The World in the Mirror and the Witch

"Sir?"

Seeing that Edwin seemed to be lost in thought, Lilia cautiously reminded him.

"It's nothing. I was just thinking about a few things.

By the way, how is everyone at the orphanage doing?"

Edwin came back to himself, a gentle smile appearing on his face.

That question was like a key, instantly opening Lilia's floodgates.

Her tense shoulders relaxed, light rekindled in her eyes, and her whole person came alive again.

"Mm, everyone's doing very well!"

She began talking animatedly, her voice full of excitement. "Not long before I left, the matron said that thanks to you, the orphanage had finally replaced all its lamps with electric lights!

Now we don't have to worry about getting soot all over our noses while reading at night.

And Luna—she's the most skillful with her hands. She's apprenticing at the biggest bakery in the west of the city now, and the owner really likes her!

Harry joined your factory. He wrote to me some time ago, saying that he took part in the strike march too, for the Factory Act you proposed!"

"And the New Year's gift you gave us last year, that radio!

Everyone liked it so much—"

By the end, seemingly realizing how carried away she had become, her voice gradually lowered. A bashful flush rose to her cheeks, and she lowered her head again.

"Is that so? I'm glad you liked it."

Edwin nodded thoughtfully.

The girl's emotional fluctuations were pure and genuine. From the joy she felt when mentioning her companions to the admiration and shyness she showed when speaking of him, there was not the slightest hint of pretense.

The details were quite complete as well—

"How is the work here? Have you gotten used to it?"

Edwin changed the subject, his voice growing gentler.

"Mm!"

Lilia