Chapter 553: Discussion in the Study

"Thank you."

The moment Vaan stepped back inside the study room, Astoria expressed her sincere appreciation. Some swollen redness could still be seen around her eyes, but her emotions have mostly stabilized.

Astoria was originally a strong, independent woman, not to mention she was much older than Vaan. As such, she still had some pride and wouldn't want to weep pathetically in Vaan's arms, showing him her most vulnerable side.

Although she would have still accepted Vaan's shoulder to lean on anyway if he offered it to her, she was also glad that he didn't.

Vaan acknowledged Astoria's thank you with a nod.

"It seems like you two have become good friends," Vaan casually commented, glancing at Topaz perched on Astoria's head.

The two appeared quite buddy-buddy.

However, shortly after his comment, Topaz immediately took off, returning to Vaan's head. She took turns rubbing both her cheeks against him affectionately, showing him he was still her favorite person.