“What?”

Cecilia seemed to be asking what he was referring to, pointing outside the window.

“Outside scenery.”

The view outside the window was more bleak than beautiful. He had never been much for forcing himself to find beauty in various sceneries, but this time, even more so.

That’s also beautiful?

Even when he was feeling under the weather, wrapped in a blanket.

Cecilia, instead of answering, gazed outside with twinkling eyes.

Idrish found Cecilia’s expression more intriguing, but decided to give the outside another look.

Under the cloudy sky, dry grass and sand scattered with each cold gust of wind.

What world was Cecilia seeing? What was it that made her say everything was beautiful?

He was curious. He wanted to see and feel the world that Cecilia saw.

They arrived in Central three days later than planned.

Cecilia energetically shook her arms and legs and jumped off the wagon.

She seemed happy that the wagon journey was over.

“Wow, it feels new to be here after so long.”

She eagerly looked around the streets.

Central was still bustling as ever. The only difference was the thickness of people’s clothing.

Idrish gently pulled her closer to prevent her from bumping into people. Cecilia seemed oblivious.

“Welcome.”

The butler of Terminus greeted them. This man with white hair had been met before when they stayed at the Robeiro mansion.

He led the two inside the mansion.

Cecilia was so excited that she walked with a sway. Idrish chuckled at the sight of her braided hair swinging in time.

The butler added various explanations as they walked.

This sprawling mansion was a kind of annex used by the Robeiro family when staying in Central.

He said he would act as their butler during their stay. Assigning Terminus’ butler to them was a sign of great trust.

“Unfortunately, Lord Terminus is away for a while due to work. He said he might be late today, so you might meet him tomorrow. He sends his apologies for not being able to greet you right away.”

Idrish heard the statement in one ear and let it go out the other. Whether they saw Terminus today or tomorrow made no difference to him. As long as there was no disruption to work, even meeting at a social event was fine.

However, Cecilia seemed to feel differently. Her small lips quickly drooped.
“Is it unfortunate, but can we meet tomorrow morning?”

“Of course. Then, Cecilia, this way; and for you, this way.”

With a hallway between them, the butler pointed in opposite directions.

Idrish and Cecilia’s eyes met. They both had the same thought.

We have to be apart? How far apart?

Idrish and Cecilia had never been apart outside of the mansion. They usually shared a room.

But soon, Cecilia was the first to respond.

“Yes, alright.”

Alright?

Idrish’s brow twitched slightly. He stared intensely at Cecilia, who avoided his gaze.

Idrish stopped the two people intending to go.

“Are the rooms far apart?”

“The distance is somewhat significant.”

“What about Terminus’s room?”

“Um, that is…”

The butler acted suspiciously at Idrish’s question.

“It’s next to Cecilia’s room.”

“What?”

The butler awkwardly wet his lips.

“It was decided that the safest and best room should be given to Cecilia… She should have the room the young master used to occupy. And someone needs to watch over her, so you should use the room next to hers…”

“Then I’ll use that room.”

“Excuse me?”

“I mean the room next to Cecilia’s. It shouldn’t matter. I’m more confident in protecting Cecilia.”

Saying this, Idrish walked off into the distance.

“Id, Idrish? What will happen if you act so rashly!”

Cecilia trotted after him.

In the end, Idrish claimed the room next to Cecilia’s. For Idrish, it was a satisfactory outcome.

To think that the sly and unpleasant Terminus would be next to Cecilia.

He couldn’t even imagine it.

Whether it was relief or the end of a long carriage journey, Idrish slept deeply for the first time in a while.

He woke up in a good mood, quickly finished his meal, and read a book by the window.

Seeing no sound from the next room, Cecilia was probably still asleep.

Was the carriage journey that exhausting? Should have taken the train this time. Would have arrived a bit earlier at least.

A vivid image of Cecilia, deeply asleep, appeared in front of him. When Cecilia was fast asleep, she pouted her lips like a duck.

Anyone would think she’s a duck hybrid.

She’d surely quack if he said that.

Taking a sip of tea, Idrish chuckled to himself.

“Ahem, is Cecilia still asleep? It’s getting late and she hasn’t eaten yet.”
Iidrish asked the servant pouring tea next to him.

The servant seemed surprised for a moment, not expecting Iidrish to speak, but soon replied.

“Erijo has gone out early this morning.”

Iidrish paused briefly, then gracefully set his teacup back on the table.

“Gone out? Where? Alone?”

Despite his demeanor, the questions were urgent.

“You don’t have to worry. He went out with Terminus.”

“……Both of them?”