The two looked at each other and smiled.
"By the way, how did you know I was back, and why aren't you sleeping now?" Arthur asked curiously.
Normally, he knew that Runa would have already gone to bed at this hour, as it was her usual routine to maintain her physical well-being.
Grasping Arthur's hand, Runa replied, "I couldn't sleep tonight, which left me quite perplexed!"
"I had a strong premonition that you would return tonight!" Runa explained with a joyous smile.
She couldn't explain why she had such a premonition; it was simply a deep knowing in her heart that her young master would come back now, making it impossible for her to sleep.
Just as she was leaving her room to fetch something, one of the maids approached her and informed her of her young master's return.
So she immediately hurried to his room!
Arthur was momentarily surprised, and the mention of "premonition" triggered a sense of familiarity within him, prompting an unreasonable speculation.
"Is Runa..." he hesitated, his gaze holding a trace of suspicion, as an unexpected thought entered his mind.
However, he quickly dismissed those thoughts, realizing their impossibility.
"How could she be dead?" Arthur's smile softened as he reminisced about that woman, shifting his focus back to Runa.
"I understand, and I truly appreciate your concern," he said gently, affectionately ruffling her hair.
A warm sensation enveloped Arthur's heart, prompting him to continue, "Let's go to my room!"
"There are so many things I want to share with you!" Arthur took Runa's hand without hesitation, guiding her into his room.
Witnessing this, Runa didn't resist; instead, she wore an excited smile, allowing herself to be led by Arthur.
Soon, Runa stepped into Arthur's room and settled on the sofa, wearing a curious expression.
Although she had visited Arthur before, the feeling of entering his room at night made her slightly nervous, causing her heart to race.
Noticing Runa's unease, Arthur chuckled and took a seat beside her on the sofa, gently asking, "Why is your face turning red, Runa?"
"Is something the matter?" A mischievous smile played on his lips.
Arthur couldn't miss the change in Runa's expression, keenly observing her every reaction.
Arthur sensed that Runa's mind was occupied with something peculiar, and as expected, the moment he made his remark, she vigorously shook her head, her face turning as red as an apple.
"This... it's not what you're imagining, young master!" She waved her hand, dismissing his assumption.
Arthur chuckled and affectionately tousled her hair.
"Alright, alright~"
"I was just teasing you, hahaha." Arthur laughed, relishing the lighthearted banter with Runa once again.
Even though his journey to Celestria had been brief, Arthur found himself missing these moments dearly.
Upon hearing his words, Runa pouted and glared at Arthur with feigned annoyance.
"Hmph! You only know how to tease me!" She averted her gaze, pretending to be angry.
Arthur, well aware of this playful dynamic, shrugged his shoulders as if conceding, saying, "Well, it's because you're so easy to tease."
Runa quickly shifted her gaze back to Arthur, feeling that her young master always found ways to playfully tease her!
Nevertheless, Runa didn't hold any resentment towards their playful interactions; in fact, she found great joy in the fact that they could always maintain a harmonious relationship through such banter.
If their relationship had been solely based on the dynamics of a master commanding a servant, it would have felt rigid and impersonal.
From the moment Runa first met Arthur, she had the impression that he might only view her as a servant and nothing more.
However, over time, she discovered that her young master was remarkably different from other masters, and she considered herself fortunate for that realization.
Arthur soon offered an apologetic smile and said, "Well, please forgive me, alright?"
Upon hearing the apology, Runa chuckled softly and replied, "It's alright, young master!"
With that, they resumed their playful banter, using it as a means to alleviate the longing they had felt in each other's absence.
However, their lightheartedness was interrupted when Runa noticed something on Arthur's bed, prompting her to exclaim, "Young master!"
"Look! What's that?" She pointed in surprise, concerned that something dangerous had appeared on Arthur's bed, causing her to become alert.
Following her gaze, Arthur turned his attention to the bed, only to find a small fox sleeping peacefully, looking as lazy as a pig.
"Oh! I forgot to mention you, Runa."
"It's a white fox I found on the road while I was on my way back home, so I decided to bring it along with me." Arthur proceeded to share the details of his encounter with the white fox, leaving Runa utterly astonished!
As Arthur had suspected, Runa possessed some knowledge about the White Fox clan on the monster continent, leaving her surprised by the revelation.
Looking at Arthur, she smiled and said, "I see, but for me, what matters most is that you returned safely from your journey."
Arthur's smile grew warmer as he responded, "Thank you."
However, his expression quickly changed, and he couldn't help but glance at Runa with hesitation, as if contemplating whether or not to share something with her.
Observing Arthur's peculiar demeanor, Runa tilted her head and inquired, "Is there something you want to tell me, young master?"
Aware that Runa would eventually find out, Arthur quickly explained, "I'm sorry, Runa."
"Actually, tomorrow or the day after, I will be going to Arkham with mother Vivian to discuss something very important about..." He hesitated, unsure whether or not to disclose the truth about his unexpected engagement to Lucia, which happened without his knowledge.
Knowing that Runa held affection for him, he felt torn and indecisive.
"And about?" Runa asked, her expression tinged with sadness.
Arthur took a deep breath and shook his head.
"Regarding my engagement to Lucia..." Arthur sighed.
"What?!"
"Engagement?" Runa's voice trembled with disbelief as she processed the information.
The news struck her like a bolt of lightning, leaving her heartbroken, and tears welled up as she bowed her head in sorrow.
"Why... why didn't you tell me?" Runa's voice quivered with a mix of hurt and frustration as she clenched her fists.
She couldn't help but feel that Arthur had intentionally kept this news from her, which only deepened her sadness.
Witnessing her distress, Arthur immediately embraced her and tenderly tried to comfort her.
"It's not what you think, Runa..." Arthur started to explain the circumstances surrounding the sudden engagement.
As Arthur went on with his explanation, Runa's sad expression gradually transformed into a flicker of renewed hope.
Once Arthur finished, she pursed her lips, her voice sounding weak as she asked, "Is what you're saying true?"
Arthur could discern a glimmer of light returning to Runa's face, even though she was still fragile.
Aware of the potential hurt caused by his omission and understanding the significance of honesty and openness in any relationship, Arthur resolved to be forthright with Runa.
Arthur nodded sincerely and tenderly stroked Runa's head.
"Of course not, my dear maid. Why would I ever lie to you?" He smiled warmly, gently pinching her cheek.
Runa's expression transformed into a joyful smile, and she nodded in understanding.
"I believe in you!" Her hands clenched in excitement.
She had complete trust in Arthur, a trust that had been built over a long time.
While she couldn't deny her jealousy regarding Arthur's engagement, she understood her place and knew it wouldn't be appropriate to reveal it to him.
As a devoted maid, she would always support her young master's decisions wholeheartedly.
Soon, Runa's eyes brightened, and she fidgeted with embarrassment.
"Young master..." Her voice was gentle and shy, leading Arthur to suspect that Runa had something to say.
Unable to contain his curiosity, he inquired, "What is it, Runa?"
Taking a deep breath, Runa spoke in a voice tinged with embarrassment, "Young master... do you still remember the three wishes you promised before you left?"
Her face turned flushed, and she cast occasional glances at Arthur's face, eager to gauge his reaction.
As Runa anticipated, Arthur's face showed a mixture of surprise and understanding, which he expressed with a nod.
"Of course!" he affirmed.
"I remember."
Curiosity gleamed in his eyes as he gazed at Runa.
"Do you wish to make use of those three wishes now?" he asked in a gentle tone.
Runa nodded enthusiastically, resembling a chicken pecking at the ground.
"Yes!" she exclaimed.
"Can I?"
Hope sparkled in her eyes, as if she had placed all her hopes on this very question.
Arthur chuckled and replied, "Of course!"
He lightly pinched her palm and asked, "So, what is your wish?"
Hearing this, Runa bit her small lip, and she shyly stood up.
Arthur, who witnessed this, felt quite curious about her actions.
However, he kept quiet and wanted to see what Runa did.
Soon, Runa walked in front of Arthur and looked at him while looking down.
(Arthur is sitting, and Runa is standing.)
"Runa?" Arthur saw her nervous, panicked, and embarrassed expression and couldn't help but ask.
However, Runa did not answer the question, and she whispered softly, "My first wish is..."
Without hesitation, Runa leaned down and planted a kiss on Arthur's lips, leaving him utterly bewildered.
"Ha?"
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The next chapter is full of "Beep****."
This content is taken from free web nov𝒆l.com