Chapter 51

When I put the water on to boil and prepared the pot and cups, the outside suddenly became noisy. It seemed that Lord Fil and the others had arrived on their horses.

Looking out the window, I saw Lord Fil, who had already dismounted, gently lifting Lady Lucia down with a smile.

"Finally, we've arrived at our nostalgic home. Laguren is really nice, after all."

"Fil, isn't this not the time to be so relaxed?"

Lady Lucia looked up at Lord Fil, who was stretching and looking up at the mansion, with a worried expression.

However, the atmosphere wasn't one-sided; Lady Lucia also had a very gentle expression...

Oh dear.

I couldn't help but smile, but the water seemed to have started boiling. When I turned to check, Lord Albes was holding the reins with a stern face.

"Get inside quickly. I'll take care of the horses."

"I appreciate that."

Lord Fil, who still had his hand around Lady Lucia's waist, casually held her hand.

"I'll take my dear friend's words to heart. Lucia, let's go!"

"Ah, Fil, wait a moment!"

Lord Fil pulled her along with a smile. Lady Lucia let out a cry, but Lord Fil entered the house happily.

Really, he's just too excited.

I moved away from the window and poured the boiling water into the pot and cups.

While warming the containers, I cut the fruit cake that Lady Lucia had baked this morning and placed it on a plate. It would be ready to eat a little later, but it was delicious and light today.

Lord Fil is really a lucky person.

As I was doing this, a slightly blushing Lady Lucia came in and prepared the tea. Her side profile was very gentle, so I pretended not to notice and carried the snacks to the living room.

"Hey, Yurana. Sorry for the sudden visit."

Lord Fil had taken off his military cloak and coat, and was now in a casual shirt, greeting me as usual.

However, his hair and shirt were slightly wet.

Wouldn't he be cold in such clothes? I brought a dry cloth and handed it to Lady Lucia, who, as expected, went behind Lord Fil to dry his hair.

It's a familiar sight from long ago.

But, somehow, Lord Fil's smile and Lady Lucia's gentle touch... in short, I'm just in the way.

However, I have to finish my work.

I poured the tea as quietly as possible into the cups and placed them on the table in front of them... since Lady Lucia would sit next to Lord Fil, I placed two cups side by side.

Then, I quietly left the living room.

But, they are not married yet. The window is open despite the cold, and the door is also wide open.

It might be unsophisticated, but I can hear their conversation from the kitchen.

I tried not to listen to the content, but their voices were still very clear.

Lord Fil was speaking as usual, with his beautiful and calm tone, while Lady Lucia was responding with a mix of exasperation and laughter.

But... after serving them for a long time, I can tell that Lady Lucia's voice has become slightly softer.

She probably hasn't noticed it herself.

While stifling a laugh and looking out the window, I saw Lord Albes unloading the luggage from Lord Fil's horse.

But he was occasionally glancing at something.

From that spot, he could see the living room clearly. As the head of the household and as a brother, he must be keeping an eye on them.

Actually, for some time now, Lord Albes has been very sensitive to their relationship. It became noticeable about a year ago. Today, he is probably observing them as well.

But I don't think he's just monitoring. That spot is also a good place to see people and horses approaching the Laguren mansion from outside. He probably intends to delay the pursuers who are about to arrive, even if only slightly.

Lord Albes is that kind of person.

He is very reliable, kind, and works hard to protect his sister, Lady Lucia. That's why the villagers respect and truly love Lord Albes.

"Mom."

At the modest voice of my daughter, I turned around.

My daughter's clothes were slightly wet after fetching water for the horses. I beckoned her to sit on a simple chair and gave her a broken cookie from Lady Lucia.

My daughter took a bite happily and then looked up at me.

"Mom, Lord Albes and Lord Fil are really good friends, right?"

"Yes, they are."

"I saw something just now. Lord Albes suddenly smiled while taking care of the horses."