By the time I’d managed to get it all out, I’d backed myself against a wall and Siegfried’s face was so close I could feel his breath.
“Let me ask again. Is this child your biological daughter?” he asked.
“Of course not!”
His stare pinned me in place like a predator cornering his prey, making it clear he wouldn’t tolerate lies. I shook my head as hard as I could.
“I see.” Finally he was satisfied and nodded, the tense atmosphere easing all at once.
Sheesh, that was terrifying!
He must’ve really thought I’d hidden something from him and betrayed him. But that was exactly why it was so scary when someone who was usually so calm and kind got angry.
“My poor whiskers almost froze over!”
Cirelle had been warming herself against Professor’s furry body, and she looked up at me with wide eyes. “No more scary?”
“Yes, it’s all over.”
She looked to Siegfried, then back at me. “Is this man mean to you, father? ’Cuz I’ll fight him if he is.”
“No, he’s not being mean! Put that away!”
She was reaching for the dagger hidden under her cloak, so I quickly tried to calm her down. I’d decided the kids should also learn how to defend themselves along with academics. Cirelle was completely obsessed with swordplay, but if she hurt the king, she’d get thrown in the dungeon.
“Goodness, what a cute little bodyguard you have. Are you protecting Kreis?” Siegfried asked.
Cirelle stared silently at Siegfried, clearly still wary of him. “You won’t be mean to father?”
“No, I won’t. I adore Kreis just as much as you do.”
“You love father? How much?”
“Hmm, let’s see... When it comes to Kreis...” Siegfried began.
“That’s enough!” I scooped Cirelle into my arms and gave her a stern look. “This man is very important to me, so mind your manners.”
Siegfried immediately leaned in to peer at my face. “Oh? I’m important to you?”
I hadn’t even realized I’d said that out loud, but I meant it. However, him making me repeat it was unbearably embarrassing. The kind thing would’ve been to let it slide.
“O-Obviously! You’re important to everyone in this kingdom!” I said.
“Ha ha. Your ears are turning red.”
“Don’t look at my ears!” I shouted, and Cirelle quickly covered both of my ears with her tiny hands.
“Don’t look at father’s ears!”
“Ha ha ha! Aw, that’s a shame.” Siegfried laughed out loud and reached down to Professor, who was nuzzling against my legs. “Hey there, Professor. You’re looking as adorable as ever.”
“Mm, his pets always feel so good!”
“All right, young lady. I’ll treat you to some chocolate for startling you,” Siegfried said.
Cirelle’s eyes widened. “Chocolate?!”
“Yesss!”
“Would you forgive me for some chocolate?” Siegfried asked her.
“Yeah! You’re totally forgiven!”
Um, Cirelle... Did you just choose chocolate over me?
“C’mon, let’s go!” She jumped out of my arms and tugged Siegfried along toward the food stalls, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Mind your manners, Cirelle!”
“It’s fine, Kreis. Anyway, what kind of chocolate do you want?” Siegfried said with a cheerful smile as Cirelle dragged him over to the sweets. I followed behind, and when I got there I saw a neat row of chocolates, each one wrapped up in packaging.
“There are so many kinds...”
We were planning to use chocolate as an ingredient for the crepes, but I hadn’t given much thought to what kind. Now was as good of a time as any to try some.
“Do you offer samples?” I asked the vendor.
“Of course!” She gave me a friendly smile and let us try a few. As I tasted them and considered each option, I suddenly noticed someone watching me.
I turned and saw Siegfried and Cirelle both standing there, staring at me. I’d been so focused on the chocolate that I’d totally forgotten about them.
“S-Sorry! I got a little too into it...”
“It’s fine. You looked like you were having fun,” Siegfried said.
“Father’s having a ton of fun!” Cirelle echoed.
I really did enjoy making sweets, and once I got started I couldn’t help getting swept up in it. I picked out a few I liked the best and was just about to pay when Siegfried stepped in and covered it before I could stop him.
“Siegfried, this is for the orphanage. I should be paying for it.”
He also bought a large batch of chocolates as gifts for the other children.
I tried to insist on paying, but he raised a finger to my lips.
“Consider this my personal donation to your orphanage. Plus, if you want to run an orphanage, you’ll need to get used to accepting this sort of help.”
He had a point. I’d always felt uncomfortable letting others do things for me, but this wasn’t about me. It was for the children, and if I was serious about running an orphanage, I’d have to actively seek support.
“Thanks, Siegfried.”
“Don’t mention it.”
He patted my shoulder a few times and then lifted Cirelle, who was holding the chocolate boxes, into his arms.
“Since we’re here, let’s check out the other stalls too. It’s my first time here. Will you show me around?” he asked.
“Sure!” Cirelle nodded eagerly.
Siegfried reached out a hand to me. “Come, Kreis.”
I took it without even thinking. He squeezed my hand tight and tugged on it. I hadn’t expected that, and I stumbled straight into his shoulder.
“Hey, don’t pull so hard!”
“Ah ha ha! Sorry, I’m just excited!”
Siegfried’s face was so close as he looked up at the stalls, and he looked so happy that it made my chest feel oddly unsettled, almost painful. It was a strange feeling. It was rare to see him this thrilled. He was always beautiful, but right now his smile was more radiant than ever.
“Oh, look, Kreis! What do you suppose that is?” Siegfried looked from one stall to the next like an excited child, still holding my hand. His expression was constantly changing. First he was amazed, then surprised, then he looked hungry.
“Here! You have to try this!”
He held out a skewer of herb-roasted chicken, practically shoving it into my mouth. I relented and took a bite. It certainly was delicious.
“This is amazing...” I murmured.
“Isn’t it?!”
He beamed as if I were complimenting him and not the food. That carefree, crinkly smile of his made my heart thump hard.
I’d never seen Siegfried like this—not in the original story or in my first life as Kreis. And honestly, I liked this version of him better than the composed king who always wore a calm smile like a mask.
“Oh. It’s love...”
Love? Between two men? That’s not what this is. I just genuinely like him as a person.
“Isn’t that called love?”
Look, I know we’re technically inside a BL novel right now, but don’t you think that’s a bit too on the nose? Siegfried’s already engaged. And the original Kreis’s feelings for him were admiration and respect.