The Evil Empress Adores Me

.I beg your pardon? I wasnt human before, is that what you were saying?

Well, besides that.

Damian, who seemed to ponder for a moment, answered my question with a smile.

It felt like I didnt grow as much as my peers.

What are you talking about? said Damian.

It feels like I dont like growing up, however, is it right for me to say though?

I shrugged and stiffened my shoulders.

It must be so, I feel as if these words come from deep within my heart.

Damian, who was slumped down beside me, picked up a dry towel and continued speaking.

But I dont think its that way now. Youre different.

Okay? So, how am I now?

I cleverly sneaked in a question to Damian.

Damian, who was just about to fold the towel in front of him, narrowed his brow slightly.

I dont know anything else, I just

Damian shrugged lightly.

You seem much more relaxed than before.

Really? Does it look like that? I asked.

I smiled brightly.

Yes, now that Im no longer worried about being young.

Maybe, the reason I havent been able to overcome my short tongue until now .

Was it because I was unconsciously suppressing myself?

After thinking about it for a while, I shook my head.

Whats wrong with that?

Whats important is that I feel at ease.

While stacking up the towels folded in a cheery mood, I squinted my eyes.

Unlike my towels, which were neatly folded, the towels that Damian folded were all crooked.

I think those towels will have to be folded again.

His willingness to help me is admirable but I think it would be more helpful to me to just let me do it.

But considering Damians pride, would it be better for me to get my hands on the towels later?

I was lost in thought when-

Damian called me as if he had made up his mind.

Lize.

Yes?

This is my opinion about the people who like you.

Whats Damian going on about?

I glanced at him.

Damian continued to speak.

I dont think I like you because youre young, youre pretty, or youre good at your job.

Well, thats a touching thing to say.

But I asked Damian with a puzzled expression.

Then why did you look at me and say I was ugly before?

About that.

At that time, you told me not to laugh because I was ugly, but now youre saying something else entirely so which is it?

And to say that you dont care about my characteristics, isnt that hypocritical?

At my persistent questioning, Damian averted his eyes in a cold sweat.

Hmmm, I think Ive gotten enough payback for that time. Besides, I think hes had enough.

I pushed the tip of my lips up and smiled.

Im just kidding.

You, really

Damian glared at me with an irritated gaze.

Anyway, to continue what I was saying.

You being you, thats why everyone likes you.

When I heard his serious voice, I couldnt help but somehow feel a little mischievous.

I asked Damian for his opinion.

Hehe, what about your highness?

What? Me?

Yes, your highness, do you like me because Im me?

Well Lets say Im like that, too.

While muttering like that, Damian quickly turned his head away.

I opened my eyes wide.

Damians ears and the back of his neck were flushed red.

Really, its cute.

For a moment I was drenched in a blissful feeling until-

I heard there was a commotion in the laundry room, said Damian.

Ah, thats.

In response to that sudden statement, I reflexively looked into Damians eyes.

When did Damian hear about that? Did he hear everything bad that Becky and those maids said?

Well, I hope hes not too upset.

Thank you for listening to me, said Damian.

Well, your highness, dont worry about what other people say. okay?

Damian frowned at me, blinking blankly.

What are you talking about?

Ohh, oh! He doesnt know. He must have meant something else entirely. Well in that case

Um, never mind just continue.

Alright.anyways, what I wanted to say is.

No matter what others think of me, I dont really care about that anymore.

Damian drew closer and looked straight at me.

Because youre with me.

Ah.

Then, Damian, who coughed beforehand, firmly added.

Youre the one I care about.