[Tayte’s Happiness]
Since it was winter and at night, it was very cold in the garden, but… the view made us forget all about it.
“Wow… it’s so beautiful♪”
“Sure is…”
White snow was falling from the jet-black night sky.
The mood couldn’t be better than this.
Now, I just had to put my hand on her shoulder and pull her closer–
“Barrett.”
“?! Y-yesh?!”
I instantly pulled back my hand, releasing a silly voice involuntarily.
I cleared my throat with “Ahem” and tried to feign calm so she wouldn’t sense my evil thoughts.
“I… I’ve been meaning to thank you.”
“Thank me?”
Huh… did I do something that warranted thanks?
I tilted my head in wonder, and Tayte continued.
“Over the past year… I’ve been very happy. It’s all thanks to you.”
“Me?”
“I mean, I had never been with you for so long before.”
Tayte spoke with genuine joy on her face.
…I see.
If things had gone according to the original storyline, this year would have been another painful year for Tayte.
The first time we met, she had been so afraid just because she was one minute late for our appointment. From that, it was clear to me how her relationship with the original Barrett had been… she must have been under extreme mental stress back then, as had I, suddenly being reincarnated into this world.
Since then…
The ball.
Summer break.
The academy festival.
Through these events and daily interactions, we had grown closer.
As a result, this year became a completely different year for Tayte, one filled with happiness.
“Tayte…”
I approached her.
“This is just the beginning.”
“Barrett…”
“We are engaged—For years to come, till death do us part, we’ll be spending our time in happiness like now, I swear.”
“…Yes!” Tayte replied with a teary voice, her eyes reddened.
I gently held her by her shoulder.
Then – Tayte quietly closed her eyes.
In a very natural way, we put our lips together.
“Ehehe~♪.”
Tayte ran into the snowy courtyard, radiating with joy.
“Hahaha, watch your steps, it’s slippery.”
“I’ll be fine~♪.”
If I had known it’d make her so happy, I’d have kissed her sooner.
While thinking about such things, I suddenly shift my gaze toward the mansion.
There, my three maids were quietly applauding while shedding tears.
…Did they see the whole thing?
I’d think about the punishment for those peeping maids later… For now, I’d be prioritizing spending time with Tayte.
As for my promise to give a happy future to Tayte, there were still many obstacles I had to overcome to realize it.
But… I wouldn’t falter.
I firmly vowed to myself that I would continue to fight to build a happy future with Tayte, and to break away from the fate of ‘hated hero’.
