Holding the Holy Scripture, Kraft found Kup and Yvonne waiting beneath a trellis of roses as he left.
The young woman he had seen earlier was there, too, telling the two of them—mostly Yvonne—about the beauty of this red-centered, pink-petaled variety and how to grow it. She even tried to pick a flower and offer it to the little girl.
Noticing someone approach, she reluctantly withdrew her hand. Her fitted, goose-yellow, layered gown swirled like an oversized bell-shaped flower as she turned lightly around.
"Welcome to Dunling, professors from Rivers University. The Sigo Family sends you its regards. It was rude of me not to greet you sooner, but this child is just so adorable. Is she—" Her turquoise eyes moved between the three people before her, and a jewel-like confusion visibly gleamed in them.
"—one of your daughters?"
If Kraft had to rate the family's greeting, he would give it nine points. The other ninety-one were deducted for that question.
"She's my student. It isn't polite to make assumptions about other people's relationships, Miss Sigo." One seemingly quiet and sensible student with an unusual way of thinking was already enough trouble. If she were his junior relative—or even a direct descendant—just imagining the situation would take years off his heart and brain's expected lifespan. "May I ask who you are?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Frances Galat Sigo." That made two apologies in the short time since they had met, but Frances didn't look sorry in the least. She even reached out to ruffle the girl's lovely chestnut hair, only for Yvonne to deftly dodge her.
"I've met some professors' students, but this is the first time I've seen one so young. This little scholar must be exceptionally talented."
"May I know your name, then,