Chapter 123

After spending a lovely afternoon with Melody, the two of us made it back to the residence safely.

Since we'd been out and about, it was time for a proper wash.

After scrubbing the child's tiny hands and feet squeaky clean, I'd just come back to my room, laid my tired body down, and started to relax, when—

Ahem, ahem.

A small cough sounded from beyond the door, followed by Cain's voice.

"Viola, do you have a moment?"

"Oh, yes! I do, but......"

Seeing him step through the door, a strange feeling came over me, somehow.

Come to think of it, it's been a little while since Cain's come looking for me first, like this.

It wasn't as though I hadn't seen his face at all — I'd stopped by his study for household matters here and there — but there was no denying that, these past few days, the…