Finihiya was busy tidying up the wooden cups and spoons scattered on the floor, and Danila smiled helplessly as she spoke gently.
“Lady Finihiya, I will instruct the servants to clean up these things on the floor. If there’s anything you need to mention, you can just tell me on the way to the dining room.”
“…That would be trouble for you, Lady Danila.”
Opening her umbrella to shelter Finihiya beneath it, the two slowly walked along the gravel path leading into the manor.
***
It was seven in the morning.
The dappled sunlight slipped through the gap in the curtains, casting a golden streak across the soft princess bed, layered with several hems of lace.
The bedroom was filled with a coolness that invited one to drift back to sleep, and a faint, lavender-like scent that brought a sense of calm.
From outside, the sharp sound of a window being opened reached inside, followed by a corner of the curtain being lifted.
Darlian hovered by the window, her gaze passing through the translucent pale pink drapes to rest on the young girl lying peacefully in bed.
“How comfortable…”
A slightly cheerful tone escaped from Darlian’s perfectly shaped lips.
After murmuring softly to herself, she slipped through the window and into the room.
Finihiya had not yet woken.
Even, sweet breaths sounded softly in the quiet room.
Darlian took a couple of steps forward and quietly sat at the edge of the bed.
She noticed several strands of fine golden hair caught between Finihiya’s lips, and with a slightly surprised raise of her brow, she then smiled gently with a hint of fondness.
“Your hair…”
Raising her right hand, she leaned forward slightly and softly brushed her fingertips along Finihiya’s cheek, moving the wet, glossy strands of golden hair away from her lips.
A faint, delicate moan escaped from Finihiya’s cherry lips.
Watching her slight frown as she continued sleeping peacefully, Darlian smiled lightly and poked the milky white face with her index finger.
Speaking of which…
Lying there so quietly, she truly looked like an exquisitely crafted porcelain doll without a trace of life.
Her closed eyelids bore dreamlike, long lashes, and the golden river of hair seemed to envelop Finihiya’s small body like delicate wings.
“…Mmm.”
***
Noticing that Finihiya was about to wake, Darlian shifted back a little.
Before long, she saw Finihiya slowly sitting up.
Perhaps because her body had been resting on her hair, some of it curled into gentle waves.
“Good morning, Finihiya.”
Darlian greeted softly.
But after waiting for a moment with no response, Finihiya sat still, her eyes vacant and scattered as she stared ahead.
Curious, Darlian poked Finihiya’s cheek again with her plain, slender fingertip.
“Still sleepy?”
Even after the gentle prodding, Finihiya didn’t respond at all, which only made Darlian more amused as she continued poking for a while.
After an unknown length of time—perhaps two or three minutes—the girl finally lifted her head slightly and looked toward her.
“…Good morning, Darlian.”
“You’re finally awake.”
Their brief exchange was followed by a moment of silence.
Judging from her still unfocused eyes, it was clear that Finihiya’s little mind had yet to fully wake.
After a little while longer, Darlian heard Finihiya’s voice tinged with a hint of confusion.
“Darlian… why are you here?”
“The weather is really nice today.”
“The weather!”
Watching Finihiya turn her head to look outside, Darlian also gazed out the window.
Sunlight poured through the clouds, flooding the earth below, while the shrill chirping of cicadas came in waves from outside.
“The sun is out, and the weather’s great, isn’t it?”
“How about we go to the City District for a walk today?” Darlian suggested lightly. “Didn’t I mention last time there’s a new Karina Bakery that just opened? We could try some of their new pastries.”
“But…”
A hint of hesitation and reluctance slipped through Finihiya’s slightly immature voice.
Darlian’s eyes showed a flicker of puzzlement as she asked, “What’s wrong? Do you have other plans for today?”
“No…”
“No?”
Finihiya’s answer confused her for a moment. After thinking it over, she recalled how uncomfortable Finihiya seemed whenever they rode in the carriage.
If that was the reason, Darlian wouldn’t just let Finihiya curl up inside this small manor all day.
With this thought, she silently made the decision for her.
“Since you don’t, then it’s settled.”
Knock, knock…
Just as their conversation ended, a knock suddenly sounded at the closed door, followed by Danila’s slightly concerned voice from outside.
“Lady Finihiya. Are you awake?”
“I heard some unusual noises coming from your room just now. Are you alright?”
Finihiya, still not fully awake, gave a muffled “Mm-hmm” in response.
“May I come in?”
Seeing no clear reply, Danila said, “Excuse me,” then turned the iron doorknob and gently pushed the door open.
Darlian tilted her head slightly to look over.
Her gaze landed on Danila’s tortoiseshell glasses, and she offered a faint smile in greeting with a nod.
“Good morning, Danila.”
“L-Lady Darlian!”
Danila’s face showed a slight surprise at Darlian’s presence, but she quickly composed herself and bowed gracefully.
“Good morning, Lady Darlian. What are you doing here?”
At the question, Darlian glanced sideways at the doll-like Finihiya sitting on the bed.
“The weather is quite nice today, so I thought I’d take Finihiya out to the city.”
“It’s truly a rare fine day recently; that’s a very good idea,” Danila smiled in agreement. “I’ll help Lady Finihiya get up and ready.”
“No need.” Seeing Danila move toward them, Darlian spoke up. “I’ll help her with that.”
Danila originally wanted to say that such matters should be left to the servants, but upon seeing the slight joyful expression on Darlian’s face, she smiled without pressing further.
“Then I’ll leave it to you, Lady Darlian.”
After Danila left, Darlian turned her gaze back to the doll-like Finihiya before her.
Her bright, golden hair fell like a velvet scarf spread across the bed, forming soft swirls on the sheets.
“Are you awake now?”
Her gentle voice carried a hint of indulgence, as if coaxing a small child.
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