â⦠Itâs nothing, my dear. Itâs just Iâm sorry to you,â
said Owen, his shoulders dropping helplessly.
Damia thought her fatherâs attitude was strange, but she could not ask why because Owen spoke first.
âBefore sending out Cesare, I should consult Noela in advance. Sheâll be upset, but thereâs nothing that can be done. Cesare was on the wrong side.â
It meant that they should have a so-called âparent conversation time.â Where the couple alone talked in a place where neither Cesare nor Damia existed.
âYes, father. Have a good conversation.â
Damia, who understood Owenâs meaning and stood up from her chair. She called in the maids to get groomed. She thought to leave the mansion completely:
âI should hand over the handkerchiefs in the morning.â
Damia carefully packed the beautifully wrapped gifts. She went to see Lessid first.
In fact, the easiest and simplest way was to visit Count Ferria but if she did it could have raised suspicions of the temple instead. It was the reason she had met Lessid in the deserted plains for their last meeting when she received the antidote.
So Damia headed to a tea party where Lessid would be attending. And as expected, she ran into Lessid, while he was walking through the garden.
âLady Damia ·····?â
Lessid, who found her, looked surprised.
Damia smiled at his face, which looked like a fairy of the vegetation. She discreetly nodded, conscious of their surroundings.
âCould you spare me a moment? Priest Lessid.â
Indeed, Lessid was delighted to receive the gift in return and seemed quite happy. A precious perfume Damiaâs father brought from another country was to his liking. In addition, there was no better news that the medicine he made saved her father.
âIâm so glad that the treatment worked well. But you donât need to do thisâ¦â¦â¦. but since you gave it to me, Iâll be grateful.â
It was a signal that Lessid was about to leave after he accepted the gift. As she lowered her eyes shyly, Damia held out something else.
âUh, and thisâ¦..â
âWhat isâ¦?â
Lessidâs eyes held a strange look as he took the soft fabric and unfolded it. Then, with a subtle scent of perfume, a delicately embroidered handkerchief appeared.
Lessidâs eyes grew bigger when he saw the patterns of the lily, symbols of his house, Count Ferria, and a handkerchief with his name engraved meticulously.
âThisâcouldnât beâ¦.â
âYes, it is lacking, but I made it myself. Could you please accept it?â
At Damiaâs words, Lessid seemed to harden. With the handkerchief spread out in both hands, Lessid mouth was closed and stiff and at first glance looked angry.
As she watched him Damia tilted her head and looked worried:
âIs he unhappy?â
Fortunately, Lessid soon came to his senses, began folding his handkerchief. The corners were accurately matched without an inch of error. His expression was grim and serious as a child learning how to fold a small cloth for the first time.
Without a single smile, Lessid, who hugged the handkerchief to his chest and bowed his head while expressing his sincere gratitude:
âThis gift, thank you so much. Iâll sincerely cherish it.â
â⦠What? OhâYes, yes. Thank you for accepting,·····.â
Even before Damiaâs words were over, Lessid turned around. It was to hide the tips of his mouth that kept soaring in overwhelming joy.
Enjoying the soft feeling of the handkerchief in his hands, Lessid sincerely thought:
âIâm glad I was born.â
Entirely clueless, Damia, looked at his back with round eyes like a rabbit. Lessidâs steps, which elegantly extended as usual, but there was a strange feeling that he was hopping.
âIs it just my wishful thinking?â
Regardless, it was fortunate that Lessid didnât refuse. Damia smiled softly while stroking her cheek, turned around.
Now it was time to go to give Akkard a gift.