I Don't Have One, but You Do

Duke paused. He knew that if he refused Sakura, the little girl would silently accept it—but she would most likely wait at the genkan until he returned.

Duke said nothing, and neither did Sakura. Looking at the pitiful little girl, Duke made his decision. He would have to trouble Old Man Matou to relinquish his Master's slot.

"I'm going to visit the Matou Family. Do you want to come too, Sakura?"

At the mention of the Matou name, Sakura visibly shuddered. That place had left her with an unforgettable shadow, second only to being abandoned by her parents.

Sakura was silent for a long time. She looked at Duke, then at the empty house. Her delicate brows drew together. "Sakura wants to go!"

"Then go change. The sea breeze is a little cold at night, so don't catch a chill."

Sakura nodded and ran back to the second floor. Five minutes later, she had changed clothes and wrapped herself up tightly, with a red scarf around her neck.

"Teacher, this is for you. It's a little cold outside." Sakura held out a large floral scarf with both hands.

Though Duke was not afraid of the cold, he still smiled and wrapped it around his neck. She was clearly just a child, yet she unexpectedly knew how to care for others. Unfortunately, that maturity had come from misfortune arriving too early.

Duke pushed open the door, and Sakura immediately followed, clutching his large hand as she silently enjoyed the warmth in his palm.

Under the lights, Sakura quickened her pace to walk beside Duke. Their shadows stretched long...

The Matou Family!

Due to the personal preferences of the family head, Matou Zouken, the Matou estate stood on high ground deep in the mountains. Gloomy woods concealed the mountain road, and