Assume the Worst

It was a school day today. Since that was nothing new, I went down to have breakfast like always. Normally, Jess was already there before me, but I didn't see her there today. At first, I didn't think too much of it, and from the fact Bryson didn't say anything, he didn't either.

But when it came time for school, one of the maids came up to me.

"Um, apologies, Lord Bryson. But do you know where Lady Jess happens to be?"

I tilted my head to the side.

"Er... no. I haven't seen her this morning."

The maid looked several times more distressed.

"Oh dear..."

She proceeded to rush off in a panic, attempting to find her. At this point, I realized that something was wrong. But still, considering I had just seen her yesterday, I doubted there was a big problem.

Though, eventually the carriage set off without her.

While the inside of the carriage was as silent as ever, the atmosphere still felt really different.

"...Do you know what happened?"