The first spring after the revolution’s victory, Viscount Fesca Horn once again set foot on this familiar land.
Morning mist hung like a veil, gently shrouding the gravestones and dyeing the entire world a hazy gray-white.
The former leader of the Flame Society had now passed his fortieth year, with fine lines at the corners of his eyes and a few strands of silver at his temples, but those sharp hawk-like eyes still shone as brightly as ever.
He carefully made his way along the slippery stone path, leaving shallow marks on the moss with his black leather boots.
In his left hand, he held a bouquet of fresh white roses. In his right, he leaned on an ebony walking stick—one his wife had insisted he bring after he’d fallen and hurt himself while inspecting his territory the previous week.
Thinking of his wife’s reproachful expression, a trace of gentle smile appeared on Fesca’s stern face.
“Blitz, I’ve come to see you again.”
He knelt on one knee before the plain gravestone, his movements still retaining a knight’s elegance.
The simple inscription on the stone had been worn somewhat blurry by time, but Fesca could trace the outline of every letter with his eyes closed.
Morning dew dampened his wool cloak, but he didn’t notice.
He gently placed the white roses before the grave and then pulled a silver flagon from his chest pocket.
“This is the new apple wine from my territory. You’ll definitely like it.”
The slightly sweet fruity fragrance bloomed on his tongue, reminding him of that misty morning many years ago.
It was with a cup of hot apple wine like this that the old doctor had saved the young revolutionary from a high fever that wouldn’t break.
“The new Queen was officially crowned last month.”
Fesca’s voice was low and gentle, as if chatting casually with an old friend.
“The Parliament passed a new bill. Now beastfolk and humans can legally own land and join the Church.”
“The farm tool improvements on my territory were very successful. No one went hungry this winter. I built an herb garden behind the manor following your methods. My wife says the herbs are even better than the ones bought in the city.”
His fingers unconsciously traced the edge of the gravestone.
“You were right back then. Change does take time… but it eventually comes.”
From afar, the church bell rang, startling a flock of white doves into flight.
Fesca watched them beat their wings toward the brightening sky.
“You must miss Phil a lot, right?”
He suddenly changed the subject.
“She’s working at the Royal Hospital now. I heard she’s become the most popular physician. Even the Queen has praised her kind heart.”
“But she seems to have remained single. There are quite a few suitors at the hospital—noble sons, outstanding beastfolk and humans—but she’s turned them all down.”
“I laugh and tell them not to waste their time. I think Phil has already given her heart to someone.”
He chatted on for a while longer.
Finally, Fesca stood up from Blitz’s gravestone, brushing the dust off his short robe.
“Thanks to you, we’re all living happily now.”
“I’ll come visit you again, Blitz.”
Sunlight streamed through the stained glass window, illuminating the corridor of the Royal Hospital.
Phil walked briskly through the hallway, the hem of her white coat fluttering slightly with her movements.
She carried a large stack of medical records in her hands and had a slice of bread spread with jam clamped between her teeth—clearly, this young female doctor had once again nearly been late because she’d stayed up all night organizing files.
“Doctor Phil! Doctor Phil!”
A childish voice rang out from the pediatric ward, followed by a series of thumping footsteps.
“Slow down! Don’t bump into—ow!”
Phil stumbled back half a step, nearly dropping her bread.
Three little ones—two human children and a beastfolk child with fluffy rabbit ears—rushed toward her in a scramble.
She furrowed her brows in a deliberately stern expression.
“How many times have I told you? No running in the hospital! Especially you, little Tommy. Your leg injury just healed!”
The boy named Tommy stuck out his tongue but still hugged her tightly around the waist.
“But I want to be the first to see Doctor Phil!”
“Me too! Me too!”
The rabbit-eared girl Lili hopped and raised her hand.
Phil sighed, but the smile in her eyes betrayed her.
“Alright, everyone go back and sit down. Whoever behaves best today gets to hear the story of The Brave Little Herb.”
The children cheered and immediately lined up obediently to head toward the ward.
Phil followed behind, scolding them now and then, but they paid no attention.
Just then, a nun pushed open the door and saw the room full of rowdy children.
She shook her head with a helpless smile.
“As expected, it really takes you to make these little troublemakers behave.”
Phil pouted, standing with her arms crossed, her cat tail flicking impatiently.
“I don’t care about being liked by them at all.”
The nun covered her mouth with a giggle. Then, as if remembering something, she said casually:
“Oh, by the way, there’s a very grand carriage parked at the hospital entrance. They say it’s here to see you.”
“See me? Not that nouveau riche again, is it?”
Phil’s ears instantly perked up, and her tail fur bristled.
“Hmph! Tell him to go back! I don’t want to see that bald upstart!”
The nun blinked.
“But that gentleman is a famous wealthy merchant with a huge fortune. Are you sure you won’t reconsider?”
“No reconsideration!”
Phil cut her off decisively.
“No amount of money!”
Her face was stern, her cat ears standing straight up, even the fine fur at the tips fluffed out in anger.
“I’ll go turn him down face-to-face right now!”
She strode briskly through the corridor and shoved open the hospital door.
“How many times do I have to say it? I have zero interest in marrying you! Go back already!”
She finished her aggressive shout, only to realize the person standing at the door was not her oily, slick-haired suitor at all.
What came into view was a face so familiar it couldn’t be more familiar.
Fiery red hair shimmering in the sunlight.
Emerald eyes brimming with playful smiles.
That signature smirk—the one that made you both love and hate—curling at the corners of the mouth.
“You’re really full of yourself~”
Tii drew out her tone, deliberately mimicking Phil’s earlier manner.
“I have absolutely no interest in marrying you either, Miss Phil~”
Phil’s face instantly flushed bright red, her ears flattening to the sides in embarrassment.
“I—I mistook you for someone else! How was I supposed to know you’d suddenly show up, you讨厌鬼!”
“That’s really hurtful to say.”
Tii shook her head in feigned sadness.
Then she pulled an exquisite badge from inside her coat and waved it in front of Phil’s eyes.
“But you should change how you address me now. I’m an official agent of the Kingdom Intelligence Department.”
She patted Phil’s shoulder proudly.
“I hope Miss Phil can show a bit more respect~”
“You—!”
Phil glared at her angrily, but finally took a deep breath and forced down her rage.
“Forget it. I’m not going to bicker with you.”
“Why did you come all the way to the hospital? What do you want?”
Tii tilted her head, red hair cascading over her shoulders like flames.
“I heard Miss Phil has been doing excellent work at the hospital. I came specially to catch up.”
“Who wants to catch up with you?”
Phil turned to shut the door.
“I’m busy.”
But the other person’s light words pinned her in place.
“Really? But I know you turned down all your suitors…”
She stepped forward, the tips of her fingers brushing lightly against Phil’s sleeve.
“Phil, you still can’t let her go, can you?”
Phil froze.
Sunlight streamed through the gap between them.
Tii’s eyes shimmered with a complex and tender light, as if she could see through all of Phil’s secrets.
“Actually…”
The red-haired girl’s voice was so soft it was almost inaudible.
“I’m the same as you.”
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