Philip’s voice was just now the kindest in the world.

I, taken aback, extended my hand.

“It’s already over. Let it go since I said I’ll do better from now on.”

This time, Philip stared at me fixedly.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“It seems like the mistress has changed a bit.”

“People can change.”

I moved my steps. I felt it would be better to wrap up the conversation with Philip and go elsewhere.

“Did you come out for a walk? Or did you come out because I scolded the gardener?”

“What good would it do now? Anyway…”

Philip began to walk beside me.

“How was the treatment you received earlier?”

‘I thought he would be completely cold…’

Even if the mistress is a wicked woman, it seems she cares for her health. Philip’s tenderness made me feel a little better, and I lightly twisted my wrist and ankle.

Thanks to quick treatment, or perhaps the symptoms weren’t severe, it got better quickly.

“It must have been temporary. I’m fine. The condition is good too.”

“That’s a relief.”

At my response, Philip courteously extended his arm slightly.

“Since the weather is beautiful today, and you say you’re fine, I think we can take a walk together.”

“……”

Why is this man like this?

Taken aback by Philip’s unexpected proposal, I only opened my eyes wide. Philip quickly lifted his arm a little and lowered it, as if urging me to take it.

That action made me feel even better, and a small smile naturally came out.

But I won’t take that arm. Somehow, my face feels ticklish.

“I think I will walk all day today.”

“I have plenty of time today as well.”

“Yes, good. Then, let’s go together.”

.

.

.

The garden, set against the lake, was in full bloom with various fruit trees, roses, verbena, dahlias, and many other flowers.

We slowly circled the hill and forest to the east of the building, past the wellmaintained garden.

The lush green trees and the riverbank with willows swaying looked inviting.

The chirping of birds through the leaves cheered my ears.

‘Where is the bird?’

Captivated by the beautiful sound, I looked up at the trees as I walked and soon discovered a bird with a black head and tail and a vivid turquoise body.

“Ah, isn’t that bird so pretty?”

Philip also looked and gave a shallow smile.

“It’s a bluebird.”

‘Wow, a bluebird.’

“You’ll often see it on walks.”

I had never seen the bird before, but I quickly swallowed my words that I was seeing it for the first time.

Tap tap tap tap tap tap!

As we went further, we heard the sound of something pecking at a tree.

“Someone must be there.”

“No, there’s no one.”

“Then what’s that sound?”

Philip pointed to where the sound was coming from.

“The woodpecker is busily building its house.”

“Where?”

I looked where he pointed.

But where the woodpecker was supposed to be, the place was thick with shrubs and trees, so it was hard to see or approach.

“I can’t see it.”

“Stand where I am. You can see it very well.”

I switched places with Philip.

But it was still not clearly visible.

“Uh, where? Where is it?”

I stretched my neck upwards, stood on my toes, and even lowered my body.

Only a bit of the bird’s tail was visible between a few trees.

“I think it’s over there, but I only see a little of its tail.”

It was a bit disappointing that I couldn’t see the bird I often admired before the possession.

Then.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

Philip lightly lifted me by grabbing my waist.

“Heuk?”

Startled, I held my breath. Almost reflexively, I grabbed his arm and turned my head to look at Philip.

Philip, slightly below my eye level, was looking at me intently. Perhaps because of the shade of the forest, his purple pupils looked deeper and darker.

Philip, meeting my eyes, gestured as if telling me to look forward.

“It seems to be because our heights are different. There’s almost a 30centimeter difference between the mistress and me.”

Although he probably wouldn’t drop me suddenly, I felt a little tense for some reason.

I applied a gentle force to my hand, and his arm muscles were surprisingly firm.

His large hand, holding my waist, was consciously felt, and my heart beat.

It’s a kind action, anyway, showing me what I want to see.

“I need to ask to look quickly and get down.”

I carefully turned my head and looked forward again.

Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap!

I could see a colorful woodpecker diligently pecking at the tree with its beak.

“Wow, I can see it. I can see it very well.”

“Can you?”

“It’s amazing. How does it peck so well?”

Philip laughed at my admiration.

“Haha, look as much as you want.”

After briefly examining the woodpecker, I asked Philip.

“No, put me down now. You must be tired.”

Philip gently put me down.

“You are so light, I am not tired.”

He shrugged his shoulders, sending me a tender look.

“That’s why I was so surprised then.”

“Surprised?”

“That my wife, so light, lifted me, over 190 centimeters tall, into the air.”

“Ah, that.”

I casually moved my feet, leaning back.

“I got the hang of it.”

At the time, I really didn’t know how I lifted that massive figure as I was hitting him hard.