Adelinde stepped out on the balcony just to hold her hand out and see how much raindrops she felt. The rainiest part of the year always came around the end of July, continuing on until mid August; considering the consistent drizzle for the past few days, it must’ve chosen to come a bit early this year. The clouds suggested more rain to come—she could probably take Matteo out before it became heavy, but it would be a matter of luck.

She went back inside and got dressed for the day, planning her outfit based on her guess about the weather. When she was satisfied with her appearance—something that came a little easier now—she left her room and went to Matteo’s as usual. She laid out his clothes, too fond of the routine to put them out the night before, and let him get changed on his own while she went to the dining hall.

She got there only to pause when she noticed Rene idling near one spot at the table. Mark, already sitting down and in a position to see her, offered the first greeting.

“I let your girlfriend in,” Mark said somewhat teasingly. Rene turned and offered a little nod.

“I can see,” Adelinde replied. She cast a smile towards Rene. “Did you get back today?”

“Got off the train about an hour ago, yeah.” She gestured a bit towards a little bag. “I managed to get little things for you and Matteo.”

“Thank you. You can sit down, if you want.”

Rene still hesitated until Adelinde took a seat and gestured to the spot to the right of where Matteo typically was. Rene sat once the specific seat was offered, moving the bag with her so it wasn’t in anyone’s way.

“Was your father much trouble?” Adelinde asked, recalling her comment when she said she would be going alone with him. “You don’t typically come here this early, much less to eat.”

“The man himself was fine,” Rene said evenly. “Didn’t interrogate me as much as I expected so that’s a plus.” She paused for a second, then sighed. “The guy we were meeting was…judgmental—but I get that a lot so it’s nothing new. I just wanted to get the gifts dropped off first thing.”

Matteo came in around then, stopping mid-greeting to his mother and uncle before noticing Rene.

“Oh! Hi Reny! Morning!”

He walked up to her and gave as much of a hug as he could manage with her sitting down, then climbed into his chair while Rene smiled at him.

“Good morning, kid,” she said.

“You got presents?” Matteo asked, looking over at her. After a second’s pause, he added, “Please?”

“I did get something for you,” Rene replied. “But you have to wait until after we eat.”

“Okay.”

He still looked a bit disappointed, but didn’t have time to protest before the staff started to bring out food. Rene opened her mouth—likely to offer helping—before being cut off by a silent smile. Most of the staff were hired by choice, so they appreciated doing things on their own.

There was still enough for all four of them, fortunately, given some things that one or the other didn’t or couldn’t eat. Mark led the conversation, lightly interrogating Rene like he had Aurik; the largest difference was that, unlike with Aurik, he genuinely smiled the whole time, putting each question into a teasing tone until Rene went from somewhat hesitant to almost responding similar to how Adelinde did on her better days. Adelinde and Matteo would chime in their own questions or comments along the way as well.

As soon as Mark stood up and left to do some work, Matteo turned towards Rene.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

“Present please?” he asked, making a slight grabbing motion towards the bag.

Adelinde and Rene both chuckled, prompting the boy to smile proudly at having brought some joy to his mother and friend. Rene reached into her bag and pulled out a small toy ship, giving it to Matteo and receiving a small cheer in return. He ran off with it almost immediately, ignoring Adelinde’s brief attempt to call him back. Rene openly laughed.

“I didn’t think he’d be so excited,” she admitted.

“He’s been looking forward to the gift; he likely wants to show his friends.” Adelinde shifted her position so she could face Rene, gesturing towards the bag with a teasing smile. “Did you get anything else?”

Rene nodded and lightly pushed the bag towards Adelinde. “The port we went to was where I grew up; I managed to get something for you.”

Adelinde looked into the bag, finding a necklace with two charms—a music note and a sun—and she smiled back at Rene. The other woman blushed, giving some explanation.

“It’s not much,” she reasoned, “And I would’ve given you some kind of score book, but I didn’t know if you happened to have any that they sold up there.”

“It’s perfect,” Adelinde assured her. Rene’s expression changed to loving admiration when Adelinde slipped on the necklace. “Thank you, Rene.”

“I’m glad it suits you, to be honest,” Rene said.

She prepared to more before pausing, apparently remembering something else. Her smile fell for a second, then she tried to hide it. That both worried and scared Adelinde, but she didn’t know which one was strongest—Rene noticed and winced.

Adelinde managed to find some words before Rene could speak first. They came out remarkably gentle despite her fears.

“Is something bothering you?”

She froze, albeit surprised more than anything. She must not have expected the question; it took her a few seconds to respond, and even then she didn’t look at Adelinde when she gave some kind of explanation.

“Just…family stuff. That’s the easiest way to put it, anyway. There’s something Lord Dazuz wants me to do but I’m…not willing to take that role anymore. As long as I’m there, though, he won’t let me forget—and I don’t want it to affect you and Matteo.”

“Is it related to the trips he sends you on?”

“…Yeah.” She fell silent for a second, then stood up and sighed. She glanced back at Adelinde to see the necklace, then turned away. “I should head back. I said I would come as soon as I could.”

She only took two steps before Adelinde stood up as well.

“Wait.” Rene stopped, even looking at her; she seemed conflicted between happy and regretful for the interruption, the latter of which Adelinde didn’t understand. She could analyze it later.

She made up the short distance and offered a light kiss on the cheek. She carried on even though Rene seemed taken aback at the gesture.

“I can tell you’d rather stay,” Adelinde murmured. “I won’t tell you what to do, but you don’t need to follow along with whatever Lord Dazuz wants for you. Adopted children can leave the family as soon as they’re an adult—it’s an internal process, so all you would have to do is tell Lord Dazuz that you’re reclaiming whatever name you had before. You’re not legally obligated—even if you stayed in the family—to do anything for the family unless it was put into a will, and even that can be challenged.”

She thought back to the arts festival and the new year’s celebration—how Rene didn’t seem entirely comfortable being with them. She didn’t know the reason—she wouldn’t dare ask unless Rene brought it up first—but that alone worried her. Their expectations for her, if nothing else, seemed to be unnaturally high.

Rene seemed to appreciate the thought and her smile almost returned. Her saddened look from earlier turned into something closer to wary consideration.

“That…would be nice,” she admitted. “I’d have to find somewhere else to stay, though.”

“You could stay here,” Adelinde offered gently.

Rene’s first reaction was an almost-genuine chuckle and a light kiss.

“I bother you enough as it is. I don’t think I can accept that.”

“Consider it, if nothing else,” Adelinde reasoned, taking a step back so she could go. “We have plenty of space here—I don’t mind giving you a place to stay if it means you’re a little happier.”

“Well… Thank you. I have some other things to work through, but I’ll let you know either way.”

Her smile from when she gave Adelinde her gift returned, which assured her. Rene offered a little wave, taking a step back.

“I’ll try to make it to the music district tomorrow,” she promised. “Make up for my time away, if nothing else.”

“I look forward to it. Take however much time you need to rest.”

Rene nodded an agreement, then took her leave. Adelinde gathered the bag the gifts were in before looking for Matteo.