The Meaning of Loneliness

"Hah??" Rose was shocked to hear that. "He knows my presence?"

"Why are you in a hurry to leave? Isn't this a beautiful sight?" He spoke.

Rose turned around and came out from behind the plant, "Y-Yes..."

His chest was clearly visible. But Rose was embarrassed to see it and averted her eyes as she spoke.

"I was just walking around."

"Earlier, I intended to invite you here. But it looks like you were sleeping well. So, I didn't wanna disturb you."

"Y-You came into the bedroom again?"

"No. It's because you didn't leave the room. I thought you were still asleep."

Rose felt embarrassed and said, "Uhm... Usually, I wake up early in the morning. I'm tired."

"How about you take a hot bath? It feels good and refreshing. Invite Aldric enthusiastically as he approached Rose at the edge of the pool. Now the sexy man's body was more visible down to the abdomen.

Rose thought, "Actually I want to, but I'm shy." Then she refused, "I'd better go back to my room."

"Hmmm. Not that fast you left me." Aldric muttered. He also pulled Rose's wrist into the pool causing her to fall into his embrace.

"Argh..." Rose shouted in surprise.

"Y... You..." Rose said to him while looking at his blue eyes.

"Deg... deg... deg..." Now Rose was in Aldric's arms.

"He... he's really close to me now. And I... I touched his chest..." thought Rose while looking down in shame.

"Your scent smells better than the flowers here. Therefore, I came to know of your presence."

Aldric's sense of smell was sharp because he was a werewolf.

"Sorry for doing this to you. But it will be a loss if you ignore this pool. Soaking in this hot spring will relax your body. Even though I have healed you, it is beneficial for your health." Aldric explained who was concerned about her.

Rose who was previously annoyed, when she heard Aldric's explanation, she accepted it. Moreover, she was already wet. Aldric led her into the pool while holding her palm. After that, they took a rest. Aldric accidentally saw that Rose's condition was wet and he immediately averted his gaze. Now it was Aldric's turn to be embarrassed and his face started to blush. The atmosphere was silent and awkward. In that silence, Rose opened the conversation, "Ah... The pleasure... This hot spring pool."

"It's true what I said, right?" Answered Aldric who was free from his awkwardness.

Rose soaked up to her chest and then looked at Aldric.

"I want to ask you...," said Rose.

"About what?"

"It's hard to believe what I've been through here. Am I still in the human world?" asked Rose timidly.

Aldric chuckled and replied, "Of course. Where do you think we are?"

"But how can there be a castle in the middle of the snowy mountains like this?"

"Anything can happen. The proof that you are here."

"B... But then, who are you really?" asked Rose seriously.

Aldric flinched for a moment, and he replied, "I don't know too who I am."

"Eh?? Rose was confused and saw his sad face. Exactly, he felt lonely.

Then Rose compared her life while thinking, "There is also a person who lives alone here and isolated. No one else I see besides him. It's better for me even though I also live alone." Instead of being afraid, Rose felt pity for him.

"I didn't see anyone other than you in the castle. Do you really live alone?" asked Rose.

"I have followers. They are not here."

"Oh, it's good. I think you're alone."

"I usually live alone and it's no longer a problem for me."

In Rose's mind, "But why are you showing a sad face like that?"

"But I'm grateful. They are good friends and support me." Aldric replied while smiling at Rose.

"That's good then," Rose replied who also smiled back.

"So, how about you?" Aldric's turn to ask.

"I live in Paris. And almost like you, I live alone. But when I work, I meet friends."

"It turns out that she lives alone too." thought Aldric.

"And like you, I'm used to being alone,"

"Do you feel lonely?" asked Aldric.

"Alone doesn't mean lonely. But loneliness is when you are in the midst of people, but they don't care about you. I think it's more painful."

The werewolf was startled and thought, "It seems she has had an unpleasant experience."

"Therefore, I've gotten used to living alone. And I enjoy it. Ha-ha..."

"Hah... That means we're in the same boat." Aldric said as he sighed and smiled in relief.

"That's right... Hehe..." Rose answered cheerfully.

The werewolf then explained, "I have superpowers. I don't want you to know, that's why I sneaked up to heal you. Because for ordinary humans, this power is unbelievable. The point is I have strength above them. In terms of speed, physical strength, sensitivity, and healing too. But since you already know by experiencing it yourself and feel that it is all miraculous, therefore, I explain this to you so that you are no longer curious."

"Oh... That's cool..." said Rose who was amazed.

"I don't want anyone to know. I hope you can keep it a secret."

"Well. Of course. You can trust me." Said Rose reassuringly.

"Thank you." Said Aldric with a relieved smile.

"Okay. I'm done. Please enjoy your day." He said as he got up from the pool.

Rose saw the whole body of this man.

"He is tall. How can there be a handsome man as he spends more time alone here?" Rose muttered.

"I'll bring a change of clothes for you."

"Th-Thank you..."

--------

When they breakfast together...

"Wow... Who served all of this?" Rose looked at the food that had been served on the table.

"Uhm... It was from my friend," said Aldric.

"So, the dinner that you brought to the room yesterday was also from him?"

"Yes..."

"Where's the guy?" said Rose.

"Uhm... He's gone," replied Aldric.

"Huh... Too bad he's not eating with us. Then please tell him, thank you. The food is delicious."

"Okay."

"The right moment after soaking is eating. Have a delicious meal..." said Rose who was hungry and excited to see the food.

Aldric just smiled happily to see her cute face.