In the office, Ino had lost her usual playfulness.
"Shun-sama, I know you have many consorts, but I don't care how many wives you have. I just want to stay by your side, even if it's just to become one of your many consorts, even if it's just to continue serving as your chief secretary. As long as I can see you every day and handle affairs for you, I will be content."
Shun gazed at Ino and sighed softly. "Ino, why are you doing this?"
Hearing this, Ino's eyes gradually reddened, but she stubbornly said, "I know I'm being presumptuous, even a little reckless, but I really can't control my feelings. Every time I see you, I can't help but think, how wonderful it would be if I could stay by your side for a little longer."
Shun looked at Ino before him, her pitiful appearance touching his heart.
He put away his original playful intentions and began to think seriously.
"Ino, you know I have many consorts, and you also know I have feelings for Yakumo, so why are you still so persistent?"
A faint light suddenly flickered in Ino's eyes, revealing her inner anxiety and anticipation.
"Shun-sama, to me, you are the best. I don't care about being 'the only one,' I only care about you. If you don't have feelings for me, I won't pester you, I'll still be your good secretary. But if you, even just a little, care about me, can... can you try to accept me?"
Shun quietly looked at Ino, at her reddened eyes, at her unconcealed love and persistence. A complex emotion surged in his heart, a mix of move and guilt.
The young girl's heart was even more sensitive than he had imagined. He had previously enjoyed the game of being pursued and loved by young girls, so he had deliberately kept his distance from Ino.
But now it seemed, had he unintentionally hurt this pure affection?
He slowly extended his hand and gently brushed Ino's face, his fingers touching her warm skin, as if he could feel her heartbeat.
"Ino, are you really not afraid? Not afraid to share me with other consorts, not afraid of being wronged in the future?"
These words were like a ray of light, instantly illuminating Ino's heart.
"Shun-sama, you seem to be worried about me."
She suddenly looked up, tears rolling down her eyes, but with ecstasy. "I'm not afraid. As long as I can be with you, I'm not afraid of any difficulties. I will get along well with the other consorts, and my work will never go wrong. I will never cause you any trouble."
Seeing the light in her eyes, Shun's last bit of hesitation dissipated.
He gently held Ino's hand, the warmth of his palm made Ino freeze, then her whole body flushed, even the tips of her ears turned slightly red.
"Alright, I accept you. I will be honest with you and cherish your feelings. From now on, you don't have to secretly like me anymore, nor do you have to cautiously test me, just be yourself."
Ino's eyes gradually moistened, but this time, they were tears of joy.
She tightly held Shun's hand, as if afraid that all of this was just an illusory dream.
"Shun-sama, are... are you telling the truth? Am I not dreaming?"
Shun reached out to wipe away her tears, his eyes full of indulgence and love. "Of course it's not a dream. Ino, all of this is real. From now on, you can openly like me."
Hearing these words, an unspeakable excitement surged in Ino's heart.
She wrapped her arms around Shun's neck, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed him without hesitation.
A moment later, the two separated, and the office returned to quiet, with only their overlapping breaths.
Ino leaned against Shun's embrace, her cheeks flushed, her hand still tightly clutching his lapel, reluctant to let go. She looked up, her eyes shy yet exceptionally bold.
"Shun-sama, I... I also want to... become yours."
Looking at her both charming and dependent appearance, Shun's heart grew even warmer. He wrapped his arm around her waist and gently picked her up.
"This is an office, after all. Let's go to a quieter place."
Ino's cheeks instantly turned even redder, but she obediently nestled in his arms, letting him carry her towards the lounge in the hall.
Pushing open the door, warm yellow light instantly spilled out.
The room wasn't large, but it was exceptionally cozy. A few books were on the bookshelf against the wall, a pot of warm tea was on the small table by the window, a soft wool blanket was draped over the sofa, and there was a faint floral scent in the air.
"This is where I usually rest temporarily when I'm tired from handling government affairs."
Shun led her to the sofa and sat down, casually draping the wool blanket over her shoulders.
"It's windy outside, don't catch a cold."
Ino, wrapped in the blanket that carried Shun's scent, felt sweet in her heart.
She leaned against Shun's embrace, turning her head to look at his profile.
Under the light, his eyelashes looked long, his nose bridge high, and even his jawline exuded gentleness.
Ino couldn't help but reach out and gently caress his cheek, softly murmuring, "Shun-sama, I still can't believe that I can really stay by your side."
Shun held her hand, pressing her fingertips against his cheek, feeling her warmth. "Do you believe it now?"
As the warm touch came, Ino's heart skipped a beat. She quickly tried to withdraw her hand, but Shun held it tightly. He slowly lowered his head, his nose gently brushing her forehead, his breath gradually nearing.
"Ino, I know you've liked me for a long time, ever since that time in Immortal Village, I knew."
Ino's cheeks instantly flushed. Just as she was about to speak, her lips were gently covered.
This kiss was softer than before, carrying his unique dominance and tenderness.
Looking at her eyelashes, which trembled slightly due to shyness, Shun joked, "Ino, your kiss is very moist."
Ino was a little shy and her breathing quickened.
"Shun-sama... I'm ready."
Noticing her change, Shun rubbed her waist, pulling them closer.
"Ino, I love you. From now on, with me here, no one will make you suffer."
Ino wrapped her arms around Shun's neck, burying her face in his chest. "Shun-sama, I love you."
Shun gently patted her lower back, his movements tender. "Ino, I also love you, I like your boldness, I like your seriousness, I like you... depending on me like this."
The shadows of the two began to sway rhythmically, their breathing gradually growing heavy.