I Will Hold Your Hand Gently

Chapter 37: I Wasn't Excepting This

The morning light spilled softly through the tall windows of the Sigma House, casting a warm glow across the polished floors. Outside, a chorus of birds heralded the dawn, their cheerful songs weaving through the fragrant blooms that swayed gently in the cool, refreshing breeze. The garden was alive with color, a vivid display of blossoms nodding in time with the wind's caress.

Inside the estate, the staff had already begun their daily routines. The rhythmic sound of mops against the marble floors echoed through the hallways as maids dusted the intricately carved furniture. In the kitchens, the rich aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the savory scent of herbs being chopped for the day's meals. Outside, the groundskeepers tended to the sprawling gardens. 

Hunter followed closely behind Jerold, who moved slowly, mindful of Hunter's injuries. Before heading towards the studies, Jerold told Hunter they could wait a few more days for him to recover. Hunter assured Jerold that he was alright, but they both knew that was far from the truth. Injuries received from Dragon aren't to be taken lightly. Recovery typically spanned at least three months for a normal person, and even the most resilient could only hope for a month of healing under the best circumstances. Yet, for Espers like Hunter, the path to recovery could be accelerated with guidance from their Guides.

They arrive at the door of the studies. He couldn't help but wonder what she would look like, how she would carry herself. Was she as vile as her family or worse, were the thoughts that ran through his head? A small, quiet anger began to simmer within him, and he steeled himself for the encounter. He had no grand expectations but he knew that if she proved to be difficult, he would not hesitate to confront her with equal fervor.

Jerold raised his hand and knocked firmly on the door, announcing their presence with a steady voice. A moment of silence followed, thick with tension, before a voice responded from within clear and unmistakably familiar to Hunter giving them permission to enter. He thought that maybe he had heard it wrong. The woman in the study could just be someone else who sounds the same due to the door muffling her voice. Jerold opens the door and walks into the study room. Hunter hesitated to take a step in. If, just if he was wrong, then that's that. But, if it was who he thought it was, how was he going to take this? How was he going to react to this?

With a deep breath, Hunter stepped into the study, and time seemed to freeze around him. His heart raced as his gaze fell upon her. There she was, the Guide who had saved his life and his sister's, sitting gracefully at a grand wooden desk strewn with documents. Her long hair cascaded around her shoulders like the fresh green leaves of spring, vibrant and full of life, while her eyes sparkled with a captivating blue that mirrored the vast sea under a clear sky. Dressed in elegant noble attire, she radiated an air of authority tempered with warmth, a striking figure that commanded the room.

She placed the quill down with a delicate flourish and looked up, her expression shifting to one of recognition. A smile blossomed on her lips as she greeted Jerold. 

"What brings you to my study today?" she inquired, her voice melodious yet tinged with curiosity, "It's rare of you to visit me."

Jerold returned her smile, a glimmer of sheepishness in his eyes.

"I must ask for your understanding and forgiveness, Duchess. I've been swamped with work lately," he replied, his tone light yet respectful. 

Her gentle chuckle filled the room, but she quickly shifted back to the purpose of his visit, her demeanor becoming more focused. Jerold took a step back, his posture shifting as he gestured toward Hunter.

"I've come to introduce this young man to you, Duchess," Jerold announced, "This is Hunter Agnes, and he will be your personal bodyguard from this day forth.