Since she was no longer allowed to accompany Ars to the shooting club, Hikaru's days began to feel strangely empty.
She should have been happy—after all, she finally had time to herself. Yet, instead of relief, that freedom brought a hollowness she had never known before.
The hours she used to spend standing quietly at the side, watching Ars from afar, were now completely vacant. It wasn't as if "free time" meant she was allowed to go out. Every time Ars finished his activities and told her to stay at home, Hikaru had nothing to do but wait like a small dog sitting obediently for its owner to return.
To fill that emptiness, Hikaru eventually decided to spend her time in the mansion's grand library. Yuki often stayed there as well whenever Ivan left her at home. Hikaru thought she might find something interesting if she lingered there long enough.
"Hm…"
