“He visits again today.”
From a window in the Daum Barony mansion, Yeny Daum sighed as she looked outside.
Her gaze fell upon a slightly older boy, standing with his arms crossed.
Beside Yeny, Emilia Alway seemed captivated by the boy, her eyes fixed on him.
“Why does he continue to stand in front of the mansion?”
“I don’t know. But…”
“But?”
“I’m worried. He should resent me. I’m afraid he’s standing here targeting me…” Emilia fretted.
Yeny tilted her head at Emilia’s unease. “Is that so?”
She felt no malice from the boy. On the contrary, she sensed something quite the opposite.
She had heard from her grandfather that there was some sort of situation involved.
Her grandfather had spoken with the boy once before permitting him to stay in front of the mansion. They had initially tried to invite him inside, but she heard the boy himself had politely refused.
The boy’s name was Drew Zimmer. He was the one who, once manipulated by Emilia, had insulted Olivier in front of Jared.
After a series of twists and turns, he had ended up seeking refuge with Rasmus. Emilia and the others had only learned this recently. Emilia, in particular, was greatly surprised, as she had been searching for him to apologize for past actions.
“Thinking back, I truly am a terrible woman,” Emilia murmured.
“…Emilia-sama. Please don’t blame yourself so much.”
“But Yeny… I was unreasonably jealous of my Older Sister, and I carelessly used the Ducal Family’s power, ruining one boy’s life.”
“Even so, it’s not solely Emilia-sama’s fault. With all due respect, he made his own choices.”
It was the truth. Emilia had given Drew the command. While his situation made it difficult to refuse, it was Drew himself who had carried it out.
However, this did little to comfort Emilia, who was filled with shame for her past. Especially after hearing news that she might have lost her Older Sister, she continued to blame herself. Yeny, standing beside her, didn’t know how to offer solace.
“Then why don’t you apologize directly?”
“You mean—”
“It might be for your own satisfaction, but I’m sure it would bring your heart some peace.”
“But—”
“It’s much better than just standing here watching him.”
Emilia nodded at the younger girl’s words and headed out of the mansion. Perhaps concerned about letting her go alone, Yeny quietly followed.
“Drew… excuse me.”
“…Emilia-sama.”
Calling out to the boy’s back, Drew turned around with a slightly surprised expression. It was their first reunion in over half a year.
“It’s been a while, Emilia-sama.”
While the girl stood stiffly with tension, the boy was at ease. No, he even seemed to possess more composure and confidence than when they had last spoken.
“…You’ve changed so much from the Drew I knew.”
The words slipped out unintentionally. He offered a wry smile. “A lot has happened.”
“I… I wanted to apologize to you. Because of my petty feelings, I—”
“An apology is not necessary.”
“Eh?”
Her words cut off, Emilia let out a confused sound. The boy had every right to lash out at her with resentment. In fact, he must have had plenty he wanted to say. However, he merely shook his head.
“I don’t resent you.”
Drew Zimmer stated it clearly.
