Nainiae received the mirror. She looked like an animal going to a slaughter house. With her shoulders shriveled completely, she looked beyond the mirror.
- Nainiae.
“Yes, Ms. Sera.”
To be respectful, Nainiae took a step away from Riley and responded quietly.
- Aren’t you supposed to do your job right?
As expected, the scolding started. Nainiae, on brink of tears, bit her lips.
- Even if Young Master Riley forgot, still…
“…”
It seemed that Sera figured out Nainiae also forgot about contacting the mansion.
It seemed Riley was feeling uncomfortable hearing what Sera was saying. It was stabbing him in his conscious. Riley flinched big.
- Nainiae, you should have kept your mind sharp and contacted us!
“… I’m sorry.”
- Seriously… Young Master Riley went there for vacation. It’s not like you went there on vacation, right?
Nainiae turned the body so the pile of books that she read didn’t come into Sera’s view. Having heard Sera’s scolding that was piercing through her chest, Nainiae repeatedly said ‘I’m sorry.” She lowered her head toward the mirror.
“…”
- Nainiae! Are you listening?
“I… I’m sorry.”
In light of Sera’s scolding, Nainiae was ashamed, and she couldn’t say anything. Nainiae lowered her head. Someone’s voice, an old man in his dying breath, could be heard.
- I… I’m disappointed, Nainiae… When you return… be prepared… Kurrrk?! My backkkkkk!
- Ugh, Mr. Ian! Please be still and lie down!
- K… Kuuuk… Why should I get scolded…
Not just Nainiae, but Ian beyond the mirror was getting scolded. Riley, who was sitting in a sofa and listening in on the conversation, peeked a smile.
- Anyway, Nainiae, stay sharp, all right?
It looked like Sera was not done. She was pouring advice like a waterfall. Nainiae kept on lowering her head toward the hand mirror.
“Yes, yes… I’m ashamed. I’ll reflect on this.”
They lost track on the number of times Nainiae responded to this.
Sera’s voice was relatively calm now.
- So, did you go see the waterfall pathway? How about the firework?
After scolding, Nainiae was asked about the pretty things to see in Rainfield.
“…”
- Nainiae?
Nainiae took a moment of pause and responded with a satisfied smile.
“Yes, I saw them.”
- How were they?
“To put it in a word…”
Nainiae was certain.
That day, the scene that she saw from the top of the clock tower, the waterfall pathway firework was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen in her eighteen years of life.
* * *
After saying that they will be returning to Solia soon, Nainiae disconnected the gate magic. Exhausted, Nainiae leaned on the wall and sighed.
“Is it over?”
“Yes.”
Looking at exhausted Nainiae, Riley peeked a smile. He showed the empty cup and tapped on his wrist.
“In that case, get me a refill.”
“Ah, I’ll right away.”
Nainiae quickly came next to Riley and used magic and warmed up the tea pot. Nainiae told Riley what Sera said at the very end.
“Young Master, Ms. Sera said… Solia Temple was looking for you.”
Nainiae brought heated up tea pot, and Riley leaned his tea cup as he tilted his head side to side.
.bg-ssp-10081{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} “From the temple?”
“Yes.”
Nainiae carefully poured the tea to Riley’s cup. Nainiae continued as if there was more.