Olivia and Edwin began the long procession from Duke Vicander’s mansion in the carriage they rode.

Though the people waving in front of the mansion had been out of sight for some time, Olivia looked beyond the window with a face full of longing, repeatedly.

It was only after passing the tall and sturdy walls, and entering the streets that Olivia let out a heavy sigh.

She seemed to have grown quite fond of this mansion in just a few weeks.

I should have asked to leave a little later.

Her shoulders slumped in late regret.

Wednesday. Olivia herself had set today as the day to leave for Vicander territory, to draw a new beginning over the memories she always awaited.

“Your eyes are red, Olivia. Are you that sad?”

Edwin, who was sitting right in front of her, said kindly. Olivia chuckled and shook her head at the playfulness hidden in his gentle voice.

“I didn’t cry. If someone hears it, they’ll think I’m a big crybaby.”

“You may not be a crybaby, but you do cry well. Not these days?”

“Yes. In fact, I’m not the type to cry easily. Edwin, you really saw something very, very rare.”

“That’s a relief.”

Edwin laughed contentedly, like a wellfed cat. His loosely curved lips seemed mischievous at times.

“So. My mistress, who doesn’t cry much but is quite sentimental, left cards for everyone but me?”

Olivia’s eyes widened at the voice filled with disappointment.

When did Edwin, who was busy preparing to go to Vicander territory, see me leave cards for the servants?

Olivia laughed awkwardly, “Ahaha.”

“That. I was grateful for their help. When Edwin comes up for the nobles’ meeting, we’ll see each other again.”

“You wrote letters outside too?”

“How did you know?”

“I saw Haenaga rushing to send Miss’s letter. You must have been overwhelmed with preparation for leaving for Vicander territory. It seems everyone but me received cards and letters. Right?”

Olivia laughed a little at Edwin’s head turned sharply as if offended. And she said, waving her hand.

“I did hand out cards, but the letter was Essela’s share.”

“To Lady Madelleine?”

“Yes. Well, two birds with one stone. I also wanted to contact my former maid, Sally.”

Ah. Understanding appeared in Edwin’s red eyes. He seemed to remember her casually mentioning wanting to see the maid at the Madelleine’s Duke house.

Olivia smiled faintly, thinking of Sally.

It was regrettable to not see her before going to Vicander territory, but knowing she was with Essela put her mind at ease.

“Should I bring that maid to Vicander territory since you were close?”

“…… Are you serious?”

“Yes. If Olivia wants.”

Whether it was the affiliation of the Duke’s house or Sally’s opinion, Edwin nodded his head as if sincere, setting aside realistic problems. Olivia burst out laughing at that.

Inside the carriage, Edwin’s lips softened at the sound of the beautiful laughter.

Olivia, who had laughed until her stomach hurt, finally stopped laughing and cleared her throat, “Cough cough.”

“Thank you, even if it’s just words. But it’s okay. I’ll see Sally later. And.”

Olivia trailed off. Edwin looked at her with a patient face, as if he would wait for her. In his reassuring face, Olivia spoke sincerely.

“There will be many good people in Vicander territory.”

As much as Edwin.

Whether he understood the unspoken words, Edwin’s eyes curved softly.

Embarrassed, Olivia looked away and out. The carriage had already passed the bustling low town and was approaching the boundary of the system.

“So. Everyone will be waiting for Olivia.”
Everyone at the duke’s residence had been eagerly awaiting the moment Miss went out today. Of course, I wanted it most.

I recalled the night I had to leave even from the crown prince’s palace. The voice of Edwin, who came to me when I had no place to go.

Even though I had heard it once before, the words that he was waiting for me were terribly nice to hear.

A place waiting for me.

Olivia muttered to herself in her mouth, then slowly bit her lip.

It was fortunate that it hurt.

My reality is so affectionate and warm.

In the meantime, Edwin shrugged his shoulders with a slightly tense face.

“I hope Duke Vicander’s first impression was good.”

The sentiment that was moistly soaking evaporated in an instant. The first impression. Edwin’s thought that it would be Olivia’s first time with Duke Vicander was wrong.

I had visited once when I went to inspect the abandoned mine by the order of the former empress.

But this was a secret. Even if I had become the owner of that mine, I didn’t want to reveal to Edwin that I had played the role of the empress’s errand runner.

Olivia smiled awkwardly and agreed with Edwin’s words.

“You’ll definitely like it.”

It was sincere. Although it was a place where I had only had one meal, the lively atmosphere and the seemingly indifferent yet affectionate care of the people were still fresh in my eyes.

Whether Olivia’s answer was good or not, Edwin’s eyes drew a beautiful curve.