Theodore hadn’t misheard when she said she would send letters.

Lily indeed sent letters, and quite regularly at that.

Each time he responded, another letter would arrive not long after.

In this manner, Theodore continued his correspondence with Lily for a week now.

[I’ll send you some honey, a specialty of Brienne. Mixing it in warm tea helps with sleep.]

[Thank you. I’ll soon choose a gift for you as well. If there’s anything in particular you want…]

The letters were mostly about everyday matters: asking if he was well, if he was sleeping properly, if he was eating well, and other such simple things.

There were no serious discussions. It was all very ordinary, but Theodore always chose his words carefully.

[The sky looks cloudy, so it might rain from early morning tomorrow. The temperature will likely drop, so please be careful not to catch a cold.]

[I used to catch colds often, but not so much these days. I think I’ve become healthier. But you should not overestimate your recovery…]

…He was incredibly happy. Knowing she was concerned about him filled him with joy.

Was he dead and dreaming? But it all felt too vivid to be a dream.

And she had told him before, he can’t dream when he’s dead.

“……”

Smiling faintly, Theodore kissed Lily’s letter. It felt as if her warmth lingered on the paper.

With the ground thawed and winter retreating, the world was blooming into full spring.

* * *

Mentioning past events still feels delicate. But I’m curious, so I have to ask.

Theodore, do you remember the peridot necklace you gave me?

Why did you give me that necklace?

I think I know the reason, but I want to hear what you felt at that time.

Please tell me in your reply.

Someday, when I can fully accept you…

I’ll return the necklace to you.

* * *

Has it already been four weeks?

Four weeks of exchanging letters with Theodore.

We wrote to each other almost every single day. Even in his letters, he remained the sensitive, cautious, and serious man I knew. It amused me, bringing a smile to my face each time I read his words.

It was clear how much effort he put into choosing his words, revising them multiple times. His concern for the recipient of his letters…for me, was evident.

It wasn’t a bad feeling.

“Viscount, do you still have that dream?”

“Ung? Aahh…sometimes.”

Charlotte, who was brushing my hair, asked cautiously. ‘That dream’ referred to the one where I saw a girl who appeared to be our daughter. I often had that dream and had only confided in Charlotte about it. She found it fascinating and wondered if it might be a prophetic dream, but I just laughed it off.

A prophetic dream? Perhaps. But the future’s not set in stone.

“All done, Viscount. Shall I bring the jewelry box?”

“Yes, please.”

I nodded to Charlotte’s question. She had finished braiding my hair neatly.

Charlotte smiled at me through the mirror and left to fetch the jewelry box, returning shortly after. When she opened the lid, a familiar necklace shimmered faintly.

It was the peridot necklace Theodore had sent me.

“…”

I gazed at the necklace. Someday, will I return this to you?

“Which jewelry would you like to wear? This ruby one looks perfect with today’s dress.”

“Yes, let’s go with that.”

Charlotte eagerly picked up the ruby necklace when I quickly agreed. She carefully fastened it around my neck. Next, she selected matching ruby earrings.

“You look good in any color, Viscount! How about trying the aquamarine set next time? I’m sure it would suit you wonderfully!”

Charlotte was as enthusiastic as ever about adorning me. According to her, it’s human nature to want to beautify someone already beautiful…

Anyway, after finishing my preparations, I came down to the first floor with Charlotte. The butler, upon seeing me, bowed respectfully and delivered a message.

“The guests are in the drawing room.”

“Alright, has everything been fine?”

“Yes, Lady Delacroix seems to be very fond of our chef’s new cookies.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at that. Passing by the butler, I responded cheerfully.

“Well, that’s good news. Make sure to pack some as a gift for our guests when they leave.”

“Yes, I will do so.”

When I reached the drawing room, I saw the Delacroix siblings sitting side by side on the sofa, engaged in yet another trivial argument.

__