Feelings

--- Ren's POV ---

Now that Ais and I were alone, our interactions seemed to flow as usual, although I couldn't help but notice a slight blush spreading across her face with our increased closeness.

Since we didn't have much time for a detailed discussion, I figured this moment between us would suffice.

"...So, you had a meaningful conversation with Riveria about love?"

Her gaze snapped back to reality as soon as our eyes met, and I could sense her affirmative response even before she spoke a word.

"Yes. I've been contemplating it, and I think..."

Her voice trailed off, her cheeks now tinged with a deeper shade of red.

You're so adorable. I wish I could hold you in my arms right now.

But I refrained from acting on that impulse. What if someone interrupted this precious moment? No, that could wait.

"I understand. You're afraid to admit that you might be in love with me. You're scared of... being consumed by these emotions. Am I correct?"

What if she were to confess her feelings now? We would embark on a journey together, entering into a relationship that nothing and no one could disrupt.

With my strength, I would protect us from any interference. In just a few years, our love would blossom, and the Loki Familia mansion would echo with the laughter of our children, creating a tranquil and blissful life for us...

But that was precisely what she feared. She worried that by surrendering herself to such tranquility, she might lose sight of her vengeance, and forget everything that drove her forward.

Gently, I cupped her face with my free hand.

Perhaps she's not the same Ais I once knew, or perhaps she never truly fit that mold. But it didn't matter to me. Before me stood the love of my life. I welcomed change because it meant that I was the one who had the power to change her for the better.

Her expression trembled for a moment.

Silly girl. Did you really think I wouldn't know?

She responded with a timid nod, her gaze stubbornly avoiding mine.

Releasing our hand-hold, my hand found its way to her silky blonde locks, gently caressing them.

"Ais, ever since I set out to win your heart, I knew a similar day would come. You don't have to deny my feelings by withholding your own, nor should you force yourself to declare them. Your quest for vengeance... I will assist you in achieving it. Once it's accomplished, I will demand a response to my feelings from you. Until then, you can simply accept my affection and care, for my love for you will never waver or falter."

I didn't joke or smile. My gaze bore into hers with unwavering intensity.

At that moment, I had the power to either shatter Ais' spirit or...

As I watched, her eyes gradually regained their fire, burning brighter than ever before.

No, they weren't just rekindled; they blazed with a strength that sent shivers down my spine.

"...You two. You're standing in the middle of the street..."

A familiar voice, tinged with weariness, interrupted us.

Ais distanced herself from me as if it were the first time we were caught in such an intimate moment.

I couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"So what? Let the whole world know that I love Ais!"

Proclaiming my love for her had become a daily ritual. There wasn't a single member of the Loki Familia who wasn't aware of my feelings for her. Not that it wasn't obvious, even without my constant declarations.

Yet, despite the familiarity of it all, Ais blushed even deeper, as if hearing those words for the first time.

"...Idiot...thank...you," she whispered so softly that only I could hear.

I sighed, unable to resist patting her head gently.

"You don't have to thank me for this. I am the selfish one who will continue to touch you and whisk you away on dates. We may not officially be lovers, but the truth resides in our hearts."

I whispered back to her, as Finn patiently waited for us to finish our exchange before inquiring about what had transpired.

---

With the final details settled, we could consider the "war" ended. But I knew what lay ahead.

If I were being honest, I felt the urge to kick those responsible for the Xenos situation down, as it would have been the simplest solution. However, there was no particular reason for me to assist Bell Cranel.

He wasn't my ally or my friend. Why should I bother helping him?

Moreover, even though I had knowledge of what transpired in the novel, I found myself at a loss for how to proceed. The situation was rather complex.

Ais, without a doubt, harbored a deep hatred for all monsters, regardless of their conscience or lack thereof. While her perspective wasn't entirely unfounded, it posed a contradiction for someone like her.

Her inherent kindness rendered it inconceivable for her not to mind it.

Also, In the grand scheme of things, hiding the truth would only be a temporary solution. It was only a matter of time before the secrets unraveled, and the Xenos' presence was revealed to the world.

So, instead of trying to manipulate or control the situation, I decided to align myself with Ais's convictions.

If she opposed Bell Cranel, then I would stand against him as well. If she chose to support him and the Xenos, then I would lend my support without hesitation.

For now, it was crucial for me to observe and ensure that the events unfolded as they should. The encounter between Bell and Weine served as the turning point, the catalyst for everything that followed.

But before I could delve deeper into these thoughts, an unwelcome figure appeared before me.

"Lefiya... what brings you here?"

I made no effort to hide my disdain. I had no fondness for this simp, after all.

"Ren, may I have a moment of your time?"

I let out an exasperated sigh.

I couldn't help but hope that Lefiya wouldn't start lecturing me about staying away from Ais, reminiscent of the veiled remarks Loki had made far too frequently.

---

Author's Note:

So, another small milestone was breached! Thank you, Riveria!(Soon her POV <3)

I can't wait to write OEBD vs Level ??? Ais.

To make you understand how much we are missing, I think the OEBD fight will be around Volume 6 or 7, around that time frame. I don't really know how long volume 3 will be, but you can expect it to at the very least be around 70-80 chapters. With my writing speed skyrocketing in August(I think you will be able to expect at least 5 chapters a day by then) we will not reach it before around September, maybe.