It’s been about two weeks.

Like Robinson Crusoe stranded on a desert island, I marked each passing day.

During this time, I couldn’t leave the mansion, let alone my room easily. I could freely go to the dining room or the restroom, but crossing any further line was impossible.

“I’m even tired of the study to create a checkmate with three knights and one king.”

Chess was the only thing that made this boring time bearable.

Had I ever spent so much time playing chess in my life? Yesterday, I devoted all my time to chess, except for mealtime and sleep.

But now, even playing chess has become tiresome.

“By now, shouldn’t Isabelle’s anger have subsided?”

I had spent these weeks living cautiously, always mindful of Isabelle’s mood. I could have sneaked out or acted shamelessly, but I didn’t because this situation was clearly my fault.

I knew the consequences of crossing the line. But now, after about two weeks, it should be okay, right?

“Hey, Lise! Prisoner number 20601!”

“Open the door quickly; we’ve brought snacks. Prisoner number 20601!”

Voices of the twins echoed from beyond the door. I walked over and pulled the doorknob.

“Huh? You really opened it?”

“Yeah.”

The twins looked stunned at my appearance. I snatched a piece of bread from Silke’s hand and stuffed it into my mouth.

“Li, Lise! No, prisoner number 24601! Where are you going?”

Swelle grabbed me as I tried to descend the stairs.

“To atone for my sins.”

“…What?”

“So, why are you here?”

“…I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what?”

“I lied to Mother and caused her worry.”

I knelt and clasped my hands. One wisdom I had learned during my ten years in the Marsen family was to bow when necessary. And now was the time to bow.

“I also regret seducing Roger. Because of this, Mrs. Bacchus worried a lot about Roger. I will never lie to Mother and Mrs. Bacchus again. I also sincerely want to apologize to Mrs. Bacchus.”

I bowed my head as deeply as I could.

“As for me, fine. But make sure to sincerely apologize directly to Mrs. Bacchus.”

“So, I am allowed to go see Roger and Mrs. Bacchus?”

I asked cautiously. Isabelle nodded her head.

“No, you just stay here. They will come.”

“Excuse me?”

“Lise, consider yourself lucky. Mrs. Bacchus said she wants to come to the Marsen estate with Roger tomorrow.”

Really?

Hadn’t Mrs. Bacchus been angry at me?

“Really?”

“Do you think I’m lying?”

No!

This gave me an opportunity to make amends. I could see Roger, whom I thought I would never see again.

Isabelle stared at my grinning face.

“Silly, change your dirty clothes first.”

“Ah, right.”

I had not changed my clothes for three days; they had turned dingy.

“You look better in light colors, so wear a lightcolored dress.”

“Thank you, Mother.”

“…Now go.”

As I exited the room, I saw Felicia and Bernard, who had just returned from school. Felicia chuckled at my appearance.

“So, has Mother finally forgiven you, Lise?”

“Yes. And Roger is coming!”

“…Roger?”

Felicia’s voice questioning who Roger was echoed from downstairs, but I paid no attention. I opened the closet and pondered what dress to wear tomorrow.

A day passed, and the cold had fully retreated.

Things that had sprouted were now blossoming. The atmosphere of the Marsen estate also changed in tune with the new season.

Pots of flowers were placed here and there, and new flowers were planted in the garden to add color.

While Swelle and Silke frequently ran around outside, enjoying their time, Felicia and Bernard were under the gazebo, grappling with their heads due to the upcoming test.
“Silke, Swell! Stop running around; you’re making it impossible for me to concentrate!”

“Why don’t you go inside and study, then!”

“Those kids…!”

Felicia frowned and then noticed me sitting across from her.

“…Lise, what’s ‘winter’ in ancient language?”

“Ah! I was wondering that too!”

Following Felicia, Bernard, who was also stuck on a problem, asked for my help.

“Are you asking about the pronunciation or how it’s written?”

“Both.”

I’m also waiting for Roger, who will be coming here soon.

Roger said he would stay at the Marsen residence for three days.

When I asked about the reason for his visit, it turns out he couldn’t find a practice room due to a sudden performance schedule, so his father willingly offered our mansion. And that’s why he and Mrs. Backus had to leave the house.

Isabelle, upon hearing this, suggested that she would also stay at the Marsen residence for three days.

“If you write it phonetically, it won’t work. There’s a sound in the middle that…”

“Miss!”

I was in the middle of explaining to Felicia and Bernard when I heard a maid’s voice.

“It seems Mrs. Backus and the young master have arrived.”

The maids became busy upon their arrival. I quickly got up and approached the front door. My siblings were also curious about the new faces and clung to my side.

Soon, I saw Roger holding a violin case on his back.

“Lise!”