Flora had grown somewhat reluctant to go home lately.
Her work was certainly demanding, but not so demanding that she needed to live in her office.
Yet lately, she always chose to work late, only heading over in the morning for the regular meeting.
Whenever she returned to that mansion, she felt empty.
Vanessa had gone to the Library and stayed there for days. There was no telling whether she would ever come back.
It made sense, when she thought about it. Vanessa must have won the Eldest Princess's favor. Being with the princess was better than hanging around this Society.
Allen was nowhere to be seen all day, and lately, he sometimes even missed the regular meetings.
Dorothea did come back, but-
Flora sighed. Dorothea now looked like a complete stranger. Though Flora knew the familiar soul was still inside, she still felt awkward.
Besides, Dorothea was always talking to herself, with little attention to spare for those around her.
Maeve was the only person in the whole household who could still give her a little familiarity and warmth.
Until one day, she opened Maeve's door and saw a huge monster covered in long hair.
Though Maeve had nervously sought her out to apologize, Flora still felt somewhat uncomfortable.
Partly because Maeve had startled her, and partly because Maeve had effortlessly caught the punch she had instinctively thrown.
Though she had not put her full strength into that punch, though it had been a reflexive attack, Flora still felt a little dejected.
She felt she was no longer the unique one in this household. Maeve might be weaker than her, but not by much.
She felt empty inside.
So Flora threw herself into her work, busy making preparations for the orphanage. Oh, they were not allowed to call it