THDK Chapter 29

Goodbye, my Beloved (Part 3)

I bit my lip hard and stood close to Nox, leaning in beside him.

“Is something wrong?”

“Nox, I love you so much.”

“…Yes, I know.”

“I came to ask you a favor.”

I wondered if my voice was trembling. I couldn’t bring myself to look at Nox’s face. I forced a smile onto my own, trying to seal away the pain in my heart.

I wrapped my arms around Nox’s neck, nuzzling his cheek as I spoke in the brightest voice I could muster. I felt like crying, but I had to hold it together.

“Can I sleep with you again tonight?”

“…Very well.”

Hearing his reply, I felt a wave of relief inside. I had decided to make tonight my final memory. I would leave the Demon King’s castle. I believed it was for the best, even though leaving this warm place would be incredibly painful. Still, I knew I had to go.

I brought a chair over and sat down next to Nox, watching his hands and face as he worked. I didn’t want to disturb him while he was handling official matters, but since today would be my last day, I wanted to imprint every detail of him into my mind.

The only sound in the room was the ticking of the clock. Occasionally, Nox would stroke my hair before returning his gaze to the documents. Was this all an act, too? I felt like I was starting to doubt everything.

I had accepted everything he gave me without question. Every day had been filled with happiness, joy, and kindness. But if even that was nothing more than an illusion… Time passed minute by minute, and before I knew it, the sky outside was painted with purple and orange clouds.

The sound of a quill being set down made me look up, and then I felt his beloved hand gently caress my cheek.

“I’m going to take a bath.”

I reacted slightly to Nox’s words as he stood up.

“…Can I join you?”

“You too, Sol?”

I looked up at Nox, who seemed faintly flustered, and asked again, “Is it okay?” He let out a deep sigh, then cupped my cheek and softly kissed me.

Tears welled up in the corners of my eyes, and I looked down. Just being touched by him now made me feel like crying. Why did Nox kiss me? What did I mean to him? There were so many things I wanted to ask, but not a single word would form.

“Let’s go.”

Instead of answering, he took my hand, and my heart pounded loudly. I loved the warmth I felt where he touched me. I felt like I could crave it endlessly. Even though I knew it was wrong, being treated so gently, like I was something fragile, made me want him even more.