Marlina watched with a tender, indulgent smile as Seraphina, unable to contain her patience, playfully prodded Ansel's stomach. The affection and gentleness in her eyes were unmistakable.
When her gaze shifted to Ansel, that affection and gentleness morphed into a sense of peace and tranquility.
She could sense that Ansel truly found joy in everything Seraphina represented… be it loyalty or folly, obedience or whimsy.
It was more than enough that Seraphina could bring such sincere delight and solace to Mr. Ansel, for as long as there was someone to alleviate his solitude, Marlina too felt a profound happiness.
Yet… Ansel's mother had mentioned that even with Seraphina's company, Ansel still felt a deeper loneliness...
With this thought, the young girl's expression remained unchanged, her eyes slightly downcast, a wistful sigh in her heart.
Her capabilities, she realized, were still woefully inadequate.