As soon as she saw me approaching, the girl quickly turned and ran down the hallway. I stepped out after her, but by the time I reached the doorway, she was gone. Still, I could sense someone else had been standing there for a while.
"Mr. Gustav!"
"Impressive. You noticed me behind the door, even though I stood completely still and made no sound. Not everyone can manage that."
"You've been standing there since you returned after taking Master to the Duke."
"You're proving that you really are Master Valorant's student. Did you have a question?"
"Who was that girl?"
"She is the granddaughter of our lord, Duke Alaris—Anna."
"She seemed… different."
"Perhaps because she saw someone her own age for the first time."
"How old is she?"
"Twelve."
"Huh, we're the same age."
"Told you so."
"What happened to Anna's parents?"
"They died several years ago. Anna is the only thing left of Duke Alaris's son. Normally, she never talks to anyone. But today, she seems more active than usual."
"You think it's because she saw someone her own age?"
"Yes, you've understood correctly. Perhaps you should talk to her a little."
[Talk to her? What would I even say? We're from completely different worlds. I doubt we'd even find a topic to talk about.]
"No, thanks," I said and returned to the room.
As I walked back in, I could feel Gustav watching me. It was like he hadn't expected that answer.
Still, I ignored it and went to sit back on the couch, waiting for Master Valorant to return.
[When is Master coming back? They must be having a long conversation. Maybe they haven't seen each other in ten years.]
While I was deep in thought, I heard something hit the window.
Thud.
"What was that?" I stood up and walked over to the window.
Looking outside, I saw a snowy courtyard with two girls playing. They were throwing snowball at each other and laughing.
As I watched them, I realized one of the girls was Anna.
[How did she get over there so fast? Just a minute ago, she was running down the hallway.]
Next to her was another girl, a bit older and taller, dressed in a maid's uniform. Her long hair was braided and pulled over her shoulders.
I silently watched them, observing their joy. Truth be told, part of me wanted to join them—but I quickly remembered why I was here.
[Playing? What kind of playing? I'm not here to play. I'm here to make sure my mother's sacrifice wasn't in vain. I can't waste the life she gave me.]
As I stood by the window, lost in thought, the maid noticed me watching and stopped. She whispered something to Anna. When Anna saw me at the window, she quickly hid behind the maid, as if trying not to be seen.
[Great. I ruined their fun. I'd better just go sit quietly.]
Feeling like I had disturbed them, I moved away from the window and sat down again. Not long after, Master came back into the room. Curious, I asked what the Duke had said.
"Master, what did the Duke say?"
"Nothing definitive. He just asked us to stay here for a while."
"Why? Did he give us a mission?"
"Yes, he did. But it's a complicated one. I told him I'd complete it in two parts. The first part is just staying here for some time."
"And the second?"
"I'll tell you when the time comes. Until then, we'll stay here for a while."
"How long?"
"Not too long," he said, sounding a bit down.
Master Valorant recalled his earlier conversation with Duke Alaris:
"Who am I escorting?"
"I have only one loved one left—my granddaughter Anna. She lives here with me. I'm nearing death; that much is certain. I want you to take her somewhere safe—to the Elves Forest. Keep her in trusted hands. I know the elves respect you deeply. You're like a hero to them. They will never turn you away. Please—don't refuse this request. When I die, there will be those ready to seize everything I've left behind. They will come after Anna too."
"Because you're leaving everything to her."
"Yes, she's my heir. That's why..." he coughed violently, unable to finish.
Valorant opened the door and called Gustav.
"Gustav, come here!"
Gustav hurried into the room carrying a tray with a towel and a bowl of medicine. He placed the tray on a small bedside table, took the towel, helped the Duke sit up, and pressed the towel to his mouth.
Valorant stood aside, silently watching Alaris. With each cough, the white towel in Gustav's hands turned red from blood.
Once the coughing subsided, Gustav gave Alaris the medicine, which immediately eased his breathing. Afterward, the Duke continued his conversation with Valorant.
"Don't deny the dying wish of an old friend," he pleaded.
"…Very well. I'll fulfill your request."
There was something in Master's expression—a deep sadness. I didn't know exactly what they'd discussed, but I could feel the weight of it on his face.
After a moment, Gustav entered the room again.
"They're preparing your rooms now. Suna, come here."
"Yes, Master Gustav," replied the girl I had seen earlier through the window—she was the maid I'd noticed playing outside with Anna.
[So her name is Suna.]
"Please take this young man to his room. Master Valorant and I have a few things to discuss."
"Of course. Come, young master, I'll escort you to your room," she said gently.