Celine's words momentarily incapacitated Esme's mind, before she eventually grasped the meaning:
"Ah, yes, indeed it seems so."
With these words, Miss Esme also breathed a sigh of relief.
It appeared she had been overly concerned; Celine hadn't noticed anything.
Yet upon reflection, Esme realized she had been overly anxious. After all, Celine was still so young... and had spent most of her life confined to a hospital room; how could she possibly comprehend the intricacies between men and women?
Unnoticed by Esme, however, after uttering those words, Miss Celine cast a barely perceptible glance towards Jonas.
Though lacking practical experience, Celine, with her rich theoretical knowledge, promptly sensed her sister's anomaly, and her recent approach indeed confirmed her suspicions.
Her sister and Mr. Jonas had indeed engaged in some clandestine activities before entering the ward.
Contemplating this, the girl's cheeks involuntarily flushed, her mind unable to refrain from jesting about her usually solemn sister engaging in such activities in private.
Yet outwardly, Miss Celine still portrayed the demeanor of an innocent maiden. Taking Esme's hand, she leaned in to whisper in her ear:
"Sister, when might I borrow some of your fragrance?"
Hearing this, Esme inexplicably felt a twinge of peculiarity, as if the perfume mentioned was merely symbolic.
But she quickly dispelled this illusion from her mind, somewhat resignedly responding:
"When you're older, I'll entrust it to you."
Esme herself seldom used such fragrances. However, the suddenness of the situation compelled her to employ perfume to mask any scent and prevent her younger sister from noticing anything untoward.
Fortunately, the girl had indeed remained oblivious. Esme silently rejoiced, unaware that Celine had already set her sights on something more significant.
Observing the girl's rosy complexion, Esme couldn't help but feel a sense of reassurance. She softly inquired:
"Speaking of which, have there been any recent occurrences of symptoms?"
Upon hearing this, Celine shook her head and replied:
"Since the surgery, there have been no further occurrences... The physicians indicate that my condition has temporarily stabilized, and it shouldn't be long before I can be discharged."
"That is reassuring."
Esme also displayed a rare expression of relief, following which she noticed Celine's inclination to say something.
Seeing her sister's expression, after a moment of hesitation, Celine tentatively asked:
"Oh, by the way, could you allow me to have a private conversation with Mr. Jonas?"
Hearing this, Esme was momentarily taken aback, instinctively glancing at Jonas.
Seeing no objection from him, she hesitated before nodding.
Although unsure of what Celine intended to discuss with Jonas, Esme was pleased to see Celine willing to communicate with someone other than herself.
Before departing, Esme cast another glance at Jonas.
Seeing him smile at her, Esme couldn't help but feel a warmth spreading across her face, after which she averted her gaze, leaving the ward.
—Click.
Once the door was completely closed, Celine seemed to adopt a different demeanor, leaning in towards Jonas and whispering in his ear:
"Now it's just the two of us."
The girl's breath tickled Jonas' ears slightly.
He looked at her with a smile that was neither here nor there, and asked:
"So, Miss Celine, what would you like to do?"
"What were you doing downstairs just now?"
As she spoke, Celine's earlobes reddened slightly, her youthful aura and slightly tender voice bewitching.
Surprised by her question, Jonas replied:
"How did you know?"
Celine couldn't help but cast a glance at him, saying:
"The smell was so peculiar, I could discern it with a mere sniff."
"Miss Celine is quite knowledgeable."
"Naturally, I am a theoretical master."
With utmost confidence in her tone, Celine leaned towards Jonas:
"I understand much more than my sister."
As she spoke, she raised her hand, then extended her foot, clad in white socks hidden beneath the blanket, blinking as she said:
"Do you know what it means to be a theoretical master?"
Upon hearing this, Jonas retrieved a set of flying chess without expression from the cabinet behind him.
"So, theoretical master, can you play flying chess?"
"Um, just the two of us?"
"If you desire, I can also summon Miss Esme."
"Um... let's forget it."
.........
Outside the ward, Esme sat on a chair in the corridor.
Her head leaned against the wall, hands clutching her collar, her heart filled with profound tranquility.
As if this collar bestowed upon her immense security, Esme's heart brimmed with happiness.
The troubles that had plagued her were resolved, her sister's condition finally showing improvement. Everything seemed to be progressing in a positive direction.
For the first time, she had someone she cared for, and her sister's condition had finally taken a turn for the better. The joy of both intertwined, bringing forth even more joy...
And it was all thanks to Jonas.
Esme knew very well that Jonas Weiting wasn't what one would consider a good person in the conventional sense... he didn't even come close to being associated with the term "good person."
But what of it...? Esme Nora wasn't a good person either; she would only wield her sword for those she cared about.
If Jonas Weiting were an irredeemable villain, she would still be willing to accompany him into the abyss.
Just as Jonas had saved her sister, Esme Nora had also fulfilled her promise...
—Unwavering loyalty.
Esme tightly grasped her collar, her inner being stirring, as if yearning to divulge something.
Yet the intended recipient of her confession had yet to emerge...
This left Esme feeling somewhat resentful.
—What on earth is that girl Celine discussing with Mr. Jonas? Why is it taking so long?