Yuan Shikai had no idea that a certain lady had already set out to find him.
Even if he had known, he would not have been too surprised. At most, he would have enjoyed a little ego boost. After all, Marie Antoinette really was a luscious woman, and he had given her some new experiences.
Right now, Yuan Shikai was standing outside Alice's mansion, having come at Aoko's invitation.
Some things needed to be cleared up early, and some fights needed to be fought before misunderstandings had time to develop.
There was no need to ring the bell. The door opened on its own.
Bright sunlight bathed the courtyard, where Alice sat alone, drinking black tea.
Yuan Shikai walked over and sat directly opposite her, in what should have been Aoko's seat.
But Alice immediately changed seats, settling beside Yuan Shikai and leaning against his shoulder.
Yuan Shikai said, "Where's Aoko? She asked me to come alone, and now she's nowhere to be found."
Alice said, "Your timing was unfortunate. She took Soujuurou Shizuki to see her grandfather. They probably won't be back until dinner, so we have the whole afternoon."
Alice nestled against Yuan Shikai, feeling utterly at ease.
Ever since she had nearly died in the jaws of stray dogs, Alice had been increasingly eager to grow up.
Perhaps the sun was too warm, perhaps the person beside her made her feel too safe, or perhaps she simply tended to get drowsy after afternoon tea. Whatever the reason, Alice actually fell asleep.
Yuan Shikai had no choice but to serve as a human backrest.
Being a backrest was one thing, but Alice was a restless sleeper. She gradually slid down until her head rested on his lap.
The afternoon was peaceful. Apart from Robin occasionally flying onto Yuan