Several weeks had passed since the duel.
Winter had arrived in full by then, wrapping the Morin estate in white. Snow blanketed the grounds, clung to rooftops, and softened every path leading through the mansion gardens. The air was cold and clean, biting enough to wake anyone fully the moment they stepped outside.
By that time, Klen was mostly recovered.
Most of his injuries had healed cleanly. The deep bruises were gone, his strength largely returned, and he could move freely again. Only faint reminders remained—a dull ache in his chest if he moved too suddenly, a stiffness in his arm when he overworked it. Manageable. Easy to ignore.
He had returned to his routine.
Klen woke early, washed, dressed, and slipped into his butler's uniform. The familiar fabric settled over him comfortably. Once ready, he made his way down the hall and knocked on Lyra's door.
"Come in," her voice answered from inside.
He entered and began his duties as naturally as ever. Helping her change into her clothes, brushing and tying her hair, making sure everything she needed was prepared. It was all done quietly and professionally, something that had long since become normal between them.
"Klen, are you doing better?" Lyra said, watching him through the mirror.
"Mostly healed," Klen replied. "The cold helps wake me up."
She hummed. "That's good. You scared everyone for a while."
He paused briefly, then smiled faintly. "Sorry about that."
Later that day, they crossed paths with Marna near the main corridor. She looked relaxed for once, her workload clearly lighter.
"Ah, Marna. Good to see you here." Klen said.
Marna turned towards Klen and Lyra, her usual smile on her face. "Hi! How are you guys today? Going somewhere?" she asked cheerfully.
"We're doing fine. And we were just going to the living room. Lady needed to study for her exam for the Academy." Klen replied
Marna stretched her arms. "Oh, right. It's almost time for her exams."
"Why don't you Join us in the living room if you are free after this?" Klen said.
Marna said, grinning. "I'll be there."
The living room was warm and quiet when they arrived. Lyra settled onto one of the sofas with a thick book on magic, already absorbed in its pages. Klen moved about the room, returning shortly with a teapot and cups.
He poured her tea carefully and set it beside her.
"What's this?" she asked.
"Herbal blend," he replied. "Made from magical leaves. Helps with warmth and focus."
Lyra smiled slightly. "Convenient."
Marna arrived not long after and dropped into a seat with a satisfied sigh. "This room alone makes winter worth it."
Lyra eventually closed her book and leaned back. "You're getting closer to the academy exams, you know."
"I know," Marna replied. "I'd rather not think about it."
"Huh? What do you mean by that Lady?" Klen asked, confused.
"Oh right. I haven't told you that yet, Klen." Lyra said.
"I'm going with you guys. Lady and Fole asked for me to join as well since I had some knowledge on fighting and magic as well as some skills in both." Marna said.
"Uh.. well that's a surprise and you know about fighting…? Am I missing something still?" Klen said.
"Don't worry about it." Both Marna and Lyra said at the same time. Surprised, they looked at each other and laughed.
They talked casually after that—nothing important, nothing heavy. Just passing conversation, small jokes, idle complaints. Klen and Marna sat across from Lyra, the warmth of the room settling comfortably around them.
A worker entered a while later, bowing politely. "We'll need assistance for the feast preparations."
Klen stood immediately. "We'll join shortly."
Marna followed suit. "Looks like break time's over."
They lifted the teapot and cups, then bowed neatly to Lyra before leaving.
"Don't work too hard," Lyra said, already picking her book back up.
That evening, the mansion buzzed with activity.
Klen and Marna helped wherever they were needed—preparing dishes, setting tables, carrying supplies. The scent of food filled the halls as dish after dish was completed. It was an annual tradition, one everyone looked forward to.
When the feast was ready, the dining hall was full.
Leor with Fole and Lyra later arrived and took their seats. Once everyone had settled, Leor stood and gave a little words. Something that he always gives every year.
With that, the feast began.
Laughter filled the halls, conversation flowing easily as people ate together. It wasn't extravagant—but it was warm.
Eventually, the night wound down.
Klen returned to his duties, escorting Lyra back to her room. He helped her change into her nightwear and made sure everything was in place before stepping back.
"Good night, Klen," Lyra said.
"Good night, Lady Lyra."
He returned to his own room afterward, the mansion quiet once more.
Outside, snow continued to fall.