NOVEL NEXT Chapter 13: [13] Trying my luck
The sun spilled through the small window of my room, casting soft golden light over the simple furnishings. I stretched lazily, my muscles still aching from yesterday's events. It was another day in this topsy-turvy world where everything seemed designed to challenge my understanding of social dynamics—and survival. But today, I had a plan.
I knew the rules now. In this world, men were seen as submissive, supportive, and deferential, while women commanded, conquered, and dominated. If that was the game, I was about to flip the board.
I didn't have much to work with—a simple linen shirt and trousers that were a little too baggy for my taste. But by loosening the laces on the shirt and rolling up the sleeves, I managed to show just enough skin to hint at a lean, toned physique without being obvious. Subtlety was the key.
Lyra entered my room right on cue, carrying a tray of breakfast. Her floppy ears perked up when she saw me sitting by the window, the morning light catching just enough of my bare chest to make her pause mid-step.
"Good morning, Lyra," I said, leaning back in my chair and letting my shirt fall open a little more. "Sleep well?"
Her tail wagged nervously behind her, and she quickly averted her gaze. "G-good morning, sir. I, um, I hope you did as well."
"I did, thanks to you," I said smoothly, flashing her a smile. "You're so thoughtful, Lyra. Always making sure I'm comfortable. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Her ears twitched, and I could see the fur on her cheeks darkening—she was blushing. "It's...it's my duty, sir. I'm happy to help."
"I mean it," I said, standing up and walking toward her. Her hazel eyes darted up to meet mine for a split second before she looked away, her hands tightening on the tray. "You're incredible, Lyra. It's not just anyone who can do what you do with so much care."
Her tail wagged faster, and she nearly dropped the tray in her flustered state. "T-thank you, sir. You're too kind."
I chuckled softly, reaching out to take the tray from her trembling hands. "Let me help you with that."
She stared at me, wide-eyed, as I set the tray down on the table. "Sir, you don't need to—"
She opened her mouth to protest but closed it again, her tail wagging so hard I thought it might knock over the chair behind her. "You're...very generous, sir."
I sat back down, motioning for her to join me. "Come, sit for a moment. You've been running around all morning—you deserve a break."
Her eyes darted to the door as if checking for an unseen observer. "I...I don't think I should, sir. If someone saw—"
"No one's going to say anything," I said, giving her my best reassuring smile. "I just want to talk. Is that okay?"
After a moment of hesitation, she nodded and sat gingerly on the edge of the chair across from me, her hands folded neatly in her lap. Her gaze stayed fixed on the floor, her floppy ears twitching nervously.
"You're close to Liora, right?" I asked casually, picking up a piece of bread from the tray.
Her ears perked up slightly, and she glanced at me. "Y-yes, sir. I've served Her Majesty since I came to the castle."
"She's...intense," I said carefully, watching her reaction. "I'm still trying to figure her out."
Lyra hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her apron. "Her Majesty is very strong. She has to be."
"Has to be?" I pressed gently, leaning forward. "Why?"
She looked up at me, her hazel eyes filled with uncertainty. "I shouldn't say. It's not my place."
"Please," I said softly, reaching out to rest my hand over hers. She froze, her eyes widening, and I gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "I just want to understand. Maybe I can help her."
Her tail wagged slightly, and she looked down at our hands before finally nodding. "Her Majesty...she's been through a lot."
I stayed quiet, letting her continue at her own pace.
"Her mother passed away two years ago," Lyra said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It was sudden. An accident. After that, Her Majesty had to take the throne. She...she had to grow up very quickly."
"That's awful," I said sincerely, my chest tightening. "No one should have to go through that."
Lyra nodded, her ears drooping. "She doesn't talk about it, but...I think it's very hard for her. She tries to act strong, but I think she's very lonely."
Lonely. That word hit me harder than I expected. Liora, with all her arrogance and cruelty, was just a scared, lonely girl hiding behind a mask of power. It didn't excuse her behavior, but it made her a little more human.
"Why doesn't she let anyone in?" I asked.
"She doesn't trust people," Lyra said simply. "She's afraid they'll betray her. Or use her."
I nodded slowly, my mind racing. If Liora was as lonely and mistrustful as Lyra said, then maybe there was a way to reach her. But it wouldn't be easy—she was stubborn, proud, and guarded. I'd have to tread carefully.
"Thank you for telling me," I said, giving Lyra's hand another squeeze. "You've been a big help."
Her cheeks darkened again, and she quickly pulled her hand back, bowing her head. "I'm happy to serve, sir."
I stood, walking over to the window and letting the morning light catch my bare chest again. "Lyra," I said, turning to look at her over my shoulder. "You're a good person. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
Her tail wagged furiously, and she stood quickly, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "Thank you, sir. I...I'll leave you to your breakfast."
As she hurried out of the room, I couldn't help but smile. The plan had worked better than I'd hoped. Lyra was like an open book, and she'd given me exactly what I needed.
But now came the hard part: figuring out how to use that information to survive—and maybe, just maybe, to get through to Liora.
Q: Do you like tsunderes?