Karon sat on the sofa in Eunice’s living room, black tea and delicate pastries set before him, while Eunice sat very close, diagonally across from him. Today, she wore a long dress with a pattern of blue plums printed on it. Her hair cascade over her shoulders, giving her a gentle, natural beauty. Thinking back to the first time they met, when she had worn a long black dress, and comparing it to now, it was clear that each day’s outfit was intentionally selected, calibrated according to the distance between them. The atmosphere was easing, becoming more natural, more relaxed.1

“You’re dressed so formally today. Mom saw you arrive and hurried back to her room to change,” Eunice said, holding a hand over her mouth as she laughed. She was, in fact, somewhat asking a question.0

“It’s because today is an elder’s Day of Passing. I attended his service, but then couldn’t be bothered to go back home and change before coming over here.” What Karon meant was that showing up with such formal clothes on was, in actuality, being casual.0

Just then, Ms. Jenny came out, and she had actually put on a formal dress. “Karon, we’ve already booked the tickets for the ship.”0

“Thank you for the trouble, madam.” Karon rose to express his thanks.0

“No need to be so polite; It’s what we should do. The family also knew you would be visiting, so preparations are already underway.”0

“Thank you for the kindness you and your family have shown me, but there’s one thing; I may need a few more tickets, as I have several friends who need to come with me to Veyn.”0

“That’s not a problem; There are enough tickets, as I booked a suite on the ship’s third deck. There are a total of ten rooms, so there’s plenty of space. Uh… that is enough, right?”0

“It’s enough, madam. It’s just two servants, a cat, and a dog.”0

“Oh, Karon, you really are a kind child. I keep telling Eunice, anyone who cares for pets is kind at heart, isn’t that right?...0