I Want To Die One Day Before You - Chapter 70
With a playful smile, Sarubia flopped down onto the grass. Rufus, unable to say anything, just cautiously watched her.
Sarubia didn’t say much, just a lazy hum.
After some contemplation, Rufus finally approached her side.
“Sarubia… don’t you like the idea of living with me in the Inferna Estate?”
“Hmm, why do you want to take me to your hometown?”
Sarubia looked up at him, twirling a strand of her hair around her finger. Rufus felt like a prisoner bound by ropes.
“What do you mean? It’s not like I’m going to do anything to you.”
“Really? It doesn’t seem like it.”
Sarubia chuckled.
“Truly, you won’t do anything to me? You’re sure you won’t lay a finger on me?”
“……”
“Rufus, your answer?”
“…You know what it is.”
“I don’t know unless you say it. I can’t read minds, you know?”
Amused by Sarubia’s teasing, Rufus let out a sigh mixed with laughter.
Where did she learn to tease him like this? Already this mischievous, how much more will she toy with him later?
Rufus gently stroked Sarubia’s hair as she lay on the grass.
“Then tell me what you want.”
“What do you mean?”
“What would you like me to do for you?”
“Oh? If I tell you, will you do it?”
“Yes.”
Rufus’s prompt reply made Sarubia’s eyes sparkle.
“Really? Anything at all? Even if it’s something strange?”
“What’s strange?”
“Oh my, what kind of request are you making to a lady?”
“So, what’s this strange thing then?”
“How about we start with something simple?”
Ignoring Rufus’s question, Sarubia sat up swiftly. Without even brushing off the dry grass in her hair, she spread her arms wide towards Rufus.
“Hug me.”
It was a simple request. And above all, it was what Rufus had wanted.
Kneeling before Sarubia, Rufus drew her into his arms. He felt the softness through his skin. Her familiar scent melted his heart.
“You’re really warm.”
Burying his face in Sarubia’s nape, Rufus murmured.
“Rufus, your body is cool. I like that.”
“Right. My grandmother always used to say my body is cold.”
“That’s why it feels good to touch you, Lord Rufus… I should carry you around in the summer.”
“I’m not portable.”
“I don’t care. I’ll do what I want. You are mine.”
Sarubia playfully pinched Rufus’s cheek.
“And you said you’d do anything I ask, right?”
Rufus unwittingly let out a chuckle.
She’s adorable. Her eyes, nose, lips, voice, and scent – all of it was so endearing that it was driving him mad. Just the sight of her made him crave her even more.
“What else would you like, my lady?”
Rufus began to play along as he stroked Sarubia’s hair.
“Hmm, I don’t like being called ‘lady’.”
Sitting on Rufus’s lap, Sarubia tilted her head.
“Then how would you like to be called?”
“Um… it’s a bit embarrassing to say.”
Sarubia, blushing slightly, gave a shy smile. Rufus reassured her.
“It’s alright. I won’t tease you.”
“Really? You can’t laugh. If you laugh, I’ll never speak to you again, Lord Rufus.”
“Alright, I won’t laugh.”
After securing Rufus’s promise, Sarubia still hesitated. But then, seemingly making up her mind, she turned slightly towards Rufus and whispered.
“Can you call me… the Baroness Inferna?”
“……”
Rufus’s hand, stroking Sarubia’s hair, stopped mid-air.
Baroness Inferna.
Baroness, Wife of the Baron…
The unfamiliar yet familiar title left Rufus frozen. Sarubia, noticing Rufus’s reaction, quickly waved her hands.
“Ahhh, I’m sorry! I just realized, with the Matriarch still alive, I shouldn’t have said that! I mean, when you become the Baron! No, forget what I just said…”
“That won’t do.”
“Huh?”
“Backtracking now, that’s troublesome.”
“Uh, Lord Rufus…”
A look of bewilderment spread across Sarubia’s face.
“Lord Rufus, your way of speaking has changed.”
“Not at all.”
“No, it’s very strange. Why are you suddenly speaking so formally?”
“Is it so odd to respect the woman I love?”
His voice was a low whisper in Sarubia’s ear.
“Get used to it, Wife.”
Rufus’s breath lingered near her ear.
—Wife.
At that word, Sarubia couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
