The sound of curtains being drawn made Deborah open her eyes. Shelley, who was standing hesitantly at the border between dream and reality, asked kindly, “Are you awake?”

“Yes. Good morning, Shelley.”

As Deborah, sitting up, responded in her drowsy voice, Shelley, narrowing her eyes, remarked, “The morning sunlight is unusually bright today.”

While hearing Shelley’s chirping voice like that of a bird, Deborah absentmindedly stared into the air. Why wasn’t she easily waking up at this leisurely hour?

‘Even in the Heather family and Lady Saint’s residence, I used to wake up at the crack of dawn every day.’

However, even waking up at this relaxed time, she couldn’t easily shake off sleep. It seemed like she hadn’t slept well.

‘Oh, that’s right. What dream did I have just now?’

Deborah absentmindedly recalled the dream she had just had. The image of the boy’s back came to her mind effortlessly.

‘Ah, right. I dreamed of the first time I met that kid.’

Dreaming of past events wasn’t really common, and this was already the second time it had happened. Deborah couldn’t figure out why she kept having such dreams. Nevertheless, it wasn’t unpleasant.

‘I miss it.’

Although it was a distant past, if someone suggested that Deborah meet the boy from the past, she would probably refuse. What was the point of meeting in the appearance of the time when she was struggling? She was probably doing much better now.

“Yes, surely it will be like that……….”

When Deborah mumbled to herself without realizing it, Shelley turned her head and asked, “Yes?”

“Oh.”

Only then did Deborah, who had just woken up, hastily shake her head.

“I’m sorry. I unconsciously talked in my sleep.”

“Oh my, Miss Deborah talks in her sleep too.”

“Yes, I can be very loud when it’s severe.”

Answering that way, Deborah thoughtfully mulled over the term ‘Miss Deborah.’

A title attached to a name, not a surname. It wasn’t something commonly seen in Gracian, but it felt natural here. Perhaps it was due to Cedric’s significant influence.

‘Or is it because Mr. Baker is the one who determines all the rules in this house?’

Either way, the fact remained that this mansion was different from an ordinary one. Still, Deborah didn’t dislike that aspect.

“Oh, right. The master is looking for Miss Deborah.”

Shelley, who had her back to the sun, smiled kindly and said. Following her smile, Deborah also raised the corners of her mouth, nodding her head.

Deborah thought that her mind would become clearer after washing and changing clothes, but strangely, she remained absent-minded.

The dream from last night wouldn’t disappear from her mind. If she continued like this, her entire mind would be consumed by the murky emotions welling up deep in her heart.

‘That won’t do.’

Deborah, who stood in front of Zen’s office, forcibly put on a smile and knocked on the door.

“This is Deborah.”

“Come in.”
As Deborah turned the doorknob, a warm breeze greeted her. The scent of burning firewood and the fragrance emanating from the paper tomb couldn’t be avoided, but the smell of the cigar or tobacco she first encountered when she visited this office didn’t linger.

‘Did he quit? It wouldn’t have been an easy decision.’

Deborah smiled, concealing her thoughts, and said, “You called for me.”

Zen, who had been staring intently at Deborah’s face, cleared his throat and turned his gaze away.

“How has Dia Blaise been lately?”

‘How he has been.’ Living in a mansion, Zen didn’t know how Dia was doing. It was only natural.

Zen was often busy enough to empty the mansion, and it seemed like he had never looked for Dia, almost as if he had forgotten about him. He just occasionally asked Deborah about it.

‘Mr. Baker is quite indifferent to the lady.’

‘Originally,’ Zen had been indifferent to Dia… he had been. However, thinking about it now, it wasn’t quite the same as it used to be.

At least now, Zen asked Deborah about Dia’s well-being, and he didn’t seem to bring up the cruel words he used to say casually.

‘He even made a promise with me. To treat me kindly. So…’

While Deborah, lost in thought, continued to gaze into space, Zen, with a slight frown, asked, “Why is that?”

“What?”

As Deborah, jolted back to her senses, looked seriously at Zen, she understood the situation from his intense gaze.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I got lost in thought for a moment.”

What rude behavior. Deborah, who had stiffened her face, apologized by bowing deeply.

“Is your health not good?”

“What?”

At the unexpected question, Deborah’s head shot up. Zen, with a serious expression, was examining Deborah’s complexion. Realizing her mistake, Deborah quickly lowered her head.

“I apologize. I momentarily had a distracting thought.”

“Raise your head.”

Smiling apologetically, Deborah lifted her head, and Zen gently twisted his own head as he said, “Your face is red.”

“Ah, it’s because I just lowered my head. There’s nothing wrong with my health.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”