Chapter 31: Neither the power, nor the fame

The old man led Valerie outside the hall and towards a bench in the middle of flower pots and flowers that had fallen asleep, leaving their green leaves to stand in defense.

He sat down and tapped on the bench, beckoning her to sit as well.

"Have a seat." He said but she was hesitant and said,

"I don't think it's my place to sit next to you, old man." She said. "Since you're the head of house Stewart."

"Hm, even without anything said of my position, you were able to figure it out." He said.

"Only someone dumb enough wouldn't notice." She added. "The owner of the house is truly remarkable."

"Then," he slowly took off his mask and showed his face. The same face she had seen that morning. "...would you mind sitting next to this old man? Just this old man and not any head of house or whatnot."

His words... She took his words to heart and sat next to him.

"Honestly, I did not think we would meet again so soon." He said.