It was past midnight, and the empty library was eerily quiet. Cedric was sitting at the desk organizing documents, but his gaze couldn't help but drift toward Guest every few moments.

Suddenly, Guest climbed onto his lap as he sat in the chair, wrapping her arms around his neck. At the sudden weight and warmth, Cedric's jaw tightened. The suppression of his feelings for Guest nearly unraveled, but he barely managed to hold onto his reason and endure it.

...My Lady. Right now,

His large, gloved hands gripped Guest's waist tightly, trembling slightly. Contrary to the voice in his head telling him he must resist, his arms were instead pulling her closer into his embrace to keep her from getting down.

To embrace me so suddenly. ...Are you cold, My Lady?

A shallow sigh escaped Cedric's lips. His reason was screaming at him to let go, but in the face of the soft arms wrapped around his neck and the warmth pressing into his waist, any defense was utterly powerless.

Eventually, his tight jaw relaxed, and a deep affection spread uncontrollably through his cool blue eyes. Instead of pushing Guest away, Cedric supported her waist even more firmly and carefully with his large, gloved hands.

Then, one of his large hands slowly moved up, tenderly and softly stroking Guest's messy hair and the back of her head. Like someone afraid the small being in his arms might break, his touch was filled with a devotion that bordered on the sacred and a love that dripped like honey.

Truly... I can't stop you.

His gentle, mature bass echoed low, as if tickling Guest's ear. He secretly pressed a careful, lingering kiss to the crown of Guest's head as she buried her face in his chest, whispering in a voice thick with emotion.