20.

It wasn’t just empty words.

There was substance in every word spoken. There was no attempt to hide the truth behind grandiose speech.

“It certainly seemed like she knew more about Julie than we did.”

Dante agreed.

Had Serenity become closer to Julie since she fell unconscious?

If so, perhaps they had gotten to know each other over the course of a year.

But Serenity remained unconscious.

She had been that way since birth.

Even if she knew how to speak, even if she had learned a lot.

The question remained whether there was enough communication for that “Julie Liv” to open up and reveal everything.

“It seems like there’s a lot we both want to ask each other.”

Questions tend to lead to more questions.

“At least one thing is certain.”

Dante muttered dumbfoundedly. He remembered Serenity’s last words.

[“Not even knowing what she likes…”]

“I didn’t know anything about Julie.”

“…”

“I was asked about her favorite season, but I didn’t know. Did you, Clagen?”

“…”

“I tried to refute, but instead of refuting, I found myself speechless.”

He didn’t want to know. Because then it seemed like he would open up even more.

That was something he couldn’t tolerate.

‘Both of them seem far from success.’

Finally, Wyatt, who had been locked in darkness, spoke up.

Dante bristled at his somewhat contemptuous tone.

“You didn’t say anything at all! Don’t speak so lightly when you haven’t even approached her yet.”

At Wyatt’s subtly questioning when he would go see her, Dante continued.

“Serenity Zeros’ twentieth birthday is approaching.”

“Yes, there’s a rumor that there will be a grand party at the Zeros Estate.”

“I won’t be there.”

“Uh, why?”

There was still quite some time until Serenity’s birthday.

“Your Majesty, handling matters quickly…”

“So, did the two of you, who weren’t even properly prepared, go and come back changed?”

“Not exactly.”

Dante muttered.

Wyatt rose from his seat. Running his hands through his disheveled hair, he tried to shake off his fatigue. With a swift turn of his head, he locked eyes with Clagen, who was sitting on the couch sipping tea.

“Do you know?”

Quick-witted Clagen immediately understood what Wyatt was asking.

“I don’t.”

Clagen’s knowledge came from what Julie revealed through her actions and mannerisms.

Clagen, who had more information than anyone else, had never been curious about Julie before.

Until she disappeared.

Wyatt, who had been staring at them with an expressionless face, turned away with his arms crossed. Tick tock. The room was so quiet that only the sound of the clock’s ticking could be heard.

‘But why criticize when you don’t even know, Your Majesty?’

Dante thought to himself but swallowed his words.

“Continue the research on the disasters. It seems it’s not solely the fault of the four successors.”

“Yes, understood.”

“Then I’ll take my leave now.”

Wyatt, rising from his seat, opened the door and left.

The building for the four successors was close to the palace but stood alone, not connected to any other building.

Since they had met in the evening, the night was dark. The white moon filled the sky.

Today, the newly sprouting buds began to shine brightly in the unusually bright light. Wyatt stared at them, his focus blurred.

“…Spring is coming.”

The rustling sound of the wind around him engulfed his ears. He stood still as if rooted to the spot.

A silent flame flickered and faded in Wyatt’s hand.

A faint smile appeared on his lips, disappearing like a fleeting shadow.

* * *

There was no contact from Wyatt, who seemed like he would find her right away, much like Clagen and Dante. During a moment when she thought it might be better that way, a letter arrived at the mansion.

It was a letter from Wyatt stating that he would visit the mansion for Serenity’s birthday party.

Serenity’s health was steadily improving, and accordingly, she decided to find a way to go out on her own.

A way to sneak out.

If she mentioned going out, the Zeros couple would assign several layers of guards and attendants to her. Therefore, if she didn’t sneak out, it was almost impossible to handle personal matters. In addition to the accumulated problems, Serenity was in good spirits. It was because it was a day to have lunch with Cordelia. She looked forward to it because it had been a while since she had seen Cordelia.

Although they didn’t meet often, Cordelia wrote detailed letters to Serenity about why they couldn’t meet. It was thoughtful consideration to ensure that Serenity didn’t misunderstand anything.

Due to the increased natural disasters lately, she said she had to go on business trips for recovery and public safety, and the number of knights returning had increased. It seemed that there was a shortage of personnel, so everyone had to go regardless of their position. It also seemed that the officers in charge of overseeing them were rotating. Cordelia also added that she would probably be vacant soon.

Despite such a busy schedule, Cordelia wanted to meet Serenity.

An unconditional favor without asking for anything in return. When Serenity felt Cordelia’s heart as it was, her heart tingled.

Serenity couldn’t understand Cordelia.

‘How can she love her younger sister, who she hasn’t had a conversation with in her lifetime, just the way she is?’

Serenity liked Cordelia. The affection she gave her helped alleviate the thirst in her heart a little.

Interest and love, warm words and touches. All the things like Cordelia’s silent consideration for Serenity made the time spent with her happy.

A carriage was already prepared in front of the mansion’s main gate. Serenity, who was riding in the carriage, met Cordelia, who was sitting in front and examining documents.

Cordelia, who was frowning and concentrating on the documents, still had her gaze on the paper. She was so focused that she didn’t even notice Serenity entering.

‘People can be like that when they’re extremely focused.’

The carriage carrying Serenity began to move with a clunk. Only then did Cordelia, who had lifted her head, turn her gaze towards Serenity. Cordelia, who had put the documents into her bag, smiled broadly.

“It’s been a while, Serenity.”

The affection in her voice took root in Serenity’s heart.

Serenity responded with a smile. She felt at ease. Her lips loosened without her realizing it. It was the first time she had behaved like this in front of someone, so she was a bit embarrassed.

‘I must have relied on Cordelia without even realizing.’

It might have been natural. There was no need to be tense or cautious in front of her.

“I’ve prepared lunch perfectly today.”

Cordelia said confidently.

“What did you prepare?”

Serenity thought they were just going to have lunch, but it seemed like there was something more.

“Your birthday is coming up soon, so I wanted to celebrate separately.”

She knew the birthday party would be grand, so what else…

Serenity just smiled, swallowing the rest of her words.

‘What could it be?’

It had been a long time since she expected something.

Expecting something meant creating the possibility of disappointment.

So she tried to abandon expectations in everything, pressing down on any potential hope, regardless of how the ending might turn out. There had been a few times when she had been forced to break that rule.

Silence fell between Serenity and Cordelia after their conversation ended.

However, Serenity didn’t find the silence awkward. Unlike the time with Yulia, this silence was comforting.

Serenity liked that difference.

When the carriage stopped, Cordelia opened the door and gracefully got out. Her agile movements resembled those of a bird.

“Come on, get out.”

Cordelia naturally reached out her hand to Serenity. Serenity gently placed her hand on top of Cordelia’s.

Cordelia held Serenity’s hand and walked forward confidently. There was no hesitation in her steps. A smile played on her lips. Cordelia exuded confidence. She was a person who shone on her own.

As they entered the restaurant named Masiera, they could meet Gustav, the owner of the restaurant.

“Welcome. I heard that the Serenity family was coming, so I couldn’t help but come. I’m Gustav, the owner of Masiera Restaurant.”

Gustav greeted Cordelia and Serenity politely, feeling honored to have them here.

Serenity received the greeting with a bewildered heart.

‘Yulia probably never received something like this.’

As Julai, she experienced something she couldn’t do.

The inside of Masiera was empty. Serenity looked around in surprise.

‘I thought it was a popular restaurant.’

As if reading Serenity’s mind, Cordelia proudly said, “I rented the whole place just for you today. I’ve prepared every item on the menu here.”

As she said, there was not a single person in the restaurant. Only long tables were set up.

At the end of the long tables, there were only two chairs. The ceiling and walls were adorned with decorations and candles, as if celebrating a birthday.

It was amazing how the restaurant for everyone turned into a place solely for Serenity.

‘What should I say?’

Unable to describe her feelings, Serenity thought for a long time. Then she meticulously examined the decorations. She didn’t even think about sitting down; instead, she looked around and admired everything.

Cordelia didn’t tell Serenity to sit down. She just looked at her with a pleased expression.

After finishing her inspection, Serenity sat down, and from appetizers to all the items listed on the menu, every kind of food started to come out.