Chapter 69: Exploring the Surroundings

It was rather unusual to remember to ask someone to leave only after fully dressing, but Ivy showed no sign of awkwardness.

Kate responded with her customary "Mm," turned, and left the room. Only after she had completely exited did her breathing change noticeably—her inhalations deeper, her exhalations heavier. Her ears, once subtly flushed, now burned with twice the heat.

Downstairs, breakfast was already set upon the table. Grandmother, unhurried, was arranging some white flowers—white roses like those Ivy had picked before, and blue-hued roses fading from one shade to another—a touch of romanticism in the air.

Ivy freshened up swiftly and hurried downstairs, seating herself in the chair clearly reserved for her.

She lowered her head in embarrassment. "I'm sorry I'm late. Were you all waiting for me?"