Arnold had always been a gentleman to Rishe.
Of course Rishe appreciated how well she was taken care of. However, there were times when such a concern could be troublesome.
âYour Highness Arnoldâ¦â
Before the start of a certain evening party, Rishe called Arnold in front of the hall.
âUm, Iâd like to discuss something with you. Itâs about dancing at the evening party.â
âWhatâs the matter? Are you not going to participate?â
âNo, thatâs not what I mean!⦠Your Highness always touches me so gently when you put your arm around my waist.â
Rishe bowed a little and mumbled.
âThatâs the thing. Um, uhhhhâ¦â
She mustered up the courage to speak up against his dubious gaze.
âââIâm ticklish!! Sometimes, on rare occasions, exceedingly so!â
ââ¦â
Rishe could feel how bright red her face was.
And Arnold, for some reason, has an indescribable grimace on his face.
âIâm actually very ticklishâ¦â
ââ¦â
âWhenever Your Highness puts your hands around my waist, I feel like Iâll squeal or something. Like waaahhhâ¦â
ââ¦â
The wrinkles between Arnoldâs eyebrows grew deeper and deeper. Seeing this, Rishe panicked.
âAh!! Iâm not saying that I donât like your touch, Your Highness!â
ââ¦â¦â¦â¦â¦â
For some reason, she got a big frown there.
âIâm sorryâ¦â
âNo.â
Arnold inhaled noiselessly and then asked me without any hint of anger.
âThen, what should I do?â
âErâ¦â
Rishe pondered for a moment.
Perhaps his gentle touch was the culprit.
Maybe if he did it differently, she might not feel that fidgeting tickle.
That thought dawned on her. She looked up at him, feeling that it was a good solution.
âBetter yet, just grab me by the waist as hard as you can!â
âWith all my might?â
âYeah! Here, hold my waist, Your Highnessâ¦Aah!â
After screaming involuntarily, Rishe covered her mouth tightly with both hands.
Afterward, she made eye contact with Arnold, who had grabbed her waist, deadly silent.
ââ¦â
ââ¦â
Arnold averted his eyes and said,
âIâll do my best to keep myself from tickling you.â
ââ¦Thank you very much.â
Thus, with a slightly awkward atmosphere, Rishe was challenged to get through the evening party that day with her company.