“A game that grants wishes?”

Luna nodded, and Antes realized what was on her mind. Ah, Luna has something she wants to ask for. Or perhaps something difficult to express.

What could be so important that she proposes a game to have her wish granted? Yet, her expression wasn’t one of seduction.

However, he couldn’t just let it pass. He didn’t know what she was hiding, but if she was willing to open up, he’d gladly indulge in her temptation.

“What kind of game is it?”

Wrapping his arm around Luna’s waist and pulling her onto his lap, Antes asked with anticipation. Luna, in a very awkward position, wet her lips with her tongue out of nervousness and answered with her eyes tightly shut.

“Rock-paper-scissors!”

“…What?”

A crack appeared on Antes’s face. What did she just say? Did he mishear? Seeing his confusion, Luna reiterated.

“Rock-paper-scissors.”

“…”

The previously charged atmosphere collapsed. Antes, staring at Luna, remained silent.

Ah, she should have chosen another game. It seemed a bit lame. Luna rolled her eyes, regretting her words, but what was said couldn’t be taken back.

Amid the silence, Antes, after a while, smiled with a twinkle in his eyes.

“…Huh?”

What was going on? She hadn’t said anything particularly funny. Even though it was better for him to laugh than get mad, she was clueless.

Holding Luna tightly, Antes opened his mouth, still chuckling.

“I had my suspicions, but it’s just like you.”

It was a response of ‘I knew you’d do something like this.’ While it was reassuring and sweet, Luna felt her spirit sinking a bit.

She should’ve gone for a kiss. It had become a routine gesture lately. Luna pondered whether she should have done something else.

“So, what’s the wish you want so badly that you’d propose rock-paper-scissors?”

Even without the game, Antes looked like he’d grant any wish.

Luna briefly considered just telling him, but recalling the story of Rosemary, she shook her head.

“If I win the game, I’ll tell you.”

“Well, if you insist.”

In reality, Antes was the one benefiting. He was already overflowing with a willingness to grant her any wish, and now he had the opportunity to ask for something in return.

The atmosphere suddenly became tense. Luna, determined to win and smoothly move past the topic of Rosemary, tried to read Antes’s expression.

‘He’s definitely going for… scissors!’

Luna’s eyes gleamed with determination. Without delay, she signaled the start of the game.

“Rock-paper-scissors!”

There was no guarantee of winning.

Luna, who had put out her fist, squealed and grabbed her hair.

“Ah!”

“I won.”

With pride, Antes showed his hand forming the sign for paper.

“Let’s do it again! If you win three out of five rounds, you truly win!”

Normally, it was best out of three. One round was too quick. Of course, if the situation was reversed, she wouldn’t suggest this. But Luna was desperate.

Holding onto his sleeve, Luna proposed the best out of three. Antes, smiling leisurely, responded.

“No.”

His face looked gentle as if he’d say yes, but his answer was firm. Regardless of Luna being the opponent, Antes wasn’t a man to let go of such an advantageous opportunity.

However, he didn’t intend to end the game there and suggested an alternative.

“How about we play again, separate from my original wish?”

If Antes won again, he’d have two wishes. But there was no guarantee he’d win twice in a row.

This was a much better option than ending it now, so Luna quickly agreed.

“Okay, let’s do it again. This time, I’ll definitely win.”

Luna clenched her fists and her eyes shone with determination. Antes, already content with one wish, smiled gently in response.

* * *

“This is unbelievable! Why…?! Do you have some kind of precognition?!”

How could she lose five rounds in a row? Luna, unable to secure even one wish, asked in despair. Antes responded as if he himself was equally stunned.

“It’s because you keep throwing out a fist.”

“No, it’s…! I thought you might change it in the next round!”

How can you throw out scissors five times in a row? Why are you being so consistent?

Luna felt unfairly treated, but Antes was no different. He too was frustrated with the situation.

“I have something to say. I intentionally kept making the same move to let you win.”

Why can’t you figure it out? It was a happy occasion that he had five wishes, but Antes was curious about Luna’s wishes, so he lent her one of his.

“Okay, I can’t help it. I’ll use one of my wishes now. My wish is for Luna’s wish to come true.”

“Really…?”

Seriously? My goodness, how can there be such a good man? Antes nodded his head as Luna’s eyes were filled with emotion.

“Yes, so tell me, why did you suggest such a game and borrow a wish?”

“I wish that whatever I say, you won’t get angry.”

Using that as a wish? Maybe he shouldn’t have given it. Antes frowned.

“Why, you don’t like it? You hate it? You said you’d grant a wish, you won’t take it back, right? You’re not that kind of guy.”

When she asked with a bit of anxiety, Antes replied that she should just tell him.

At this point, it was a situation Luna couldn’t avoid, so she lightened up and spilled the truth.

“Actually, before the wedding, Lady Rosemary is planning to come down to the Rodrian territory. We’re planning to travel around together. I just forgot to tell you earlier.”

She was nervous about his response, thinking he might show a hint of displeasure. But unexpectedly, Antes just reacted as if it wasn’t a big deal.

“Do you really need to borrow a wish for that?”

“…Lady Rosemary is coming. She’ll be here for several days. We’ll travel together, have meals together, and drink tea together?”

You get annoyed just by encountering her, and you’re really okay with that? Even when she asked, Antes’s reaction was the same.

Touching Luna’s confused hair, he spoke.

“Actually, it’s a good thing. With the sudden change in the environment, having someone familiar around would make adapting easier. Of course, as long as it doesn’t take up too much of our time.”

He added that he’d be patient for the adjustment period. So even if he didn’t like Rosemary, he’d bear it for Luna’s sake.

Oh, that’s so touching. Luna felt embarrassed for not recognizing the breadth of Antes’ heart sooner.

Wondering how to express her gratitude, Antes changed the subject before she could continue talking about Rosemary.

“So now it’s my turn?”

“Your turn?”

“Wishes. I still have four, right?”

“Oh.”

That’s right. Luna realized that she had set up four traps for herself in trying to resolve the issue with Rosemary.

The problem wasn’t Rosemary anymore. It was that she owed four wishes.

What do you want with that expression? Antes, who had a somewhat mischievous smile, made Luna nervous.

“Okay, I understand.”

Luna, with a serious expression, stared straight at Antes. That gaze meant, ‘I, Luna Peils, always keep my promises! Tell me anything!’

“I want to sleep.”

“…Wha, what?! Are you crazy?!”

Suddenly?! Now?! Here?!

Of course, there was a spacious and soft sofa in the enclosed space where only the two of them were, but it was still a bolt from the blue.

Luna seemed ready to jump out of the carriage at the suggestion, so Antes explained further.

“I’ve been up since dawn and I’m tired. I just want to take a short nap. Will you not disturb me?”

“You should’ve continued and explained from the beginning!”

I was so surprised! Luna’s strong reaction made Antes’ eyes narrow.

“Why are you so angry? I don’t understand.”

Antes pretended not to know, making Luna feel awkward.

“No, no…! I, I didn’t…! And why is wanting to sleep a wish in the first place…! Just, just sleep!”

Luna turned beet red, which was truly adorable, but teasing her further would surely not end well.

Suppressing his playfulness, Antes pointed to Luna’s lap and answered.

“I need a pillow.”