Shannon immediately understood what mistake he meant, but perhaps precisely because she knew, she felt embarrassed and lowered her head again.
"Hadn't we agreed that when it's just the two of us, you won't call me 'young master'?"
"I can't take an agreement seriously, but if it's an order, then I have no choice but to obey, because... I'm furniture."
"Then take it as an order."
"Yes, understood, George."
Shannon lowered her blushing face and called George by a different name.
"Mm, that's better, Shayo."
George smiled, praising Shannon—no, praising Shayo for that small bit of courage.
For some time afterward, the two talked freely about all the little things they had built during their secret relationship, paying no heed to the raging wind and rain. Though flashes of lightning occasionally seemed to try to throw cold water on them, they still could not tarnish this moment so sweet that even roses might have blushed.
"Oh, right. There's something I want to show you."
"Wh-what is it?"
George, who had been so talkative, suddenly became hesitant, and Shannon guessed what it was.
George timidly fumbled through his pockets. What he was looking for got caught on the edge, and when he finally managed to pull it out, he was as awkward as he had been while speaking.
It was a small box covered in dark blue velvet. Just seeing its distinctive appearance was enough for her to imagine what it contained.
Shannon thought there could be no mistake and mentally prepared herself. Yet when she faced the object directly, she still could not stop her cheeks from flushing.
George opened the box, took out the item inside, and held it out to Shannon for her to accept.
"I want you to have it."
"Something so precious, I... I... I can't