The Return Home (III)

"This is… interesting," commented Sorin as they walked towards another table.

"I'm trying to give Lady Pia a few beautiful hobbies that don't involve weapons."

Cecily placed a white, pink tipped rose in the arrangement and Sorin smirked understanding the meaning behind the words.

"I don't know, seems as if garden shears have multiple uses."

"Lord Sorin," she jokingly warned.

He realised that she had to have a spent quite a bit of time in the castle to be able to help with such an undertaking of the mini garden and then the lessons, but he didn't think much of it.

Her father was an official after all and Madam Volk was very social to put it lightly. She was also one of the few people he remembered very well during their childhood years just due to her kindness towards him even though he was considered a bit of a troublemaker.

"Don't let Pia take up too much of your time, I know how convincing she is."

As he spoke, his gaze went to the confused Altair who was hunching while looking closely at a flower as his sister said something. It was almost laughable seeing the burly young man completely at the mercy of such a small person.

"Oh, don't worry. I've quite enjoyed it."

"If you spend all your time here, which noble lord will find you for a proposal?"

"There's more than enough time for that. Besides, what about you, always holed up in Yuva? Shouldn't you be married already?" asked Cecily with a slight laugh as she continued arranging.

"How could a lady possibly compare herself to me? All I know is blood and dirt and I wasn't much better when we were younger. I'll thank you on behalf of Pia then."

"The pleasure is all mine really."

"Well, I won't keep you too long. If you would excuse me," he said before walking in Pia's direction.

Before his sisters were married away, there were always a few girls around as companions to them who were daughters of nobles or officials. Cecily was part of the group that spent a lot of time in the estate before hence knew some of the ups and downs of the duke's sons.

From the always busy firebrand who dared to run around hunting at a young age to the taciturn and steady man he had become, Cecily accepted all of it.

She knew her responsibilities as young woman of an official's family and that her parents would never pick a bad marriage for her if it came to it, but she had unconsciously developed a genuine soft spot for Sorin.

Thinking about it made her smile a little. Having seen her parents' marriage, her requirements were very simple. He didn't need to worry about her wanting special attention since she knew the demands of his job and status would likely increase in future.

This was also something she had been taught from a young age, being clingy to one's spouse for no reason was obviously improper. It was important to be restrained and respectful to the head of the household but never fall behind on housekeeping duties.

Considering all that, her parents got along just fine and were content with their lives.

She could hardly imagine Sorin being a romantic and indulgent husband with excessive affection, but he was at least thoughtful, honest, and hardworking.

Being from an active military family, he didn't have the refined air of a young master or gentle air of a scholar like most of the men in her family, but he was still a reliable man.

He was also a noble who didn't have the reputation of messing around, spending money on unsavoury dealings or keeping playthings outside. That was more than enough to make a decent husband.

Not knowing how many people already had his marriage in mind, Sorin and Altair left the lunch, not even an hour after that. At least seeing Pia had lightened his mood but he was truly exhausted and let his guard down long enough to take a nap when they came back.

Nanny Mei knew that they had to be drained, and she couldn't blame them. The past few months were too eventful.

By the time Sorin woke up, the sun was beginning to set. He had already promised to have a talk with Nanny Mei when he freshened up and prepared to see her. Altair was busy brushing a robe for Sorin to wear out later when he heard footsteps heading to the main door.

Had someone come to see Sorin?

Nanny was most likely still preparing the supper and would've waited for Sorin instead of sending a servant to tell him that it was ready, so it had to be one of the other servants and not those under her.

It was rare for them to request for Sorin especially after sunset. It seemed the person waited for a while before there was a knock.

"Oh, it's you," said Altair with some confusion after answering the door.

The young woman made a face at his reaction but chose not to comment further about it.

"My Lady wanted to know if there was anything particular that the young Master wanted to eat tonight."

Altair couldn't understand why they persisted with the same routine when Sorin clearly wasn't interested.

"The young Master is already having a meal with Nanny Mei and we're going out after that."

"Going out?"

The words had slipped out before she could control herself. A servant had no place asking their master about his whereabouts, but Altair was more amused than anything.

"What? Does your Lady want to go to a courtesy inn as well? We can gladly take you along for the fun," said Altair with a roguish smile while leaning on the door frame.

The girl made a look of disgust and walked off thinking who wanted to go with them to that type of improper place? Altair shrugged and closed the door. Their loss.

When asked by Sorin who it was he insisted that it was nothing important and he already taken care of it.

Sanya was annoyed as she sat down to eat.

"I don't understand why the young Master would rather spend money," said the attendant.

Even if people were married, it wasn't unusual for them to visit courtesan houses or courtesy inns as they were called, even brothels had their fair share of these visitors.

Besides the beautiful hosts and hostesses there were all sorts of live performances as well making them popular places just for people to get out of the house and even take others when there was private business to discuss.

Since Sorin was unmarried, it was nothing to occasionally visit a high-class place like the Red Silk Inn. Most people would have thought there was something wrong with him if he didn't.

"I doubt that courtesan he always sees even takes those types of clients. He must have a male health problem or something," mumbled Sanya.

She was convinced that there couldn't be a healthy young man who would leave willing women in his yard and go out and pay just to be served food and drinks. How could just looking be enough?

In another courtyard, the table was set, and all Sorin's favourite foods were still piping hot. Clearly Nanny had been busy while he was sleeping.

"Outstanding as always," he insisted.

"Stop making fun of this old lady and take a seat."

They obediently sat down and started digging in. She occasionally looked up at them and wondered.

"Are you waiting until I turn into a ghost?" she asked before having another bite.

"I can't even let you stew just a little bit," said Sorin as he put down his cutlery.

Though he had already heard the plan, Altair also put down his utensils.