Chapter 313: Taking a Step Back
Following their most recent union, Vahn and Lisanna were soaking and drinking together in a cozy artificial hot spring encircled by stone when the latter softly remarked, "This week has been nice. You could benefit from learning the meaning of restraint, but it was nice feeling wanted..."
"That’s how I always feel..." contended Vahn, drawing Lisanna closer to him by her waist and gently bumping his forehead against her left temple as he confided, "I’m just...severely outnumbered..."
"Yeah...I know..." sighed Lisanna, closing her eyes and resting her head against Vahn’s shoulder as she muttered, "I knew going into things that our relationship wouldn’t be like a normal boyfriend and girlfriend. And to be honest, I expected us to have sex the one time before I confessed to Natsu and strongarmed him into becoming my boyfriend..."
Though he was tempted to contend that was still an option, Vahn kissed the top of Lisanna’s head and muttered, "I’m glad you didn’t...I know I’ve spread myself a little thin and that you deserve someone who can cherish you every hour of every day, but I’m glad you’ve given me this chance. It won’t always be easy, but I promise to do what I can to care for and make you happy..."
"I wouldn’t be here if that weren’t the case," retorted Lisanna, raising her head to reveal a mischievous, cat-like smile. There were many things she was dissatisfied with concerning her and Vahn’s relationship, but the vast majority had names. If all other women were removed from the equation, he was an exceedingly caring, passionate, and dutiful lover who listened when she spoke, yearned for her body, and did everything in his power to provide for and please her. In those regards, he was perfect...
"But I won’t lie to you, Vahn..." appended Lisanna, returning her head to Vahn’s shoulder as she revealed, "I’m not certain how long this will last. Because, while I like you, I know your harem will continue to grow. More than that, I’ve never been a particularly ambitious woman. I’ve never felt the need to be surrounded by wonder and luxury to be happy. I just want a family, a home I can call my own, and someone who loves me for who I am..."
"I can provide all of that..." affirmed Vahn, his voice faint as he rested his cheek atop Lisanna’s head and conceded, "But I understand where you’re coming from. I’ve often thought that those I’m with would be happier in a relationship with someone who valued them alone. But at the same time, I cherish and want to make each of you happy. So, until the moment arrives when you leave my side, I will value you as a priceless treasure. And even if there should come a time when our paths diverge, know that I will never stop wanting you to be happy..."
"That’s not the reassurance you think it is..." sighed Lisanna, leaving Vahn at a slight loss until she explained, "It varies, but most women want a man who’s willing to fight for them, Vahn. It’s fine to want to support us even if we break up, but you should never say it during a relationship. It gives the impression you’re okay with it, which makes it seem like you’re not all that invested..."
"I see...I never thought of it that way..." muttered Vahn, raising his gaze to the virtual world’s night sky and its countless stars. One would think that with his significant experience, he would know what to say at such a time. But as his mind processed Lisanna’s words, he found himself increasingly at a loss.