Chapter 1955

chapter1955

There were only seven or eight days left before they would reach Graystone.

As they got closer, a hint of greed crept into Manfred's heart.

Sometimes, twisted thoughts would surface. If he discarded the copper mirror, even if Vivian found her parents, she wouldn't be able to take them back with her.

She would have to return frequently. And if she did, he would get to see her again. The moment the thought emerged, it threatened to consume all reason. But the moment he looked at Vivian, it vanished just as quickly.

He could be ruthless, deceitful, and shameless with anyone else—but not with her.

Inside the carriage, Vivian could sense Manfred's silence. At first, she chose not to disturb him.

But when she saw he was stuck in that gloomy mood for too long, she finally asked, "Is something on your mind?"

Hearing her words, Manfred turned his gaze toward her. Vivian's clear, sincere eyes reflected nothing but genuine concern. Yet, under such a pure and unguarded gaze, Manfred found himself at a loss for words.

Their eyes met.

And in that moment, Vivian suddenly understood what was weighing on him. She fell silent too.

For a while, neither of them spoke.

That night, they stopped at an inn. Even then, neither spoke much.

Kemp and the others stood by quietly.

Seeing the two of them so silent, Kemp had countless questions running through his mind, but none of them made it past his lips.

For the past two days, both Manfred and Vivian seemed out of sorts. It was as if they each had something weighing on their minds.

Yet, it was obvious that Manfred still cared deeply about Vivian.

They had been under Kemp's watch almost the entire time, and there hadn't been

a single argument between them.

But if they hadn't fought, Kemp couldn't understand why they were so silent around each other.

He wondered if they were caught in an unspoken standoff.

It didn't make sense, especially since Manfred hadn't seen Vivian in years. He should be cherishing every moment they had together.

Kemp remembered how, more than three years ago, when Vivian left and they returned to Vlario, Alger had met with Manfred. With a serious tone, he had told him that Vivian never truly belonged in their world and that her departure was

inévitable.

He also advised Manfred not to harbor any lingering desires. Sometimes, letting

go was the best way to honor each other.

At the time, Kemp hadn't understood

it, and even now, he still didn't fully get it. What he did remember was how Manfred had been quiet for a long time, from dawn until well past midnight.

Now, seeing them both silent, he couldn't help but wonder what had changed.

This inn was interesting.

It was built on top of a hot spring. Every room on the first floor had access to a private natural hot spring, offering both privacy and the comfort of relaxing in the spring.

Vivian was thrilled when she saw the

hot spring. She immediately ran to Manfred, staying in the adjacent room, and exclaimed, "Manfred,

there's a hot spring in our room. This inn is incredible!"

After the long journey by carriage, a soak in the hot spring would be the perfect way to relax. It was such an unexpected delight.

She hadn't expected to find such a special inn in a small town like this. Although the inn looked ordinary from the outside, it was a hidden gem inside.

Manfred smiled when he saw Vivian's excitement. "It is rare to find a hot spring inn like this. If I had known you liked it, we could have stayed in a place like this last night."