There Is No Paradise Where I Ran Away To (14 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 49

The path through the forest, which the Baroness boasted about endlessly, even captured Vivian’s heart.

Thanks to the neat and wide trail, it felt less like wandering through a forest and more like strolling through a grand garden. The dense trees were not haphazardly crowded, and the abundant, warm sunlight filtered through the leaves, carrying a rich, grassy fragrance.

Due to Rottermond’s hilly terrain, the forest path had a slight incline, but compared to the forest’s serene charm, such a gentle slope hardly felt taxing.

The magic of the forest did not end there.

A short climb further up the trail revealed a small plaza with its floor neatly paved with flagstones. At the center stood a modest fountain, and one could enjoy the gentle murmur of flowing water along with the sight of tiny, charming mountain birds bathing in it.

Startled by human presence, the birds took flight, scattering droplets into the air—but when Susanna whistled, both the damp birds and others from afar fluttered over, gathering around her. They perched on her fingers, shoulders, and even atop her head, singing along with her whistle.

When a servant handed Vivian some grain, the mountain birds fluttered happily toward her as well. Amazed, Vivian carefully interacted with the little creatures, afraid they might fly away in fright.

She felt as though she had slipped into a fairy tale.

The clouds in the sky seemed within arm’s reach, and between the tame birds that followed people without hesitation and the deer peeking out shyly from behind trees, everything stirred Vivian’s happiness.

Susanna loved animals and cherished peace—so much so that any prior worries now seemed utterly baseless.

Simply being beside Susanna made all her anxieties vanish. Vivian, longing for a brief escape into this dreamlike world removed from reality, let go of everything and immersed herself fully in the bliss of the moment.

The two spent their time at a tea table set up in the small plaza.

They engaged in lively discussions mostly about nature and landscaping, and also shared pleasant conversations about their favorite flowers and animals.

Naturally, the topic shifted to art, and Susanna suggested they visit the gallery inside Rottermond Manor. Vivian, having no reason to refuse, readily agreed, and after finishing tea, they left the forest together.

Susanna’s earlier comment—that they would likely get along well—was not merely polite small talk. Their shared interests, hobbies, and even values regarding nature and art were so similar that their conversation flowed endlessly.

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