I kept checking on his condition while reading the book. No, I checked on him every moment. He seemed to notice and frowned.
"Don't worry. I won't die."
"......"
"It's okay."
It really is okay. He said it firmly in a calm voice. Even though I hoped it was true, the unease in my heart grew day by day.
His profile, turned toward the window, looked resigned yet somewhat at ease. Perhaps he had known this situation would arise for a long time.
I was worried about Violet, who had left that day. Her letters, which used to come every two days, had suddenly stopped. When I asked Eitan, he said she was doing well. But I felt uneasy when I heard that she cried every night in her room. How hard must it be for her alone? I thought about writing her a letter, but I was afraid it might cause unnecessary trouble.
Eitan, who seemed busy, left the mansion a few days ago. Before he left, he met Vincent and then came out to greet me.
"Please take care of Vincent."
His voice lacked energy, and his face was full of regret. It was unlike him, so I patted his arm. The comfort seemed to reach him, and Eitan smiled broadly.
With Eitan gone, only Lucas remained in this mansion. So, this was our first conversation in a long time.
"Mr. Lucas, where are you going?"
"I'm planning to leave tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?"
"Yes, that's what I decided. My brother had to go back first because he was busy."
I was surprised for a moment but soon nodded.
"Will you be okay?"
At the thought of Lucas, who had trembled in fear when he saw James, I was concerned. It wasn't just fear of an enemy; it was a deeper, older emotion. And the words he had said... Ah!
I had temporarily forgotten about the significant event that had happened. It was something I shouldn't have forgotten. Feeling guilty, I was flustered, but Lucas didn't seem to notice. He continued calmly.
"I'll be fine. Thank you for worrying about me."
"......I'll miss you when you leave."
"Really?"
Lucas asked with a mischievous smile, but I nodded immediately. It was true. His presence had filled this silent mansion.
He smiled even more warmly.
"Then, would you like to spend the day with me today?"
"Today?"
"Yes."
My eyes widened. Lucas extended his hand to me.
"Give me your time today, Pola."
"Because it's the last day."
He said, and I couldn't refuse. After getting Isabella's permission, I quickly prepared and followed him to the village below the mansion. I had always wanted to visit but never had the courage, so I ended up coming with him by chance.
As we entered, lively sounds burst forth. The village was so vast and the buildings so large and magnificent that it seemed more like a big city. Despite the similar colors, each building had a unique shape.
The village was bustling with people. Busy individuals doing their work and groups of women chatting could be seen everywhere. Children were running around the streets, playing joyfully.
As we moved further in, we reached the market area. Merchants raised their voices to attract customers.
This place was completely different from the village I had lived in. It was the first time I had seen such a large place, and I was amazed. I turned my head from side to side, taking everything in. Lucas held my hand. Surprised, I looked up at him, and he smiled calmly, gripping my hand tighter.
"So you don't get lost."
Though the touch was embarrassing, I didn't pull away. As he said, there were many people, and the risk of getting lost was high. Besides, it was the last day.
"Pol, this way."
He led me to a street vendor. A few young women were already crouching, looking at the items. Colorful and ornate decorations on a cloth caught my eye. They were all beautiful.
As I admired them, Lucas picked one up. It was a head ornament with a large flower flanked by two smaller ones, surrounded by vines. He placed it on my head.
"You look beautiful."
"Ah, thank you."
I touched the ornament on my head. The vendor said he would give it to me at a discount for choosing a good one, and Lucas immediately searched his jacket. I quickly stopped him.
"I'll give it to you as a gift."
"Seeing it is enough."
"I want to give it to you."
"Really, it's fine. Aren't you hungry?"
I subtly changed the subject, and Lucas narrowed his eyes. Though his gaze was displeased, I ignored it and pointed to a nearby restaurant. Urging him to go quickly because I was hungry, he sighed and took his hand out of his jacket.
"That place isn't as good. Let's go to the other one."
"Then let's go there."
I quickly took off the ornament and pushed him.
The restaurant Lucas took me to was large and crowded. It must be a famous place. He skillfully found a seat and ordered food.
Soon, a large amount of food filled the table. Who could eat all of this? Moreover, everything was something I had never seen before.
I tried the fish dish closest to me. The taste melted in my mouth, making my eyes widen. Goodness. I took another piece and then tried the meat dish next to it. It was also incredibly delicious.
Before I knew it, I had hastily eaten all the dishes and was soon full. I ate so much that my stomach felt like it would burst. Even so, there was still a lot of food left, which was a waste. I wanted to take it all back to the mansion.
"Did you enjoy it?"
"Yes, very much."
Thanks to this, I had eaten too much and found it hard to walk.
"Is there anywhere you want to go?"
"Hmm. I just want to look around the village."
"Sure. Let's do that."
Lucas held my hand again. This time, I gripped it tightly. He smiled happily and led me.
We walked around the village, holding hands. The village was even larger than I had imagined, and there were many interesting places. I lost him a few times while looking around and bought street food. Once, we mistakenly entered a strange place and had to rush out. We also got lost and had to sit on the street to rest because my legs hurt.
But we kept smiling the whole time. Even the struggles were enjoyable. For this moment, I decided to forget all the complicated thoughts. I had to, or the overwhelming sadness would torment both of us. I didn't want that now.
It was a short moment.
Before I knew it, the sun had set. I was worried about Vincent, who might be sleeping, and it was time to prepare his dinner. I had to return to the mansion.
Looking up at the sky as the sunset faded, I turned to Lucas. He was also watching the sunset. The crimson light colored his face. Sensing my gaze, he turned to me and smiled as usual. But perhaps because of the sunset, his smile seemed tinged with bitterness.
We returned to the mansion before the sun completely set.
"Pol, I had a great time today."
"Me too."
I stretched my lips into a long smile. I really did. I had been so depressed lately, but today was a great comfort. Now that Lucas was leaving too, the mansion would be even more silent, which made me feel a bit sad.
"I need to prepare dinner for the master, so I'll go in first."
Saying that, I hurried into the mansion, thinking Vincent might be waiting.
"Pol."
Just then, Lucas called me. Turning around, I saw him standing still, looking at me. The sun had set behind him, and his face was in shadow.
"Mr. Lucas?"
"Pol, you know."
"Yes."
He paused for a moment, hesitating. What was he trying to say? I waited calmly, and he continued.
"I'll never forget this moment."
His voice carried a hint of laughter. Though I couldn't see his face clearly, I imagined him smiling. He must have been waiting to say this. It's nothing much. I hope we can go out again someday. It would be nice if Vincent, Eitan, and Violet could join us then. Imagining that day, I smiled back.
"Me too."
Then I turned and headed back to the mansion.
As soon as I entered, I quickly prepared Vincent's dinner. I hadn't even changed out of my outdoor clothes when I rushed to bring it to him, but he refused, saying he had no appetite.
"Just one bite."
"I really have no appetite."
"Still..."
"I want to sleep, so leave."
Even though he had slept all day. I tried to get him to eat at least a spoonful, but he was firm. He turned his body toward the wall, curled up, and closed his eyes. I regretted not bringing some delicious food from the village.
Understanding his current state, I didn't force him to eat. Instead, I left the food on the bedside table and left the room.
I sighed and went to my room to change out of my outdoor clothes. After tidying my messy hair and returning to the hallway, it was already dark.
Looking out the window, I didn't see Lucas. He must have gone back to his room, I thought, but I couldn't help scanning the view outside the window. Then I worried about his dinner. Imagining him eating alone, I went to his room.
I knocked on the door, but there was no response. I knocked again, but it was still quiet. "Mr. Lucas? I'm going to open the door." Saying that, I opened the door, but the room was empty. There was no sign that he had been there. Puzzled, I looked out the window again. The place where he had been standing was still empty. I went to the dining room, thinking he might be there, but he wasn't.
Had he already left? But his luggage was still in the room. I checked the places he might go, but there was no sign of Lucas anywhere.