Chapter 109
Claude pulled the exhausted Felice toward the pond. Even after finishing once, he insisted on ‘extra lessons’, pouring his desire into her three more times.
Stepping into the water, Claude held Felice close, letting her lean against his chest.
Felice, with her eyes half-closed, simply surrendered herself to him. Claude, careful not to startle her, gently supported her waist and poured water over her shoulders to help her cool down.
“…Claude.”
Felice called to him after a few minutes had passed. Claude responded quietly, resting his face on her hair.
“Next time, let’s agree on the lesson schedule in advance.”
Claude let out a small laugh.
“I’ll do that.”
Claude replied coolly. Felice didn’t say anything else but her tone had a hint of reproach as she sighed.
Nevertheless, Claude’s lips curled into a smile that wouldn’t fade. He was acutely aware of her every breath and movement against him, and found it odd to hold her like this.
Comforting, warm, and peaceful
With his eyes gently closed, Claude spoke softly.
“….. What’s the countryside in Duvelay like?”
He suddenly remembered something Felice had said to Baron Kelton, and his curiosity was piqued.
Felice, still weakly leaning against his chest, turned her head back to look at him. Her green eyes softened as she smiled and rested her head on his shoulder.
“…It’s truly a beautiful place.”
Claude wanted to get to know every little thing about Felice, even the things that seemed trivial. He wanted to know everything she ever mentioned.
“It’s my grandfather’s hometown. When I was a child, I used to visit there often. There was a villa, though it’s gone now… Anyway, there was a view of the sea right in front, and the scenery was breathtaking.”
Felice said with a lively voice, though with a touch of sadness lingered.
“When you’re there, it feels like all your worries just melt away.”
“I’d like to see it for myself someday.”
Felice let out a bright laugh at Claude’s comment and nodded.
“If you ever get the chance, you should go. It’s really a wonderful place.”
Claude found himself imagining a future where he and Felice could visit together, but Felice didn’t say that.
It was the answer he expected, but it still left him feeling a bit disappointed. He realized he’d just have to try harder.
“Admiral Paul Mellon never described it quite so fondly, you know.”
He said teasingly.
At this, Felice abruptly straightened up, escaping from Claude’s arms to look at him, eyes wide with surprise.
“You met my grandfather?”
“Of course. He retired from the navy, after all.”
Felice’s face lit up.
“What did he say about it?”
She asked, as if she already knew the answer, letting out a quiet giggle.
“He said, ‘The water’s clear, the air is good, and there’s no one around—but I like being with people more.’”
“Haha!”
Felice burst out laughing.
“That’s right! There’s hardly anyone there. Grandfather always loved people, he liked the city and any place that was bustling.”
Felice began to talk excitedly, like a child.
“And you, Miss Felice—did you like how empty it was?”
Claude asked, grinning. Felice’s lips curled into a smile.
“That line about the clear water, fresh air, and no people—that was something I always said to my grandfather.”
Claude thought to himself that love was a mysterious thing. Just exchanging ordinary words like this, his heart would race at the sight of Felice.
“Do you prefer quiet places with no people, Claude? Or are you like my grandfather, drawn to crowds?”
Felice’s question made her edge closer to him. Her green eyes gazed up at him so beautifully that Claude couldn’t help but pull her into his arms.
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