Chapter 796 - 123 - Zeruel’s Decision (8)
Princess Titania’s eyes locked onto mine, sharp yet gentle, holding something that felt strangely heavy. Around us, the room fell into a hush so deep it felt like everyone was holding their breath. The air itself seemed to tighten the moment I’d blurted out that I wanted to sleep with Leon tonight.
"Are you sure?" Princess Titania asked, her voice softer than before, but still carrying a weight that made my chest tighten. It felt like she really wanted me to think it through and to be absolutely certain. "It’s not something to rush into. And you really don’t have to do it just because you feel guilty, thinking you’re holding us all back. That isn’t it at all."
I swallowed hard, my hands trembling slightly as I lowered my head. My fingers curled so tightly around the hem of my shirt that my knuckles turned white. The fabric felt rough against my skin, grounding me just a little. Then I dared to look back up, my heart pounding so hard it hurt.
"I’m... sure," I managed to say, my voice catching in my throat. "I think... if I don’t do it now, it’ll just make me more complacent." My words felt clumsy and raw, but they were the truth sitting heavy in my chest.
Their eyes flickered between each other, silent and searching, like they were trying to read me as well as trying to see if I really meant it—or if I was just swept away by everything happening.
"Are you really sure?" another voice asked, the question hanging there like a final test.
"I’m very sure," I said again, adding "very" to make it sound stronger, even though inside my heart felt like it might crack from beating so fast.
And then, maybe because words alone weren’t enough, I reached out, my hand trembling slightly as I grabbed the wine bottle. I poured it into the nearest glass, the dark liquid swirling as it filled to the brim. Without hesitating, I lifted it to my lips and drank it down all at once.
The wine tasted deep and rich on my tongue, its warmth sliding down my throat and spreading through my chest. Even after so many sips tonight, it hadn’t lost its flavor and somehow, it felt even more alive, like it matched the heat now swirling through my veins.
"Y-You really do seem sure about this, huh?" Titania finally said, her gaze softening, a faint smile curling at the corner of her lips. Seeing my determination must’ve settled something in her mind. "Well then. If that’s the case, let’s start by calling Leon."