The young woman slowly opened her light blue eyes. The ceiling above her was unfamiliar.
She sat up carefully, pushing off the blanket draped over her. A sharp throb pulsed in her head.
—My head hurts.
She rubbed her temples, trying to ease the discomfort, and glanced around the room. It was simple—just a bed, a drawer, and a nightstand with a lamp. She couldn't remember how she got there at first, but then the memories trickled back.
—Is this William's room?
Her cheeks flushed red as the realization hit. She was lying in his bed. Had he seen her sleeping? Carried her here in his arms? Was she heavy?
She buried her face in her hands.
—I can't face him… not after this.
A voice came from the doorway.
"Miss, you're awake."
She looked up. A young man with golden blonde hair stood at the entrance. She didn't recognize him, but she found his appearance striking.
"Hold on, I'll go get my master."
The boy disappeared down the hallway, footsteps echoing behind him.
—Master? He must mean William...
Her heart began to race. What would he say to her? After disappearing without explanation for almost a month, he had every reason to be angry.
—He must be furious…
The door creaked.
"Lucy…"
She flinched hearing her name in his voice.
She looked up—and saw William exhale, visibly relieved. Then he hurried to her side.
"Are you alright? How do you feel? Are you hurt anywhere?" he asked, his hands gently checking for any injuries.
She blinked, stunned by his concern.
Then he flicked her forehead.
"Ow! Wha—?"
"What were you thinking?!" William snapped. "You can't just vanish like that without telling anyone!"
"I-I'm really sorry!" she stammered. "It happened so fast. I didn't mean to worry you!"
William let out a long breath, softening. "I know you didn't… but still, we were all worried. What were you doing?"
Lucy hesitated. She trusted William—always had. The warmth of his welcome, the way he cared for her—it made her want to confide in him. But not yet.
"I had some urgent family matters. I didn't expect it to take so long."
"What kind of fami—?"
"—Here! I brought you some tea, miss."
Nicolas entered the room, carefully balancing a tray with a cup of tea and a plate of snacks. He placed it on the nightstand and stood beside William like it was second nature.
He gave her a curious look and muttered, "So you're the 'Lucy' Master was asking about…"
William raised an eyebrow. "I'm surprised you remembered anything, considering you were passed out drunk."
Nicolas didn't respond.
William tilted his head. "What's the matter? Cat got your tongue? You've been unusually quiet since she got here."
Ever since Lucy arrived, Nicolas had been uncharacteristically reserved. No teasing, no arrogant remarks. He'd helped tidy the house, offered tea, and kept to himself—completely unlike his usual self.
"I-It's nothing!" Nicolas stammered, face going red. "I just…"
William smirked. "I see… heh."
—He's going through puberty, after all. Lucy was young and beautiful—it was no surprise the boy was flustered.
"Don't go getting weird ideas!" Nicolas snapped.
"Well, you are a boy. It's natural."
"Stop talking like you're not one yourself!"
Lucy giggled. "You two are really close."
She'd been gone for weeks, and yet in that time, William had made a new friend. They already seemed like family. It warmed her heart.
"Oh, that's right," William said. "I forgot to introduce you to my apprentice."
"Apprentice?" Lucy blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected William Jaeger to take in a student. She looked Nicolas over before bowing politely.
"My name is Lucy—just Lucy. It's very nice to meet you."
The boy stammered, blushing again. "N-Nicolas Stern. Just call me Nicolas."
"Very well, Nicolas," she said with a kind smile.
The poor boy looked completely enchanted. William, sensing it, stepped in to spare him further embarrassment.
"Ahem. Looks like you've finished your tea. I'll go get you some more."
Nicolas snapped out of his trance. "N-No! I'll do it, Master!" He practically grabbed the tray and rushed out, just as William had predicted.
Once they were alone again, silence filled the room. Lucy fidgeted until William finally spoke.
"You gave us a scare, showing up like that."
She bowed her head. "Please forgive me… I didn't mean to make such a scene."
William rubbed the back of his neck. "Look, I can tell this situation is personal. So I won't press you for details. Just take it easy for now. You're safe here."
Lucy smiled softly. "Thank you for understanding, William."
"I'll let you rest. Nicolas will be back soon with more tea."
With that, William stepped out and gently closed the door behind him.
—What now? he wondered as he walked down the hallway.
He spotted Nicolas returning with a fresh cup of tea.
William stopped him. "Hey, what were you really thinking back there?"
Nicolas froze. But there was no use lying to William.
"I was just… surprised she made it here on her own."
William nodded. "You noticed too, huh?"
The boy gave a small nod. "Yeah."
William had seen Lucy survive the forest before—but never in such a state. The fact she made it to his door at all was a testament to her determination.
"For now, let her rest," William said. "She can stay in my room. I'll take the couch."
"Yeah… that's probably best."
William grinned. "Maybe I'll teach you a thing or two about how to handle a woman."
Nicolas snapped, face burning red again, "I don't need a lecture in that department from you!"