GDC 117

“You can head back first.”

After finishing his talk with Paccio, Loic didn’t return to the mansion right away. Instead, he walked straight toward a nearby bush.

Standing before it, he murmured quietly, “Come out.”

For a moment, nothing happened—then the bush rustled slightly, and Raphael poked his curly brown head out.

“So my brother-in-law’s dream job is spy-catching, huh?”

Loic narrowed his eyes and stared down at him.

“You seem to enjoy eavesdropping.”

Raphael’s round cheeks puffed up in protest. “I really thought I was being sneaky this time…”

Something about his sulky face reminded Loic of Annette— ‘Tch. Kind of cute, actually.’

Instead of scolding him, Loic called out to the knight who’d been keeping watch behind.

“Hassel. Tell Whitley to set tea in the front garden.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“You, come with me.”

He gave Raphael a brief glance. Apparently, the boy thought he’d lost his tail…