Chapter 358: Side Story — King Carlos
“Where did you go with Luce yesterday?” while I was working in the office, Dorothy, who was sitting at the desk next to mine, asked with half-open eyes.
“We just went somewhere to hang out. It’s a bit hard to explain.”
“Why?”
Yesterday, I spent an intimate time with Luce in the basement of an annex far from the main building.
We lost track of time, simply indulging in each other.
There was no need to explain the time we spent to the attendants since Luce had already mentioned that she would be spending time with me outside the palace.
It made sense why there wasn’t much commotion in the palace regarding my whereabouts.
Naturally, that news had also reached Dorothy’s ears.
She probably already knows my feelings… but it’s hard to answer honestly.
I scratched my cheek lightly.
It’s impossible to hide the truth from Dorothy. She sees right through my emotions.
But directly saying, “We had an intimate moment in the annex,” would just give her an excuse to interrogate me.
Especially since my fiancés had this superficial pact of premarital chastity.
“It’s a secret. Just like I don’t brag about what we did on our trip.”
I smiled gently and met Dorothy’s gaze.
“That… ugh.”
Dorothy folded her arms and pondered.
She must have already guessed.
If Luce and I spent time alone, what happened would be as obvious as the back of her hand. Just like when Dorothy and I went on a trip and shared affectionate moments.
She doesn’t like it, as expected.
Oh dear.
Even though I had established the harem I longed for, it still felt like walking on a tightrope.
Especially since Dorothy and Luce tended to show subtle wariness toward each other, like a bomb that might explode with the slightest nudge.
I could only hope they’d get used to the harem arrangement soon.
If Alice were here, managing things would be much easier…
It would still be a while before Alice returned.
I missed her even more today.
“Ugh, I don’t like it…”
Dorothy scrunched her face and cast her eyes down, sulking. Then she glared at me with a pouty expression.
It was troublesome, but it was better that she expressed her genuine emotions rather than pretending nothing was wrong.
Back in our academy days, Dorothy often hid her feelings and pretended to be cheerful, which left me wondering, “What’s wrong?” more than a few times.
…Wait, but this.
It’s adorable…
My train of thought quickly shifted.
Can someone be this cute?
Just seeing Dorothy’s pouty face felt like a continuous, powerful blow to my heart.
Huuk!
I buried my face into Dorothy’s stomach and wrapped my arms around her slender waist.
“Nyah…!”
Dorothy flinched at my unexpected action and let out a strange squeal.
“Ssss, haa.”
“What the! I-It tickles…!”
Through the fabric, I took a deep breath near Dorothy’s navel, and the scent of her clothing filled my nostrils.
Dorothy quickly softened her expression and giggled quietly.
She wrapped her arms around the back of my head, kicking her legs lightly and tapping the desk in a cute rhythm.
“You startled me, President.”
“You’re seriously too cute…”
Since I started dating, I found myself blurting out cheesy expressions of affection without hesitation, and happiness bubbled up within me.
When I rubbed my face against Dorothy’s stomach, she giggled playfully.
“Nihihi. You rascal, are you trying to embarrass me?”
Her teasing question was full of affection.
Dorothy’s chest covered the top of my head, radiating warmth. She was holding me preciously.
After spending some time cuddling, Dorothy stopped bringing up Luce.
Though unintended, it was a good outcome nonetheless.