The physician, who brought a supplement for Irene’s energy, recommended a walk to her.

“It’s cold outside, but staying indoors will make you feel more sluggish, and you’ll lose your energy. The reason for suddenly pouring down sleep might be because of that. I recommend you dress warmly and take a walk.”

“I’ll do that.”

Since Irene was already feeling stuffy just staying in her room, she went for a walk after lunch.

Normally, Esper Castle was so quiet that it made one wonder if people actually lived there. Today, however, it was unusually noisy.

“Check over there.”

“How about placing the painting here?”

But today, it was unusually noisy.

The servants were bustling around, cleaning and placing new decorations.

Seeing so many servants since coming to Esper Castle, Irene couldn’t help but wonder if something was going on.

Looking at the servants with curiosity, Jessie asked, “Why are you like that, Miss?”

“Oh, I just found it strange that there are so many people today, so I wondered if something happened.”

“I see.”

Jessie replied with a smile, as if it wasn’t a big deal.

“It’s not that something special is happening; an important guest is coming soon.”

“An important guest?”

“Yes, His Highness’s friend is coming.”

If they’re talking about the master, it must be Kallos…

“…He has a friend?”

“Yes?”

Ah, I shouldn’t have said that.

Irene hurriedly covered her mouth with her hand, realizing that she had blurted it out without realizing.

And she gauged Jessie’s reaction.

Thinking that Jessie would scold her or give a sharp warning not to insult the master, who knows what Jessie would say.

“Pfft.”

Unexpectedly, Jessie was laughing as if she had heard a very amusing story.

Contrary to Irene’s expectations, Jessie’s reaction was quite surprising.

“W… aren’t you angry?”

On the contrary, Jessie asked in a puzzled manner.

“Why would you think I’m angry?”

“Well, because you seemed surprised that His Highness has a friend…”

“Ah, that. It’s not a wrong statement, and since it’s not something the master heard directly, it’s okay.”

Jessie glanced around and spoke in a low voice, enough for Irene to hear.

“To be honest, I was also surprised when I heard that His Highness has a friend.”

Irene realized that Jessie had the same thought as her.

Relieved, Irene sighed.

“Well, the reason His Highness doesn’t have friends isn’t just because of his bad personality.”

Does that mean there’s another reason why Kallos doesn’t have friends?

No, should I have even said this from the beginning?

Irene rolled her eyes in confusion.

On the other hand, Jessie, seeming unaffected, shrugged his shoulders and continued speaking.

“Anyway, everyone is busy preparing because His Highness’s friend will be here soon, so you don’t have to worry about it.”
Hold on. If Abel is overflowing with curiosity to the point of being nosy, wouldn’t he surely be interested in Irene? Should I be concerned?

Considering Irene’s timid personality, she might be greatly embarrassed if she were to encounter Abel unprepared.

“Why, Jessie?”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

After a moment of contemplation, Jessie chose not to say anything on that matter.

“Then let’s go for a walk, Miss.”

Kallos undoubtedly knew Abel’s personality, and by not mentioning anything about it, Jessie judged that it wouldn’t lead to any worrisome situations.

Esper Castle had a total of four gardens, and among them, the one Irene frequently visited was the eastern garden.

As the garden wasn’t very large, it was good for a short stroll, and since it was visible from her bedroom, it felt familiar, making her visit it often.

“Wait a moment, Miss.”

Today, while trying to take a stroll in the eastern garden again, Jessie stopped her.

“Right now, the horses from the stable are staying in the eastern garden, so it’s better not to go there.”

“Horses…?”

When Irene thought of the spider monster that attacked her, her face slightly paled, and Jessie hurriedly raised his hand.

“Oh, this is Esper Castle, so there’s no chance of the horses running wild. Don’t worry.”

“How can you guarantee that?”

“Well, it’s Esper Castle, so…”

Even more confused, Irene looked at Jessie with a puzzled expression.

When their eyes met, Jessie smiled and added.

“Still, just to be sure, it’s better not to go to the east. There are many horses, and with everyone busy taking care of them, from guides to other tasks, it’s quite chaotic.”

“Got it.”

Irene simply nodded her head. She didn’t have to go to the eastern garden, and she had no intention of going to a potentially dangerous place.

Then where should she go?

Standing in front of a large door, contemplating, Jessie suggested.

“How about the north greenhouse garden? It’s indoors, so it should be warm and suitable for a stroll.”

“Okay.”

Thinking it was a good idea, Irene headed to the north greenhouse garden with Jessie.

“It’s cold.”

When she was inside the castle, she didn’t realize how cold it was outside. Even though her body was covered with thick outerwear, her face, exposed and defenseless, felt the chill.