Chapter 10

Wow, I can't believe it's chapter 10 now... o_O phew!

Three months had passed by since Conrad became his boyfriend. Three months since the engagement to Wolfram was canceled. And seemingly, it finally became quiet again in the town and the castle about this matter. Things had turned back to normal. People turned back to their everyday life. And though Wolfram was at least talking to him again, he kept his distance carefully.

Seems like Murata is good influence at him, Yuri thought. They are sticking together every time I see them. But well, that also leads to not meeting him alone. He couldn't help it, but he was quite grateful for that.

He was on the way to a meeting that would be held in a few minutes, concerning the latest happenings in the kingdom. Yozak had just returned from a mission to Big Shimaron and wanted to make his report to everyone in the castle. That included him, Gwendal, Wolfram, Conrad, Murata, Gunter and Cherié, who was currently not on a journey. He hoped that it would be alright.

It was not that easy to keep their relationship a secret. But he thought they did rather well at this point. Yuri wondered when the time would finally be right to announce that he, the king, had a new boyfriend.

That was as far as he got when he reached the meeting room, nodding at everyone before sitting down at his place on the round table, next to Conrad. Nearly everybody was already there, except for Wolfram, who was still missing. Cherié was chatting about trivia with Yozak the others were just waiting in silence.

It didn't take very long, though, until the blonde entered the room, nodded and sat down beside Murata. He didn't even glance for a split second at Yuri.

Yozak cleared his throat. „As everybody is present now, I'd like to start my report." He looked expectingly at Yuri, who nodded at him as permission to go on.

„First, Big Shimaron is building up their guards at the borders. We still don't know if they do it because of the upcoming annual tournament or if – vice versa – the tournament is just an excuse for gathering the troops. We will be observing this, but most likely it's the fist option. I heard nothing about any secret plans of Big Shimaron's king."

Another look at the maou. Yuri nodded, „Good job, we'll have to keep an eye on them."

„Okay, then for the second problem, which is... rather difficult."

The black-haired boy wondered what would the spy would come around with next, for what should be more difficult than diplomacy with Big Shimaron?

„Uhm... it's concerning you, heika, in personal. You know, I came around the land during the last weeks, and lots of people are worried because of... ah..." he looked uneasy, scratching his head at the back, „well – we don't have a queen or fiancé for you at the moment. The reason why people actually care about this is quite ridiculous, but they are used to be ruled by a royal couple. The current situation is unusual and disturbing for most. Rumors are blazed abroad about a girlfriend you might have and stuff. Actually, no one knows or wants to believe that you're just single..."

In fact, I'm not. Yuri swallowed heavily, skipping that last bit. He saw Cherié-sama nod understandingly, staring into space. She really might be the one to know that best. He turned to the spy again. „So that means I should get engaged as soon as possible again?"

„If you want to stop the rumors, and I would recommend that, definitely yes." Yozak nodded. His eyes glared impishly.

He knows it. He knows everything. Conrad had told him that he had talked to the redhead about his dilemma. But I don't think he made this up. Though, he would be able to. He watched the spy silently, the latter looking directly into his eyes. He could clearly notice the amusement in Yozak's, who was trying hard to keep a straight face, but the king was still unsure what to do. Of course he knew what he should do now and what would be an instant solution, but... Wolfram.

Wolfram was here. He looked at the blonde mazoku, who was staring bluntly into the table, not looking at anything.

But he must have kind of sensed Yuri's gaze, for he turned his head to look into his former fiancé's face for the first time since three months. Though, all he did was glare and nod barely noticeable before staring into the table some more.

That was just more confusing for Yuri. Was that a permission? Did he know what was going on? Everybody looked at the king anticipated. No one would mind if he asked for a little time to think about that matter. The situation at the moment was embarrassing enough. If he begged for some time, it would hurt Conrad for sure, but the soldier wouldn't complain, as always. But that was not what he wanted in any way. What he wanted, was...

Well, yes, what do I want...?

He knew what he wanted, in fact.

If I really want it, I can do it. Right now.

He decided not to hesitate any more and rose from his chair, noticing that everybody's gaze was attached to him, and that they followed every move of his as he turned to the person who still sat on the seat next to him. It seemed like everybody in the room held his breath, wondering what he was up to.

Yuri's look was all focused on the man in front of him, but he felt the gazes, twitches, and snapped-open eyes of the others around him as he raised his arm. It was silent.

The next – and the only – sound that was heard in the meeting room was the loud clap of a slap, placed firmly onto Conrad's left cheek.

The brown-haired man stared at him in surprise, his left cheek turning to a heated shade of pink. He opened his lips to say something, but he closed them again quickly as Yuri knelt down in front of him, captured his right hand and looked up to him.

„Sir Conrad Weller," he spoke, a charming smile on his face, „do you want to marry me?"

He forgot about all the people around, he just wanted to hear his beloved's answer. Yuri looked directly into the other one's hazel eyes, those eyes he loved so much, he could loose himself in their loving gaze every time. The man still stared shocked at him, but after a few more moments he responded.

„Of course I do," Conrad replied, finally smiling again. „But I got to do one more thing..." with that, he turned his head to the left, holding his right cheek at Yuri.

The black-haired boy looked at him confused. „Does that mean I have to slap you again?"

„Yup," the brown-haired soldier grinned.

And Yuri raised his hand once more for another slap. The smacking sound echoed through the room, still nobody dared to say a word.

„I swear, that is going to be the last time I ever hurt you. I'm sorry," he apologized.

Suddenly, Yuri got lifted up from the ground to find himself in Conrad's arms. In front of everybody else. But he didn't care, so he just leaned into the embrace of the man, enjoying the feeling of his body due to his.

A soft chuckle was to be heard. Very obviously Gwendal, which was rather unusual for him. Then, Gunter's voice, rather amused as well, „At least, we want to see a kiss now, please. What would a proposal be without a kiss?" he teased.

Yuri blushed badly as he looked embarrassed at the white-haired counselor, but he suddenly felt his chin lifted by a strong hand, and he knew that kind of touch well enough.

„He's right," Conrad just said with a bright smile and bent down to kiss Yuri onto his lips.

So that's my first confession to all the people in the castle that we are a couple.

He felt the older man's lips move softly onto his, kissing him lovingly. It ended all too soon as Conrad pulled away, a promising smirk on his lips. Yuri was sure this was to be continued later.

The boy looked into the faces around the table, surprisingly way too many of them showing just a knowing, happy smile. As he looked at Yozak, the spy grinned openly at them, got to his feet and approached Conrad to reach his hand out for his comrade.

„Congratulations, taichou," the redhead said, still grinning while pulling the man close to tap the commander's shoulder firmly.

In the meantime, Cherié already held Yuri in her arms, delighted. „So you're becoming my son-in-law at last! Oh, I'm so happy about that! We're going to have a marriage!"

Over her shoulder, Yuri could notice that Gwendal and Gunter shared a knowing glance before turning at the couple again. Oh, yes, how could I forget that Gunter caught us the other day... no surprise he told Gwendal, he thought. But he couldn't be mad at his teacher.

They thanked everyone for all the congratulations, which took a while. But the hardest part was still to come.

Yuri whimpered as he watched Wolfram rising from his chair, approaching the couple. He looked seriously into the black-haired boy's face as he stood in front of him.

„Yuri, if that's what you want, then I wish you all the luck you deserve," he bowed slightly before turning to Conrad, „and you better look after him carefully! He may be the maou, but he's still a wimp!"

„Don't call me that," Yuri pouted in reply before looking up at the captain. It's back to where it always was.

The light brown eyes of his fiancè just glanced amused at the blonde. Yuri knew that Conrad was way too happy to not burst into laughter at this. And he should be right.

A soft chuckle escaped the man's throat and he covered his mouth with his hand. As Wolfram's lips also started to twitch, he couldn't hold back any more and began to laugh merrily. A sound that made Yuri's stomach fluttery again. He loved that voice and that laughter. And the whole man, of course.

And somehow, Conrad's happy laughing was all the company needed. Suddenly everybody was able to laugh cheerfully at the situation.

Even Wolfram.

Still no lemon, sorry guys! But just be patient and/or maybe, if I get a few more reviews, the delicious chapters would be up sooner? Hm. Surprise me? :D