The next day, Reynard returned to the garden. Once again, having arrived first and taken his seat, he began glancing around, wondering if Evelyn might show up.

Since he had timed his visit to match the hour she came yesterday, he didn’t have to wait long before Evelyn emerged, parting the bushes.

Just like yesterday, her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Reynard already there.

“You came again today?”

At Evelyn’s words, Reynard glanced sideways at her, then turned his head away. She hadn’t really expected him to respond, but it still stung a little when he didn’t. Pouting briefly, Evelyn crouched down beside Reynard, just like the day before.

“But do you come here every day?”

His voice was blunt as he asked the question. Evelyn hesitated, briefly considering whether to answer, much like Reynard had a moment ago, but eventually responded in a small voice.

“Not every day. I can’t come if it rains or snows.”

“Isn’t there anywhere else you can go besides here?”

“Other places have too many people coming and going.”

“Really? I was going to go somewhere better if there was, but if not, well, nothing I can do.”

Reynard’s grumbling tone made him seem rather relieved.

“Why don’t you like places where people pass by?”

“……”

“Hmm?”

When Evelyn didn’t respond, Reynard looked at her with curiosity. After a moment of thought on how to answer, Evelyn finally spoke with difficulty.

“Because people hate me.”

“Why?”

“Because of my mother.”

He didn’t know the details, but Reynard figured Evelyn must have her own complicated circumstances, and nodded.

“Actually, it’s the same for me.”

Reynard said quietly, turning to her. Evelyn, who had been quietly sitting with her eyes closed, looked up at him. Only then did she see the sorrow etched deeply across his face—something she hadn’t noticed until now.

“People hate me too.”

“Why?”

“Because of the reason my mother died.”

“……”

“So… would it be okay if I stayed here with you?”

To Reynard’s cautious question, Evelyn answered with a nod.

“……Thank you.”

Though Bait and Hesta were allied nations, they could never truly be a place of comfort for Reynard. Especially now, when his emotions were a whirlwind after his mother’s death.

There was no one to care for him, and no one to protect him. Once first in line to the throne as the empress’s legitimate son, he had now been cast to the very bottom. There was no helping it—his mother had been executed for treason.

Of course, Reynard refused to believe that his mother or maternal grandfather would ever commit such an outrageous act.

After all, he was already the first in line for succession, and with time, the throne would have naturally become his without conflict. Why would his mother have risked everything for something she would have received anyway? It made no sense. None of it did.

Yet somehow, all the evidence and circumstances that surfaced pointed to her treason. He had cried out that it was all fabricated, but no one would listen. And this was the result.

A heavy sigh sank to the ground. Seeing how deeply troubled he was, Evelyn silently respected his need for quiet.

***

“My name is Ray.”

The next day, Reynard abruptly tossed his name at Evelyn. Startled by his sudden introduction, Evelyn blinked in confusion, and Reynard squinted at her with a sideways glare.

“You told me your name the other day. I felt weird being the only one who hadn’t, so I’m telling you now.”

“Okay. Then, should I call you Lord Ray?”

“…Just call me Ray.”

“Yes, Lord Ray.”

“I said just call me Ray.”

When Evelyn added “Lord” to his name, Reynard grumbled in irritation.

“Is that okay?”

“Why wouldn’t it be? I’m a page right now, and you look like a maid.”

“That’s true, but…”

“If I say just call me that, then do it.”

At his brusque command, Evelyn belatedly nodded.

“Yes, Ray.”

“….”

When Evelyn answered in a small voice, Reynard bit hard on his lower lip. Strangely, hearing her call his name made his chest tingle. It was a peculiar yet pleasant feeling.

“So, now that we’ve called each other by name, does that mean we’re friends?”

Evelyn asked hesitantly, turning to Reynard.

“Friends?”

Reynard frowned at the sudden word. The term “friend” felt unfamiliar to him.

“Well…”

He hesitated, then nodded as if making a decision.

“Sure. Why not? Friends, then.”

If anyone else had known his circumstances, they would never have suggested being friends with him—but Evelyn was different.

She knew nothing about Reynard, and even if she wanted to, there was no way for her to find out his identity unless he told her himself.

Besides, they would part ways in just ten days. Having someone he could confide in, even briefly, didn’t seem like such a bad thing.

As Reynard accepted the idea of being friends, Evelyn’s cheeks flushed pink. Seeing her expression, Reynard blinked in surprise.

“Why—why is your face turning so red?”

“Well… the truth is… this is the first time I’ve ever made a friend. So I’m kind of excited and nervous.”

Evelyn said this and let out a shy giggle.

Reynard had also never made a friend before. Maybe that’s why his heart was pounding, and his face felt hot.

‘Is this what it feels like to make a friend?’

Neither Reynard nor Evelyn had ever experienced friendship before, so they couldn’t quite define what it was supposed to feel like.

“Then Evelyn, will you come here again tomorrow?”

“Yes. I’ll always be here until nightfall.”

At her reply, Reynard nodded.

“Good. Then can I ask you a favor tomorrow?”

“Huh? What kind of favor?”

Evelyn, her eyes wide like a rabbit’s, looked so adorable.

Reynard’s heart pounded so fast he couldn’t bear to look at her. He turned his head quickly, trying to cool his flushed face.

“Ray?”

When Reynard didn’t respond, Evelyn tilted her head. Startled by the sound of his name, Reynard took a deep breath and spoke.

“Could you show me around the castle?”

“Show you? Me?”

“Yeah. We’re friends, right? Isn’t that the kind of thing you can do?”

When Evelyn looked like she might refuse, Reynard grumbled in displeasure.

“I didn’t mean no. It’s just… I’ve never done that before. And since you’re a page from Bait, I’m not sure if I’m allowed to just guide you around on my own…”

“You can’t?”

“Could I ask my mother and let you know tomorrow?”

At Evelyn’s cautious suggestion, Reynard nodded in understanding. He recognized that her answer wasn’t a refusal.

“Alright, do that then.”

***

“Mother.”

The next morning, Evelyn went to find Glenna. With a glance full of annoyance, Glenna gave her a quick once-over, then continued doing her hair. No answer came.

Unsure whether she should speak or retreat, Evelyn thought about her first-ever friend and managed to open her mouth.

“I became friends with a page from Bait, and I was wondering… would it be alright to show him around the castle?”

She asked with great care, fearing she might upset Glenna.

“Why are you asking me that? Think for yourself. How long do you expect me to teach you every little thing?”

Glenna let out a sigh loud enough to be heard and scolded Evelyn sharply.

Shrinking her shoulders, Evelyn lowered her head.

“Yes, I’m sorry.”

Glenna, not even sparing a glance at her disheartened daughter, left the room.