“By the way, how are the people on the island?”

Rowena slyly changed the subject and gently buried her cheek in his chest. Killian, who was holding her shoulder, unconsciously tightened his hold on her.

“Would you like to know ……?”

These were people who had witnessed her misery five years ago. He had no idea why Rowena had chosen this island of all places, but he had already relocated all of the people’ residences on the island, including the regent, to the furthest possible distance from the villa and ordered a full renovation to the entire place, he didn’t want any trace of the past to bother Rowena in any shape or form.

“Of course,’ Rowena said. I am curious. They’ve been so kind to me.”

Unlike the nervous Killian, Rowena, who answered with a casual expression on her face, prompted him to reply.

“How are they doing? How’s Tommy? Is he healthy?”

For once, she wasn’t acting, she meant it. Even though the people here had shunned her and looked at her differently as soon as they learned the fact that she was a mere mistress, she still had warm memories of their kindness and hospitality during her stay alone on the island. Even more so for the young Tommy who had followed her around so closely.

“If you’re curious….”

His blue eyes stared at her, as if trying to read her thoughts.

“You should see for yourself.”

“Ah you don’t know after all, do you? No problem, I just hope everyone is doing well.”

Rowena nodded, her lips pouting. Killian continued to hold her waist, as they gazed out at the calm evening sea. The low waves made a splashing sound against the ship, and the moon appeared through the clouds in the pitch-black sky, faintly illuminating the surroundings.

“It’s getting cold out here. I’m going in.”

As the wind grew colder, Rowena pulled her shawl tighter and gently pushed his chest. A low voice caught Rowena as she turned to walk away.

“Why?”

“…….”

“Why this island?”

The question had a lot of deep meanings. It also evoked something from five years ago that had been implicitly avoided by the two of them so far.

“I think I already told you this last time. I want to bury a memory with another one.”

Rowena tried to answer in an enthusiastic, cheerful voice. She did not look back though as she was afraid her expression would reveal her true feelings.

“Then, I’ll go inside. Duke, it’s getting quite cold here, you should get inside soon as well, the night breeze is bad for you.”

Rowena, who quickly finished her words, left where she stood in quick steps as if she was running away.