The night was dark and calmingly quiet.
In the hall of the Bamboo Garden, Jeanne's pleasant female voice rang out and echoed.
Edward's hand, which was holding the wine glass, froze mid-air.
Jeanne was holding his hand, asking him very seriously if he wanted to accompany her to bed.
Well, should he?
He just kept looking at Jeanne.
Jeanne had also waited for a long time, waiting for Fourth Master Swan's answer.
It seemed she would accept any answer.
Silence filled the space.
Jeanne did not know how long it had been, but she felt like a century had passed.
At that moment, she heard Fourth Master Swan say, "No."
That one word "no" rang out loud and clear, rejecting her.
She felt a knot in her heart.
That was right — a knot in her heart.
Then, the corners of her mouth curled up into a smile, and she let go of Fourth Master Swan very naturally.
Edward also drank his wine very naturally.
