Published at 21st of June 2023 08:01:02 AM

After the shared dream, Ilyin threw herself into a comprehensive investigation of the Milton and the history of the winter region in general. Aden didnt interfere until now, such an investigation hadnt seemed worth the effort with so many immediate challenges the Yesters, Ilyins injury, the arrival of Rippo but in light of what theyd uncovered in the dream, it now seemed essential.

That aside, however, Aden wouldnt try to keep Ilyin from something she desired a fact noticed by all of Biflten. In Delrose, it was said sweetly. In the other houses, it was in a bit more of an unfavorable tone, that he would let her waste time in whatever way she wished, but it wasnt as harsh as before. And at least they no longer hinted that he was being controlled.

Perhaps the seeing the sun from the warm region has softened them a bit, Idith noted. Only those of the winter region could understand what a miracle that was. Everyone in the mansion had seen that golden sun shining through the clouds. Even those Delrose people that had been in the warm region and experienced such a sun were shocked by the sight of it here. It was an unimaginable thing in the winter region.

Etra, Ilyin said softly.

Yes, maam, she replied.

Tell the other maids they can join too if theyre interested, Ilyin said. The two women were in the study, where Ilyin had set up her investigation. The work brought a new liveliness to the 7th floor that had been missing for some time.

Ilyin didnt hide her work from Delrose. On the contrary, she opened it to any of the 7th floor maids who wanted to help, especially those who had some knowledge or interest in history. And as always, the people of Delrose were eager to volunteer. That, and Ilyins style of leadership, helped them all grow closer than ever, which in turn made the investigation smoother.

Shall I call in Sir Idith as well? asked Etra. As the most senior knight, he was very familiar with the winter region, with its terrain and history. And in the winter region, where little changed over time, the landmarks and geography of the present were helpful guideposts for studying the past. Knowing this, Aden had made Idith available to her.

No, Ilyin said, shaking her head, hes busy with his duties in the mansion.

Besides, they had enough people without taking up the time of knights. Ilyin surveyed her group in the study herself, Etra, seven of the other maids, and a special guest, still huddled in warm blankets, who brought the total to ten.

You still want me in this little adventure, honey? Bertha smiled comfortably. The maids had been doting on her since shed joined them.

Of course, Ilyin smiled back. As long as the investigation dealt with Miltons, she could be a great help. Any bits of information from Ilyins maternal family could be an asset.

Maam, is it alright if we look through the books freely? Annie asked. She had an interest in history, so had joined the maids of the 7th floor just so she could take part in the investigation. Of course, she was a 7th floor maid in name only, but Ilyin didnt care.

Of course, Ilyin answered. I think it best the group work through as many books as we can. And thinking about it, have you thanked Miss Rippo for me?

Rippos advice for Ilyins recovery from the Everlasting Fire that her strength would return more quickly if she were happy and comfortable, had been invaluable.

Of course, maam, Annie answered as she set down another book. Ilyin responded with a nod.

Is she well? Ilyin asked. Annie had been Rippos daily conversation partner, and while that was partly for her benefit, it was also to keep a gauge on her intentions. Ilyin was still unsure about what path the girl might take.

Normally, they would have put on a show for the other houses of the whole thing being a short visit and returned her to the Mille, but it was still unclear if the Mille had really made a pact with the Yesters. And with the Yesters all but wiped out, there was no telling if it was safe for her to return to Mille. But she also couldnt stay in Delrose forever. They hadnt yet come up with a solution for the girls next steps.

She is, maam, Annie answered. But she worries about becoming a burden.

She could become more than a burden, Ilyin thought. If the other houses found out that Delrose was hosting her indefinitely someone in the direct line of Mille staying shut up in Annies room day in and day out it would be a thorny situation for Delrose.

Now, Ilyin said, returning to the matter at hand, well be mainly investigating the Miltons and how the winter region came to be as it is today, a place of endless cold. And as to the winter, its likely you wont find much in these books.

It seemed strange that something as dramatic as the end of regular seasons hadnt been written about, but Bifltens writings seemed to ignore the subject. Ilyin wondered what the reason for that might be.

So, from now on, she continued, were simply going to look for any references to summer in the writings and note when those mentions begin to disappear.

By tracing when mentions of summer no longer appeared in writings, Ilyin hoped to pinpoint when the change occurred. The maids nodded that they understood.

And as to the Miltons . . ., Ilyin said, hesitating as she looked at Bertha. What she had to say might bring chaos to the 7th floor, but it had to be said. They didnt have the luxury of leaving a potentially relevant fact buried while they searched for others. And keeping such a secret was a hard, painful thing for her. Fortunately, she was surrounded by those she trusted here. She felt safe enough not to keep this secret from them.

Grandmother, she said, No one in the warm region understood about the foresight.

Yes, Bertha agreed.

But there were people in the winter region who understood them. And even one that came into my dream.

What do you think that means, Ilyin said with a look. The facts led to only one conclusion. Bertha tapped the floor with her cane a few times.