In the castle study, a gentle fire burned, casting a red glow over one corner of the stone walls.
Outside the window, the streets had been cleared of snow. The residents were shoveling and making repairs in an orderly fashion.
Thanks to thorough preparations, this winter had been exceptionally peaceful, with almost no major incidents.
Louis finished the last report at the long table and let out a deep breath.
During winter, he usually stayed in his study to work instead of going out on inspection tours.
It was not just because he was lazy. He also knew the foundations he had laid were strong enough to support a peaceful winter.
Just then, the door was gently pushed open.
Sif walked in wearing a thick woolen cloak, her eyes smiling. "Would you like to visit the greenhouse? We... have cultivated something very different."
Her smile was mysterious, and she could not quite hide the mischief in her voice.
Louis paused, already harboring a few suspicions.
Still, he pretended not to understand and gently closed his book, though he could not suppress the smile tugging at his lips. "All right. I've finished my work anyway. I could use a break."
A faint fragrance of mint and earth filled the greenhouse, and warmth washed over them.
Emily had personally remodeled this conservatory for growing flowers indoors. Flowers and shrubs stood in varied arrangements, and vines climbed along the framework. It was her own little world.
Emily stood before a flower stand, holding a small bundle wrapped in soft cloth. She looked unusually nervous, her lips pressed lightly together, as though she were waiting for a particular "correct reaction."
Louis kept up his clueless act the moment he entered. "What is it? Have you really developed some new variety of flower?"
Sif