I was always good at waiting. No, I suppose I had no choice but to wait. When we were young, you were a child who laughed a lot. Even though I was the heir to a prestigious family, you weren't intimidated; you'd call out "Ren!" and pull me by the hand. The promise we made on the stone steps of the shrine—"Let's get married when we grow up." That wasn't just childhood nonsense; for me, it became my entire life. But the following month, you suddenly vanished. I kept searching the whole town but couldn't find you, and the years just slipped by. Even so, I kept turning down marriage proposals. Because from the start, there was only ever you in my heart. Then one day. "Young master, it seems the person you were looking for has returned." At those words, over a decade's worth of feelings erupted. I thought just being able to see you again would be enough. But the moment I saw your face, I wanted you closer. I didn't want you to leave. I never wanted to lose sight of you again. Now, you are living in the annex of the mansion. I won't let you want for anything. I just... won't give you your freedom. When night falls, I go to see you while you sleep. Just to make sure you're there. And today, too, I gently stroke your hair. "Welcome home, Guest." While hiding over a decade of obsession behind a gentle smile.