Chapter 123. Gift (2)
Not long after, at Temia’s voice, the bluebird’s small, pebble-like eyes blinked hazily.
Leri suddenly sprang upright, puffed out his chest, and spoke with sparkling eyes.
“Lady Temia! What is it?”
“I want to send a letter, but… it needs to arrive quickly.”
“To whom are you sending it?”
“To Kylie Lacroix—my friend who visited before. And… I don’t want anyone else opening it. Do you understand what I mean?”
“Ah, so it has to be delivered directly into her hands, and that’s why you need me. That’s my specialty!”
Having grasped the key point, Leri winked and proudly straightened his chest.
Relieved, Temia handed him the letter and continued.
“Thank you. And there’s something else I’d like to ask you to do while you’re delivering it…”
When Temia whispered, Leri’s eyes widened.
“W-Wha?! You want me to stay by her side for a while?”
“Um… would that be difficult?”
“It’s not that, but I’m already so busy… wouldn’t it be too hard for you if even I leave?”
“I’m prepared for that much. And I can’t stay in this temporary lodging forever. We’ll be moving soon, so just until then…”
At Temia’s earnest gaze, Leri hesitated, struggling, then squeezed his eyes shut.
“T-Then I’ll ask my master!”
Since it couldn’t be helped, Temia nodded.
Fortunately, the decision didn’t take long.
Lowell, who had been out, returned just then.
“Let him go. It’s not like it’s difficult.”
“Ah… I just wondered if it was okay when things are already busy. And Leri is your familiar…”
“Temia doesn’t ask for much. Would I really refuse even this?”
He shrugged as if it were nothing.
“But it is unusual. Is there something important in the letter?”
“Actually… I invited Kylie to stay at my villa for a while. She has her own circumstances. But with everything going on, I didn’t feel right leaving her alone. I’m sorry.”
“The villa… you mean the one we’re planning to move to?”
“Yes. They said preparations are nearly finished, so wouldn’t it be fine if she goes ahead first?”
The place they were staying now was temporary lodging arranged by Duke Etval.
It was inconvenient to travel back and forth from the workshop, and if they needed to interact with the duke often, they required separate accommodations.
This place was close enough that the duke could visit anytime if something happened.
But staying in the capital also meant being in the most noticeable location.
Temia treasured the time with her family, but she had no intention of ruining their work.
Could you allow Lowell and me to stay at the villa for a while? I want to use it as a workspace.
That was why Temia had suggested it to Duke Etval.
She believed it would be safer to leave the capital—and the identifiable workshop behind—while continuing their investigation.
The duke clearly disliked leaving his daughter alone with a man again, but given the circumstances, he couldn’t refuse.
Fortunately, Lowell seemed willing to accept the idea of a new temporary member in their household.
“Well, nothing will happen. They’re going to整理 the investigation materials soon, so we can move then.”
“Thank you for understanding. She says she feels suffocated indoors, but it’s dangerous to go anywhere these days…”
Even as she spoke, Temia worried she might sound childish.
Her overly protective attitude toward Kylie wasn’t easy for others to understand.
What if Lowell thinks it’s strange?
But his answer came surprisingly easily.
“Ah… well. Considering that family, it makes sense. She must have it hard too.”
“R-Really? It’s okay for you to accept it so readily?”
“I saw enough last time to get the general atmosphere. That household wasn’t exactly normal.”
“Thank you for understanding. But… you know a lot? Was it really that memorable a meeting?”
“Last time” referred to the incident with their engagement.
Without realizing it, Temia snapped in a sharp tone and rolled her eyes.
Lowell clicked his tongue awkwardly and rubbed his forehead.
“No, it’s just… business.”
“Of course. You can’t treat an important business partner carelessly. That’s true.”
“…I was wrong. I won’t do it again. Can we change the subject?”
Temia turned her head sharply.
Deep down, she felt a small, mischievous satisfaction at how Lowell seemed to be watching her mood.
Compared to before, he had become very, very cute.
Who would have imagined that proud mage would be reading the room in front of her?
“Fine. Then we can send Leri now, right?”
“Yes. Use him as much as you want.”
Lowell practically offered Leri up like a sacrifice.
Leri muttered something with the letter in his beak, but neither of them paid attention.
“Oh, and since he’s going anyway, we should send something along.”
“Something? Like what?”
“Well… there have been some additional developments. And some generally useful… things.”
“Your service has improved. Did you two get close without me knowing?”
“Why? Are you jealous?”
Lowell swallowed the laugh threatening to spill out at Temia’s sulky face.
“It’s just… a bribe. Since she’s your friend, I should make a good impression.”
And Temia had given him advice before—something he owed her for.
He silently packed items neatly into his magic pouch.
Accept that the two of you move at different speeds.
She’ll understand. That’s the kind of person she is.
And Temia, you said you never told him you hated him, right?
Looking back, his rational judgment had been clouded then.
Temia occupied his mind all day, driving his thoughts to extremes.
Objective advice had been like cold water poured over his head.
If I think of it as repayment, it’s not so bad.
He understood Temia and he could never be the same.
But hiding his feelings and waiting quietly wasn’t his nature.
Instead, he would find the right balance.
That much, he could do.
Jealousy… I never even imagined it.
And somehow, since returning, Temia’s attitude had changed.
Before, when he approached, she seemed flustered as if something forbidden were happening.
Now she seemed calmer.
Even when he revealed a bit of sincerity, she hesitated—but she didn’t truly reject him.
Then, suddenly, Lowell asked:
“This is kind of random, but… can I hold your hand?”
“W-What? Suddenly? Right now?!”
“Yes. I just want to. If you don’t like it, you can bite me.”
“Do you think I’m some kind of animal?!”
“You didn’t say no, so I’ll take that as yes.”
His gaze fell shamelessly on her pale pink lips, chattering in disbelief.
And of course, he didn’t forget to lace his fingers through her small hand.
He keeps holding my hand lately… I hate that it doesn’t even feel like a big deal anymore…
Temia swallowed the words rising in her heart, then met his eyes and quietly closed her lips.
What is it?
Today felt… strange.
She thought she was used to hand-holding now, but today he was staring at her intensely.
As if reading her thoughts, Lowell smiled wickedly.
“Are you expecting something?”
“W-What?! N-No! Don’t joke around…!!!”
As he stepped closer, her blinking sped up threefold.
When his thumb teased the back of her hand, her already red face looked ready to burst.
“I’m always ready, you know. All you have to do is allow it.”
“W-Wh-Wh-What are you even saying?!”
“It’s true. I’m holding myself back. Whatever it is.”
But then—
A cautious voice pierced through the soft tension.
“Um… hello? I’m still here…!!! Is this the moment I’m supposed to leave?!”
It was Leri’s desperate cry, unable to endure the affection happening right in front of him.
Temia jolted back to her senses, jumped, and yanked her hand away.
“B-Break time is over! I’ll go first!!”
Like a bluebird with its tail on fire, Temia fled into the next room in an instant.
Only Lowell and Leri remained behind.
“Master…”
“A familiar with no sense of timing… maybe I should unsummon you permanently.”
“N-No! What are you saying?! I-I’ll go deliver the message!! See you later at the villa!!”
Unable to face his master’s terrifying expression, Leri hurriedly flew after Temia.
Lowell could only lament the lost opportunity.
Who told her she was cute? Her reaction wasn’t bad, so I teased her too much.
Part of him had nearly lost control.
Just remembering how long his gaze lingered on his assistant’s lips made his head burn.
Maybe it was fortunate that Leri interrupted.
Now was a time when work mattered most.
And with the bluebird gone for a while, it would be a good chance to enjoy time alone together.
Still, next time, he would definitely get Leri out of the way first.
Lowell made that vow.
“Whew…”
As the heat in his head cooled, a question suddenly surfaced.
Temia’s behavior today hadn’t been like her usual self.
She even asked Leri directly…?
