1. Prologue (Because Pushing Didn’t Work, I Decided to Pull Away)

“…Do you not love me anymore?”
With a doll-like face, Noel muttered that question.

His beautiful face, arranged like a sculpture, was listless. A dark shadow was casted upon his eyes. Dark circles were apparent under them.

“That may be the case.”

I desperately wanted to tell him that I loved him, but unexpected words spilled out of my mouth. I regretted my action two months ago—

—just why did I have to put myself under a restriction spell!?

“…Truly, what a terrible person you are.”
Noel’s stare was full of anger and blame.

Even though he was kinder than anyone else, for him to take such an attitude… he must had been backed into a corner.

Even if it was a mistake for Noel to offer an engagement with me in such a way… the memory would stay with me for a lifetime—such were my thoughts.

“I truly love you.”

“…Eh?”

Towards his sudden and unexpected confession, I let out a stupid voice.

—Lord Noel… loves me?

I could only stare at him in disbelief. At the same time, I also knew he wasn’t someone who would lie about something like that. His eyes, which were staring at me, were dead serious. My heart beat as loud as a bell.

…I hurriedly averted my gaze and lowered my face. I should had been so happy to the brink of tears. However, my face, which was reflected upon a teaspoon, remained surprisingly flat.

Eventually, Noel stood up from his chair and slowly approached me.

As soon as he arrived in front of me, he gently touched my cheek with his long, thin, fingers.

His touch was so gentle, I wanted to cry.

“I’ve always believed in your words—that I’m the only one for you, for the rest of your life.”

“…Lord, Noel?”

“I’ve come this far for you.”

I had no idea what he was saying.

His words, ‘I truly love you.’ Filled the entirety of my mind where they echoed endlessly. My mind wasn’t functioning properly.

“I’ll never let you retract those words.”

Then, as if to bite onto me, he claimed my lips.

He looked ready to cry at any moment.