It seems that Anima really had been accumulating fatigue, as she now seemed to be sleeping quite soundly on my lap. While Anima was asleep, I quietly spent the time reading a book so as not to disturb her.
Although I hardly felt any weight on my lap, after a few hours, it felt somewhat rough. Well, as long as Anima could get a good rest, there was no problem with me at all……
[……Hrnnn.]
About three hours had passed since Anima began to sleep, and sensing signs of her waking up, I closed the book and put it away in my magic box.
After stirring up a bit, Anima slowly opened her eyes and after her gaze turned to me, she gave me a lax smile.[Masteeeeer……]
[Good morning, Anima.]
[Masteeeeer…… Ehehe……]
[Unnn? Whoa there……]
It seems that Anima was still feeling a bit groggy, as with drowsy eyes, lying down on my lap, she reached out her hands and hugged me affectionately.
In terms of position, she’s clinging to my waist, pressing her face against my stomach. She then happily rubs her face against me with a content smile.
How should I say this…… It’s somewhat like a puppy seeking affection, and she looked incredibly adorable. Seeing her like that warms my heart quite a bit…… but this is just because Anima is still half awake, and it’s only a matter of time before her consciousness becomes clearer.[Masteeeeer…… Master…… Mas……]
As her affectionate tone fades away, Anima regains her composure, and with her gaze on my face, she noticeably turns pale. It’s as if I can almost hear the swift sound of color being drained out of her face, with her emotional state quite apparent to me.
While Anima might feel she displayed discourteous behavior right after waking up, from my perspective, what she did doesn’t make me uncomfortable at all, and in fact, I find her very adorable, making me feel like I’ve gained something.
Well, considering Anima’s serious nature, it’s understandable that she might feel concerned, so making an effort to convey through my thoughts that I’m not bothered about it, I gave her reassuring words with a gentle smile.
[Good morning, Anima.]
[G- Good morning, Master…… Ah, umm, I’ve done something incredibly rude……]
[Don’t worry about it. Rather, you looked so adorable that seeing you like that made me happy, so it’s perfectly fine for you to be affectionate like that, you know?]
[Ahh, n- no, that would be really improper…… Maintaining decorum befitting a servant is important…… though the hurdle may have been a bit too high for me…… I- In any case, my apologies for my rudeness!]
Seeing Anima being flustered is incredibly endearing, and a smile naturally forms on my lips. Well, it might not be as easy for the serious Anima to be affectionate as she was just now, but judging by her current state, she seemed to be slightly wavering, so there’s a chance she might open up and be affectionate in the future.
In that case, there’s no need for me to rush. Let’s just patiently wait for Anima to become more accustomed to our relationship as lovers.
[……Umm, Master, how long have I been sleeping?]
[Around 3 hours, I think?]
[T- Three hours!? M- My apologies! I had intended to wake up way earlier but…… t- to have restricted Master’s movements for that long of a time……]
[Don’t mind it. That aside, have you properly rested?]
[……Y- Yes. I was able to sleep so soundly that it didn’t feel like 3 hours had passed. Right now, I’m filled with energy both physically and mentally!]
[I see, that’s great.]
There doesn’t seem to be any lies in Anima’s words. I could feel her being in good shape being clearly conveyed, and other than her looking regretful for apparently causing me inconvenience, but I could feel that she was genuinely in perfect form.
Rather, it’s somewhat curious how Anima seems to be in better spirits this way than when she was fully rested and in top condition.
[Aren’t you hungry? Why don’t we eat something?]
[Yes! In that case, I’ll prepare……]
[No, we are here to have Anima rest, so you wait here while I prepare it……]
[P- Please just be lenient on this one! Having Master cook while I’m just waiting here would crush me with guilt! P- Please, at least…… let me help with something.]
[Fufu, then, should we make our meal together?]
[Ah, yes!]
Indeed, considering Anima’s personality, having her wait by herself wouldn’t make Anima feel at ease, so when I suggested we make it together, Anima looked genuinely happy and nodded. Somehow, I feel like I’m seeing some phantom image of a puppy wagging its tail appearing behind her.
<Afterword>
Serious-senpai : [Guaahhhh, t- they’re full-on flirting…… What’s troublesome is that when it comes to Anima, Kaito is quite composed. It’s tough how when he’s the one leading his lover, he tends to get quite straightforward with his flirting.]
