Time For A Change(2)

--- Ren's POV ---

I found myself entranced by the sight of Lefiya's peaceful slumber.

This was the same girl who, just a few months ago, seemed ready to engage in a heated argument at the drop of a hat. Yet, here she was, transformed and matured in ways I hadn't anticipated.

Somewhere deep within, a lingering wariness clung to the idea that she might still pose a threat in the future. Despite her apparent change, could someone truly cast aside their deepest convictions so easily?

I felt like a fool, harboring such suspicions about someone this sincere, who waited for days without sleep just for me to wake up, who were there for Ais when I couldn't.

With a gentle clasp, I held her hand and tenderly patted her head.

"You've been through far too much to be treated like that. I mean it, Lefiya. Let's be friends from now on. I won't harass you anymore."

Ais would always be the center of my thoughts—the sun around which my world orbited. But, perhaps, forming a kind of solar system wasn't such a bad idea.

I want to be part of Ais' world not as the one to monopolize her, but as the pillar she can always find refuge to.

My gesture, though, made Lefiya flinch in her sleep. Yet, she didn't wake up.

My understanding had been stripped away, but something in my bond with Mana had irrevocably changed. I didn't need to vocalize my intentions; my actions spoke for themselves-

An abrupt headache interrupted my contemplation.

"...I see. So that is my current limit."

Despite being beyond mortal levels, I couldn't recall what had led to this state. My body and heart held the answers, but I refrained from voicing or even pondering them.

Yet, at this moment, strength and progress seemed so trivial and meaningless.

"Ren...!"

The concerned voice that called my name almost brought tears to my eyes. Swiftly, I extended my hands, and in less than a microsecond, She was in my arms.

The beautiful golden haired princess which has so much weight on her shoulders, was trembling in my arms as she hugged me tightly.

Riveria, standing nearby, held numerous questions, but my sad smile conveyed that answers would have to wait.

Understanding, she went to inform the others about my awakening.

"Are you alright...?"

Ais uttered those words amidst her sobs, prompting my eyes to water even more. I felt an overwhelming sense of apology.

My heart broke even more.

"I am, I am, Ais..."

I stroked her golden hair, cherishing the feeling as I buried my face in her neck, trying to comfort her as much as I could.

"I was so worried..."

Yes, I was too. Worried about leaving her alone, knowing that she'd feel compelled to hasten towards an end goal that might be too much for her to bear alone.

The strongest Sword Princess in Orario, someone many would rever in fear or would warily consider a formidable stone to surpass in their minds, was nothing but a girl, a hopeless girl which had to wait for her loved one to wake up.

And I was also nothing but a man which wanted to come back to her no matter what.

"Me too. I was worried I would never hear your adorable voice again. Even when you cry, it sounds like a Siren's melody to me..."

Her sobbing laughter at my silly joke, mixed with gentle hits on my shoulder, echoed in the room.

"Don't say ridiculous things..."

A soft kiss on her neck followed as I chuckled.

"Our clothes are wet with our tears; it felt kind of sticky to kiss you here..."

She smiled, and even this small action held immense significance. She needed rest, but she seemed to have held on just fine.

I'm so proud of her. I know in her place, I would never be able to hold on.

She was much stronger than I.

After assuring her of my well-being multiple times, we cuddled without a care in the world. I held her close, feeling the warmth of her body more than ever before.

Though I had always cherished Ais deeply, the saying

"You only realize something's worth after you lose it" echoed in my mind. I despised that dark pit of mass I had become, and I wish to never go through that again.

Ais held me tightly, equally affected by the realization we almost lost each other as she got my unspoken feelings.

"Your body is so warm," I remarked after a while.

Albeit we didn't really speak much, it felt so comfortable that there was no further need for words. Love can be felt this way too.

"...Yours too. I missed this warmth."

If only we could stay like this forever. Unfortunately, our precious time alone was drawing to a close.

"Well, I won't deny that I would never wish this moment to end, but everyone is kinda waiting on us. Her too."

As I mentioned 'Her,' Eve materialized beside me, and a chair appeared for her to sit.

She sat down with a patient expression.

"...Take your time," she said, and I smiled, reminiscing about what happened within my consciousness.

Meanwhile...

"Ren, sorry..."

"I will never get used to this..."

"We were prepared to wait a few hours. Thanks for having mercy on us..."

Various comments echoed from the executives. I no longer saw them as hindrances to our affectionate moments, granting me a sense of freedom.

Ais seemed to want to say something but appeared embarrassed about the public display of affection.

"I will cover your face with my hands, Ais. You just need to listen to us, and after we're done, you can sleep. You deserve it too, as well as Lefiya."

Well, kind of awkward to have Lefiya sleep there while we talk, but oh well, she's already sleeping so soundly.

As I thought about what Lefiya would say when she woke up, I gave Ais' cheek a kiss, turning her face up to her ears, crimson.

So cute. I want to merry her already...

With patience, I waited for the high-level executives—Riveria, Finn, Tione, Tiona, and Loki—to join the discussion in the small room.

"So, to begin, let's start with who I am."

Eve started the conversation in a solemn tone as I sighed.

This was going to be a long and detailed conversation.