Love?

The weight of my own perceived weakness upon fighting him crushed me, the doubts gnawing at my resolve. Would I ever possess the strength to avenge my parents?

Desperation engulfed me, wishing for someone to bring an end to this eternal torment. But to my surprise, I easily snapped out of it thanks to his voice.

"Hold on, Ais Wallenstein. Your flames cannot falter now. Engage me in combat, force me to fight back if necessary. Do whatever it takes to prove that you are not so weak!"

His words had an unnerving ability to soothe me to an alarming extent.

'I...will not yield.'

I etched them deep into my consciousness.

While my doubts were cleared, my heart blazing with the will to fight, I watched in awe as he transformed into a colossal beast capable of ending my life with a mere thought.

Paradoxically, my focus sharpened, and I relinquished my defenses, surrendering to the recklessness that had defined my past.

In this peculiar encounter, I felt an unexpected liberation, like a butterfly unfurling its delicate wings. Even as pain coursed through me during our clash, I reveled in the exhilaration.

The freedom I experienced, the raw intensity of our battle, made me feel alive. I yearned for it to last forever.

Once my limits were reached, I collapsed onto the floor, gasping for breath. Yet, I didn't want it to end.

However, he gently compelled me to rest my head upon his lap, mirroring the care I had shown Bell. But this felt different. His gaze held a tenderness that emanated not from pity or unfathomable emotions, but from profound respect.

His unwavering admiration for me as a warrior fascinated me, captivating my attention with its undying allure. It stirred a warmth deep within my heart, impossible to disregard, even as I averted my gaze to gather my thoughts.

Despite not meeting his eyes at that moment, I could sense his gentle smile directed toward me.

What kind of technique did he employ?

His authentic care for me couldn't go unnoticed. Unlike the unwelcome advances of other men, it didn't repel me; I yearned to reciprocate that same level of concern for him.

He was unlike ordinary individuals, burning with his own unique obsession. Though I knew not the nature of his fixation, living a life consumed by my own, I instinctively felt I could trust someone like him.

He was the first person to truly understand me, even without uttering a single word. The ease with which he comprehended my innermost thoughts put me at peace, an unfamiliar sensation I couldn't fathom.

Ironically, within minutes, I grew comfortable in his presence.

Our conversations only solidified my conviction. He possessed knowledge beyond measure, a "perfect" man whose existence seemed surreal.

I yearned for his guidance, for even a single sparring session had propelled my growth to exceptional heights. Finally, I glimpsed a direct path to strengthen myself.

But when we arrived at the Loki Familia, he risked his life to assure our Goddess of his trustworthiness...

Why would you do such a foolish thing?

Idiot.

I grasped his sleeve, though my anger failed to convey the depth of my emotions. I didn't want him to think so little of himself.

In the course of our conversation, it became apparent that his sole focus was on my happiness and safety. While I cherished his sincere attention, a part of me longed for him to extend that same level of care toward his own well-being.

Waiting for his response to our Goddess's inquiry, I prepared myself to chastise him once more for his foolishness. However, his words caught me off guard.

"I love Ais Wallenstein, and that's the only reason."

Love?

For the first time in years, my mind ceased its incessant whirl. Although I struggled to comprehend the full implications, the word stirred deep emotions within me, ones I hadn't even known existed.

My face grew warmer than usual, and a faint sense of happiness enveloped me. Why?

Could it be that I'm unwell?

Ren's gaze was fixed solely upon me during his declaration. The emotions deep within his eyes almost burned me.

In an instant, a surge of realization coursed through me.

Was he...obsessed with me?

Reflecting on our interactions, it became apparent that he rarely spoke to anyone else. He seemed willing to answer any question I posed, unafraid of speaking the truth. He had entrusted his heart to me, and I had the feeling he always would.

I didn't fully comprehend the depths of "love", but this revelation caused a rosy blush to spread across my cheeks. I didn't despise this feeling, but the confusion swirling within me prevented me from directly confronting him.

I couldn't say for certain, but my reaction seemed to intensify the already shocked expressions of those around us. Even Loki slumped from her chair.

Have I done something wrong...?

I couldn't tell, but I hoped I hadn't...

"I understand that it may be difficult for you to comprehend fully at this moment, Ais," he spoke softly, his presence unexpectedly close.

I didn't distance myself, even as I harbored lingering anger toward him for disregarding his own life.

Yet, as I pondered our similarities, I questioned why I held such strong resentment when I, too, had acted in a similar manner. We were alike in many ways, and yet our aims diverged greatly.

Many unanswered questions lingered regarding his seemingly boundless knowledge of me and his intentions when we were alone.

But for now, I wished to avoid meeting his gaze, as my cheeks grew warmer.

Despite my inner turmoil, his words brought a sense of calm to my restless heart. I knew Ren wouldn't pressure me for an immediate response. He understood that comprehending such complex emotions was a challenge for me.

Still, I remained attentive as he gently took hold of my hand, his touch soothing.

"But there's no need to feel pressured. I am willing to express my feelings to you whenever you desire to hear them. I can repeat these words endlessly, for they will remain unchanged. Your mind is filled with countless thoughts, and I believe you need the space to reflect. So, let's leave it at this for now."

As his words came to an end, he bestowed a delicate kiss on the back of my hand, an act that caused my already flushed cheeks to blush even deeper.

Nevertheless, I chose not to withdraw my hand nor did I repel him with a single gesture.

"...Idiot."

Once more, the word escaped my lips, their repetition carrying a subtle shift in cadence, as if an invisible breeze had softened the timbre of my voice.

However, our tender moment was abruptly shattered as one of our guards urgently knocked on the door, bearing ill tidings.

"L-Loki-sama...the Freya Familia has arrived! Lady Freya herself wishes to discuss matters with you!"

In an instant, I perceived a remarkable transformation in Ren's expression. His usual demeanor gave way to an intense seriousness.

Abruptly, he released his grasp on my hand.

At that moment, I suppressed the significance of this exchange, for we all knew that the Freya Familia was here for...

Wait, why were they here?

---

Author's Note:

This put an end to Ais' POV, for now. I hope you all enjoyed it as her POV is, for obvious reasons, the most crucial in the entire story.

Also, please remember the little Trivia of Chapter 26.