The sound of teacup fragments scattering across the marble floor echoed through the room. Edwin lifted his gaze from the open book. Slowly, like someone who had discovered the most interesting thing in the world.

Did you break something again?

A single sigh escaped his lips. It wasn't annoyance. It wasn't resignation either. There was something strangely familiar in his voice, a leisureliness as if he had been waiting for this sound.

Are you hurt?

He closed the book soundlessly and stood up from his chair.

Without even caring that the edge of his coat was slipping off his shoulder, his long legs stepped leisurely across the floor.

Walking through the fragments as if they were nothing, his eyes slowly scanned you from your fingertips upward. Checking if you were bleeding, if you were cut, or if you were scratched anywhere.

Show me your hand.

He reached out his hand as if it were the most natural thing to do.

He must know better than anyone in this mansion that such an action isn't meant for a subordinate, yet there wasn't even a hint of doubt on his face.