1.
A radiant autumn day. Fragrant osmanthus petals fluttering across the sky.
‘You’re here?’
‘Were you writing a letter?’
‘Yes.’
‘To that man the viscount introduced you to last time?’
‘That’s right. You remember?’
‘Was he handsome?’
I had to hold back a laugh as Rohwinas sidled up to me, pressing his shoulder against mine and leaning his weight on me.
‘Not as handsome as you, surely. Considering I don’t even remember him.’
As if I had given the correct answer, the corners of Rohwinas’s lips curved deeply.
There was a subtle intent in the arm he wrapped around my waist.
Like a bee drawn to honey, I lowered my head toward Rohwinas’s lips……
‘I never loved you.’
A voice that rang out like thunder.
‘The time we spent together, and all those words I said.’
The world tangled together, as if being sucked into a funnel.
‘All of it was fake.’
“Lady Asha!”
My eyes flew open.
The blazing sunlight of a summer day was pouring straight down on me.
……Ah.
What a stupid dream.
‘Why did I suddenly dream about that?’
I rubbed my eyes with a frown when Julie’s piercing voice rang out.
“Where have you gone again! Lady Asha? Lady Asha!”
When I poked my head down, Julie was stamping her feet.
I was wondering whether to startle her or hide a little longer,
when Julie spotted my shadow wavering at her feet and immediately jerked her head up.
“Lady Asha!”
“Good morning, Julie.”
As I fluttered my hand in a wave, Julie cried out like she was screaming.
“You climbed onto the roof again!”
“Ah…… haha.”
I hung from the edge of the roof, only my head peeking out, and laughed.
After all, when you have nothing to say, you should at least laugh.
“What will you do if you get drunk and lose your footing? Why do you keep climbing up there! Is it that funny when I beg you to please drink with your feet on the ground!”
“Look, I’m not hurt. I’m perfectly fine.”
As I tried to get up, I stepped on a bottle at my feet and staggered disgracefully.
Barely managing to catch my balance, I glanced at Julie to gauge her reaction.
‘Even my dream was bad. Is something going to happen today?’