In the Collins Manor...
Piping hot food was served to the table one by one. The color, aroma, and taste made it all look incredibly delicious. It was a sumptuous meal.
As Madam Collins watched eagerly, Lucille picked up her cutlery and tasted the food. Then, she put on a smile and said, "It's delicious."
Old Madame grinned widely. "That's good. You must be tired from climbing the mountain today. Eat more, Lucille. Make yourself at home."
"Thank you, Grandma."
Lucille lowered her gaze and started eating seriously.
Ever since she left St. Mary Mountain, she had been very calm. Unusually calm, in fact. She was like a puppet that had the soul sucked out of it. Her mind was completely empty and no one knew what she was thinking.
Joseph observed all of Lucille's emotions. He lowered his long eyelashes and fiddled with the exquisite and delicate teacup in front of him. Then, in a moment of what seemed like carelessness, he lost his grip on the cup.
There was a crack.