Chapter 54: Unspoken Pact

After the conclusion of the momentous meeting, Narumi's gaze fell upon Valentia, her mind seemingly consumed by contemplation. He felt compelled to ease her burden. With a warm smile, he proposed a welcome party in her honor, followed by a captivating sleepover with their cherished companions—Christina, Amelia, Seraphina, and Valentia herself.

Within the confines of Narumi's room, a splendid tableau awaited them. The dining table, adorned with ornate silverware and delicate porcelain, showcased a tantalizing array of gyoza, accompanied by vibrant salads and exotic tropical fruits. A retinue of youthful maids, their eyes brimming with anticipation and curiosity, stood attentively, eagerly awaiting the conversations that would unfold tonight.

Raising his glass, Narumi offered a heartfelt toast, his voice resonating with genuine warmth. A chorus of jubilant cheers reverberated through the room, enveloping the gathering in an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie. Turning his attention to Valentia, Narumi sought to assuage her concerns. His voice, a soothing melody, reached her ears. "Valentia, there is no need to burden yourself with the weight of today's proceedings. Entrust such matters to the skilled diplomats of your kingdom, it's their duty."

"Thank you, Master Narumi. I couldn't help but think that my Cloudwhale Kingdom should demonstrate more cooperation. I apologize for causing you any concern, especially since I am your guard," Valentia spoke with genuine gratitude and regret, her eyes reflecting her emotions. However, she swiftly regained her composure, reaching out to grasp a fried gyoza from the magic pan with its unfamiliar design. With a blend of curiosity and delight, she savored the exquisite flavors that danced upon her palate.

Narumi, ever the attentive host, skillfully fried a gyoza and presented it to Seraphina beside him with a graceful gesture. "Try this, Seraphina, but be careful, as it's still hot," he cautioned, his voice filled with concern. The morsel, infused with the care and affection of its creator, brought a serene and innocent smile to the young Seraphina's lips. "Thank you, Narumi-nii-sama!" Seraphina expressed her gratitude before taking a bite of the gyoza, her eyes gleaming with pure joy.

Amelia, never one to be outdone, captivated the group with her lively storytelling and mischievous smile. "Oh, these gyoza are absolutely scrumptious! You know, the key to their delectable flavor lies in the succulent sea prawns from my beloved Borwiter Kingdom," she declared, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She then turned her attention to the vibrant salad, its crispy batter enticingly displayed. "And this fried chick salad, with its irresistibly crunchy batter, owes its charm to the onsen chicks of Seraphina's beloved Dustmoon Kingdom right?" she added playfully, her words laced with admiration for the culinary contributions of their respective kingdoms.

Christina, her demeanor oscillating between tsundere and affection, couldn't resist chiming in with a sharp glint in her eye. "Well, well, Amelia, if you possess such extensive knowledge about culinary delights, perhaps you should consider a career change from princess to foodie," she teased, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. She then shifted her focus to the centerpiece of the feast, a platter brimming with vibrant summer tropical fruits. "But let's not overlook these luscious fruits that grace our table, generously sourced from the tropical town of Elsummer Kingdom," she declared with a hint of admiration, acknowledging other kingdom contribution to the delectable feast.

As a wave of warmth and joy enveloped the room, Narumi seized the opportune moment to delve into the enigmatic connection between Valentia and Christina. "I can't help but wonder, as cousins, Valentia and Christina, did you two have many opportunities to create cherished childhood memories together?" Narumi's voice carried a hint of curiosity, his words unveiling the hidden depths of their relationship.

The moment Narumi's words reached Valentia's ears, her countenance transformed into one of surprise. "I had never heard this before, Christina. Are we really cousins? Could it be that our mothers were siblings? I knew that my mother was adopted into a certain old marquis family before marrying my father, but I never received any further information."

Christina's expression turned slightly distant as she absorbed the revelation. "I also came across this information in the Loli Princess Novel told by Narumi," she said softly, her voice tinged with a touch of melancholy. "My mother, who passed away several years ago, never spoke of it. However, I would prefer not to delve into something as vague as this. Let us change the topic, shall we?" Her words carried a hint of reluctance, a desire to steer the conversation away from the past and onto lighter matters.

Feeling the tension in the air, Amelia swiftly changed the topic, her voice filled with a hint of concern. "So, Valentia, what are your thoughts on Narumi-sama? I must confess, I hold deep affection for him, just as much as Christina does. I am willing to do anything to make him happy, even if it means sacrificing my own pride or facing shame." Her words resonated with sincerity as she openly declared her feelings for Narumi.

Seraphina, unable to contain her own overflowing emotions, raised both her hands high and chimed in enthusiastically. "I love Narumi-nii-sama too! I will do my best to bring him happiness and make him smile!" Her innocent voice carried an unwavering devotion to the person who held a special place in her heart. Narumi, touched by her pure affection, gently stroked Seraphina's head, eliciting a sweet, melodic giggle from her.

Valentia, taking a moment to gather her thoughts, spoke with unwavering respect. "I hold great admiration for Master Narumi, and I am prepared to protect him with my life. However, I must admit that I am uncertain about love and its true meaning. Yet, being in his presence is a desire that burns within me." Her words conveyed her genuine intentions, displaying her unwavering loyalty and deep respect for Narumi.

Christina, though she remained silent, discreetly reached under the table to hold Narumi's hand, her face flush with a mix of embarrassment and longing. Although she yearned to openly confess her love for Narumi, even in private moments, but her tsundere demeanor prevented her from speaking out loud.

As Narumi turned to face Christina, their eyes locked in a mesmerizing gaze, a profound connection shimmered between them. It was a moment where the boundaries of words became irrelevant, for their souls spoke a language far deeper and more powerful. In that single instant, the depths of their hearts intertwined, effortlessly deciphering the unspoken emotions and desires that resided within. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring them together, allowing them to share an intimate understanding that transcended the limitations of mere conversation.

As the conversation about love and affection continued, the night grew late, and Seraphina eventually succumbed to sleep, her innocent face peaceful in slumber. It was then decided that everyone would retire for the night, seeking rest and rejuvenation.

On the bed, Narumi held Christina tightly in his arms, their bodies molded together in a passionate embrace. Time seemed to stand still as they reveled in the warmth and security of each other's presence. Minutes turned into eternity, but Narumi showed no signs of letting go, causing Christina to speak up, her tone laced with a hint of shyness.

"Narumi, I understand that you're seeking solace to heal your tired heart and soul after the challenges of today's meeting, but I never gave you permission to hold me so tightly all the time. And with the heat today, it's becoming unbearable. Please, release me!" Despite her tsundere words, Christina's true feelings betrayed her completely as her cheeks flushed red and a subtle curve graced her smile.

Chuckling softly, Narumi leaned in closer, his lips grazing against her ear as he whispered, "Don't worry, Christina. I understand your desire to be in my arms constantly, and besides, we have magical temperature control in this room. You won't feel overheated."

Christina huffed, feigning indifference. "Don't get too confident in your magic engineering skills. Fine, if it's just for today, I'll allow it. But don't misunderstand, it doesn't mean I like you or anything!" Her words contradicted the affectionate aura that emanated from her being, revealing the depth of her love for Narumi.

Smiling tenderly, Narumi tightened his embrace, his voice filled with unwavering devotion. "Good. Then I will hold you like this until morning, and even if you can't say it, I will always be the one to say it again and again. I love you, Christina. I have loved you long even before I came to this world, and I will continue to love you until my last breath."

With each declaration of love, Narumi showered Christina with kisses, planting gentle caresses on her ear, her cheek, her neck, and her shoulder. The tender touch of his lips left her blushing uncontrollably, her heartbeat quickening with a potent blend of happiness, desire, and a delightful warmth that enveloped her entire being. In that moment, words became superfluous as their actions painted a vivid picture, solidifying the profound love and unbreakable bond they shared.

Meanwhile, Amelia and Valentia pretended to be asleep on the other side of the bed, their eyes slightly ajar. Valentia whispered to Amelia in a hushed tone, "Are they always like this? So deeply in love?" Amelia responded with a soft smile, her voice barely above a whisper, "Yes, Valentia. Narumi-sama's love for Christina is undeniable. He reserves his kisses for her lips alone, you know? Because of that, the rest of us will never have the chance to feel his lips against ours." There was a hint of wistfulness in Amelia's voice, acknowledging the unrequited longing that resided within their hearts.

Valentia nodded, her eyes filled with anticipation. "I understand. I'll remember that," she replied, her voice laced with determination. But as Amelia's words continued, a subtle blush warmed Valentia's cheeks, and her heart quickened its pace. "So, we need to attack with everything other than kissing his lips. I will teach you what you should do when the time comes. Please, prepare yourself for that moment."

"Attack with everything other than kissing his lips?" Valentia's eyes widened in surprise as she processed Amelia's words. A mixture of anticipation and nervousness. She nodded slowly, her voice filled with a newfound determination. "I... I understand. If there are other ways to express our feelings without crossing that boundary, then I am willing to learn. Please guide me, Amelia."

Amelia's smile widened, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. "Of course, Valentia. We will find creative ways to show our affection for Narumi-sama, without infringing on his and Christina's bond. Together, we'll navigate the complexities of love and cherish our special connection with him." In that moment, an unspoken pact was formed between them, a vow to protect their friendship and honor the love that bloomed in their hearts. They knew the path ahead would be filled with challenges but they were ready to face it together.

As the room embraced their whispered conversation, they shared a secret smile, their bond strengthened by the unspoken promise they had made. And as they settled back into the embrace of the night, their hearts fluttered with a newfound sense of purpose, eager to discover the unexplored avenues of expressing their love for Narumi.