The Heir I Dragged Into My “He’s My Fiancé!” Lie Is Somehow Playing Along!? - Chapter 2.9

“Excuse me, I’m coming in.”

With a soft splash, Alice stepped into the milky bathwater one foot at a time, rose petals floating on the surface.

The bouquet of roses had been given to Kai at an event he attended the previous day, and he’d prepared the bath by scattering the petals before she entered.

Alice had come in afterward, washing her hair and body after Kai reminded her to keep her eyes closed, then sinking into the tub up to her shoulders on the side opposite him.

“Can you open your eyes now?”

Kai asked with a laugh, water dripping from his hair.

“Yes, I’m fine!”

Gripping a rose petal that had drifted before her eyes, Alice answered firmly.

They hadn’t lit any floating candles, but with the large window letting in faint light from outside, they hadn’t turned on the bathroom lights either.

In that dimness, Kai slowly opened his eyes.

“…You’re far away.”

D-Does this mean “come closer”…!? Flustered internally, Alice insisted with a bright red face, “Let’s just keep it like this for today.”

“‘For today’ implies there’ll be a next time? That makes me happy.”

His innocent smile looked genuinely happy, and when Alice met his gaze directly, she felt her heart ache, her mouth opening and closing wordlessly.

Kai didn’t seem intent on pressing further, slowly turning his gaze toward the window and saying lightly, “It’s pretty nice, isn’t it?”

“Yes! It feels like staying at a luxury hotel! I’d want to bring in something relaxing and stay for hours. And the shampoo and body soap smell amazing! I always thought you smelled nice when we slept together, and now I know why! Is this what you use at Kanoa?”

Her words gradually sped up until she was practically rattling them off, then Alice gasped sharply.

(The sweet atmosphere is disappearing! This isn’t the time to talk about work. I need a different topic.)

Watching Kai’s smiling face, she desperately tried to get her brain working and change the subject.

“Sorry, I ended up talking about work. Speaking of shampoo, I love both the shampoo and soap in the shower room. They’re in stylish refillable bottles, so I couldn’t tell the brand, and I always meant to ask but kept forgetting… Huh? Am I talking about work again?”

Oh no, I did it again, Alice thought, covering her face with both hands.

Kai laughed heartily, leaning back and resting his arms on the edge of the bathtub.

When Alice looked up, the beautiful line from his neck to his collarbone came into view, making her unsure where to look as she let her gaze wander.

“I’m glad you like them. It makes me want to try various things, but we also have prototypes. The ones in the shower room are what we’ve put into practical use at Kanoa. The ones in this bathroom are still in the trial stage, planned for future introduction as original amenities for the ‘Hakuto.’ The name will probably be Hakuto Original.”

“‘Hakuto’…! That’s the luxury cruise ship launching the year after next, right? I knew Kanoa was handling part of the management, but I never got involved in my previous department. Since I started accompanying Vice President Akiko, I’ve had more chances to hear about it. Department Head Yumikura… Kai, you’re leading the charge, right?”

Even without attending Akiko’s client meetings, she’d heard various topics related to the “Hakuto.” That said, Akiko wasn’t heavily involved; apparently, the main person on Kanoa’s side was Yumikura Kai.

(I heard that for this project, a big-name producer is being highlighted as the overall producer for the ‘Hakuto,’ but in reality, Kai is handling a significant portion…!)

She’d often seen Akiko, looking not at all displeased, chuckling when industry heavyweights remarked, “The Ozora family’s prince is fearsome for one so young—no, he’s already fearsome now.”

That “fearsome” prince was now scooping up rose petals with his hand, smiling gently at Alice.

“Kanoa’s role is close to the management contracts that are mainstream with foreign companies. We provide our expertise to the shipping company. Specifically, we handle interior design and amenity selection and development, restaurant and shop openings, and we also contract to dispatch and train the main customer service staff.”

“I’ve heard that Kanoa’s strength is developing talent that can compete globally, and lately, touring the group hotels, I’ve really felt that. The hospitality of the onsite staff is incredible. I can see why so many guests become repeat customers.”

“Kanoa’s royal suites are among the most expensive domestically. But the ‘Hakuto’ will be in an even higher price bracket. There are rooms that cost millions per night. Service skills at that level aren’t something you can patch together quickly, which is why Kanoa was approached for personnel. But realistically, it’s difficult. For domestic cruises it might be manageable, but a world cruise means three months at sea. Even staff who are capable might have personal circumstances that prevent them from accepting, considering how completely their lives would change.”

Just as she was listening intently, Kai raised his hand and let a rose petal flutter down onto the milky water’s surface.

“Sorry. I just went and talked about work too.”

“Ah, that’s right! I was interested in the ‘Hakuto,’ and your stories were so fascinating I got absorbed!”

“It makes me happy when you listen with interest. But since this is rare private time, and it’s been a while since I’ve seen you awake, why don’t we relax and enjoy the night view?”

With a soft smile directed at her, Alice came to her senses and remembered the situation.

Kai had called out, “Come over here.”

“…To your side…”

“I don’t plan to do anything. In the bath, that is.”

Ugh, Alice’s cheeks flushed bright red.

(You didn’t have to be so honest about it!)

Screaming internally, she gently closed the distance, leaning her back against Kai’s chest as she somehow settled into his arms.

Kai let out a satisfied sigh and murmured in a low voice, “Look, the moon is out. It’s a beautiful night.”

Kai left the bathroom first, and Alice followed slowly afterward.

As he was leaving, Kai had mentioned lightly, “There are lots of amenity samples, so I’ll set them out. If you like any, feel free to use them.” But when Alice emerged, the already hotel-like vanity was lined with bottles from luxury brands, leaving her stunned. “I can’t choose…”

“There’s even a bathrobe… Is this for the ‘Hakuto’ too? I’ve never worn one before.”

Could this be for rooms costing millions per night…? Feeling somewhat awed, she finished getting ready. After drying her hair with the dryer and stepping out, she found Kai in the kitchen, moving about in casual loungewear.

A wonderful aroma filled the air.

“Did you dry your hair?”

He turned and smiled warmly at her.

A piercing glittered at his ear, and even though it was late at night with no plans to go out, his impeccable appearance made Alice marvel once again—truly the prince.

“When I see you outside, you’re so handsome and dignified, like someone from another world. But your private edition has this mysterious coolness that’s amazing too.”

Voicing her thoughts with disastrous vocabulary but complete honesty, Alice watched as Kai’s smile deepened. “Thank you,” he said, looking slightly embarrassed, then continued.

“In front of someone I like, I can’t show a sloppy side. I’m happy to hear my public style is good, but I want you to think I’m the coolest even when you see me at home. I’m pretty competitive in that area.”

A combative light shone in his eyes.

(As expected of Department Head Yumikura. Living with such pride is amazing.)

Alice wanted to say, “It’s your home, so you can relax,” but Kai was probably the type who found it easier not to let his guard down.

“Even if I saw a languid Kai, I’d probably think, ‘That side is nice too.’ But the Kai who’s perfect from every angle, like now, feels like the real you, and I respect that. You’re like the young master of an old-fashioned wealthy family. I imagine even at family dinners, you’d always wear a suit effortlessly, with flawless attire.”

After finishing, she thought, Huh?

A chilling sensation, as if the blood were draining from her face, and a feeling of blood rushing to her cheeks assaulted her simultaneously. Her circulation was working overtime.

(Just now, Kai said “in front of someone I like”…! I let it slide…! Sorry, I was more focused on your pride than that…! I’m a failure as a girlfriend!)

Kai smiled and opened his mouth.

“I love every version of you, Alice. Coming out of the bath with no makeup, in a bathrobe—it feels so relaxed and wonderful. You mustn’t show that to anyone else, okay?”

His smile was intense, carrying undeniable pressure.

The words “you mustn’t” were loaded with enough force to distort the surrounding air.

With the topic changed, Alice focused her mind, determined to respond properly this time.

“Yes. Other than my family home, I never spend private time with anyone. Lately, thanks to the vice president, I’ve had chances to stay in nice Kanoa rooms, but I couldn’t possibly order room service. I know my place, after all.”

As a regular employee, Alice would normally stay in staff rest areas on business trips.

But Akiko, saying, “It’s a good opportunity to experience the Kanoa brand,” had the other party prepare rooms far beyond what Alice’s salary could afford, which she used with both awe and gratitude.

The service staff never treated her casually, as if she were “one of them,” but always respectfully as a guest.

For Alice, it was a continuous series of precious experiences where she could feel Kanoa’s underlying strength, though it made her nervous.

“You’ve been traveling all over domestically, haven’t you? Really, thank you for your hard work. Was there anywhere you particularly liked?”

“Everywhere was wonderful!”

As she answered, Alice circled around to the inside of the counter.

What is he making? Peeking at his hands, she saw several thin crepe skins had been made and stacked on a plate.

“Wait, Kai, you haven’t had dinner yet!?”

It seemed he intended to make savory crepes, with ham and salad ingredients already prepared nearby. As always, he was efficient.

“I had a light snack around 4 p.m. I was in an online meeting with an overseas client, so there was no dinner. So, I thought I’d eat a little while having a drink. What about you, Alice?”

“I’d love to! Today’s drinking party was very informative, but I was too nervous to eat much. Seeing this makes me hungry.”

Kai had probably anticipated this and made extra, so there was no need to hold back.

Delighted at this timely offering, Alice’s empty stomach rejoiced, and Kai smiled with indescribable tenderness.

“I’m glad! When I heard about the company drinking party today, I was a little worried about whether you’d be okay. I ended up showing up, but I’m glad I went.”

Her heart gave a strong thump.

(It turned out okay in the end, but at first, I thought I’d been set up with that drinking party.)

Remembering how it had truly been a close call, Alice stood beside Kai as he continued in a dark, gloomy voice.

“I wish I could’ve arrived sooner. Takase, that guy… What was he thinking, taking Alice to a gathering with such a high male ratio? If something happened, what would he do? And Kirihara from sales was next to her, right? What does he think he’s doing, talking to Alice so familiarly? Even I want to go out somewhere with Alice, drink together, and have fun, so why do those guys get the chance first? They’d better not push it—they shouldn’t think I’ll stay quiet forever. I’m feeling homicidal.”

“Kai? Kai, let’s think about something else!”

Hearing such dangerous words, Alice forcibly ended his monologue.

“That’s right, Kai, your plans for this weekend might be staying in, but if you’d like, why don’t we go out somewhere? I want to go out with you, eat and drink happily too!”

Kai, who had been expressionless and radiating murderous intent, upon hearing Alice’s suggestion, widened his eyes and immediately melted into a smile. “Yeah!” The contrast made Alice sense yandere tendencies and feel a little scared, but she decided not to dwell on it.

“Where should we go? Should we stay overnight? Going a bit farther is fine too, but you’ve been on consecutive business trips lately, so maybe somewhere nearby is better. A high-end hotel in Tokyo, or maybe Kamakura? We’re not going for sightseeing, just to relax. Do you like inns with open-air baths in the rooms?”

“I love them! Let’s go! It’s hard to go to traditional inns alone, right? With two people, our options expand and it’s more fun!”

Paying the expensive rate for a double room and using it alone was tough. Alice was thinking of her own financial situation, but Kai was too overcome with emotion to care.

“Two people is good. Yeah. I could go anywhere if I wanted, but I never had a reason, so I’ve been staying in. But if it makes you happy, every week is fine with me.”

“My stamina and, um, money… You’d probably say not to worry, but I’m a commoner, so I’m resistant to extravagant trips. Really, just occasionally, like a treat, is fine.”

Kai seemed to realize something and readily backed down. “You’re right.”

“You’re already on back-to-back business trips as it is. I think staying home and relaxing is perfectly fine too. I’m also completely tied up with the ‘Hakuto’ right now, and I never know when a problem might call me in, so I can’t really leave Tokyo. Evenings like this are precious.”

As he spoke, Kai kissed Alice’s forehead. “It’ll be ready soon, so wait a bit,” he said, returning to his cooking.

Unable to just wait, Alice helped by getting plates and preparing drinks, and they enjoyed a delicious late-night meal together.

Alice remembers up to that point.

But already exhausted, and with additional alcohol, as soon as she finished eating, she staggered toward the bed and, without even noticing when Kai went to sleep, slept soundly until morning.