[Three days later.]
"Kyuu~."
The Void fox's playful voice echoed in the room as she moved.
One moment she was by the window, and the next, she'd vanished only to reappear near the bookshelf.
She batted a small red ball between her paws, playing by herself.
"Can you stop moving around, Ella?"
Akamir groaned, turning his head slightly toward her.
Ella didn't respond, too absorbed in her solo game.
He let out a sigh. "Leave her be," Nayomi murmured, floating lazily beside him. "She's just a child."
"A child who never rests," he muttered, glancing back at the mirror in front of him.
…He was half-dressed, towel around his neck, and bruises still lining his torso like old ink stains.
His reflection looked more worn than usual.
"You don't want to join the party?" Nayomi asked, her arms folded loosely.
Akamir shrugged. "Do I have a choice?"
His eyes shifted to the envelope resting beside the bed, its black wax seal already broken.
The world of nobles was exhausting.
