Chapter 1659 – In the Cottage Illuminated by Moonlight ⑤

Walking along the beach during our leisurely conversation, we arrived at the cottage that would be our destination. The cottage is located on a slightly elevated spot, seemingly having a good view of the wide expanse of the ocean.

When we entered the cottage, I found that the interior was simple, but had a good sense to it, and although it wasn’t overwhelmingly spacious, it had a luxurious feel to it.

[The interior is pretty nice.]

[Right. It may not be sufficient enough as something that should be high-class but……]

[No, no, I’m more comfortable with this level of luxury. If it’s too luxurious, it would just make me feel tense……]

[Ahh~~ I get what you mean. It’s nice to have the good stuff, but we feel more at home with the kind of luxury that ordinary people can afford, rather than the royalty-like luxury.]

[Yeah, that.]

Besides, this cottage is by no means plain; it exudes a sense of luxury and is actually spacious for just the two of us———— almost too spacious even. However, considering that this cottage is something nobles use, it does have a slightly simple feel. Considering all these aspects, I suppose it’s really designed as a discreet getaway.

[N- N- N- N- N- Now then, w- w- what should we do next?]

[Like I said, calm down a little more……]

I threw a tsukkomi at Alice, who began showing agitation upon entering the cottage. For a moment, I was about to tell her “You don’t really have to push yourself, there’s always the next opportunity……”, but I swallowed those words.

Alice had truly mustered up the courage on this matter, and despite her actions, she seemed to have made up her mind. It’s just, she often acts sloppy due to embarrassment, so even if I’m intending to be considerate of Alice, suggesting such a thing here would probably only end up hurting her feelings.

[Well, there’s no need to rush. Let’s take a break like we discussed earlier, maybe have some tea. After all, we’ve been walking around all day.]

[Ahh, you’re right. Alrighty.]

Because Alice is easily flustered, I should strive to remain calm and composed even if it means pushing myself, leading her actions as much as possible.

Especially when her mind is riddled with the question “What should I do here?”, a situation where she could easily get flustered, I should be the one guiding her through.

[And so, we’ll have tea and enjoy the scenery, and since we’re finally alone, we can make out and gradually move things forward, one step at a time.]

[I- I see, in other words…… Alongside the moonlit sea and stars, holding coffee mugs, we chat on the veranda. Our free hands occasionally touch, enhancing the atmosphere with chaste, light kisses, and after that, w- w- we’ll share a bath, where we’ll exchange moderate touches, b- b- before heading towards the bed……]

[I didn’t say that much…… No, well, if that’s what you want to do, then let’s go with that……]

Given the way she’s enthusiastically describing it, it seems like her imagination is running wild with excitement. However, the desire for moments like holding a coffee mug while stargazing on a veranda, akin to a situation straight out of a romance movie, was just like Alice.

While I haven’t thought in such specific details myself, I guess following the path Alice suggested would probably be a good idea?

[……For the time being, I’ll prepare us some coffee. No, I guess hot choco would be more appropriate for the evening, wouldn’t it?]

[Ah, hot choco would be nice. A sweet drink with a sweet atmosphere…… Nice.]

[They have coffee here, but I wonder if they have hot choco?]

[I’ve got some. I’ll go prepare it.]

[……Also, are you gonna take off the mask?]

[………………I- Is it too much to ask for about 3 hours to mentally prepare myself?]

[No.]

[Ahh……]

Upon hearing my words, Alice resigned and shyly removed her mask, looking embarrassed. Although she occasionally takes off her mask when we’re alone, it seems like she prefers wearing the mask when feeling embarrassed. Even though the mask doesn’t completely hide her face, it seems to provide a sense of psychological comfort to her.

But well, the fact that she willingly agreed to take off her mask suggests that Alice herself might feel that the mask is in the way in this particular situation.

Leaving that aside, flirting while watching the sea and the stars huh…… It’s probably easier to lead her if I take staple scenarios in mind.

As for her chaste kisses request…… While she might not have explicitly requested it, taking actions in line with the momentum is necessary. If the conversation doesn’t progress at all, a certain degree of assertiveness is necessary.

Well, in any case, I hope to create a mood where Alice can feel happiness and gradually ease her nervousness.

<Afterword>

Makina : [As expected, in a situation like this, the difference in experience between my beloved child and Alice becomes obvious. Well, it’s also possible that Alice is just too much of a late-bloomer.]

Serious-senpai : [……Can I get away from here?]

Makina : [No.]

Serious-senpai : [Fghhh……]