* * *

The time of parting came in a blink of an eye. Early in the morning, as Tein was preparing to depart, Luna quietly called him.

“Please, take this.”

“Isn’t this a letter and some gold coins?”

Tein looked confused at the thin letter and the fairly heavy purse of gold coins.

“It’s an emergency fund. Use it to buy the things you need, like clothes or jewelry. My father, having lived in poverty, doesn’t know how to buy new things. Get him something good.”

Tein had only bought a few sets of clothes for the upcoming journey, which was insufficient for a Baron meeting various people.

Realizing the purpose of the gold coins, Tein’s face became serious.

“I understand. Don’t worry.”

“It’s not just for my father. Use it for your secretary duties as well. Like clothes.”

“Me? No, I’m fine.”

“I’m giving you this money because I’m not okay with it. Think of it as an operational fee. Normally, the employer should cover these expenses.”

“…Miss Luna.”

Tein seemed deeply moved but didn’t express it in words.

“Now that winter is approaching, please also buy clothes for Henry. If you need more, let me know. I want you and everyone employed by our family to work comfortably.”

“…Yes. I understand. I will use it wisely.”

Not resisting anymore and agreeing to Luna’s intentions, Tein showed a faint smile.

“And the letter is for young lord Vincent. My father mustn’t find out about it, okay?”

Having heard Luna and Antes’ stories, Tein nodded seriously.

He mistook the letter for a romantic one, which Luna didn’t want to be found out. Of course, it wasn’t that, but Luna had no way of letting him know.

“I understand. It will remain a secret.”

It felt like a huge task had been handed over to Tein, but Luna ended the conversation and bid farewell to the Baron’s party.

“Send a letter as soon as you arrive.”

“I’ll see you soon.”

“My lord, please be careful on your way down!”

Emma and Laura waved. The Baron also waved back at them until his carriage was out of sight.

After a while, Luna, Emma, and Laura, holding hands, disappeared into the mansion. The old and small mansion felt bigger today.

* * *

“Captain! We have a guest!”

As the voice announced the visitor with a knock, Antes put down the documents he was reading and went outside wearing his coat.

Baron Peils, who had been trapped in the carriage for a long time, was now walking around the first-floor lobby to stretch his legs.

“Baron.”

“Oh! If it isn’t young lord Antes!”

Upon spotting Antes, the Baron quickly approached and embraced him lightly.

“It feels like it’s been such a long time since we last met, even though it hasn’t been that long!”

“I feel the same. Have you been well?”

“Yes, yes. I’ve been quite well. You look healthy too, which is a relief.”

The two conversed like old friends, asking each other how they’ve been. While the scene was nothing unusual, the staff members who saw this were taken aback.

“…What are they doing right now?”

“Am I dreaming…?”

How are they so close? Did the Captain ever have a close friend?

Although he wasn’t a psychopath as rumors suggested, Antes was always detached and drew boundaries. To everyone, even the guild, he was strictly business – nothing more, nothing less. So, seeing him hug someone was almost surreal.

“Luna said she missed young lord Antes very much.”

Trying to maintain a calm smile, Antes responded, knowing Luna probably didn’t miss him at all.

“I missed her too.”

“It must be because you two were separated just after starting dating. It’s very unfortunate.”

…What? Dating?

The guild members who didn’t know the backstory perked up their ears. Mercenaries who were aware of the relationship remained silent and turned away.

“I’m thinking of going up to the capital soon.”

“Hahaha! Is it because you miss our Luna?”

“Yes.”

Antes confirmed with a smile, causing the all-male crew to burst into astonishment. Chaos ensued.

“I’ve prepared a mansion for you in Vincent territory. It’s convenient to travel between Peils territory. Since you might be tired, why not rest there?”

“Let’s do that. Thank you. This saves me a lot of hassle.”

“No problem. It’s the least I can do.”

Leaving questions and shock behind, Antes and the Baron moved to the mansion where he would stay. Though small, it was a rare upscale mansion, and the Baron couldn’t help but admire it.

“I’m not sure if I should be staying in such a wonderful mansion.”

“I regret that I couldn’t find a better place. I’m grateful that you think it’s adequate.”

Antes, trying to be modest, smiled and responded.

“Please make yourself at home. I’ve instructed the servants as well.”

As they passed the main entrance, the servants, resembling those from a Duke’s household, greeted Antes and the Baron politely.

Back in the mansion, the Baron quietly told Antes:

“I should still pay rent, right? Especially with these many servants. It feels like a burden to live here for free.”

“Don’t worry. This mansion was vacant. In fact, it’s better maintained when someone lives in it.”

“A vacant mansion? Is this one of yours, Antes?”

“Yes, it’s one of mine.”

Antes responded, trying to downplay its significance even though it was the best one he owned in the Vincent territory.

“How can I charge you rent? It would still not be enough even if I gifted you this mansion.”

It wasn’t just lip service. Antes, now benefiting greatly from the gold mines, would do anything for the Baron.

Their conversations continued cheerfully.

“I heard you settled the lawsuit successfully.”

“It’s all thanks to the lawyer Royer you introduced me to.”

Since he had always bowed his head to the duke’s family, he must have felt very elated about the victory.

The predictable outcome still left a slight feeling of regret that he couldn’t see Fersen’s despairing face.

“Of course, our Luna helped a lot too.”

“The young lady helped?”

“Yes. They said they needed evidence, so Luna obtained a confession letter from young lord Fersen!”

The Baron laughed as if he found it delightful.

After hearing that, he thought it would have been great if he had seen the trial himself. 

“Anyway, thank you for introducing the lawyer. We’ve also decided on the new mansion, so there’s nothing to worry about now.”

“You’ve decided on a new mansion?”

“Yes. It’s called the Mansion of Roses.”

“What did you just say…?” Antes stopped in surprise at the unexpected name.

“The… Mansion of Roses, you mean?”

“Yes. They say it’s a mansion with roses that bloom even in winter. Honestly, I wonder if such roses exist, but if Luna says so, it must be. It’s a famous mansion, do you know about it, young lord?”

Of course, he knew. He couldn’t not know.

That mansion was a gift received in commemoration of Rosemary’s birth.

It was a mansion where mutant roses, found from all over the continent, were enhanced and planted throughout the garden. A mansion that consumes a lot of money for its maintenance.

“Yes, I know. It’s a beautiful mansion.”

It seemed very cherished, but now it’s sold. Perhaps they did it on purpose? To approach Luna?

That was the only thing Antes could think of, and he furrowed his brow.

‘What on earth are they trying to do?’

He hadn’t seen them for ten years, so he had no idea what they were thinking.

But one thing was certain, it wasn’t a friendly approach.

‘I’ve been thinking it’s time to return to the Marquis’s house.’

It seemed that now was the time.

Not just because of Luna, but because the Guild grew so big, it was about time to move the headquarters to the capital.

“Luna seems to have chosen the mansion well. Once things settle down, I’ll have to visit and see what kind of mansion it is.”

“My Guild and I will do our best to assist you.”

“Thank you. I need to look around the mansion more. You don’t need to walk for no reason, young lord. Just rest.”

As the Baron moved, his secretary, Tein, followed him and then handed a letter to Antes.

“Luna sent it.”

But his face looked strange. He looked like he wanted to lick his lips but couldn’t.

“She insisted that the Baron mustn’t find out.”

Tein spoke solemnly, his face resembling a messenger of love.

Seeing his face, Antes roughly understood the situation. Tein must’ve mistaken it for a love letter.

If Luna had been here, he would have teased her endlessly. There was nothing funnier than a flustered Luna.

He tried to brush it off since Luna wasn’t there, but he couldn’t help himself.

Antes, with a mischievous smile, lightly touched his lips to Luna’s letter and then opened it.

“I’m fine, but she’s very shy, so I can’t help it.”

To anyone watching, he seemed deeply in love. A blush crept onto Tein’s usually stoic face. He completely misunderstood the relationship between Luna and Antes.

“Then have a good time. I will go to the Baron.”

Leaving an ambiguous remark, Tein hurried after the Baron.

Enjoying Tein’s reaction, Antes opened Luna’s letter.

[You might’ve already heard from my father, but thanks to you, everything was resolved. Thank you so much. I’ll repay you in the future. Let me know what you like so I can prepare it. Please. Just not the gold mine, okay?]

Surprisingly, it started as a simple thank-you letter. Luna was genuinely grateful to Antes for his help in this matter.

‘Were we the type to exchange such letters?’

The warm letter was unlike Luna. But just as he found it odd, the tone turned into a playful threat.

[And please take good care of my father. If you ever upset him, even if you’re from the Marquisate, I won’t forgive you. I’ll train hard for that day. I’ve chopped wood before, so training should be quick.]

Of course. She wouldn’t just write to express gratitude. The expected reaction was amusing.

“Really…”

The idea of her training herself to challenge him was the funniest part. It was the first time someone ever threatened to physically challenge him.

Luna was indeed the funniest person in the world. Suppressing his laughter, Antes continued reading.

[Lastly, now that everything’s settled, shouldn’t we slowly part ways? It might be a bit early, but I think I should hint at parting. Everyone will be shocked if we suddenly part. How about competing the next time we meet? With food, maybe? I don’t like eggplants. Looking forward to the day we part.]

Having read the letter, Antes understood why she insisted the Baron shouldn’t find out. If discovered, the Baron’s reaction would range from shock to fainting.

She’s suggesting a parting when it’s just the beginning. The fun part hadn’t even started yet.

It was a delightful letter, but something about it didn’t sit well with him. His lips slowly turned downwards.

Thoughts began to flood his mind about when to return to the capital.