Chapter 112

SIDE: Black-Winged Order Commander Gazelle

“Takumi, are you feeling hungry or anything? Want something to eat?”

“…Gazelle. I’ve said it multiple times since yesterday, but I haven’t rejuvenated mentally, you know?”

I chuckled as I looked up at Takumi with a slightly irritated expression.

“Ah, sorry, sorry. When I see you like this, I just can’t help but want to take care of you in various ways.”

“Well, just keep it within reason.”

Takumi shrugged, as if saying it couldn’t be helped. Normally, this gesture would be quite dignified, but when Takumi did it now, it seemed incredibly endearing.

Without thinking, I reached out and gently ruffled Takumi’s head. Even this head had become quite small. It swayed at the slightest touch, so I deliberately softened my touch compared to usual. Takumi closed his eyes as if enjoying it.

Unconsciously, he pressed his cheek against my chest. It was like a kitten seeking comfort. I was tempted to extend my hand with less than noble intentions, but Felix, sitting across from us, shot me a disapproving look, and I restrained myself, returning my hand to its original position.

Instead, I embraced Takumi again with both arms. Sitting sideways on my lap, Takumi looked up at me with wide eyes, surprised.

“Gazelle? Did you get motion sickness from the carriage or something?”

“No, that’s not it. But let me stay like this for a while.”

“Alright. But if you ever feel uncomfortable, just let the coachman know. He can stop the carriage for a bit. Just tell me anytime.”

…Takumi seems to be worried about something unrelated, but well, at least this gives me an excuse to continue embracing him. Despite the pleading look from Felix, who seems to be saying, “Hurry up and switch with me,” I haven’t held Takumi on my lap for that long. I want to savor this situation a bit longer.

Since leaving Ritzheim and boarding the carriage, it’s only been a short while. I persuaded Takumi to sit on my lap, citing various reasons as his back was starting to ache. This happened just about ten minutes ago. It’s still too early to switch with Felix.

But, unexpectedly—never did I think that my well-intentioned action would backfire like this.

After purchasing a house in Ritzheim, officially registering Takumi, we started living together as a trio. Right after registering our marriage, the knight duties within Ritzheim Magic Kingdom kept us busy, and we couldn’t find much time together as a trio. Besides, at that time, it was right after the incident where Takumi was kidnapped, and he had just decided to abandon any means of returning to his hometown and chose to live with us in this world.

Honestly, there was a lingering thought of what if. What if there was a way for Takumi to return to his original world? Even if the capital didn’t have such a method, there might be some hidden means in other towns or countries.

Indeed, Lady Audrey of the Oster Kingdom managed to summon a girl from another world using a method unknown to us.

Therefore, it cannot be asserted that there is no such method in other towns or countries. If Takumi happens to come across something like that—even if it’s against his will—he might return to his original world. Or worse, there might be a situation where he is forcibly sent back, regardless of his intentions. Takumi’s arrival in this world wasn’t solely based on his will. If that’s the case, he could be forcibly returned without his consent.

So, both Felix and I, using the pretext of knight duties, avoided taking him out of Ritzheim for a while. In fact, there was a time when we didn’t even let Takumi step outside the house, let alone beyond the borders of Ritzheim, except when heading to the knight’s headquarters. This was especially true after the kidnapping incident orchestrated by Audrey. If he insisted on going out, either I or Felix accompanied him.

However, Takumi didn’t voice any complaints or grievances about being treated this way. He obediently followed without a word. Even when most of his holidays were spent at home, he didn’t utter a single complaint. This surprised both me and Felix. Perhaps Takumi sensed our unease, and that’s why he readily complied with our requests.

Witnessing Takumi’s broad-mindedness, we realized we couldn’t continue with narrow-minded behaviors. By then, the knight duties had settled down, and there seemed to be a prospect of having some free time together as a trio.

After discussing it with Felix, we decided to start by leaving Ritzheim together and planning a little trip.

Looking back, Takumi had rarely ventured outside Ritzheim, except for the port town and the rural area he visited when he first arrived in this world. At most, he rode a horse around the castle gates of Ritzheim.

In hindsight, it was a pitiful situation. Considering Takumi’s age, he should have wanted to explore different towns. Felix and I made plans, scheduled the trip, and arranged a magic potion to change Takumi’s eye and hair color just to be safe—

…Everything should have been foolproof.

However, an unexpected incident occurred.

The one sitting on my lap, causing chaos, was Takumi. Unbelievably, the potion we ordered from the magical potion research institute got mixed up. As a result, Takumi transformed into this rejuvenated appearance.

According to Takumi, he became around five or six years younger than his original age, but honestly, he looks even younger. When I was the same age, I was taller, and I certainly didn’t look this delicate.

“Hey, Gazelle, look at that!”

“Hmm?”

Takumi, sitting on my lap, happily pointed outside the window.

“There’s a monkey-like creature under that tree’s shade… probably a monster, but it looks like a monkey. Did you see it?”

“Yeah, I saw it. If there are any around here, they’re probably Green Monkeys. Don’t worry, they’re harmless.”

Considering the habitat, it was likely a Green Monkey, so I responded casually. Honestly, I hadn’t paid much attention to what was outside the window. I was too captivated by Takumi’s innocent smile as he joyfully looked outside.

I couldn’t resist reaching out, gently stroking his soft cheek with my thumb. His body had shrunk due to the rejuvenation potion, losing all its muscle tension and becoming soft everywhere.

Takumi let out a ticklish laughter, asking, “Hehe, ticklish there, Gazelle. Is something wrong?”

“Nah… it’s just that your body is so soft everywhere now, it’s irresistible to touch.”

“Hehe, what’s that supposed to mean? …Or are you subtly saying I’ve gained weight?”

Takumi muttered something quietly, but even that gesture was cute. Actually, no matter what he did, it was adorable.

The original Takumi had an aura that kept people at a distance, a sharp and dignified atmosphere like an unsheathed blade. But that was only on the surface. Once you got close to him, he would show a completely different, softer side.

Perhaps due to this contrast, even now, as a married man, many people still harbored feelings for Takumi. But, the current Takumi, with his shrunken body, seemed to have lost that tense aura. What I want to say is… he’s kind of fluffy now, more than usual!

Takumi. Do you even realize how you look now? Your face is seriously dangerous! Are you going to get kidnapped again? Even though I planned this trip with the mindset of “I have no right to restrict his freedom. Can I truly be his partner?,” your determination seems to be wavering so quickly!

Honestly, I want to take you back to Ritzheim right away, lock you inside the house, and keep you there! From the looks of your face and actions, it seems like you have no idea how much attention you’re drawing. Seriously… ever since we met, Takumi, you’ve been messing with me.

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