Noah Hastell (Final)

After Noah left, the iron gate was shut tight.

Even as the seasons changed and the years passed, time did not flow within this isolated castle.

The only thing that told us time was passing was a single letter that arrived from outside once a year.

In the study, I sat limply on Kaelan’s lap.

Kaelan tore open the newly arrived letter and read through it with an air of boredom.

“Mother. I arrived safely in the capital and enrolled in the academy. Life here is very different from life at the estate. I have to prepare my own meals, and I have to do my own laundry, too. I’m not used to living alone yet, but I don’t dislike it. These days, I’ve been so busy meeting all sorts of people that I hardly have time to think. Getting along with others is quite enjoyable.”

Kaelan clicked his tongue.

“Tsk. It couldn’t be more trivial.”

He carelessly tossed the letter aside and pulled me more tightly into his arms.

I stared at the sheet of paper lying on the floor over his shoulder...