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

On principle, the round table meetings were open to anyone from Biflten. As Ilyin had said, it was once customary for observers from every house to attend. There were four different doors, one for each house, and they were unguarded. Anyone could be standing at them or just outside them.

The normal routine of housework was suspended during a meeting, so the maids had nothing to occupy them. And though they lacked the courage to actually enter the room, many of them hovered just outside, hearing the proceedings.

The elder of Elo?!

The incredulous whisper spread through the clusters of maids like wind through leaves in the warm region. And from there, it spread rapidly throughout the mansion. Paneda, elder of Elo, had been cast out of his position. With the news also came confusion, especially among the people of Elo.

Whos going to be Elos next elder? Ilyin asked.

Probably the young master of Elo, Etra answered simply. There was a son in the immediate family of the ruling clan.

What kind of a person is he? Ilyin asked her.

He longs for the warm region, Etra said, looking a bit troubled. But he also doesnt leave Elos territory.

Hes on duty, then? Protecting the secret stronghold? her mistress prodded. It was a logical guess, showing the shrewdness shed come to expect from Ilyin. But the truth was even simpler.

Hes too weak to handle the winter, Etra said simply.

Ah, Ilyin responded. No wonder she had never seen him.

Theres quite a crowd in the library, maam! a Delrose maid remarked as she passed by. She wasnt from the 7th floor, but Ilyin had seen her a few times.

At the library? Ilyin asked.

Yes, maam! she said. Ever since His Majesty declared that hell bring back summer, people are crowding in to find books about the warm region.

The maid herself carried a book in her arms The Daily Life of the Warm Region which surprised Ilyin. It seemed the meeting had also given a second reason for turmoil around the mansion.

That one, at least, had been positive with no seeming downside (if one didnt count a tumultuous library). Public opinion in the mansion was so favorable Idith seemed at a want for things to do. It seems the miracle which only Ilyin herself hadnt seen had left quite an impression on the people of Biflten. Etra, whod ridden through the light of that miracle, laughed awkwardly.

It was quite a sight, she said, trying to keep a light tone but unable to hide the trace of awe in her voice.

It had been different from the sunlight shed seen in the warm region. The Delrose that had been to the warm region and the people from the other houses who never had, were all equally transfixed by that light that had burst through the clouds.

People whod spent their lives cuddling in the cold, whod simply taken it as the nature of life, without bitterness or sorrow, suddenly saw a glimpse of a different world, one not covered in snow and swept by cold winds. It had left them with a longing for more.

I dare say its a good change, Etra said carefully. As His Majesty promised to bring summer back . . .

And their Master never unfulfilled his promise,she thought but didnt say.

Ilyin remembered the glimpse of summer shed seen during the succession. The idea that winter could possibly become a transient season here, taking its turn with the warmth of summer . . .

Summer in Biflten, she thought, and a slight smile crept to her face.

Maam, another maid interrupted, pulling her from the thought. Theres someone who urgently wants to meet you.

Who is it? she asked.

The . . . the elder of Mille, the maid replied, a tone of worry in her voice.

The elder? Why?

Ilyin hesitated for a moment theyd seen each other only a few hours ago at the round table meeting. Theyd had nothing to say to each other, but theyd met eyes a few times, and the gesture hadnt felt friendly. But as Mistress of the mansion, she had the responsibility of greeting any guest. She couldnt reject him without reason.

Apologies for coming without notice, the elder of Mille said, bowing deeply as he entered. Ilyin nodded curtly. But I believe theres something thats urgent.

Something that couldnt be said at the meeting,Ilyin thought. She smiled, but not with the warm smile she showed to Delrose. It was the one shed put on when she was greeting guests at Arlen mansion, and it was quite a bit colder.

Of course, she said simply.

Did . . ., he asked, a shadow of desperation falling across his face, did my daughter perhaps come to the mansion?

Ilyins eyebrows raised in spite of herself. There was only one daughter he could be speaking of Rippo de Mille, who was currently staying on the 6th floor as her guest. But the only time she and Rippo had officially seen each other was at the succession.

Youre speaking of the Milles lady at the succession? she asked, feigning ignorance.

Yes, he replied. My daughter hasnt been seen in Milles territory in some time.

Ah, I see, Ilyin frowned. She cast a glance at the wintery landscape outside the window. Its April. Do you think she is alright?

Thats why I came here, he said.

Hmmm, Ilyin replied. She looked troubled, as though worried for Rippo. In truth, she was trying to figure out her next response.