Cannot Escape the Devil - Chapter 21.2

****

“….more alert?”

Asaya laughed heartily. It was funny that she was overreacting alone. There must be one or two women who have touched his bed. That kind of person couldn’t have any meaning for such a kiss. Just because they kissed a few times, it didn’t have any special meanings. “What are you being stupid about?”  Asaya was clearing up her confused mind and suddenly realized she was still in Edwin’s arms. As Edwin acted casually, Asaya tried to be as calm as possible and opened her mouth.

“How long will we be doing this for?”

“If you don’t like it, then leave, it was you who dared to sleep with me.”

“But do we have to sleep like this?”

To Asaya’s question, Edwin thought for a moment and replied insignificantly.

“I like it because the power flowing out of your body feels much stronger.”

It wasn’t quite a lie. Naturally, the higher the degree of physical contact, the stronger the concentration of power exposed.

“It’s better to keep close.”

“I’m glad.”

“I felt like I needed to take a look at my body too. So I took a vacation.”

“Oh? For how long?”

“One week.”

“Ah, that’s great.”

Yes, he needed more rest. He had struggled so far, and had been working on Riverarden’s case to some extent.

“Think about what you want to do.”

“Yes?”

“What are you so surprised about?”

Wouldn’t anyone be surprised if they suddenly got asked like that? Asaya struggled to suppress the words that had reached the end of her throat.

“Are we going to spend our vacation time together?”

“Of course, it’s already been a month since I brought you here, but I haven’t really paid attention to you. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to build memories together while I am free. Also it’s better to get around outside than staying at home.”

It was more of a notification than an invitation, but nothing bad. It was true that Asaya was stuck in the mansion and felt frustrated.  She also wanted to look a little farther away than just going around close by.

“Okay. When does your vacation start?”

“From tomorrow.”

Asaya admired his tremendous ability to execute.

“You are fast.”

“My time is always faster than others.”

“I’ll think about what to do. By the way, it’s your vacation, can you really make time for me?”

Asaya wondered if she would take away his time, which was more expensive than gold, but Edwin considered it insignificant.

“I have never taken a break, so I wouldn’t know what to do. It’s annoying to think about it. I can’t just go on a vacation and leave you at home. There is a mountain of paparazzi lurking around to get our information, if we go separately, it means we give them a scandal to write about.”

“Ah, you’re right.”

“We’re engaged, so if we go out on a date while taking a break, it’s good for others to see that we’re on good terms.”

Was he originally a person who was conscious of the gaze around him? Asaya was puzzled by Edwin, who was speaking strangely today. However, Edwin continued to say his words.

“If you don’t like it, tell me now.”

“What would you do if I said I don’t?”

Edwin, who had been thinking for a moment, fluttered.

“Then I won’t take the vacation. I have nothing that I want to do, so what’s the use of taking a rest? There is nothing as useless and pathetic as wasting time.”

His voice was harsh, but he did mean that spending time with Asaya was not a waste.

“It wouldn’t be a date if I go alone.”

“A date?”

“Well, we’re going to be married soon. Why not go on a date? Don’t you think we should try everything others try?”

“Ah.”

“If you don’t like it. I won’t force you.”

“No, it’s good. What I don’t feel good about is you giving me your time. I am just worried that you have to force yourself to make time because of me.”

Judging from what Asaya seen so far, Edwin wasn’t active outdoors because he was always on a busy schedule. Besides the work-related parts, he mainly enjoyed hobbies such as reading books or listening to music. He had to live with fatigue and pain all his life because of his sensitive body and extremely reluctant to do physical activities.

“It’s true that I did force myself to make time. I can’t concentrate on my work because I’m annoyed seeing what happened to you. So I want us to spend time together. “

“If that’s the case, you can spend the time how you would like to. I don’t mind if I’m only staying in the mansion. You don’t have to force yourself to do anything like a date.”

“I’m not forcing myself to do it. I have been working all day every day, I just felt the need to put a turning point in my life. Also I am annoyed seeing you get trapped in the mansion all the time. And….”

He murmured, then sighed. Frowning as if he was frustrated, he tangled Asaya’s head in a mess.

“I brought you here as a preliminary Grand Duchess, as a subordinate to take care of me, not just feed, sleep, and raise livestock at home. You don’t have to do what I want. Stop giving me all the attention. Stop being so obedient. Don’t act like you’re a pet. I can’t stand that act.”

“Ah, yes.”

“If you don’t want to go on a date now, we can try it later. At that time, I can’t be sure how it will turn out.”

Asaya stared at his expressionless face. He closed his eyes as if it were more annoying to speak. His long eyelashes, smooth nose, and firmly closed lips… Even his sleeping face was cold like the north wind in the middle of winter, but the dry words that poured out of him felt sweet and caring that maybe deep down, he could be a caring person after all. Asaya felt good and uncomfortable at the same time whilst being bathed in his kindness.

“Were you always like this? Have you been this friendly all along?” Asaya thought to herself.

She felt weak by his tenderness. No, not just her but anyone would feel the same. At times like this, she wished he would be dominant and cruel, because then, she wouldn’t have useless expectations.  Asaya closed her eyes, squeezing her thumping chest which was a little faster than usual, constantly reminding herself that unnecessary expectations should be cut off boldly.