It seems that Toki"s sense of taste was considerably different compared to here. I felt relieved that he could at least eat a few things.

"Your Highness, have you decided on Toki-sama"s1 living arrangements?"

"Toki"s room will be the usual lounge. However, he"ll be staying in this room for a while. Just in case something abnormal happens to his body. It will be cramped, but can you endure?"

The first half was a reply to Laham, and the second half was a question to Toki. Because Toki is quite small, there probably wasn"t a need to say it would be cramped.

Certainly, while one of the reasons was to immediately notice anything abnormal, in actuality, the feeling of wanting to keep him by my side was stronger.

"Narrow don"t mind. a.s.sam no, mind?"

How sweet was Toki to worry about here instead. Bringing him without permission, no room prepared, and a record of inedible things. Far from being mad at our continued incompetence since his arrival, he was worried instead.

"Isn"t it to be expected? I told you I liked you. Isn"t it natural to wish to be beside my dearest person?"

A natural smile appeared. I stroked the glossy black hair on his small head, it felt very nice. His cheeks stained red with this alone. That expression made me remember the kiss from earlier, I immediately wanted to take his lips again.

"Ahem. Um, Your Highness. If I may ask, how were you planning to name Toki-sama? You know, status wise."

I noticed that I didn"t say the answer to Laham"s question. Whether or not it was noticed by Laham because it was apparent in my behaviour, I"d better say it properly.

"Toki will be my partner. I will meet with His Majesty and report it. The ceremony will be held at the royal family"s fountain immediately. Go arrange for an announcement of his health condition."

"As you wish."

Yarra nodded. He seemed reluctant to agree and protested. Probably, he thought I would take a concubine.

"I understand. But if I may ask, a concubine…"

"Unnecessary."

I saw Laham"s eyebrows draw together at his words. He understood that the question was of poor taste. I felt sick taking into consideration of anyone except Toki. I slid my hand from Toki"s head to his cheeks which raised my mood.

"But, an heir is…"

"There is still the Second Prince."

Yarra asked with the intention to oppose. I answered while enjoying the feel of Toki"s smoothness on my fingers. This is a conversation I wouldn"t be able to withstand without Toki"s touch. Ah, his ears are red… how cute.

"But, is that alright?"

Even I"m not sure about what Laham said. While the Second Prince, Lark, on his own, is excellent and harmless, it"s his mother that would be difficult.

It was fine in the past. But, I won"t yield on this. There"s no need for anyone except Toki. Besides, the only one that can protect Toki here, is me.

"I have already decided. There will be no more objections."

"Toki-sama is okay with this?"

"I have his reply to my proposal."

When I answered Laham"s question, Toki in my arms became bashful. Ah, his face is redder than before. How adorable.

"I didn"t know…"

"I am willing to leave behind my past achievements if you think so. If you tell me to cast away the crown, I will not mind. Toki, do I need to descend among the people for you to not reject me?"

When I asked, Toki shook his head. Leaving the touch of my hand, Toki"s face was still red, putting on a serious expression he gave an answer.

"No, fine. a.s.sam keep. Wa!"

He said and followed with a smile, I instinctively hugged him close. He patted my arm. Toki"s small hand action, he was truly adorable.

"Tight."

I quickly loosened my arms at the pained words. I don"t remember putting that much strength in though. Toki"s body is very delicate. It seemed like he would break if not treated carefully. I was lectured by Laham to keep better control of my hands.

"Tsugura has arrived. The meal is ready."

"Alright."

"We will continue speaking about this another time. Shall we go then."

"Toki, come here."

The body in my dreams could not walk alone. In that case, it"s fine to carry him. Holding Toki in my arms, the anklet around his slender ankle made a beautiful sound.

"Wah! a.s.sam! Down, now!"

"I can"t do that. Isn"t walking painful?"

Toki was surprisingly light. That fact made the pain in my heart grow. So light and thin, like he would disappear without a trace. I reflexively held him tighter.

"Your Highness, I will do it."

When Yarra held out his hands, it was unconscious, I increased the strength holding Toki. It was unpleasant when someone other than myself offered.

"It"s fine."

I quickly moved so as not to be deprived. Haah, I don"t want to give this chance to anyone.

When I started moving, everything I saw seemed unusual. The surrounding cute small animals were looking around restlessly.

a.s.sam"s the only one who says Toki"s name properly, otherwise, when Laham refers to him, it"s written [いつ] instead.

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