The afternoon breeze swept through once more, carrying with it the scent of the flowers behind the house and something else, something like the fragrance of possibility drifting in the air.The courtyard, once cold and distant, suddenly felt gentler in a blink, and though the future ahead remained hazy, she felt at the very least that there was more light in it than before.
Soran quickly averted her eyes, her cheeks flushed crimson with embarrassment, convinced that his earlier remark had truly meant to call her naïve.
The young master only smiled wider upon seeing the confusion in her gaze, a thin veil that could not quite hide her shyness.
"Ah…"
A moment later, he reached toward her sleeve and lightly pulled something free.A jade bracelet...deep emerald and glowing softly under the afternoon sun.He held it out to her with a stubborn gentleness.
"Take it. Consider it a keepsake."
He said as he placed the bracelet into her trembling hand, practically forcing it on her.
"I… I cannot accept this, my lord. I told you before,"Soran quickly tried to return it, cupping the precious item with great care.
The young master leaned down slightly, eyes gleaming with playful mischief.
"Then tell me this....Do you even know my name?"
"Eh…?"
She blinked in confusion until he repeated the question.
"My name. Do you know it?"
Soran's face burned even hotter. She whispered in a tiny voice,
"I… I am merely a newly hired servant. How could I possibly know such a thing…?"
He leaned in closer, so close that his whisper brushed her ear.His voice was low, deep, a murmur that even the cool afternoon breeze paused to hear.
"In that case…I shall have someone flog you, so you'll remember me for life."
"Please don't...!"
Soran's eyes widened with shock. She clutched her chest before staring at him from head to toe as he called out loudly,
"Hey! All of you, come here at once!"
She heard nothing else. Survival instincts took over. She lunged forward, clapping a hand tightly over his mouth.
"Shh! I… I don't want to be flogged! Please don't call anyone!"
Her hands trembled as they pressed firmly against his lips, as though this were the only way to escape punishment.The young master tried to explain, his voice muffled behind her small, soft hand.
"Mmff… mm....mm!"
When reason finally returned, she jumped back and bowed so deeply her forehead nearly touched the ground.
"Forgive me, my lord! I overstepped! I… I truly didn't mean to!"
Her voice quivered so much it was hardly understandable.
He only chuckled softly, a warm evening-bell laughter,filled with fondness he made no effort to hide.
"You worry far too much, Soran…"
He spoke gently.
"I would never flog a lively girl like you. If anything, I would much rather let your voice echo through this house than hear screams from punishment."
Soran allowed herself a tiny, relieved smile, tinged with shyness.
"In that case… I suppose I must find another way to repay my debt, my lord."She was startled to realize he already knew her name.
The young master nodded slowly, like a scholar considering a lesson.
"An excellent decision. And you'd best be careful with those hands of yours…Otherwise, I may have to resort to… something even more unconventional."
He said this while lightly wetting his rosy lips with his tongue.
Their laughter rang together beneath the ancient tree, soft and wooden, like a monk's bell struck gently at midday, easing the heaviness in their chests.
Beneath the shade of the old tree behind the residence, the ground was lined with clean white gravel, and a path of dark red earthen tiles stretched quietly through the courtyard.The surrounding buildings stood serene. A cormorant called faintly from the lotus pond at the center,while rows of gardenias perfumed the air alongside the last blossoms of the late-season plum...petals drifting down one by one,as though nature itself whispered a blessing upon them.