Sloane was stunned by the one-eyed reaper's sudden appearance.
"Lord Sebastian! What brings you to this humble estate at this hour?"
Sebastian stood there smiling.
"This hour? I wonder. If it's only you who thinks like that my lady."
—"What's he up to?"
Sloane was troubled by the fact that the marquess kept dodging her questions.
"Can I accompany you on this evening walk?"
Sloane couldn't refuse his request. He was kind of a savior to her in a way in her past timeline.
She nodded shyly.
They reached the willow tree that stood high near her mother's garden.
Sebastian frowned.
He knew that the Nirvana house still grieved about losing the marchioness.
But this fact lost it's value when he saw how this twelve-year-old girl stood there caressing the bark of the tree without showing an ounce of grief.
"Do you miss her?"
"...."
Sloane smiled slightly but didn't say anything.
"I apologize for being discourteous."
—"To think that the reaper of the nation would apologize to me. It's something unimaginable."
Sloane looked at him.
Pitch black hair covering his eyebrows and that visible green eye showing sincerity.
"I only miss her physically."
Sloane replied after a long silence.
"Pardon?"
"To me, my mother is still alive."
She placed her hand on her bosom which indicated her heart.
"I see."
—"Just who are you, Sloane De Nirvana?"
"Just who are you, Sloane De Nirvana?"
Sloane looked at him. There was an awkward silence for a moment.
"...Did I say that out loud?"
She nodded and giggled.
"You sure did my Lord."
—"What is this feeling? The more she grows up the more I'm curious about her.
"It's getting colder My lady. You should head inside."
"Then I will be meeting you again at the Knights ceremony."
Sebastian bowed bidding her good night.
Azriel stood on the terrace watching the two of them.
—"What purpose do you have for approaching my daughter Lord Sebastian?"
He thought suspiciously.
—"Master please get a grip. Your aura is menacing."
The poor butler stood behind him scared to death.
————————
The next day, Sloane's schedule was busy to the point where she couldn't sit comfortably.
"Milady you need to pick out your outfit."
A maid advised her.
"Just pick out something suitable."
"But we need your measurements Milady."
—"Ughh!This is annoying. I wished Cecile were here right now."
A servant knocked on the door.
"Milady do I have permission to enter?"
"Yes, you may."
A butler came in and informed her about the preparations for the ceremony.
"Good job. You may leave."
After the butler, a knight came in.
"Oh, Sir Lucas, what brings you here?"
"I just wanted to personally inform you that the knights are ready for tomorrow's main event."
"I see. Does father know of this?"
"He's been long informed about it milady."
"I see. Thank you for your hard work. I will do my best too."
Lucas was worried about the young lady.
Rather than taking up the position of the commander or a representative, she went for a simple knight.
"Miss, will you be alright? I hope you have thought about it thoroughly."
"Rest assured Sir Lucas. I won't let your efforts go to waste."
"That's not what I meant—"
"Sir Lucas I hope that you put up more faith in me."
Sloane intervened.
"...Yes, Milady."
With this, he quietly left the room.
Sigh*
"All that's left is the outfit. I need to visit the market."
Sloane took a carriage to the market. The place was bustling with nobles and high-class commoners.
After all, this marketplace was exclusive only for the aristocrats.
She asked the maid to look around for the boutique.
As she roamed around the streets her eyes fell upon a familiar face.
"Cecile?"