At Arthur's question, a smile that only an elder could wear appeared on Mrs. Susan's lips.
It was different from the kindness and concern in her gaze.
Instead, it held...
A hint of fond indulgence.
When Arthur noticed that smile, his toes began curling inside his boots.
Seriously? Seriously?
Another one?
Grandpa, just how many did you find?
Arthur was filled with helplessness and could not resist inwardly griping, though outwardly he maintained his manners-
"Merlin, take this lady to the Medium's Hall.
Gawain, pour this lady a cup of plain tea."
Arthur gave his instructions, then turned to the lady with an apologetic expression.
"Madam, I'm very sorry.
I've just returned from a gathering and need to freshen up.
Please give me a moment."
That was what Arthur said.
"It's all right. I'll wait for you."
Mrs. Susan smiled and nodded.
Then, while Merlin led Mrs. Susan to the Medium's Hall, Arthur entered the Washroom, washed up briefly, and changed into a clean, loose-fitting outfit.
When Arthur returned to his Medium's Hall, Mrs. Susan was standing there surveying its furnishings, nostalgia in her eyes.
No way.
Has this lady been here before?
Was Grandpa really that bold?
Arthur speculated inwardly.
As though sensing what Arthur was thinking, Mrs. Susan smiled and waved a hand.
"This is my first time here. It's just that the furnishings are much like what I saw when I first met Charlie-that was in the countryside around Swallow Castle.
My family and I were staying in Swallow Castle temporarily to escape the war.
When I arrived, your grandfather was renovating an abandoned hunter's cabin. After tearing down the original structure, he felled trees, charred the wood, and made support posts. He covered the roof with a waterproof canopy and laid a thick layer of moss