Daddy, I Don’t Want to Marry!

Max took deep breaths, but it was becoming increasingly difficult for him to control himself. Even so, he didnt want to snatch his arm away from under her headshe would awaken startled. And so he whispered, Jubelian, wake up. Carefully taking ahold of her shoulder, he shook her gently. However, she only frowned in irritation without wakingjust another testament to her dullness. Max wondered what to do for a moment then raised the corners of his lips.

I didnt know she could make faces like that.She rarely showed that she was annoyed, and this expression piqued his interest. Intrigued, he poked her soft, pink cheek. She wrinkled her brow slightly once again.

Max smiled with his teeth.How cute.He was about to poke her forehead when she slightly moved away. Surprised by her sudden movement, he held his breath and returned to his original position. Taking a glimpse of her, he realized she was just changing her posture. He let out a sigh of relief.I would be in trouble if she found out what I had been doing.

My lady, its time for dinner! a maid called from outside. Smiling, Max turned to his sleeping beauty.Theres no way she heard that.

Contrary to his expectations, the lady opened her eyes right away. Opening her coral lips, she repeated, Time for dinner? She was rubbing both of her eyes, trying to wake up. Max couldnt help but chuckle. He couldnt believe she would awaken at the sound of someone calling her for dinner. She was truly adorable. Their eyes soon met, and Jubelians eyes widened as she smiled. His heart skipped a beat from the sudden smile. He could feel his heart thumping now as if to jump out of his chest. He took a deep breath in a desperate effort to calm down.

Did you sleep well?

Max nodded slowly. Yes, I did. He was consumed by an impulse to wrap his arms around and kiss her. Oblivious, Jubelian slithered out of his arms. Disappointment overcame Max, and he was greeted with emptiness once her warmth was gone from his arms.

Lets go eat, she said, reaching out her hand.

Grabbing her hand, Max nodded. Feeling her temperature again, he was relieved.

* * *

I stared blankly at Dads empty seat, wondering if he would be late again tonight.

It was Max who brought me back to reality. Are you not hungry?

I looked at my plate to realize the steak was cut into neat pieces. Oh Thank you, Max. He smiled slightly at my compliment. Normally, I would eat right away to show him that I was grateful for the gesture. However, given Dads absence, I couldnt.Hes never been this late recently

Just then, Max asked, Is something the matter?

He sounded somewhat upset that I wasnt eating. Worries were forming creases on his forehead, so I confessed, Oh, Im just worried that Dad isnt home yet

Suddenly resting his head on his chin in a relaxed manner, he smiled. Youre worried about Master? I nodded, and he continued in a reassuring voice, Dont worry. He wouldnt be bothered even if a dragon were to appear out of the blue.

He was exaggerating, but I appreciated his effort to soothe me.Hes right. I must be worrying for no reason.

Using his fork, he picked up a piece of steak and brought it to my mouth. Here.

I was wondering what he was doing, then I blushed when I realized what he had done.Im not a baby What is he doing?Embarrassed, I shook my head. I-Ill eat it myself

However, he pushed the fork closer to me. Say ah

Where did he even learn something like this?Sighing, I ate the piece of steak he offered. His face brightened. Using his fork again, he brought me some salad as well.

Eat this, too. I felt like my face was going to burst from embarrassment. Nevertheless, I accepted his offer, not wanting to disappoint him. The smile never left his face as he said, Its nice to see you eat well.

I stared at him blankly as I chewed. A sense of shame overcame me again. I wasnt a baby birdI had hands I could very well use to feed myself.Embarrassment is only temporary,I decided, then I stopped him as he began cutting another piece of food.

Max!

Placing his utensils down on the table, he looked at me with a puzzled expression. Yes?

I did the sametaking a piece of meat with my fork and holding it out to him. H-here.

His eyes widened before curving into a smile. For me? I nodded, then he ate the piece of steak I gave him. Its delicious.

It was cringey, but I felt appreciated because he was responding to every little action of mine.I think I might ask Dad about marrying Max,I arrived at a rather rash conclusion. I then remembered what I had seen back in my room. I couldnt help but wonder why he was apologizing to me in his sleep. Mischief overcame me, and I called in a playful tone, Max.

He turned to me. Even a slow-witted girl like me could tell there was love in his eyes. Have you done something wrong to me?

I expected him to fight back, saying something like, What are you talking about? However

Clink!

He ended up dropping the fork and knife he was holding.