A Guest

The next morning, they all returned to the main residence of the estate. As their horses and carriage stopped in front of the mansion's gate, they noticed they had a guest waiting.

"Who could it be?" Arthur wondered aloud.

"I know," Rowan replied with a sly smile.

They all made their way inside, only to find Aaron speaking with the butler.

"…I will send a message to the Lord—" the butler was saying, but Nathaniel interrupted him.

"No need. We're already here!" he said, striding toward his best friend with long steps and embracing him. "Finally, you decided to visit me!"

Aaron hugged him back, and as they released each other, he explained, "That too, but I received a message saying that Rina was sick, so I hurried back from…" His words trailed off as his gaze landed on the young lady walking beside Lucian.

"Sick? I'm not sick," Rina said, blinking in confusion.