T Y D O T S F

171

Winter has arrived before we knew it.

After returning, it was my first winter in the South. The snow that had fallen all over the garden sparkled beautifully.

Looking out onto the open garden from the living room with its full-length windows has become a new pleasure of mine these days.

I draped a moderately thick ivory shawl over my shoulders and drank strong herbal tea.

My image was faintly reflected in the window.

Unlike when I first became an adult, I now have a rather mature air.

There was a lot going on in the South as the seasons changed.

First of all, the Marinette clan started coming in and out of the main building.

"Irene, you're here again today."

"Set oppa? Oh, Maha came too. Was today the day you were supposed to come?"

"I arrived a little early to develop the image stone. I guess I'll be staying at Astrophell Castle for the time being."

"Oh, I see."

Maha lowered his head. His short hair, which reached down to his jawline, flowed gently down.

When I smiled brightly, he rolled his eyes awkwardly as if he was not used to it.

Every time he saw me, he had this look on his face that said he wasn't used to it.

"But what is a video stone?"

"If we succeed, we will be able to exchange greetings through video instead of letters from now on."

"Wow, is that possible? That's so amazing!"

At the description of the set, I opened my eyes wide and looked at Maha. He slowly lowered his gaze to the floor.

Her water-colored eyes beneath her long eyelashes were filled with embarrassment and confusion.

"...The Loisar family has decided to help. Each family needs to take the lead in each area. Thanks to the Astrophel family, the business will likely progress quickly."

"wow."

"I will give each image stone a unique pheromone pattern. If you wish, I will give you the image stone first."

"Thank you, Maha. For your concern. I can't wait. Maha is the best!"

"......."

He looked at Maha with sparkling eyes. He flinched and took a step back as if he had reached his limit.

After encountering him several times recently, it became clear that Maha was not immune to this type of attention and praise.

My pride seemed to reach the sky.

How can the outside and inside be so different?

It seemed like I was overreacting to something that was taken for granted within the Marinette clan.

"Irene. I think it's better to do it in moderation."

The set quietly came closer and whispered.

As expected, Set's eyes couldn't be fooled. It seemed like he noticed that I was enjoying Maha's reaction.

I nodded regretfully.

"Okay, I'll stop."

"That's surprising. I really didn't know it would be that easy to handle."