“Ehh? W-We’re already at the hotel? How...?”

(❁°͈▵°͈)

“There are two things that need to be mentioned to answer your question, my princess.

“The first one is that you got too drunk on a single glass of wine - which is quite the feat in this servant’s humble opinion - and the other is that since it was getting late, I carried you in my arms until we got back.”

( ^‿^)~☆

“Don’t tell me... Don’t tell me it was the legendary princess carry?!”

Σ(o///o lll）

“How else would I carry my princess?”

(๛ ˘ ³˘)۶

“You never run out of shamelessness, do you?!”

ꀯ(‴ꑒ᷅⺫ꑒ᷄)

“As much as I am happy that you’re back to your energetic self, this butler would still like to request for my lady to rest well as we will be leaving at 4:00 AM tomorrow.”

“What? Really? It’s time to go home already?”

“Indeed.”

“So... this means I won’t be able to meet with Cinnamon again?” Estelle felt a brief pain in her heart as she imagined what Cinnamon went through; at the same time she felt that her mother was such a gallant person, to be able to do what she did.

“I am afraid that is not possible any time soon.”

“Haaaaaa. In the end, there were no further leads, huh? I wonder why they went that far just to keep me in the dark, what could’ve happened in the past for my mother to willingly disappear from our lives?

“Well, at least seems that Lady Cinnamon’s information turned out to be a lucky find nonetheless. Plus, I got to see heaps of amazing things here in J-Country!”

(^ᴗ^✿)

“It is as you said. However, it is also getting late, my princess. If there is nothing else you require, it is best for you to turn in and rest. This butler will also retire for the night in the adjacent room. Please do not hesitate to call me at any time if you require my assistance.”

<A few hours later>

“It’s really cold here compared to P Country, I think I’m going to turn into an ice block soon.”

“Please wear this to warm yourself, my lady.”

“A scarf? When did you get the time to buy this? It looks beautiful, thanks!”

(^ᴗ^✿)

Vaughn looked at her eyes sparkling with awe and gratitude and helped her put on the scarf to warm her neck. “What a shame, this is unfortunately not from me. It was Lady actually Cinnamon who sent it over.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. In a note, Lady Cinnamon explained that this is her real gift for your 18th birthday.

“It was something that she treasured for more than 18 years — it belonged to your mother and was given to the lady when she was found and rescued in a cold cargo container among the others. I suppose Lady Cinnamon believes it is best for you to hold onto it as a memento...”

Estelle stopped in her tracks a few meters from the airport’s entrance as she held the tip of the red scarf she donned, “If this was hers then, my mother’s name... is Anna?”

Vaughn was walking a few steps behind her and stopped next to her, his face was hidden when he spoke, “It appears to be the case.”

“Hmm... Well, I guess we’re really not going home empty-handed, huh?”

( •́ .̫ •̀ )

“My princess, I believe bringing home the additional 30-kg suitcase filled to the brim with snacks and souvenirs is a far cry from going back ‘empty-handed,’ don’t you agree?”

“...”

“If you think that is still not enough to fill your lovely hands, please know that you can always hold onto mine to fill them with warmth,” he spoke with an unbelievably straight face.

“...”

He smiled and held his gloved hand out.

“Ahhhh! That’s beside the point!”

“Of course.”

“Weren’t we in a hurry?! Let’s go inside the airport now!!!”

(ﾉꐦ ≧ロ≦)ﾉ彡┻━┻

The butler took back his ignored hand, “Yes, yes. As you wish.”

( ◠‿◠ )...