It was the night before the festival.
People who are going on vacation and the people who are jealous of them stood out today.
Emily, who was next to me, looked at them with a blank expression.
"Emily, what are you up to these days?"
"...Ah, ung?"
"Your complexion looks bad these days."
"...It's nothing."
She shook her head with no energy when she said no.
She looks like she's having trouble.
'Come to think of it, there's not much time left to see Emily.'
I'll run away on the day of the festival.
All preparations for escaping were already finished.
I felt a little sorry for leaving without a word to Emily. Because she's treated me well.
"...Rosie, what would you do if I left?"
I was surprised to think that she might have briefly noticed my plan.
But based on who Emily is, she wouldn't ask this question to test me.
And I've never really acted like I was going to leave anyone.
"Emily, are you quitting your job?"
Emily's eyes trembled finely. It's right.
"...Whether you leave or not is up to you. Do whatever you want."
"But..."
"Just do what you want, Emily."
Emily seems to be thinking about leaving her job at Marquis soon.
Why was she staring at me like that?
She has her life as I have mine.
Emily seemed to be in trouble again. A heavy silence came, but I opened my mouth brightly to relieve the atmosphere.
"Emily, come to think of it, I heard that Anri is your real brother?"
"What?"
Emily's complexion darkened all at once.
...Did I say something wrong?
"Is that bastard say so?"
When Emily talks about Anri, her mouth gets rough on its own. He must be her real brother.
"Again, Rosie, you should never be with Anri. Never."
Emily emphasized it as if it were a very important fact.
I smiled, nodded, and told her I understood.
At that time, Emily's words meant nothing to me. I thought they were just like any other siblings.
After talking with Emily, I went back to the servants' quarters. When I opened the door, the paper fell.
[Tomorrow at noon. To the west warehouse.]
...It's finally here.
* * *
The summer festival runs for a week.
Since this festival is bigger and grander than the last one, Argen came and gave a speech on the first day.
The servants who had been with Argen and heard his speech were excited to praise him and talk about the festival.
But he, too, had to spend a while getting ready for a party.
For the summer festival, a party is held at the end of the festival.
