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Chapter 97
Before anyone realized it, the summer sun was beginning to set.
“Look! Miss Irene’s carriage is arriving!”
“Everyone, get ready.”
The carriage that had left the academy early in the morning finally arrived at the Terrence family mansion just as the sky had turned completely crimson.
At the main entrance, the servants were waiting to welcome Irene, who had returned after a long time.
“I thought we’d see you more often.”
“Yeah, right? I didn’t know the academy was such a busy place. Sometimes they say they don’t have enough time to study and can’t come, and even when they do, they leave quickly because of friends…”
When Irene first entered the academy, she had complained that she would come straight home whenever she was allowed to go out.
But surprisingly, she hardly returned at all.
When asked if she would come with her friend, she said she didn’t want to, as she was mindful of her guardian’s opinion.
“Miss is worrying about others’ eyes…”
It seemed unbelievable.
The ones who missed her absence the most were the maids who took care of her daily life.
“Still, she said she’d be staying here during the vacation… hehe.”
One maid let out a sly laugh, prompting another to fidget as if unable to stay still.
“Right? I’ve been itching to decorate with things sent from the main house.”
“Ah, her silver hair… I worked so hard brushing it every day…”
As the maids gasped and made strange noises, the main mansion’s servants exchanged looks that said, “They’ve started again,” and quietly stepped back.
“And this time, she’s bringing that ‘friend,’ right?”
“Yes, yes, they say the child is tiny and cute.”
“Oh my, my heart’s fluttering.”
They, too, were Southerners. Young and small things were irresistible to them.
When the carriage came into view, everyone straightened up and their eyes sparkled.
“Ah! Finally, she’s here!”
The carriage stopped, and the coachman opened the door.
Irene stepped out first.
As soon as she got down, she turned and extended her hand inside the carriage.
A child with golden hair peeked out.
Perhaps tired from the journey, their hair was slightly mussed, and their swollen eyes still carried a hint of sleepiness.
“Evi, watch your step. Want to jump? I’ll catch you.”
Evi hesitated at Irene’s words, then, trusting her, tumbled forward.
Irene staggered slightly as she caught Evi but managed to stand steadily.
Placing Evi safely on the ground, Irene held her hand and turned around.
“It’s been a while… hmm.”
She intended to greet everyone cheerfully, but seeing the glint in her maids’ eyes, Irene sighed. She had expected this.
“Evi, say hello. These are Amber, Vicky, and Cindy. They came from the South with me. I’ve known them since I was little.”
Evi let go of Irene’s hand, clasped her own in front of her, and bowed.
“Hello! I’m Evi Alden.”
Hearing this, the three maids covered their mouths, unsure of how to react, then suddenly started bickering.
“I’ll do her hair!”
“I’ll handle her clothes!”
“I’ll take care of the rest!”
“……?”
Evi, completely bewildered, only stared with wide eyes.
“I knew this would happen. Besides, Evi must be tired from shopping all morning. While I explain the mansion, get her ready and set her clothes, okay?”
“Of course. Ah, Miss…”
Amber whispered something to Irene, as if asking her to lend an ear.
“Alright, then the clothes that arrived…”
“…Just figure it out quietly, okay?”
Evi, a bit far away, couldn’t hear their conversation. Seeing Cravel’s name mentioned, she assumed they were talking about where to place the clothes that had been delivered earlier.
After giving detailed instructions to the maids, Irene smiled and took Evi’s hand.
“Now, let me show you the mansion! Let’s go!”
The Terrence family townhouse was enormous.
It proudly displayed the family’s wealth; every corner of the mansion was beautiful.
The strong colors and decorations typical of the South gave the city mansion an exotic feel.
Evi couldn’t close her mouth in astonishment.
“Wow…”
“How is it? Do you like it?”
It wasn’t a matter of liking—it was a masterpiece in itself.
Seeing Evi so awed, Irene spoke more anxiously.
“Our main house in the South is even bigger and more magnificent! If you don’t like this place, we’ll go there for winter break. It’s warmer and more fun in the South.”
Even here, Evi was overwhelmed, yet the main house was supposedly even grander.
“Irene, you really are a princess…”
“Oh, don’t be silly. This way! Come on.”
Irene held Evi’s hand, leading her upward.
Soon, a large, impressive door appeared.
Inside, the room had a slightly different atmosphere from the previous ones—smaller, cozier furniture.
Evi immediately recognized it.
“This is… Irene’s room?”
“How did you know?”
“It smells like Irene.”
It had the same pleasant scent as her dorm room.
It’s huge.
Even combining Evi’s dorm room with Irene’s, this seemed larger.
“Here’s the balcony. You can see the garden from here. And this is the bathroom…”
Irene excitedly opened a door in the wall, revealing a room as spacious and beautiful as hers.
Evi peeked in, curious.
“And ta-da! This is your room!”
“Reaally?”
Evi’s already-large eyes widened further.
“My… my room?”
“Yes! Of course, it’s connected to mine. Look at this—everything was prepared for you.”
Irene explained with an excited voice, thrilled to finally show it.
Evi looked around in disbelief.
Really? Can I stay here during the vacation?
Even her bag, carried by the coachman, was placed by the table. A vase with flowers, some fruit and snacks, and a cute card welcomed her and wished her to have a comfortable stay.
Evi stood quietly, taking it all in.
“Evi? Don’t you like it?”
Evi shook her head frantically.
“No! It’s just… can I really stay here?”
The academy dorms had been impressive, but Irene’s preparation made Evi’s heart race differently.
“This is the first time I’ve visited a friend’s house… I thought I’d just look around and leave.”
But seeing such a wonderful room prepared just for her, Evi hugged Irene tightly and smiled.
“You’re the best, Irene.”
Irene’s violet eyes softened in satisfaction.
Hehe, just as planned. Arcel and Lusca won’t surprise Evi easily now.
The maids then announced that everything was ready for bathing.
After an hour, they emerged clean and refreshed, wearing matching pajamas.
“Ta-da, matching pajamas.”
Irene and Evi admired themselves in the mirror.
I wanted to do this. Not the academy pajamas, but something just for us.
The silver cat and yellow chick design suited them perfectly, even making the maids clap without realizing it.
Evi twirled before the mirror, clearly pleased.
After a long yawn, Evi, exhausted from the day’s activities, agreed to sleep beside Irene.
“I’ll sleep with you tonight. It’d be scary to wake up and not know where we are.”
“Okay, sounds good.”
Evi suddenly remembered something, opened her bag, and brought out a magic stone.
“You brought a magic stone?” Irene asked, surprised.
“Yes, it’s precious.”
She placed it on the bedside table; as usual, it glowed softly.
The maids left, wishing them a good night.
The two laughed quietly about the day, then gradually fell asleep, Evi smiling even in her dreams.
The magic stone’s gentle light reflected their happiness, warm as always.
Meanwhile, Cloys flipped through documents and looked out the open window.
A warm breeze carried the summer heat.
Yet, the usual sounds of insects were absent.
Quiet.
Cloys felt an unusual stillness and stepped onto the balcony.
From his high office, he could see the academy lights in the distance—but tonight, none were visible. It was as if the academy had vanished, leaving only darkness.
Hoo…
It was the first day of summer vacation, yet the quiet felt unnaturally long.
“They said it’d be five weeks.”
Irene, Arcel, and Lusca had planned to spend those five weeks fully with Evi.
Cloys muttered grumpily.
“Maybe she could spend a week with her guardian.”
It seemed right. Observing her life at the academy and enjoying experiences uncommon at other children’s homes wasn’t bad.
Yes, that’s what I should do.
Cloys returned to his desk and hurriedly began writing a letter to the Terrence family.
