It took Cecilia some time to compose herself. Neither Dahlia nor Alice uttered a single word, quietly remaining by her side until she finally regained her composure. Only then did the three women make their way to the garden gazebo, where the others were waiting.
The evening breeze carried the gentle fragrance of blooming flowers as they approached. Under the warm glow of the lanterns, everyone was already comfortably seated, chatting as though the emotional moment from earlier had never happened.
Shortly after they settled in, the household staff arrived with trays of freshly brewed gyokuro and an assortment of delicate wagashi. The fragrant aroma of the tea mingled with the crisp night air, creating an atmosphere of quiet warmth.
The conversation remained pleasantly light, mostly led
