Not only on the calendar but even outside, the weather had completely turned to summer for Riana.

The hallway in the South Wing, where the air conditioning had started working, wasn’t just cool because it didn’t face any windows—it was actually chilly enough now, as the sun began to set, that wearing short sleeves might feel cold.

Thanks to that, the loungewear I had made the other day was proving to be very useful.

Since I had taken measurements, maybe I should make a few more for rotation.

“…Hmph.”

“Did something happen?”

Seriana stopped and turned around when she heard my murmur.

“Nah, it’s nothing.”

“I see.”

Saying that, she faced forward and started walking again.

We had just finished work in Liesel’s office earlier, and the servants moved along with us, but when we entered the South Wing, they fell back. Now, walking down the hallway with Seriana were Elena, Teresa, and Fiora, who had joined us along the way.

By the way, Fiora, who helped make this outfit, was in normal clothes today.

So, no matching outfits!

By the way…

“Is work over for today?”

Usually, Seriana keeps busy with little tasks even after returning to her room.

Sometimes she doesn’t really take a break until after dinner.

But today, with Fiora joining us, it feels like work is already done.

Although the rainy season’s work was cleared, there should still be a lot to do for the upcoming anniversary festival held at the beginning of February, but I wonder if it’s really okay?

“Yes.”

Seriana answered my question with a single word.

“Hmmmmm…”

Usually, she would add at least one more sentence… Is she in a bad mood?

While tilting my head, Elena, walking beside me, added to Seriana’s words.

“We’re all going to have a somewhat important talk today, including you.”

“…Oh?”

An important talk with this group…?

Did something happen?

◇

“This way.”

“Oh?”

We arrived at Seriana’s room, and I headed to the reception area to talk, but apparently, today we were going to talk in the bedroom instead.

Probably to avoid other ears overhearing, but since Seriana has a blessing, and the other three surely would notice if someone was near the room… It must be something really important.

I wondered what on earth they were going to talk about as I tilted my head and followed everyone into the bedroom.

Inside, Seriana sat on the bed, and the other three sat on the sofa placed beside the bed.

I thought maybe I’d just hover around, but Seriana tapped next to her.

Should I sit there?

“Very well. Then let’s begin… though you’re the only one who doesn’t know.”

When I sat beside her, Seriana nodded with satisfaction and began speaking.

“Huh?”

I’m the only one who doesn’t know…?

I quickly glanced at everyone else’s faces, and they had a sort of wry smile.

It didn’t feel like a celebration, but it also didn’t seem too serious.

Thinking I could relax, I was a little naive.

“There will be a war.”

“Whoa… war… war!?”

I almost tried to let those words slip past me like they were nothing, but once the word echoed in my head, I immediately understood—and nearly shouted out.

But then, Seriana grabbed my mouth tightly and covered it.

Did she have me sit beside her just for this?

“There’s no one else around, but be careful anyway. Understood?”

She looked me in the eyes and said slowly, as if trying to make me understand.

I slapped the hand covering my mouth a few times to say okay.

Confirming that, Seriana finally released her grip.

She held on pretty tight, though… I hope there’s no mark left.

“Phew… that was a surprise… You mean that war?”

Taking a deep breath to calm down, I decided to ask again what she meant by that word.

I don’t know if “war” has another meaning, but it’s definitely not something a duchess would say lightly.

“I don’t know which war you mean, but it’s a war between countries. It’s not a big deal.”

“…Not a big deal? Why are you so calm about it?”

“That’s why I’m saying it’s not a big deal…?”

“Madam, please allow me to explain.”

Maybe our information or basic assumptions were different, because the conversation wasn’t quite matching up… Teresa stepped in.

“Alright. I’ll take care of it.”

Seriana said that and moved the hand that had been on my cheek to my shoulder.

I’m not running away, you know?

Anyway, I was glad Teresa was taking the lead in explaining.

She would be able to explain it in a way I could understand.

Seriana though…

This woman sometimes only says what she wants to say and expects the listener to just understand.

That was exactly what happened just now.

She doesn’t seem aware of it.

Until now, the people closest to her were Elena and Alec, so maybe they got it because their knowledge was fundamentally different from mine, but still.

“What?”

Did she notice I was looking at her sideways and gave me a suspicious look?

“Nothing at all.”

Really… what a pain.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Sera ・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind Garment】・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】【Red Sword】【Monkey’s Arm】・8 cards

Seriana ・【Area Identification】・【】・40 cards

Elena ・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec ・【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・10 cards