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There are only a few people who show consistent interest in the Count’s garden.

It’s a place where only a handful of gardeners and servants come and go. The Count doesn’t pay much attention to the garden’s upkeep, so it flourishes with just a meager budget and the gardener’s dedication to his job.

Thus, the garden has no means to endure the biting cold that makes winter so harsh, leaving it rather desolate during this season.

Instead of purchasing expensive artifacts to ensure flowers bloom year-round, paying the salaries and equipment costs of several knights becomes a far more worthwhile investment.

Inevitably, the once vibrant spot in the Count’s estate is now empty, leaving behind a stark and barren landscape.

And for Shione, who is quite fond of flowers, the sight of such an empty garden must have been particularly disheartening.

Perhaps it’s because she hasn’t seen flowers all winter.

The excitement of being able to see flowers after such a long time filled Shione with immense joy.

“Hmm~”

Beginning with a fake cough, she started humming a cheerful tune. The unusually bright atmosphere revealed how much she had been looking forward to this day.

“The plum trees are really a rare sight!”

“Indeed, there are no plum trees in the Count’s estate.”

Shione nodded lightly.

“I haven’t seen plum blossoms since I held my sister’s hand on a spring day long ago. After that, I only ever saw them in books.”

A small smile appeared on Shione’s face as she became lost in the memories. Her gaze drifted to a thick book resting on the table. It was a dictionary filled with illustrations and descriptions of various flowers.

A well-thumbed book. The item that had helped her cultivate her love for flowers while she secluded herself in her room.

Shione slowly picked up the book and skillfully flipped through the pages. Since she had read it several times before, she effortlessly opened the page that contained the content she desired.

As she gazed at the plum blossoms illustrated in the book, she whispered.

“…Real plum blossoms.”

With a soft giggle, Shione closed the book without hesitation and placed it back on the shelf.

“If it weren’t for you, I would probably be buried in winter, staring blankly at a book claiming it was spring while dreaming of plum blossoms.”

I fell silent at her self-deprecating words.

“Everything has changed because you’ve been by my side. Whether it’s seeing magnolias again or being able to talk with my admired sister like we used to.”

Shione slowly approached me.

“So—”

One step. Two steps. The distance between us gradually diminished.

“I, Shione Shianella, will repay this favor for the rest of my life—”

With an alluring smile, she suddenly placed her hand on my collar and boldly pulled me along.

‘…….’

As if a switch flipped, a subtly dark thought flickered in her eyes.

Before I had a chance to say anything, she suddenly tried to kiss me.

Knock, knock.

“Shione, are you ready?”

“…Hik!”

Siabel knocked at the door at the most exquisite timing.

“Huh, sister? Huh…! Hik…!”

Shione, caught off guard by Siabel’s unexpected appearance, started hiccuping with a rosy blush.

“Well…”

Thanks to Shione gripping my collar with her full might, my clothing was rather disheveled.

With Shione’s face flushed and my collar crumpled, anyone would think we had been fighting in that room.

I casually patted Shione’s head, creating some distance and tidying my clothes.

Shione stood there dazed, trying to cool her flushed face and calm her hiccups.

It was only natural for me to greet Siabel.

“Oh, Ray. Is Shione ready to go too?”

“Yes. Everything is prepared for us to leave at once.”

Shione was wearing a neatly arranged and beautiful outfit for the outing. Unlike last time when she didn’t want to burden the locals because of her, she had even laid a hooded robe on her bed.

Even though I would be accompanying her as her attendant and guard, with Siabel around, who wouldn’t get easily injured even while blending magic with swordplay, I thought there was no need to worry, so I tied my sword around my waist for show and finished my preparations for the outing.

“Well then, it seems everyone is ready, so let’s head out.”

As Siabel inspected the room, she finally noticed Shione’s condition.

“Hik! Ugh… hik! Ugh…!”

Though she tried to hold her mouth shut, hiccups escaped Shione as she struggled to regain her composure.

Siabel chuckled at the sight of her sister.

“Ray, why is Shione acting like that?”

“That would be…”

I pointed at the plate on the table that only had cookie crumbs left.

“It seems she had a bit of a problem while hastily eating her cookies.”

“Oh—”

Siabel nodded at my words, quickly grasping the situation.

*

The biting wind from the north melted the snow covering the ground, leaving a warm breeze behind in the retainer’s quarters.

Life was awakening, heralding the season of new beginnings.

Spring had come to the territory, slowly bringing back the vibrancy of old.

Though the aftermath of the war weighed heavily on people’s hearts, they still managed to carry out their duties to survive. Merchants showcased their goods and called in customers. Mercenaries and laborers sought out proper contracts to make a living.

For Shione, simply walking down this peaceful street with those she loved was enough to bring her happiness.

Walking side by side with her beloved sister and chatting was delightful. At times, Ray stood silently beside her or just behind her, guarding her. The very situation brought with it a sense of excitement and joy.

‘I definitely did this once before….’

She had once strolled with her sister, sharing quiet conversations while touring around the territory.

Back then, she remembered they had sampled every street food together, laughing and chatting along the way.

Now, time had flowed, and the once little girl’s body had grown significantly. Yet…

Unlike her mature body, Shione’s mind had stopped moving until meeting Ray, continuously recalling and replaying those same days in that same place, at that same time.

One of the girl’s wishes was undoubtedly to spend wholesome times with her sister or younger brother, akin to those days which had been among the happiest in her life — when adventure intoxicated them as they roamed the streets.

‘It seemed like an impossible dream.’

Ultimately, it had come true. An overwhelming happiness enveloped her mind.

For a while, she was pampered by her sister’s strokes or playfully teased by Ray while exploring the town. They entered a restaurant Siabel had recommended and filled their tummies before heading off to see—

“Shione, let’s go admire the plum blossoms now.”

“Plum blossoms…!”

At last, they were going to see the long-anticipated plum blossoms.

Although the distance was quite far, Shione showed no signs of fatigue as her steps quickened until they finally reached the sight of plum blossoms.

The path was neither smooth nor even; it had its rough patches and was dotted with colorful stones. Along this lengthy road stood the plum trees. Their branches were filled to the brim with blooming flowers that sparkled brightly.

It was beautiful. Certainly, if she missed the timing to see this view, she would regret it.

Perhaps that was why the rugged road was bustling with people. Shione naturally found herself stepping closer to the dependable Ray.

Siabel remained a little distance away, arms crossed, admiring the blossoms.

Confirming her sister’s presence, Shione glanced over at Ray.

‘…The language of the plum blossom.’

Nobility, faithfulness, endurance, and purity.

Who could fit the plum blossom better than him?

For her, Ray was someone who was infinitely close to the plum blossom.

To her, the plum blossom was not just a flower. It was the most cherished memory and her pure feelings that had blossomed since last spring.

That’s why Shione moved a step closer to Ray.

She firmly believed today would be one of the most satisfying days she had experienced in a while.

“Princess Shione?”

“Shh….”

She quietly clasped Ray’s hand while stealthily avoiding Siabel’s gaze.

*

After admiring the plum blossoms, we decided to head to the largest church of the Count’s estate.

There was no particular reason. It was merely the destination settled upon by Siabel’s suggestion to see Sion Shianella’s face before returning to the Count’s estate.

We reached the front of the church slowly, taking breaks as needed.

“Uh…?”

Shione let out a small voice.

Following her gaze, we spotted someone who certainly shouldn’t have been here standing in front of the church.

“It’s been a while, Young Lady. And…”

Long ears, teal-colored eyes, and sun-kissed golden hair.

“The Spirit Mage from Shianella.”

Standing before us was Friel Arielte, the elf who should have been deep within the Great Forest along the eastern border of the kingdom, smiling at us.

 

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