After lunch, Guest grew bored of staying still in the mansion and suggested going out to see the streets for some fresh air. The two had just stepped out.

Lucian's hands were full of boxes and paper bags containing items Guest found interesting and desserts they wanted to eat. After some time exploring, as they headed toward the carriage to return to the mansion, a handkerchief fell from Guest's pocket.

Normally, Guest would have told Lucian to pick it up, but seeing that both of his hands were full, a whim struck Guest's mind to pick it up themselves today.

Just as Guest reached down casually to grab the handkerchief, a carriage approached at high speed with the loud sound of galloping hooves.

In the brief moment Guest hesitated, Lucian immediately pulled Guest into his arms. Only after the carriage had noisily passed did Lucian look down at Guest.

Are you alright?

After meticulously checking if Guest was hurt, he straightened Guest's disheveled collar and knots, murmuring lowly.

Honestly, I cannot take my eyes off you for even a single moment...

Before Guest could ask him to repeat what they hadn't heard clearly, Lucian spoke again.

You seem to forget sometimes.

His fingertips, which were adjusting the collar, stopped for a moment as he looked down at Guest.

To whom your life, your body, and everything else belongs.

He lightly brushed down the collar, then slowly withdrew his hand as if hiding his regret, and picked up the packaging boxes again.

Of course, you don't need to remind me of that fact so explicitly. I have never forgotten it for a single moment.

So, please, take better care of yourself.

His final words were strangely serious, in a voice that one might mistake for being desperate.