Chapter 3
Vivian glanced around the bookstore, her eyes scanning the space where only echoes responded to her calls. With a mix of curiosity and hesitation, she stepped further in and flung open the side door that connected to the inner shelves.
“Not there.”
Startled by the gruff voice, Vivian whipped her head around.
“Grandfather!”
Ren was just entering through the main door, carrying a cake adorned with the logo of the most famous bakery in Fover.
“Wow! Did you buy this for me?”
“Sit still and eat it properly.”
“Yay!”
As she unwrapped the package, Vivian’s favorite strawberry cake appeared. She sank into a chair, fork in hand, only to pause mid-reach with a startled, “Oops!” Ren, pretending not to notice her odd hesitation, tilted his head slightly, his expression betraying a subtle undercurrent of worry.
“Don’t like the cake?”
“…No, not at all.”
“Then what are you doing if you’re not eating it?”
Vivian, taken aback by Ren’s sudden scolding, lowered her gaze timidly. Her voice, hesitant and wavering, was muffled almost into a whisper.
“Mrs. Purin said we must never eat before the adults do!”
“And who told you that?”
“Mrs. Purin herself.”
“That strict woman doesn’t get to boss you around in front of me.”
Her tightly pressed lips loosened, then curved into a smile. Feeling reassured by Ren’s words, Vivian took a generous bite of the strawberry cake, smothered in white cream.
Ren watched the child, her mouth and lips smeared with cream, her eyes sparkling with delight. His lips twitched in amusement. Seeing her devour the cake with such gusto, he realized the bakery’s fame in the capital was well-deserved. The effort it took to obtain it now felt completely worthwhile.
Satisfied, Ren opened the newspaper and sat opposite Vivian. He skimmed the latest edition, letting his eyes absorb the day’s news.
“Honestly, I was dreading getting scolded by Mrs. Purin again today.”
“Pfft. What could that woman possibly do?”
Regardless of whether Ren was focused on the paper, Vivian chattered on, recounting the hardships she endured during her etiquette lessons. Ren would occasionally add genuine interjections, listening patiently. Lately, most of Vivian’s complaints revolved around the new etiquette teacher, Mrs. Purin. As always, all Ren had to do was listen quietly to her grumbling.
Taking another generous bite of cake, Vivian clutched her fork and said awkwardly,
“But it’s not like I dislike her. When I do well, she praises me and even… gently pats my head.”
Her complaints always ended in a clumsy attempt to soften the criticism.
“You understand what I mean, right?”
When she gazed at him with her wide, rabbit-like eyes, Ren cleared his throat and shifted his gaze to the vast Tanik Sea outside. Vivian returned to her cake, while Ren finished reading the newspaper.
The squeaking of the old chair accompanied the gentle swaying of Vivian’s feet, filling the quiet bookstore with a calm rhythm.
“Looks like Fover will have visitors soon.”
“Visitors?”
Ren’s eyes caught a bold headline in the newspaper.
A special edition had been released today, reporting that the young Viscount of Lockeberg and the Duchess’s mother, Catherine Anite, would be visiting Fover for recuperation, following the recent loss of her daughter. Their destination was the summer villa of the Lockebergs, situated here in Fover.
Beautiful Fover—a peaceful, prosperous countryside town. And the newcomer arriving in this serene town was none other than the Viscount of Lockeberg, owner of the summer villa.
The most stunning location in Fover wasn’t the Tanik Sea, nor the mansion of Viscount Mabel, the lord of Fover, but the Lockeberg summer villa perched atop the cliff overlooking the Tanik Sea. At the news of its illustrious owner’s imminent arrival, the townspeople buzzed with excitement.
Hopefully, everything will pass quietly.
“Vivian, it’s time to go.”
“Already?”
“The Tanik Sea is turning golden.”
The evening sun cast its final glow across Fover. The transparent waters of the Tanik Sea reflected the fading light, bathing the town in serene warmth. The twilight carried the bittersweet meaning of a fleeting farewell.
“I’ll get scolded by Betty again when I get back.”
“Ugh!”
“She’ll be anxious because you disappeared without a word. Make sure you return safely.”
“Yes! I’ll come again, Grandpa Ren!”
Vivian’s slow steps were tinged with regret. She waved cheerfully, leaving behind the familiar scent of the old bookstore. Ren’s gaze lingered on her golden hair as it glimmered under the setting sun, receding up the hill.
Beloved young lady of the peaceful village, the spirited Vivian.
Once satisfied that she had disappeared from view, Ren turned his back on the hill and stepped into the bookstore.
* * *
“Miss!”
“Betty!”
Betty stomped angrily through the hallway. Spotting Vivian slipping quietly into the mansion around sunset, Betty’s face flushed crimson. Dirt-streaked shoes confirmed she had definitely been outside.
“Every exit was blocked…!”
“Sorry, Betty.”
“Mrs. Purin went back before sunset. She did leave a note saying she’d return tomorrow, though.”
“What?”
“Exactly! Who told you to run away? She’ll be back first thing in the morning.”
Huffing in disdain, Betty turned arrogantly. Vivian dashed forward, grabbing Betty’s skirt, her face full of despair. It was truly a hopeless situation.
“Complaining won’t help. Why do you dislike etiquette lessons so much, Vivian? You follow other classes perfectly fine.”
“Vivian!”
At that moment, a thunderous voice made Vivian flinch, her shoulders trembling. Her face froze in panic. Seeing Betty’s triumphant look, as if finding an ally, Vivian slowly released her grip and turned her head.
This was serious. Truly serious.
It was time to take responsibility for the commotion she had caused.
Vivian squeezed her eyes shut. Her mother, face flushed with anger, was now rushing toward her. Peeking cautiously, Vivian ducked behind Betty.
“You—”
“I warned you, if you went out again, two days wouldn’t be enough!”
“……”
“And skipping lessons for your own amusement? We must correct this properly!”
Terrified by the strict words, Vivian shook Betty frantically for help. Betty, sensing the signal, sighed and blinked knowingly.
“Milady, perhaps it’s better to clean her up first before scolding her…?”
The Viscountess’s gaze fell on Vivian’s dirt-stained dress. Placing her hand on her forehead, she sighed softly and gave a slight nod, signaling to let it go.
Vivian, smiling wryly, pretended to whistle as she watched her mother return to the bedroom. Betty moved quickly to clean the soiled young lady.
“Miss, the bathwater is ready.”
“Okay!”
Vivian dipped her hands into the water, letting the gentle ripples soothe her. Waves of fatigue she hadn’t noticed swept over her under Betty’s careful touch.
“So, where did you go today?”
“Grandpa Ren’s bookstore! And I had the most delicious cake!”
“Ah, the bakery from the capital that recently opened in Fover.”
“I wish you could’ve eaten it too, Betty.”
“I’ll prepare some snacks next time.”
The soft towel rubbed Vivian’s plump cheeks. The touch was rough enough to make her wince and grab Betty’s arm. Her wet hair swayed below her waist.
“But, Betty.”
“Yes?”
“Grandpa Ren said visitors are coming to Fover soon…”
“Ah.”
“Do you know who?”
