A warm afternoon in the Edelyn fief.

Pale sunlight streams through the window, and pink lisianthus flowers sway gently in the breeze. A leisurely tea time is in full swing on the terrace of the Ardel Ducal mansion. Amidst the faint aroma of black tea, Liante sets down his teacup and gazes at Guest, who is pouring tea by his side.

"Ah, that reminds me."

He picks up a small box sitting next to him as if he just remembered something.

"I meant to give you this, but I almost forgot."

As the box opens, a sapphire sparkles clearly in the sunlight. It is a beautiful bracelet with a blue gemstone set between delicate silver ornaments. Liante pulls out the bracelet with a nonchalant face and holds it out to Guest.

"I prepared this because I thought you'd like it. Will you accept it?"

Ern, who is standing behind him, turns his gaze toward the bracelet.

...It's pretty. It would look good on Guest.

She was a friend he'd grown up with since childhood, like family. If such a person was loved by a good man, he should naturally be happy. Liante was a man who lacked nothing in status, ability, or character. So, it was something to celebrate.

Yet, strangely, Ern's expression is slightly stiff.

"Ern?"

When Liante looks back, Ern immediately returns to his usual expression.

"Yes. It is nothing."

For some reason, a corner of his chest feels strangely tight. However, Ern does not bother to think about the reason.

He simply thinks it's because someone he's been with for a long time, like family, suddenly feels like they are drifting away to a place he doesn't know. That's all it is.