Quiet town. Small market.

The expansive Polong Mansion garden, compared to the mansion, comforts my heart.

Entering through the main gate, I was warmly greeted by the gardener clearing the fallen leaves and the maids who were transferring flour.

People who tidy up and spend their retirement probably feel like this every day.

“Oh? Miss!”

A person caught my attention and ran up to me, out of breath. The slightly panting Vity didn’t mind and raised both corners of her mouth as much as possible.

“Vity!”

It was a face I hadn’t seen in a long time.

“I heard you were coming, but I didn’t expect you to come so quickly.”

“It’s for my sister’s wedding. Anyway, I’m really glad to see you, Vity!”

She left Polong Manor to take care of the illness of a certain aristocrat in a distant family, which was almost a year ago.

“I don’t know how happy I am to see you!”

Her voice became louder.

“Did you come here because of Felicia’s wedding?”

“No. Actually… the aristocrat passed away. So, I moved back to Polong to unpack.”

“It must have been tough.”

Vity answered with a bitter smile.

“That’s true, but you seem taller. Miss.”

“Really?”

“Yes. You’ve become a respectable adult.”

“Some still say I’m a child.”

“What? Who is it? That’s strange.”

I couldn’t help but smile at Vity’s comfort. I resisted the urge to tell her that Felicia was that strange person, for Vity’s sake.

“Are they all inside?”

“Madam went to the science laboratory and will be back in the evening. Master Swell and Miss Silke went to a nearby coffeehouse, so they’ll be back soon. Miss Felicia left the mansion to choose an after-party dress.”

“Then, only the two brothers are here?”

“No. Master Bernard goes to the company with the master. He’s still not familiar with the practical work, so he’s been learning a lot from the master since moving here two weeks ago. The master is teaching him generously.”

“It’s not like Master Bernard to personally accompany someone and teach them. He’s like a male version of Aunt Isabella, rarely showing his feelings unless it’s uncomfortable.

For a moment, Bernard looked pitiful. Aunt Isabella was so similar to my mother that she could be called the male version of her. His expression rarely changed, and unless he was uncomfortable, it was hard to tell what he was thinking.

“I hope Bernard doesn’t get too hard on himself unless he cries. …He cried twice just last week.”

“Oh dear.”

Poor Bernard. He probably cried because he resented himself for not being able to follow along with Uncle Isabella’s instructions, not because of Aunt Isabella scolding him.

My steps towards the front door slowed down. I had a lot to say to Vity.

Starting with childhood memories, stories about the dormitory she was curious about, and the current changes in Hoja Village.

Vity responded enthusiastically to my story. Since she knew about my interests and preferences, it was easy to talk to her.

“Right now, I’m suffering from headaches at the Marssen Mansion. There’s no big problem, but it bothers me because of various things.”

“Then, take this opportunity to rest a lot in Polong. This place is beautiful and quiet, isn’t it? I’m sure your heart will calm down here.”

After a long conversation, when I opened the front door, there was a shadow.

“Reese!”

Rodney, standing in front of the door, spotted me and brightened his face. Seeing that he wasn’t wearing a coat, it seemed he had been waiting for me all this time.

He came forward briskly and grabbed my arm before I could greet him.

“How much I’ve been waiting for you, Reese. Your steps are so slow, is it okay?”

What? It’s suspicious.

“Why is my brother welcoming me so enthusiastically for once?”

“Have you forgotten all our memories? I’ve always welcomed you warmly.”

“Really?”

“Well, anyway, I really welcome you, Reese. I didn’t expect Felicia’s wedding to benefit me like this.”

Vity, who was standing next to me, still insisted that the brothers had a good relationship. On the other hand, I still found Rodney suspicious.

“Tell me your intentions, Rodney.”
“……Originally, that jerk, no, I worked on practical matters with Bernard at the mansion, but that guy worked a bit more and left. Now, I’m doing all the follow-up work alone, pulling all-nighters.”

“So?”

“But, my competent younger brother came before me today.”

I thought I would have to deal with Rodney’s complaints as usual, but it wasn’t. It was Bernard’s complaints.

He had solidly handled the aftermath of the accident. Now I understood why Uncle Isabella was teaching him practical matters.

In short, Bernard cried even if he was scolded.

“Ugh.”

It took more than two hours of holding a pen to finish the work. My neck and waist kept hurting.

As I moved my body around, Rodney handed me a warm tea and dessert.

“You worked hard, Reese.”

Rodney smiled awkwardly while looking at me. Well, at least he still has a conscience.

“I want to eat strawberry cake, though….”

“Strawberry cake? Got it!”