"Good morning, Li Shen. How are you feeling?"
"Ah… um… good morning? Somnus…"
Yep. He'd been so caught up staring at the guy, he completely forgot to react like a normal human being.
Can you blame him though!? The man was a walking piece of art!
But wait—hold on.
Why the hell was he sleeping curled up against Somnus's chest like this?!
What even was this situation!?
Snapping back to his senses, Li Shen quickly looked around—and then froze again.
Somnus was lying on a plush couch, reclining back with his upper body resting against the backrest.
And Li Shen? He was clinging to him like a baby koala.
The rich red robe Somnus wore—so deep in color it almost looked black—was embroidered with golden threads, and was wrapped around Li Shen like a blanket.
Honestly, all of that was already overwhelming. But fine, he could maybe deal with it. Maybe.
The real issue?
This full-body cuddle situation.
It was way too close. Too warm. Too embarrassing.
But okay—ignore it for now! Just ignore it! Focus, Li Shen! Focus on anything else right now!!
Because the real question now was...
"What… is this place?"
It was called a gazebo, wasn't it? A roofed structure with only pillars and no walls. Though calling it a "small hut" didn't seem right… All the tall white columns surrounding them were covered from top to bottom in intricate gold designs, and even though it was outdoors, a deep green carpet was spread across the floor.
But yes, the important thing—this was outside.
All around them were colorful flowers and lush green trees, creating a soothing, natural atmosphere.
A soft breeze passed through every now and then, carrying the scent of grass and blossoms.
And for the first time in a while, Li Shen could actually feel the sun on his skin.
Until now, all he knew of this world was that one bedroom where he'd woken up and spent every day.
So with the sudden change in environment, the only thing he managed to ask Somnus was that short question.
"This is one of my gardens," Somnus answered. "It's the closest one to the sleeping quarters. Though, if you're feeling better, there are other gardens that are more beautiful this time of year. Shall we visit one tomorrow if you're up for it?"
Why is he suddenly saying something like that? Li Shen thought, confused.
Somnus gently combed his fingers through Li Shen's hair with surprising ease, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Li Shen looked up at his unreal, almost inhuman beauty.
Maybe his face gave too much away, because Somnus's violet eyes narrowed kindly, reading him like an open book.
"You're starting to move again. Your attention is slowly turning outward. I've tried to be careful not to overwhelm you, so I've been giving you information bit by bit. But even with that, I know you must have many worries. I want you to know you're safe here, Li Shen. You're free to walk around as you please. You can meet anyone you want." Then Somnus paused and added, "But since your memory hasn't returned, I wouldn't want to suddenly throw strangers at you. So, if it's alright, I'd like to start by introducing you to one of my most trusted vassals."
Wait a minute.
Li Shen could feel his heart starting to beat louder in his chest. Not in a romantic way—just something about all this made it feel harder to breathe.
"W-why… all of a sudden?" he asked quietly. "I don't… not trust you, Somnus…"