225 BLOOMING SADNESS AND A BOWL OF PORRIDGE

CLAY stared at Aurum, observing all the subtle expressions on her face.  They just finished eating breakfast and was now sitting inside the pavilion located at the back garden.  Black was playing at a distance, running after a small butterfly.  He looked quite stupid but adorable at the same time. 

When Clay arrived earlier, the Duchess welcomed him warmly.  As if he was a long lost relative or something.  It threw him off, really.  He just accounted it on the Duchess being a kind person.  Someone who didn't mind interacting with a commoner like him.

After he ate breakfast with Aurum, they decided to walk at the back garden of the manor to help their digestion.  Then they ended up here in this small pavilion. 

"If you want to ask something, then ask.  Don't just stare at my face, it's embarrassing," Aurum said, almost muttering the last part.