Kay asked Raina several times about ‘what Raina needs’ or ‘difficulties Raina wants to avoid.’

At first, he inquired about the presence of an uncomfortable maid, and then he asked about economic difficulties or health issues.

As the questions and concerns went back and forth a few times without probing too intrusively, Raina’s initial apprehension about him trying to exploit her weaknesses gradually faded away.

“It’s okay. It’s not uncomfortable,” Raina could say this because Kay had made her feel at ease by not pushing too hard.

Instead of asking when it seemed he might, and after the topic had brushed by several times, Raina began to think on her own.

…Would it be okay to say it?

That Taylor is needed for her grandmother’s care.

…If given the chance, how should she say it?

Kay never pressed Raina about her uneasy moments.

Finally, thanking her for cooperation and bidding farewell, Kay said,

“I heard that you want to make a final decision after meeting ‘Taylor Rawlinson.'”

“So, today, we only asked about what is urgently needed. Thank you for your friendly cooperation.”

With these words, Kay smiled.

“There’s still waiting time, but there seems to be a hopeful anticipation. We hope to be good allies to the Lady.”

“Take your time to think, and whenever you’re ready, let us know.”

Kay’s voice continued.

“We hope that the Lady’s unchanged positive consideration towards us remains after meeting Taylor Rawlinson, but please feel free to decide without any pressure.”

“Even if, due to the Lady’s circumstances, we cannot be together, we will repay the kindness you have shown us.”

After the meeting with Raina.

Kay escorted Raina back to Arthur’s office.

However, Arthur was not there when they returned to the office. Instead, they encountered Lionel, who was standing guard at the door.

Lionel, who had been waiting for them, explained that Arthur had some matters to attend to and would be a little late today. He offered to take the Lady to her bedroom first.

Accompanied by Kay and Lionel, Raina returned to her bedroom.

At the entrance of her room, the two knights bowed and said,

“Have a comfortable night, Lady.”

“You’ve worked hard today, Lady. Have a good night.”

They offered courteous and kind greetings.

Feeling grateful and somewhat embarrassed, Raina expressed her thanks to the knights and returned to her room.

Afterward, Lionel informed Kay about the reasons for Arthur, Tristan, and Lucan’s sudden departure and shared the news from Dylan, who had arrived outside while Kay was conducting the interview with Raina.
Kay silently listened.

“Understood.”

He nodded calmly.

Bang.

Alone in the guest room, Raina lay on the bed without even taking off her dress.

“…….”

She lay there for a while in a daze, but sleep just wouldn’t come.

Today felt incredibly long.

It had always been that way, but the room seemed particularly spacious now.

Being alone on the wide bed in the guest room felt unfamiliar.

Raina suddenly looked at the clock hanging on the wall.

The time had passed midnight.

General Arthur, a busy man, often went out in the evenings or returned late, but this was the first time he hadn’t come by this hour.

For some reason today, it seemed later than usual.

“I wanted to talk to Arthur… even though I hadn’t thought about what to talk about….”

It was somewhat vague, but she felt like she might end up having a conversation with Arthur about today’s events.

It was partly because of what he had said.

“If Kay scares you in any way, call for me.”

“I’ll be nearby.”

Recalling Arthur encouraging her with a smile, Raina stared blankly at the canopy of the bed.

And unconsciously, she pressed both cheeks with her palms.

…I thought Arthur would come right after Kay’s conversation ended.

When did he go out?

Although Arthur said that Kay might be frightening, Kay didn’t seem scary at all.

Arthur’s people all seemed like good people.

…Am I the worst one?

Which side would be more beneficial to me?

“…….”

Everything was fine.

But why did she feel like this?

…Was she anxious?

Even though the meeting with Kay didn’t bring any difficult emotions, Raina was worried about Arthur not coming, and her chest felt tight.

Somehow, her throat felt dry, and she felt restless, like something was wearing her down.

In front of me, he pretended not to care for persuasion, but in reality, he might have realized that I worked as a spy and decided to keep a distance now.

Now that we’re in the same room, he might not want to be with me anymore.

It’s not because the judo practice is over and there’s nothing more to see from me.

I wanted to prove it by seeing his smiling face.

I wanted to talk to Arthur as soon as possible.

That way, I would feel relieved.

…When will he come?

Lying down, Raina washed her face.

She was worried because Arthur hadn’t returned late into the night.

It was hard to believe that everything had been accepted peacefully.