Chapter 36

Only then did a response come back.

"...I'm not going to open it, so just go."

"No. Mewony can wait. I'll stay wight hewe. A thirsty pewson digs a well, aftew aww."

"...Where did you hear that?"

"I wead it in a book."

Fortunately, he was at least answering.

It seemed he hadn't decided to completely cut himself off from the world.

Two hours passed just like that, sitting with my back against the door.

People passing by repeatedly flinched in surprise when they saw me.

"Young Lady? Why are you here..."

"I came to see my owdeww bwothew."

"Aha! Cheer up! I'll be rooting for you to see him!"

"Yeah."

A few who cheered on my waiting brought me a cushion, a blanket, and snacks.

'They didn't have to.'

To me, who had lived as a street beggar, the ducal estate's hallway was nothing.

'Still, I shouldn't ignore their…