’t bear for it to happen again.