Published: January 22, 2026
The cold eyes that were looking at me gradually softened, returning to their usual state, as if warmed by a gentle heat.
Her expression also changed into the familiar, friendly smile she always wore.
“Hmm? Isn’t there a meeting today?” Caroline asked, tilting her head in puzzlement.
If I focused only on this moment, she seemed no different from usual, but after seeing her state just moments before, it hurt my heart.
I forced myself to act normal and opened my mouth.
“The meeting’s over. It’s already past noon.”
“Eh!? Is it already that late!? Time flies on days off~”
“That’s right. Today’s a day off. So—don’t push yourself; just be natural.”
When I told Caroline this, she caught her breath.
Until now, whenever Caroline tried to hide things, I’d pretend not to notice.
Since my fight with Oliver six months ago, I’ve gradually lost the energy to care about others.
But that’s just an excuse.
I can’t say I’ll save Caroline in any grand way, but if there’s any way I can help lighten the burden I see weighing on her, I want to try.
“N-no way, master. I’m always just being natural, you know?”
Though a hint of unease showed, as Caroline said, her expression, voice, and atmosphere were no different from normal.
Words like these weren’t enough to change anything after all.
“Is that so? Then maybe I’m mistaken.”
“That’s right. Geez, don’t say weird things all of a sudden, master.”
“Sorry, sorry. Still, this is a nice place, isn’t it? Quiet despite being close to the town, perfect for when you want to escape the city’s noise.”
I sat down beside Caroline, struggling to gather my thoughts and speak.
“…Master, do you come here often?”
“No, this is only my second time here.”
“Oh, the first time was with Sophie, right? I also learned about this place from Sophie! She said it’s a great spot!”
“Sorry, I found it on my own.”
“Oh? So Sophie had nothing to do with it?”
“Hmm, not with finding this place, but I can’t say Sophie is unrelated to the memories I have here. At that time, I was troubled, thinking over many things about the future, and I was looking for a place with good wind and quiet surroundings, which led me here.”
“Even master has worries, huh? I thought you decided everything so cleanly.”
“I have my share of worries too. Everyone does, to some extent. Isn’t that right, Caroline?”
“I….”
When I pushed a little further, Caroline’s eyes flickered slightly.
“…This might be something you don’t want to touch on much, Caroline, but I’m going to push through today.”
Perhaps sensing what I was about to say from my expression, I felt a hint of fear beneath Caroline’s smile.
Still, I had decided to face her head-on today.
If I kept using roundabout words, she would probably continue to hide the truth.
I might end up hurting her even more by pressing in.
In the end, maybe this is just my own selfish satisfaction.
But I believe this is my duty as her master.
I set my purpose clearly in my mind and spoke.
“…Caroline, I think you already realize this, but I’ve heard about what happened to you before you came to the silver rabbits of the night sky. I know how the cyclamen cult treated you, too.”
“—!”
“I could never say I understand how you feel now. It’s beyond what I can imagine. That’s why I want you to tell me—are you in pain now, or do you truly feel nothing?”
“B-but…”
I could feel Caroline’s heart wavering, hesitating in response to my words.
If she’s hesitating, then there must be something she wants to say, even if just a little.
“I like you, Caroline Inglott.”
“…Huh?”
“From the moment we met, I knew you were carrying something. And I sensed there were things you didn’t want anyone to get too close to. But let me say this: Caroline, you are an important disciple and comrade to me. So don’t be afraid. No matter who you are—who you become—I will accept you. Don’t think too hard about it. Sometimes, just letting out what you want, what you feel, can be refreshing.”