"Kaito," Julian called, glancing above his folded list in his hand. Giving me a slight nod as I turned too him, catching the calm urgency in his expression. "The wine for tonight is ready to be picked up at the wine merchant down town. Could you head over and retrieve it? Everyone else has stuff to do, and I do rely on you, Kaito." He looked up from his list, meeting my gaze with a look of trust.

"Yes, of course, Julian. I’ll gladly help,” I replied, straightening my posture.

As Julian gave a brief nod of approval, I adjusted the cuffs of my shirt, feeling the crispness of the white fabric under my fingers. The black waistcoat—a fitted layer beneath my jacket—hugged my frame with tailored precision, accentuating the clean lines of the dark-gray jacket draped over my shoulders. I brushed an invisible crease from the sleeve, letting my fingertips graze the smooth material, a quiet reminder of the refined newness of the suit.

The layered look was a bit different than what I was used to, more intricate, but fitting for the festival’s elegance. Truly grateful to Julian for it.

"Thank you kaito, knew I could count on you. Remember, the crowds are thick, so keep focused." He gives me a smile of appreciation, as he gives me a last glance before I turn away, "kaito, that suit looks excellent on you. Just remember to stand tall—you should wear it with pride.”

I nod, "Thank you a lot, Julian, I will remember that," I answer, straightening my posture, feeling lighter from the compliment.

"Take care out there,” he added, a final touch of warmth in his voice.

"Will do," I replied, turning on my heel, ready to set off.

It was the fourth night of festivities, and the streets were busier than ever, likely because tomorrow was the festival's grand finale. People flooded the market, eager to savor the last of the celebration, laughing and chatting, colorful lanterns casting a warm glow over them. Tomorrow, we would stay indoors, hosting a grand celebration in the mansion’s grand hall—a night filled with food, music, dancing, and speeches from Julian, Reginald, and even Yumiko. The air buzzed with anticipation, and I couldn’t help but feel a thrill at the thought of it all.

A moment to share with everyone.

The streets are lively, the stalls are still open and the folk are having a good time, I kinda feel a bit lost in all of it. "I should of asked where this wine shop were... damn—it..." the though ran through my brain.

But, should it really be that hard to find? I am pretty sure it should be this way, maybe?

If I am correct, there should be a lot of people around it, right?

As the questions ran through my head I spot a familiar figure in the distance, red hair, standing on her toes, her eyes wide with wonder, sparkling as they reflect the vibrant colors of the goods on display. She’s practically glowing with excitement… yup, that has to be Yumiko.

But, what is she doing here, were is Rina?

Is it okay for her to go out on her own for this festival? Maybe...

I approach her, calling out, "Yumiko, what are you doing here?"

No answer...

"Yumiko!"

She turns around, her expression lighting up with recognition. Her wide eyes, her delighted stance—it’s all so unmistakably her. "Huh? Kaito?" Her fascinated expression quickly shifts to one of mild confusion. "What are you doing here?"

"...I should ask you that..." I shake my head, trying to shake off the surprise "I’m out here helping Julian pick up some wine. But what are you doing here?"

She’s already turned back toward the colorful market stalls, her eyes fixed on the vibrant scene as if she didn’t quite catch my question. "Huh? Oh… uhh..." Her gaze seems distant, as if she’s piecing together a puzzle. She mumbles a string of words under her breath, barely audible—“…wine… Julian… help… Doing…?”

She looks almost frustrated, finally blurting out, "Nope…" then, turning back to me with a smile, "Sorry, what did you say?"

This idiot...

"I went out too help Julian with picking up some wine. What are you doing here?" I ask for the second time, hopefully she listens.

"Oh—I see, well I kinda just sneaked out, I mean it should be fine for me too be by myself on a day like this, there are eyes everywhere so nothing would happen plus I wan't some time too admire everything."

Ahh, yeah, it could be safe for her... Wait... "I see, I agree on that you should get some time by yourself. Question though, do you know were the wine merchant is??"

"The wine merchant? why?" She seems clueless as usual.

I mentioned only some seconds ago that I am on my way there, is she dumb...

Before I need to repeat myself, she answers, "Ohh yeah, wait, you don't know the way?"

No!

"No, I don't..."

Her face cracks, and breaks into laughter, "hahaha, you don't know the way, but still told Julian you could go and bring it... idiot, hahaha." She says, teasing me.

I fucking hate her...

“…So, could you just show me the way?”

Shifting back to a friendly expression, she nods. "Yeah, alright."

What’s gotten into her? She’s been oddly nice to me lately. Maybe she’s just extra cheerful because of the festival…

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“Thanks,” I say, a little unsure.

She gives me a glace with out a single word. I suppose it is hard for her too be nice, I guess...

"Anyways, so is the wine merchant close by?"

"Pretty much, I'll show you," she says already showing the way.

And with that, we're off.

Walking like this alongside Yumiko, kinda gives some flash backs of back when I first arrived, when I meet Yumiko for the first time. I have changed a lot sens then, back then I couldn't even look her in the eyes, I was awkward, I can't believe how much I changed over just these week's. I am glad I did.

I changed, thanks too Yumiko, Umi and even Julian, he is the one that helped me the most in a way, such a great man...

"by the way, Yumiko, how have your days been under this festival?" I ask kindly.

"It has been great! The food, performances, the fire works! It all is amazing!" Her face seems like have drifted into a whole new world as she answers me.

"That sounds great, I am glad too hear."

"What about you, have your days been good?" She asks, actually looking like she cares, like she wants a answer.

What, she actually looks like she is honestly curious, that's new...

"Oh... Well, my days has been great. Thank you for asking."

"Of course, your welcome..."

I'd say, improvement.

Looks like we’ve arrived. A sign hangs above the door of a quaint little tavern, reading "Wine."

"We here, I suppose?"

"Yes, you get your wine and then we can go back." She says, sounding like she want me too hurry.

"yeah, yeah, sure, I will be right be back."

As I step inside, a warmth hit me, it is the usual heat of a fire, a calmness of some old drunks chatting over the room and the bartender behind the desk, lending out glasses with ale for the folk.

"Hi, good evening. I came too pick up the wine for Sir Julian." I stand tall, trying my best too show politeness.

The bartender looks my way with a glass in his hand as he cleans it.

"Oh... Good evening. Your polite little man, a well manured young man. I will get the wine for you, wait here," he says with a kind smile as he turns around.

Not needing to wait for too long he comes back with one box of wine, not a big one so shouldn't be too hard too carry.

"Here you go..." He says as he puts it on the table.

"Thank you sir," I reply, picking the wine box up from the table. "Have a good night."

The bartender smiles of amusement as he reply, "Thank you too, take care." He says waving me good bye.

"Alright, let’s get back now, Kaito," Yumiko says as she meets me at the door.

"Are you in a hurry?"

She shivers, hugging herself in her thin dress. “No… it’s just cold.”

“Oh! Right—let’s get moving then.”

She shivers nearly the whole way, her dress no match for the cool night air. By the time we reach the steps to the mansion, she’s practically jogging, running ahead of me to reach the warm light spilling from the doorway.

With the wooden wine box in my hands, I take the last few steps a bit slower, savoring the quiet of the night air and the flickering glow from the entrance. As I reach the top, I hear Yumiko sighing with relief at the door, and I can’t help but enjoy the peaceful contrast between the brisk walk and the welcoming warmth of the mansion's hallway up ahead.

Steeping inside, meeting Yumiko, "I'll be giving Julian the wine now, see you." I tell her as I approach the mansions stare case towards Julian's office room.

As I had knocked on his door, "You may approach," his normal calm and poetic voice reaches my ears as I open the door softly... "Welcome, kaito."

"I’m glad to be here, Julian. Your hospitality is as warm as ever, a true comfort in the stillness of the night." Standing tall as I replied to his welcome, I couldn’t help but feel a quiet reverence for this place—the mansion, with its noble air and rich history, always seemed to hold a certain kind of weight.

the flickering light of the fire behind him sends the calmness of peace and richness into the atmosphere.

"Oh... Kaito..." Julian smiles, a hint of amusement in his gaze. "No need to be so poetic now. I see you have grown into a man of finer words," he tells, lining back too the sofa.

"Oh... I see, thank you, Julian. I'll take that as a compliment."

“You may place that box on the table just there,” Julian says, gesturing to a table nearby.

“Yes, of course.” I reply, setting the box down as he instructed.

“Care to join me for a while?” Julian asks as I finish.

"No, not at all, I would be happy too." I reply with a pleased tone.

"Perfect, take a seat."

I do as he pleases, taking my seat on the sofa placed before him.

"So... Kaito, how has your time here at the mansion been?" Julian asks, his gaze calm, carrying a hint of quiet curiosity.

I pause for a moment, considering the question. Julian’s words always carry a weight to them, spoken with a calm grace that makes even the simplest conversations feel engaging. He has a way of speaking—formal yet warm, every syllable thoughtfully chosen, as if each were a brushstroke on a canvas. There’s something undeniably gallant about him, an ease that commands respect without demanding it. It’s a rare quality, one I find myself admiring more with each encounter.

With a slight smile, I reply, "My time here has been a true privilege, Julian. Every corner of the mansion seems to hold its own story, and I find myself drawn into each one. I am truly grateful to you, Sir."

"I am glad to hear that you have had a pleasant stay, and I am grateful for all you've done, Kaito," Julian says, as one of the maids enters his presence.

Recognizing each other, she gives me a warm smile, which I return as she waits for Julian's response.

"Sir Julian, may I assist you with anything?" The maid enters, her smooth, refined voice carrying a poetic tone. A familiar face...

"Kaito, care for some wine?" Julian asks, his tone tempting, a glass of wine in hand.

"No, thank you, it's fine. Might I have some tea instead?" I decline his offer, feeling the need to have something.

"I see. Seraphina," Julian calls to the maid, "please bring a cup of tea for Kaito, and a glass of wine for me, if you would be so kind."

"Of course, Sir." Seraphina says, lowing her head slightly before turning to leave the room with quiet grace.

"Okay, Kaito, tell me more, how goes your study? I see you in the library often, I take that as you are learning something new, perhaps?" Julian's fine tone moves warmth too my ears, a charm of his.

"Well, yes. I have been studying about the Deadlands, along with learning its language." I respond with a light tone.

"Ah, the Deadlands, an interesting choice… I hope your studies are rewarding. Are they progressing well?"

"Yes they are—thank you." I answer his kindness.

"I'm glad too hear," his voice carrying a note of approval.

After a pause, Julian continues, "And how goes your work with Yumiko? I trust her lessons are progressing?"

"Yes, Sir, I can see real improvement in her reading and writing skills," I reply. Although, I think to myself, her focus could definitely be better—she’s learning, but isn’t exactly the most engaged student.

"That's very good to hear," he responds, his expression softening with evident relief and gratitude. "Your dedication means a great deal to me, Kaito."

I mean yeah, I guess it is hard finding an teacher that would not turn once back on her, she can be annoying and suborn, so I totally understand.

The sound of the crackling fire leaves warmth in the air as we take a moment of peace. I slightly adjust the cuffs of my suit jacket as I take a brief look around at the wooden walls, along with the portraits and paintings.

As we sit quiet the door opens, Seraphina comes in with a metal plate in hand, carrying red wine and tea.

She brings the plate too the table "Sir, enjoy."

"Thank you, Seraphina." Julian says, a tone of kindness, as Seraphina leaves the room, closing the door after her carefully.

As she left, the atmosphere shifted slightly. Julian adjusted his posture, crossing one leg over the other and reclining comfortably against the sofa, wine glass in hand. Satisfied, he swirled the bright red wine, watching as it traced the edges of the glass. His expression softened into a look of refined relaxation, one that made my soul feel clear yet out of place.

My heart skips a beat or two at his distant gaze—warm yet heavy, as if he were lost in a world of his own, somewhere beyond the room. The weight of his presence alone holds me in place, and for a moment, it feels as though I’m on the outskirts of something profound and unreachable, drawn into a quiet realm that’s entirely his. It's as if the atmosphere has shifted, leaving only me, his quiet intensity, and the soft, steady swirl of wine, leaving me to catch the quiet hiss against the glass.