Chapter 24: Chapter 23
Maria felt compelled to express her feelings to Isamu, even though after the events of last night, it turned out that Isamu genuinely accepted her feelings. Whether it was out of a sense of responsibility or if Isamu had been harboring feelings for Maria for a long time, she couldn't say.
After their deep kiss, they looked at each other with flushed faces. They couldn't avoid the sudden awkwardness that had crept in. Isamu, who had never been in a romantic relationship before, felt like a novice. Even in the demon world, where many women tried to win his heart, he couldn't shake off his uncertainty.
Maria, who had lived longer than Isamu's age, also felt awkward. Although in the demon world, many noble men had tried to court her, she had always rejected their advances, remaining loyal to the Demon Lord Wilbert. Eventually, she became a maid to his illegitimate daughter in the human world.
With some time on their hands, Isamu tried to continue their moment with tenderness. "Hey, can I hold your hand?" he asked, scratching his cheek gently.
Maria smiled shyly when Isamu asked for permission to hold her hand. Despite feeling nervous, she felt warmth in his request. She extended her hand gently towards Isamu, and they held each other's hand.
As their hands touched, there was a vibration, flowing deep warmth and comfort between them. It waTs the beginning of something bigger, and they knew it. They were ready to face any obstacles that might come their way.
With a gentle smile, Maria said, "Of course, Isamu-san. I also want to hold your hand."
The moment Isamu reached for Maria's hand and interlocked their fingers, they grew even closer. Isamu felt the soft, warm touch of Maria's small hand, while Maria could feel his emotions through his broad, calloused palm. It was a moment where love was blooming between them, albeit in a somewhat unconventional way.
On the comfortable sofa, they felt an incredibly intimate atmosphere. Maria leaned comfortably against Isamu's chest, feeling the tension of his muscles beneath his silver hair. Meanwhile, Isamu gently stroked Maria's hair. Feelings of peace and happiness filled them, even though they knew that this moment would have to end because Isamu had to go to the academy.
However, there was still enough time since Isamu could instantly arrive at the academy using his magic. So, he wanted to talk a little about his past.
"Hey... Maria-san," Isamu said gently.
Maria looked up and met Isamu's eyes. "Could you stop using formal language with me? We're lovers now, aren't we?"
Isamu smiled and felt relieved to hear Maria's request. "Of course, Maria. I'll try not to use formal language anymore. After all, you're the most important part of my life now."
He felt warmth hearing those words. "Hee. So, isn't Mio-sama important?" Maria asked with a playful smile as she looked at him.
Isamu was startled by the question and awkwardly answered, "O-of course! I'm a man of strong principles. I'll never forget the promises I've made..." Then, his gaze softened as he looked at Maria. "But of course, you've also become an important part of my life now."
Maria felt happy hearing Isamu's words, but she couldn't resist teasing him a bit. "Oh, your flirting skills are terrible," Maria said, instantly turning into a tsundere.
"Huh? Is that so?" Isamu was suddenly confused, not sure if Maria was serious or just acting tsundere. "Did I do something wrong? But Jean also acts like this when he's trying to charm women," he muttered quietly, trying to understand Maria's reaction.
Maria smiled gently, looking at Isamu's puzzled expression. "Haha, don't worry, Isamu. I was just joking. I like your kind and sincere ways," she said, gently kissing Isamu's cheek. "And who's this Jean, by the way?"
Isamu smiled in relief at Maria's explanation and kissed her gently. "Yeah, he's just an annoying comrade I had in the other world," he said.
"Hee, so he's a comrade," Maria nodded in understanding, then she slid down and rested her cheek on Isamu's chest. "So, what would you like to talk about? I hope it's a brief story because you'll be leaving soon, right?"
Isamu nodded and gazed at Maria with emotional eyes. "Yes... It's just a brief story about a child who greatly admired his father," he said while looking at a photo of his father hanging on the wall.
Isamu then recounted his childhood story. He had been different since the age of three, possessing a maturity beyond his years, which led him to view the world differently. He believed that humans were born with the potential for freedom but were often shackled by money and wealth.
Then he looked at himself and wondered. Would his life also be spent chasing money like a slave, without fulfilling his inner desires? And what were his desires?
Maria listened attentively as Isamu recounted how he was considered peculiar by children his age due to his more mature outlook. Isamu's childhood was indeed different from most people's, and these experiences had molded his character in a unique way.
As Isamu sought answers to his questions about the world, he talked to his father. His father knew that Isamu possessed extraordinary wisdom for his age and felt puzzled about what answer to provide. However, as a father, he knew the place where Isamu would find the answers he sought.
That place was an orphanage. There, many children had been abandoned by their parents for various reasons, including economic troubles, social status, or even the death of both their parents.
"Do you see them? They are less fortunate than us, so how do you think they look now?" his father said as he ruffled young Isamu's hair.
Isamu gazed at the faces of the playing children. There was no sign of sadness, but instead, there was happiness, even though they didn't know what the future held.
"They're still kids, of course they don't feel what adults feel now..." he replied in a somewhat flat tone.
Isamu's father chuckled at his son's seemingly cynical response. "Hahaha~... You, have you ever looked in the mirror?" his father teased, which irritated Isamu slightly. "You're right, they don't know much because they're still young. We live in a world where everything becomes easier for us. Many kind people willingly donate their money to help children like them. So, whatever will happen in the future, no one knows. People can change when they are in a new environment. That doesn't mean they'll forget who they are." Someone approached the playing children and handed out some gifts to them. "As humans..."
Isamu's perspective shifted at that moment. He now had a new outlook and a firm goal. He wanted to be someone who could bring the greatest benefit to those around him.
This was what also made him like a hero when he was in another world. Selflessly, he helped people in need along the way, even if his companions might have felt it slowed their journey. However, Isamu remained steadfast because he had held this principle since childhood.
Maria was quite impressed by Isamu's story. "You had an amazing father," she said with a gentle look.
"Yes, he was the greatest father I ever had," Isamu said with gratitude. "Without him, my view of the world might have been bleak, as my environment at that time was filled with people who only pursued money and their own happiness. I'm grateful he introduced me to some goodness in this harsh world."
Maria felt truly fortunate to have found a kind-hearted man with such strong principles in Isamu.
"Well, it seems I have to go," Isamu said, realizing it was already 8 in the morning. Maria reluctantly peered up from his chest, even though she was somewhat reluctant to give up her exclusive spot.
"In that case, take care. Now, there are many supernatural beings keeping an eye on you," Maria expressed her concern.
Isamu nodded and smiled warmly. "Um... Don't worry, because I'm stronger than them." He flexed his well-defined biceps.
"Hmph, such arrogance," Maria retorted with an annoyed expression, although it was actually a response to Isamu's teasing.
"Hehe~ in that case, I'm off!" Isamu said as he prepared to leave.
"Um, Itterasshai~" Maria waved her hand with a gentle smile, bidding farewell to Isamu as he departed.
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