Chapter 24: Chapter Twenty Four - Different forms of love
My mother suggested a light lunch, saying it was hard to think without a full belly, so we went to the garden to eat. My father couldn't go on his own legs, so my mother helped him. I didn't think he would accept help from others because of his pride.
I felt impatient but forced myself to eat and engage in easy conversation. At least that was my plan but my father messed it up.
"How did you two meet?" He asked, glancing between Eiran and me.
„It was mere luck." He answered without thinking and then scratched his head. „Well, it wasn't a perfect situation. My little sister was kidnapped and I was investigating when I met her after she successfully rescued another potential victim."
„Yes, Lord Lauviére contacted us to formally thank our family." My mother was full of pride for me and suddenly I felt sheepish. I didn't think I had done anything extraordinary, but my parent's obvious feelings made me feel this tickling sensation. „I thanked him and promised to invite them after we resolved our predicament."
„Is your sister okay?"
„Yes, she's fine and she is at home." He smiled warmly at my brother. Oh! I was so engrossed and preoccupied with my own problems that I completely disregarded his. I was so selfish and ignorant! I wanted to slap myself.
„I am sorry, Eiran." I turned to him and he looked back at me like he didn't understand what was going on. „You should have stayed home with Aprudeé and investigated her kidnapping. She must be scared and lonely. I'm sorry you felt obligated to accompany me. I…"
„Lirietta." He stopped me in a gentle tone and put his hand on my head. „It was my own selfish decision. I wanted to be by your side and support you. It's on me." He ruffled my hair a bit, but was careful not to mess it up. „I talked to Aprudeé before I decided to accompany you. She said she would be fine and I could tell she was being honest with me. My older brother will arrive home soon, I've strengthened the security, and my people are investigating with Lord Lauviére, so even though I am not there in person, I am in control. And she got Ryenne with her so she's safe. Calm down." I took a deep breath and took his hand in mine.
„Don't tell me you let him stay as a bodyguard. He is just a kid." I scolded him.
„He is stronger than you think and he would do anything in his power to protect my sister, that's true. I don't think it will be necessary for him to do anything, but he is the last line of defense. I am not ashamed to use any means to safeguard the people who are important to me." He squeezed my hand and I sighed.
„I see you love my daughter." My mother laughed cheerfully, but my father and brother had frowns on their faces. Mr. Prodettier wisely leaned back, intending to stay out of this conversation.
„How strong can a love be after just a few days of acquaintance?" My father asked pointedly.
Well, from the outside it may seem like a relationship based on a short acquaintance, but I couldn't explain that we have known each other for years and he was my boyfriend for more than 2 years. I could understand why he thought that was strange but…
„Father, I…" I wanted to defend ourselves, but my mother intervened.
„I also fell in love at first sight when I met you." She looked at him defiantly.
„You don't have to paint it even more pink.„ I guess he meant their love story was famously romantic anyway. „You hardly noticed me the first time, but your curiosity and fascination grew as we continued to cross paths and you developed feelings for me."
„I don't like it when you are so rational like this. It was love at first sight, I just didn't realize it." She gave him a displeased look and he pressed a kiss on her forehead, smiling. I almost missed this public play of affection. But only almost.
„Thank you." He said as he pulled away a bit and turned his gaze towards us. „But I think that spending time together, getting to know each other and slowly falling in love results in much more stable and serious feelings than looking at someone and thinking they're the one. I am not saying that love at first sight can't last a lifetime, but I personally found it more flattering to have someone fall in love with my personality than my public appearance."
I can't really refute this. I have similar thoughts on this matter and this is exactly what happened between us. There was no love at first sight in our case. We were just children and we didn't even know what love was. We simply became important to each other and over time it turned into love. But I can't say it.
„It may seem like we don't know each other well, but I love him for who he is." I said looking at them seriously, although I felt that my face became reddish. Expressing my feelings out loud was embarrassing, but it was the time to speak up and convince my father. „We experienced very eventful days together, so we got the chance to see each other's true selves. He is just, brave, and strong and cares more about his family than himself. And he is…" At the last moment, I decided to keep the fact of how cute he is when I tease him a secret. „He is someone I can look up to and respect," I said instead. „I can learn a lot from him and he makes me feel whole again." I took a deep breath and slumped back. I lost all my strength.
„I feel the same. Lirietta is undeniably gorgeous, but she shines so brightly in my eyes because she is Liri. The person I've always loved." He whispered the last part so only I could hear it. „She is a bit brash, but would never back down from a challenge and let injustice continue. She is a very sensitive person who tends to overthink things sometimes, so she panics and gets hurt easily, but she is always ready to face her feelings. I find her unwavering, brave and lovely self incredibly attractive, much more so than her beautiful face." My father just sighed.
„Alright, you two. Don't get so passionate." My mother laughed merrily at us. „Damren never planned to interfere in your relationship, he is just a little overprotective and sad that one day his daughter will leave the house."
My father did not comment on this, rather he eagerly began to eat in order to avoid conversation. Father… Thank you for worrying about me. And mother, thank you for being so willing to support us.
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