The sun cast a golden hue across the garden as the two women strolled side by side. Daliah's steps were light, her gaze lingering on the blooming roses and delicate lilies that lined the path.
"You've turned this place into something magical," Daliah said, her voice gentle with admiration. "It's hard to believe this is an old annex."
Serena gave a faint smile. "It was once a place of isolation. I wanted to give it new meaning."
As they reached the iris bed, Daliah paused. She reached out and gently plucked a violet bloom, then tucked it behind Serena's ear. "You look beautiful, Serena. Just like you did back then… only stronger now."
Serena blinked, caught off guard by the sudden remark. But instead of deflecting it, she let herself smile softly. "Thank you."
The day passed quietly after that, filled with the rustling of leaves and soft laughter. By afternoon, the sun hung lazily in the sky, casting a mellow warmth across the guest room where they had finally settled.
Rika quietly poured the tea, the delicate aroma filling the room. She set down a small tray of sweets before bowing and stepping out, leaving the two women alone.
Daliah took a sip, eyes widening slightly. "This is…?"
"Jasmine tea," Serena replied with a small smile. "Good for stress. I thought you could use it—with all the work lately."
Daliah smiled warmly and took another sip, letting the tea soothe her nerves before placing the cup down gently. "Actually, Serena… there's something important I came to discuss."
Serena looked at Daliah, giving her full attention.
"A letter arrived from an anonymous sender," Daliah began. "He claims to be a fan—he's been sending us letters for a while now, praising your novels. I thought it was okay at first, but…"
She hesitated a moment before continuing.
"Four days ago, he sent a different kind of letter. He said he wanted to fund our publishing house."
Serena's expression didn't change.
Daliah went on, "As you know, we're doing well—but we're still not as prominent as the bigger publishing houses. A patron like this could elevate us significantly. But it's strange, don't you think? He hasn't revealed his identity, and his letters… they're a little bit suspicious."
She met Serena's gaze. "That's why I came here. I didn't want to make a decision without you. So… what should we do now?"
Serena closed her eyes for a brief moment, then opened them and crossed her arms thoughtfully. "I don't think he's trying to harm us, Daliah. Whoever he is, he's being generous."
Daliah looked uncertain, but listened quietly.
Serena continued, "Even so, it's best not to owe favors to someone we don't know. I'll write him a letter and decline the offer."
Daliah nodded. "I thought you'd say that. As for where to send it—he didn't leave an address. A man delivered the letter and told me that if I wanted to reply, I should go to the Information Guild and mention the name 'Matthew.' They'll pass it on to him."
Serena tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I see. Then it's settled."
She rose from her seat and offered a small smile. "You stay here and enjoy the refreshments. I'll go write the letter now."
Daliah watched her go, a quiet relief in her eyes.
After a while, Serena returned with a neatly folded letter in her hand. She handed it to Daliah with a calm expression.
"This should be enough to make our stance clear," Serena said.
Daliah took the letter with both hands and smiled gently. "I'll seal it with my emblem before sending it."
She stood, fixing a loose strand of hair. "Thank you, Serena. I knew I could count on your judgment."
Serena walked her to the carriage, Aiden and Ashley quietly following behind at a distance. Near the gate, Daliah turned and gave Serena one last hug.
"I'll let you know what comes of it," she said with a wink before stepping into the carriage.
Serena stood by as the carriage rolled down the path, lifting a hand in farewell. Her gaze lingered until the carriage disappeared past the gate.