Kallen sat on the sofa in the living room of Eunice's House, with black tea and delicate pastries set before him. Eunice sat diagonally across from him, very close by.
She wore a long dress with a blue plum-blossom pattern that day, her hair falling naturally around her, displaying a natural, gentle beauty.
Thinking back to the long black dress she had worn at their first meeting, and then to the present, she had actually been consciously choosing what to wear to each meeting according to how close their relationship had become.
Her style was becoming increasingly natural and relaxed.
"You're dressed so formally today. After Mom saw you arrive, she went back to her room to change," Eunice said, covering her mouth as she laughed.
This was actually a question.
"Because today is the death anniversary of an elder of mine. I attended his memorial ceremony, then couldn't be bothered to go home and change, so I came straight here."
What Kallen meant was that coming over dressed so formally today was itself a casual choice.
Just then, Mrs. Jenny emerged. She had actually put on a formal gown.
"Kallen, we've booked the passage."
"Thank you for your trouble, ma'am." Kallen rose to thank her.
"You're welcome. It's only right. The family also knows you're coming to visit, so they've already begun preparing."
"Thank you and your family for your kindness. There is one thing, though. I may need a few more tickets, because I have a few friends I need to bring to Vien with me."
"No problem. There's enough room, because I booked the third floor of a passenger section. There are ten rooms in all, so there's plenty of space. Er... there is enough space, isn't there?"
"There is, ma'am. Two servants, a cat, and a