Chapter 214: Winter Break IV
After spending some time with the girls, they decided to call it a night, saying they were tired and wanting to give me a chance to catch up with my family. Their rooms, while more modest than their own estates, were still luxurious by any standard, especially with the subtle glow of night-lamps casting a warm light across the dark wooden walls and rich carpets of Count Chase's guest wing.
Dinner was a quieter affair, just me, my parents, and Uncle Chase, but it didn't take long before I noticed the looks passing between them, sidelong glances and smirks as though trying to decide who would bring up the elephant in the room first.
Clearing my throat, I thought I'd save them the trouble. "So… those were my three friends."
Mother raised an eyebrow, her lips hovering between amusement and disbelief. "Friends, you say?"
"Very close friends," Uncle Chase echoed, his voice rich with dry amusement. "Three princesses, no less."
Father leaned forward, his tone deceptively casual. "Care to explain how three princesses just happened to accompany you here, Arthur?"
I couldn't help but chuckle, trying to keep things light. "Well, you know, we go to school together, share a few classes… narrowly survived a demon attack, and, well… they thought it'd be fun to spend some of the break here."
Mother let out a sigh, one that managed to be both amused and exasperated. "They're here for four days, Arthur. That's a bit much for just 'friends.'"
"Maybe they're just… very dedicated friends?" I tried, though even I knew the words were thin.
Uncle Chase shook his head, a suppressed grin tugging at his mouth. "If that's friendship, then I could use some tips. My own friends never arrive with armed escorts and claim half the house."
I laughed, shrugging. "Fine, maybe they're a little more than 'just friends.'"
Mother finally smiled, her expression a blend of exasperation and fondness. "Arthur, this isn't exactly normal for our family. But… you seem happy, and that's what matters. Just… maybe next time, a little warning before you bring three princesses home?"
I held up my hands in surrender. "Understood, duly noted—next time, I'll give you all a head start."
Dinner continued, with my family sneaking in more amused glances, though at least now, it was more in good humor than skepticism. Oddly, I felt a sense of warmth at seeing them drawn into this whirlwind I called my life, even with all its quirks and complications.
Afterward, I made my way to my room for the night, not before changing in the bathroom where I put some of my clothes. Because of the princesses' presence, Count Chase had suggested I stay in the guest room rather than the Nightingale family wing to keep closer to him and the other guards stationed nearby.
'Was this really necessary?' I wondered as I opened the door.
Instantly, three unmistakable mana signatures brushed up against mine, tingling like a faint electric current. I groaned inwardly.
Mother, Father. I swear, I'm not trying to do anything like this.
"…Why are the three of you here?" I managed to ask, though it came out as more of a resigned statement than an actual question.
The three of them exchanged looks, Cecilia stepping forward with her signature grin. "Well, Arthur, we figured since we're already under the same roof, why not make the most of it?"
Rachel barely suppressed a giggle, and Seraphina raised an eyebrow, looking as though this entire "stealth" mission was a perfectly reasonable way to spend an evening.
"Make the most of it?" I asked, shaking my head. "As in… sneaking into my room?"
Cecilia crossed her arms, looking around the room with an air of exaggerated appraisal. "It's not just your room, technically. It's a guest room, right?"
I sighed, glancing at the intricate woodwork on the bedposts as if hoping they'd provide a quick escape route. "Alright, so… what exactly are we making the most of?"
Rachel tilted her head, her violet eyes wide and guileless. "We wanted to chat, obviously. It's just… cozier here."
I raised an eyebrow. "So sneaking into my room makes it… cozier?"
Rachel nodded with complete sincerity. "Precisely."
Meanwhile, Seraphina leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a faint smile on her lips. "Besides, with three Ascendant-rank knights outside, we're hardly 'alone,' are we?"
"Not helping, Sera," I muttered, running a hand through my hair, hoping my exasperation didn't show too much.
Cecilia shrugged. "Look, if it's really a problem, we'll go." Her words might have sounded reasonable, but the glint in her eyes suggested she'd planned this encounter down to the last minute detail.
The three of them gave me identically guilty-yet-entirely-shameless expressions, and I sighed. "Alright, fine. You can stay. But let's not make a habit of it. People will start talking."
Rachel and Cecilia exchanged satisfied glances, while Seraphina simply nodded, as though we'd just come to a monumental agreement.
"Just so you know," I added, "I'm under no illusions that this isn't going to come up at breakfast tomorrow."
Cecilia's smirk was unrepentant. "Then we'd better enjoy it now, shouldn't we?"
I shook my head, quietly wondering how I was ever going to make it through this winter break.
Cecilia edged closer, her hand resting on my sleeve. "Come now, Art," she teased, her voice lilting, "no need to play the shy gentleman."
At this point, I wasn't sure which was worse—the reputation of being a playboy or the alternative. Still, I shot back, "You might want to reconsider that after… last time." The words left my mouth before I could stop them, and instantly, I knew I'd made a mistake.
Rachel and Seraphina both turned, eyebrows raised, each one intrigued in a way that was anything but casual.
"Last time?" Seraphina repeated, tucking a strand of silver hair behind her ear, her sharp gaze firmly fixed on me.
I felt Cecilia's smirk widen beside me, and I sighed. "Oh, you know… just a misunderstanding." I could feel Rachel's violet eyes studying me, a glint of amusement and challenge in them.
"A misunderstanding?" Seraphina repeated, folding her arms. "Care to elaborate?"
Before I could formulate a proper response, Cecilia leaned in with a smile that was anything but innocent. "Let's just say someone got a little more than she bargained for."
I shot her a look, silently pleading for mercy, but she merely laughed.
"Wait, what?" Rachel's eyes darted between us, clearly baffled, while Cecilia only smiled enigmatically.
I sighed, sinking onto the bed—an Alaskan King, big enough for four. That's when I realized it wasn't just large, it was massive, with plenty of room. Even for noble homes, this was excessive. I glanced at Cecilia, who raised an eyebrow as if to say, "Handy, isn't it?"
Rachel and Seraphina, however, saw their chance. They shifted closer, and before I knew it, I'd been pulled sideways by Seraphina, right into her lap.
Caught off guard, I tumbled forward, and she didn't hesitate, gently settling my head against her. Her hands were soft, fingers weaving through my hair. The elven flush of her skin stood out, a slight, uncharacteristic blush. She was normally so stoic; the contrast only made her look more delicate.
'I can't lie, this is actually pretty comfortable,' I mused, a reluctant smile tugging at my lips as I sank into her lap pillow.
After a long day, I hadn't realized how tired I was until now. Seraphina's touch was careful and calm, her pale hands moving through my hair with gentle grace. I could feel her eyes on me, focused yet serene, and had to stifle a chuckle at her concentration.
She paused, noticing, and tilted her head. "Is this… alright?"
"Yes, thank you, Sera," I replied, meeting her gaze with a smile. She nodded, resuming the quiet rhythm, her touch calming in a way I hadn't anticipated.
For once, the others were silent, even Cecilia and Rachel seemed taken aback, glancing at me as if they hadn't quite expected this.
"Not fair, Sera," Rachel grumbled, pressing her fingers against my cheek. "Your face is completely free of any baby fat."
I gave her a raised brow. "Of course. Yours, though…" I reached up and gently pinched her cheek. "Still has some, doesn't it?"
She flushed as my thumb lingered, and meanwhile, I noticed Cecilia's gaze had drifted… a bit lower. I followed her gaze, and then it hit me—my night shirt was far more transparent in this light.
Rachel and Seraphina must have noticed as well, their cheeks reddening as they tried to avert their eyes.
"Well then," I coughed, feigning composure. "Remind me to invest in heavier fabric next time."
"No need," Cecilia replied, her face lightly flushed.
Raising an eyebrow, I reached out to pinch her nose, which earned a rare look of surprise from her.
"See? Even you have your cute moments," I grinned.
She batted my hand away, but I caught the hint of amusement in her eyes, reluctantly betraying her cool exterior.
Seraphina chuckled softly, her fingers tracing a light pattern over my hair. "It seems even the 'fearsome' princess isn't immune to Arthur's charms."
"Don't flatter yourself, Arthur." Cecilia rolled her eyes, doing her best to remain stoic. "It's just… unexpected."
I leaned back, enjoying the moment. "Unexpected is just a polite way of saying I surprised you, isn't it?"
Rachel groaned. "Why do I feel like I'm watching a performance?"
"Because that's exactly what this is," I winked. "A one-night special of Arthur and Friends."
"Not friends," Seraphina murmured, her eyes gleaming as she reached over and gently pinched my nose.
"Right, not quite friends," I laughed, rubbing my nose. "Apparently, my vocabulary needs an upgrade."
Rachel folded her arms, her look of mock indignation barely holding back her smile. "Given the scene here, I'd say so. Friendships don't usually involve lap pillows and… affectionate pinches."
Cecilia leaned in, eyes bright with challenge. "I'd say we're well beyond just 'friends,' Arthur. Or are we merely 'close acquaintances' now?"
I chuckled, shaking my head. "If we're redefining friendship, I'd say we're in… 'exclusive company.'"
Seraphina smiled, her hand resting softly on my shoulder. "Exclusive company, hmm? I could live with that."
As her words settled, I felt a warmth spread through the room. Despite the teasing, despite the not-so-subtle jabs, it felt right, and for once, the room felt full.
"Exclusive company it is, then," I murmured, feeling, perhaps for the first time, that this winter break might not be so daunting after all.
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